Are You Interpreting Member-to-Member Gaps Correctly? Glenn Traylor 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... Read More September 2024 Issue #16302 Page 35
Allowable Plate Embedment Tolerance MiTek Staff 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... Read More September 2024 Issue #16302 Page 114
Am I Allowed to Move a Truss If There are Obstructions? MiTek Staff 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... Read More July 2024 Issue #16300 Page 106
How Do You Determine Fabrication Tolerances During Design? Glenn Traylor 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... Read More May 2024 Issue #16298 Page 35
Do You Know the Frequent Non-Compliance Issue That’s “Easy” to Fix? Glenn Traylor The photo shows a 2 x 4 truss with an ANSI/TPI 1 non-compliance issue. This is something that never should have happened! Can you spot the problem? [For photo, See PDF or View in Full Issue.] If you shouted, “a missing connector,” then give yourself a gold star! As I was ranking... Read More April 2024 Issue #16297 Page 35
All Things Wood: Substantial Wood Truss Content at Virginia Tech Course Frank Woeste Sponsored by the Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education program, a three-day program on light-frame and mass timber construction design topics will be offered on May 14–16, 2024 in Blacksburg, VA. Joining me as instructors this year are Scott D. Coffman, PE, John Holland, MBA,... Read More March 2024 Issue #16296 Page 64
Do Your Floor Truss Chord Splices Meet Your Design Requirements? Glenn Traylor It seems like a simple thing—connect lumber together with connectors creating a top or bottom chord for your floor trusses that exceed your lumber length inventory. It’s one of the simplest applications of metal connector plates. But, while the task seems obvious, there are several... Read More December 2023 Issue #15293 Page 31
How Do I Maintain Lumber Grade Qualifications When I Cut Off the Grade Stamp? Glenn Traylor The past twenty years have brought many changes to the Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Industry. These changes require manufacturing to change too, as the entire process continues to evolve and mature. Here is one situation where changes in manufacturing are necessary. Not too long ago,... Read More October 2023 Issue #15291 Page 35
Wood Member-To-Wood Member Gaps MiTek Staff MiTek engineers are often asked what maximum gaps are allowed for wood member-to-wood member in metal-plate-connected wood trusses. Gaps between wood members are addressed in Chapter 3 Quality Criteria for the Manufacture of Metal-Plate-Connected Wood Trusses of the ANSI/TPI 1-2014 (National... Read More October 2023 Issue #15291 Page 113
How Can We Understand Quality? Glenn Traylor How can we understand quality? September brings your chance to find out! At BCMC in Columbus last year, our Timber Products Inspection booth gave all attendees the chance to test their skills and acumen for Quality Assurance. This year at BCMC in Indianapolis, we’re holding the competition... Read More September 2023 Issue #15290 Page 33