A joist for a formwork grid construction component system is disclosed. Typical joists (sometimes referred to as secondary beams) span a distance of approximately six feet (when fully connected). By strengthening the joist using an altered profile while maintaining interoperable external dimensions, the span distance may be increased. That is, by forming the joists with the disclosed profile, joists can be made longer (e.g., have an eight foot connected span) and maintain appropriate strength or even have an increased weight tolerance. Formwork grid systems are used in construction of buildings and other structures. Interoperability with existing components is maintained by the disclosed joist profile adhering to the same external functional form factor as existing joists. The external form factor being the same allows joists constructed in accordance with this disclosure to properly function with existing formwork grid construction components.