One of the common questions we receive involves attaching Unistrut channel to bar joists. There are a variety of different ways to secure strut to bar joists, so choosing the best strategy boils down to the task at hand. In some instances, obstructions, such as conduit, pipes, and HVAC ducts positioned above or below the joist make us favor one method over another. In other scenarios, the preferred attachment method boils down to the personal choice of your engineer. The good news is that we illustrate 3 time-tested techniques for connecting Unistrut channel to bar joists below, which means you can choose the strategy that best suits your specific needs. A PDF illustrating the basic strategies for connecting Unistrut to bar joists is also available for download by clicking here.
Bottom Connection with Clamp AttachmentThe most common strategy is a standard bottom chord connection, as shown below:
Connecting With Threaded Rod
To connect with threaded rod, you need a “split” or opening in the bottom chord. This is useful when you have interferences (often conduit or copper) running along the joist, and you cannot use the beam clamps. You can put 
Joist Wrap Connection Method
When you cannot attach to the bottom chord (e.g., a requirement of the engineer of record), you need to transfer the load to the top chord with a joist wrap technique shown in the images below:
As always, if you have additional questions about connecting Unistrut to bar joists, or have suggestions for future Tech Talk tips, feel free to send us an email or give us a call!