In steel frame construction, _____________________ are attached to either side of the web of a joist under every load-bearing wall.

In steel frame construction, web stiffeners are critical components used to enhance the strength and stability of joists. They are installed on either side of the web of a joist at points where load-bearing walls are situated. The primary purpose of web stiffeners is to prevent the web of the joist from buckling under the weight and stresses imposed by the load it supports. By reinforcing the joist at these critical points, web stiffeners help ensure that the structural integrity is maintained, allowing for safer and more efficient construction.

Blocking, spacers, and braces play different roles in construction. For example, blocking typically refers to pieces of material used to fill gaps between framing elements for added support or to create a solid surface for attaching other materials. Spacers often serve to maintain a certain distance between structural elements or components but do not provide the same functionality as web stiffeners. Braces, on the other hand, are used to provide lateral support to a structure, preventing it from swaying or moving but are not specifically designed to reinforce the web of a joist.