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 trusses used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Now, the Truss Plate Institute (TPI), the nationally recognized leader in MPC wood truss engineering standards, has officially initiated the ANSI-accredited consensus process to develop two new American National Standards:
- TPI 2 – National Standard for Structural Testing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses
- TPI 3 – National Design Standard for Bracing Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses
The new TPI 2 standard will establish procedures for testing and evaluating MPC wood trusses for four distinct objectives: (1) determining truss stiffness, (2) testing for design confirmation, (3) establishing design capacities, and (4) assessing deflection recovery performance. The standard will outline methods for conducting each type of test and provide guidance on interpreting and applying the results to support design validation, product evaluation, and quality assurance.
The new TPI 3 standard will establish design requirements and methods for both permanent and temporary bracing of MPC wood trusses. It will build upon and ultimately replace the current industry standard known as DSB – National Design Standard for Bracing Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses. The TPI 3 standard will focus on engineering-based bracing design practices applicable to building designers, truss engineers, and structural engineers of record.
TPI is now accepting applications from interested individuals who wish to serve on the TPI 2 and TPI 3 Project Committees. Stakeholders directly and materially affected by the content of the proposed standards are encouraged to apply. Application forms and additional information about the project are available on the TPI website at www.tpinst.org.
The development of TPI 2 and TPI 3 will follow TPI’s Project Committee Method for Achieving Consensus (PCMAC), an ANSI-accredited process that ensures balanced participation and transparency. The resulting standards are anticipated to eventually be referenced by the International Building Code (IBC) and serve as resources for the MPC wood truss industry. For more information or to request an application, contact the Truss Plate Institute directly.