Design

Why Are Some Design Choices Better than Others?

Dan Morris—a field service engineer at Apex Technology—and Kelly LaBlance—a technical manager with Builders FirstSource—are both convinced that developing and maintaining a design QC process has helped their companies. Their expertise in analyzing designs and finding creative solutions to solve or even prevent problems was on display as they guided BCMC attendees through common design mistakes and the issues they cause in the field. 

Long Span Truss Installation

Long span trusses can pose significant risk to installers. The dimensions and weight of a long span truss can create instability, buckling and collapse of one or many trusses, if not handled, installed, restrained and braced properly. As such, they require more detailed safety and handling measures than shorter span trusses. This research report provides guidelines for proper handling and installation of long span trusses for both wood and cold-formed steel.

Parting Shots

A Look Back Adds Perspective on Future Advance

Impact of C&C loads due to ASCE/SEI 7-16

ASCE/SEI 7-16 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures has revised Chapter 30 regarding Components & Cladding (C&C) wind loads on roofs. This report clarifies the type and scope of changes being made that will also change in the 2018 edition of the model building codes. 

Designing for Damp Conditions

A truss designer who recognizes conditions that require a reduction in lumber or plate design properties can help ensure trusses perform as the building designer intends.

Bottom Chord Live Load Concurrency and Truss Design

The truss industry is currently employing ASCE as its source for the loading of live loads to the bottom chord of trusses for uninhabitable attics, in accordance with the International Residential Code and the International Building Code. However, there currently is a discrepancy between ASCE 7, the IBC and the IRC. This report examines the discrepancy and the correct loading for proper truss design.

Deck Ledger Attachment to Residential Wood Truss Floor Systems

This Research Report provides construction details for residential deck ledger attachment to metal plate connected wood truss floor systems. Proper attachment of the deck ledger to the house is critical for ensuring that an “attached” deck is safely and securely supported at this location. 

Single Membrane Floor Protection - Educational Program

This presentation provides information on the use of gypsum wallboard in single membrane floor protection.

Floor Truss Ribbon Board Load Path

The capacity of a ribbon board and its system through the composite of the ribbon board, floor sheathing and bottom plate of the wall has not been ascertained. In order to provide better guidance, a series of tests were conducted in order to determine the capacity of the ribbon board system.

Do You Know What It Takes to Pick the Perfect Plate?

A lot of engineering goes into the design of metal plate connected wood trusses, including the connector plates themselves.