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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...

After more than three years in development, I’m pleased to announce the publication of ANSI/TPI 1–2022 National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Construction. Including a Commentary & Appendices, this standard is available for purchase in print and...

Top chords are usually braced by roof sheathing. Roof sheathing provides effective lateral bracing when nailed directly to the top chord. In cases where roof sheathing cannot be directly applied to the top chord, purlins are used to prevent lateral buckling of truss top chords. The Truss...

Component manufacturers are continually improving production environments to optimize performance in order to maintain market position. Planning and organizational tools are essential for streamlining the production workflow. Wall panel projects in particular require careful planning in order to...

One of the first mixed-use designs I worked on as a consulting structural engineer was a four-story wood-frame building over two levels of parking. Designing the main lateral-force-resisting system with plywood shearwalls was a challenge for this project that required new details to meet the...

With the recent passing of Tom Denig, which was not long after Gene Toombs’, we should take a moment to reflect on their stunning success, gained while working separately and together. They both took over highly technical companies in the early 1990s, Denig at Trus Joist and Toombs at...

It’s been a long time since I took driver’s training, so I honestly don’t recall if they did back then, but I wonder if today’s young drivers are told how important it is to realize that many people will NOT be following the rules of the road. I am 100%-positive that...

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....

Determining the smartest time to buy machinery depends on various factors, including your specific needs, budget, market conditions, and the nature of machinery itself. When we have a conversation with our customers to help them determine their machinery requirements and decide whether it is...

The summertime build season is upon the industry. For most wood component manufacturers (CM), and other manufactured suppliers of building materials, the lead time of new orders typically easily exceeds four weeks. Inevitably, a salesperson will ask, “Hey, can you do me a favor? I have an...