R311.5

Section R311.5 is titled 'Landing, deck, balcony and stair construction and attachment' and covers the requirements for the structural stability of exterior egress elements. The purpose of this section is to assure that methods are not used which have a higher risk of structural failure.

The model shows a section of a deck attached to the primary structure by face nailing the ledger to the rim joist, which can (and does) pull away and collapse. Notice that the deck joists are attached to the ledger by toe nailing, which is also not allowed for the same reason.