What do you think of when you hear the word “training”? A classroom with students listening to a teacher? A truss plant with a new hire following behind a seasoned truss builder? Or, maybe your first thought was sitting in front of a computer for an online course? The truth is that...

The ANSI/TPI 1 standard is a critical document that governs the design and quality criteria for metal plate-connected wood trusses. It serves as a guideline for truss manufacturers and engineers alike, providing the technical framework to design and construct reliable and code-compliant trusses...

What is at risk when we fail to use the correct lumber? If you are not careful, it could cost you your business. [For all images, See PDF or View in Full Issue.] Several years ago, I received a call from a client searching for a solution to a problem. Unfortunately, their purchasing...

First, wane occurs often when lumber is manufactured and cut close to the outside of the timber, resulting in missing material or a bark area. This is done to increase the yield of the timber, which increases lumber manufacturer profits but creates some issues for lumber users. Prime grades...

“Since its inception in 1980, the mission of BCMC is to educate and inform, as well as encourage the growth of the component manufacturing industry. Over the course of its history, the show has welcomed exhibitors from all over the world to showcase the cutting-edge technologies,...

We have an annual tradition at the Building Component Manufacturers Conference (BCMC)—the Timber Products Inspection quality assurance challenge! This competition lets truss fabricators test their knowledge of ANSI/TPI 1 Chapter 3 requirements, and the winner receives a Yeti cooler. How...

In a recent discussion with several very well-informed industry folks, it became clear to us that interpretation of member-to-member gaps may not be clear. In particular, we need to take a closer look at Chapter 3 Quality Criteria for the Manufacture of Metal-Plate-Connected Wood Trusses of...

Oftentimes, MiTek engineers are asked what plate embedment tolerance is allowed for metal connector plates in wood trusses. Chapter 3 of the ANSI/TPI 1 (National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Construction) addresses the tolerance for metal connector plate tooth...

Typically, trusses are spaced evenly. The spacing shown on MiTek engineering drawings is a tributary area carried by the trusses. Each truss is designed to support one-half of the roof/floor load on each side. The spacing between the trusses may be of any combination if the tributary area does...

How does a component manufacturer determine what fabrication tolerances should be used during truss design? To answer that question, we first need to clarify what is meant by “fabrication tolerance.” Per ANSI/TPI 1–2014, the guidance is 3.3.2 Fabrication Tolerance. All...