Jay Jones, P.E.

Development Begins on ANSI/TPI 2 and ANSI/TPI 3 for the Truss Industry

Jay Jones, P.E.

The ANSI/TPI 1 standard is a critical document that governs the design and quality criteria for metal plate-connected (MPC) 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...

#17313 Cover image
August 2025
Issue #17313
Page 111
Jay Jones, P.E.

What the Latest ANSI/TPI-1 Updates Mean for Truss Designs

Jay Jones, P.E.

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...

#17308 Cover image
March 2025
Issue #17308
Page 116
John 'Buddy' Showalter, PE and Sandra Hyde, PE

2024 IBC Significant Structural Changes — Loads

John 'Buddy' Showalter, PE and Sandra Hyde, PE

This article appears in the April 2024 issue of STRUCTURE Magazine as Part 6 of 9. Reprinted with permission. This multi-part series discusses significant structural changes to the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) by the International Code Council (ICC). This article includes...

#16301 Cover image
August 2024
Issue #16301
Page 100
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, PE

Floor Truss Technology, Part II: Early Machinery

Joe Kannapell, PE

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, PE

Floor Truss Technology, Part I: Parallel Chord Trusses

Joe Kannapell, PE

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
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