How Important is Embedment?

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Issue #09201 - April 2016 | Page #28
By Glenn Traylor

Connectors are essential to the integrity of the truss.  It is imperative the plate is properly pressed in order to insure effective lateral load transfer from truss member to truss member. 

Since on occasion modern and older equipment does not press the plate completely into the member, the question might be: how much embedment gap is acceptable?  The answer can be somewhat complicated; however, as a general rule, the plate cannot have an embedment gap over 1/32”.  If you can slip a credit card between the plate and lumber and it’s not tight, then the plate is not pressed enough.  There are several exceptions however.  The accompanying chart illustrates several areas (yellow) that gap is allowed as long as the other areas are less than or equal to 1/32”.  They are measured 1” from the member edge as shown.

It's everybody's job to keep an eye on embedment, and that will help ensure you’re making quality trusses that support their designed loads.

Glenn Traylor

Author: Glenn Traylor

Structural Building Components Industry Consultant

You're reading an article from the April 2016 issue.

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