MiTek Staff

Installation Tolerances

MiTek Staff

Oftentimes, MiTek engineers are getting requests for repairs of trusses installed out of plumb. This is a common installation issue and has some allowable tolerances. Tolerance is critical for both a good roofline and effective bracing. Exceeded erection tolerance can cause overloading,...

#15293 Cover image
December 2023
Issue #15293
Page 97
Geordie Secord

Design Connections: At the Intersection of Reality and the Codes

Geordie Secord

As I approach four decades in this industry (!), the list of building code and design requirements that seem odd to me continues to grow. I am the first to acknowledge that the primary goal in designing a home is, and should be, occupant safety. But there are some requirements and...

#15289 Cover image
August 2023
Issue #15289
Page 84
Joe Kannapell

Floor Truss Technology, Part II: Early Machinery

Joe Kannapell

It wasn’t enough for Jack Schmitt, President of Truswal, to introduce wood-web floor trusses. He also had to demonstrate how to build them, and that required a special machine. Schmitt turned to his trusted associate, Carl Virta, to come up with a process, and Carl knew who could help him....

#15288 Cover image
July 2023
Issue #15288
Page 10
Glenn Traylor

Are We Designing Our Components to Benefit Our Truss Builders and End Users?

Glenn Traylor

Many years ago, early in my career as a truss designer, I was interrupted by the production manager. He loudly entered my office with a piece of 2 x 12 and a circular saw and abruptly slammed both on top of my drafting table that was sporting a newly created truss layout. (We did not have...

#15288 Cover image
July 2023
Issue #15288
Page 35
Geordie Secord

Design Connections: Reducing the Risk of Truss Collapse

Geordie Secord

Last month’s article, Preventing Truss Collapses, talks about some of the job site mistakes that can lead to truss collapses. I have no scientific data to back this up, but it is my belief that all truss collapses could be prevented by following proper lifting methods and bracing of the...

#15288 Cover image
July 2023
Issue #15288
Page 84
Joe Kannapell

Floor Truss Technology, Part I: Parallel Chord Trusses

Joe Kannapell

Floor trusses have been golden for the component industry for over half a century, and their origin is worth recounting and celebrating. Because of their flexibility and utility, wood trusses dominate apartment construction and have taken it up to 5 stories. Getting there, however, has required...

#15287 Cover image
June 2023
Issue #15287
Page 10
Glenn Traylor

Are You Providing Enough Information to Avert Failures?

Glenn Traylor

Recently, when a building owner started getting leaks in the roof and noticed unusual variations in the ceiling, I was asked to do an inspection to determine the best way to correct a deflection problem. Upon inspection, it was very evident that the roof trusses had not been installed correctly...

#15287 Cover image
June 2023
Issue #15287
Page 37
Geordie Secord

Design Connections: Preventing Truss Collapses

Geordie Secord

Over the many years I’ve worked in the truss business, I’ve had the unfortunate experience of visiting numerous job sites where the trusses have collapsed. Without fail, every one of those collapses has been the direct result of improper bracing, improper hoisting, or a combination...

#15287 Cover image
June 2023
Issue #15287
MiTek Staff

Correctly Defining Truss Members

MiTek Staff

When designing trusses for special loads or special conditions, it is important to define the individual truss members correctly. Without proper member definitions, trusses could be inadvertently under-designed and/or have incorrect analog. The most common member types are webs and chords. Top...

#15286 Cover image
May 2023
Issue #15286
Page 92
MiTek Staff

Bracing on Truss Design Drawings

MiTek Staff

Trusses are designed as individual components to resist the in-plane stresses resulting from the loads applied in the same in-plane direction. To resist out of plane forces, adequate bracing/restraint is required. In absence of designed temporary and permanent bracing plans, BCSI (Building...

#15285 Cover image
April 2023
Issue #15285
Page 104
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