Building engineers rely on maximum gravity reactions (R+) from Truss Design Drawings (TDD) to design structural components. These maximum reactions are calculated based on load combinations specified by building codes, representing the highest downward forces which allow engineers to determine...

Product testing is the backbone of quality control in engineering and manufacturing, ensuring products are reliable, durable, and safe before reaching the market. Over the years, the testing processes have evolved dramatically, transitioning from manual inspections to highly sophisticated...

A benefit of using Simpson Strong-Tie’s CS Truss Studio™ is managing the relationship between the truss self-weight and the dead load. Truss self-weight is checked against all applied dead loads to verify that there is enough assumed “extra” dead load to account for the...

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...

A common denominator for deck collapses is a special family event, such as a graduation, wedding, birthday party, or family reunion. A properly designed and constructed 14-ft x 24-ft residential deck floor, designed for a 40 psf uniform live load, should safely support 84 occupants based on an...

Uplift reactions are the result of a set of conditions that generally includes load types, load combinations, bearing locations, and web patterns. In most cases, especially those involving wind load combinations, uplift reactions are relatively small and can easily be resolved through the...

Wood trusses are prefabricated frameworks made of lumber and connected by metal plates that support roofs, floors, and other structures. They are widely used in residential, commercial, and agricultural construction. While trusses can be designed in almost any shape or size, restricted only by...

To strengthen a truss member or web, add a scab to reinforce it. For example, if you have a point load in the middle of a panel, one or two scabs may be used instead of increasing the grade or size of the member or using a multi-ply truss. Scabs reinforce overhangs by enhancing bending and...

In today’s light-frame construction market, wood web floor trusses are commonly used in many multifamily projects. Builders, structural engineers, and general contractors often view wood web trusses as the default floor system for projects requiring 18 inches or greater depth. However,...

Consider a roof with a live load of 20 psf (pounds per square foot). This load is intended to account for construction loading (workers, materials, and equipment placed on the roof during construction or maintenance). If the roof has a large surface area, like a post-frame building, is it really...