In Part 1 of this two-part series, we discussed how power-actuated fasteners work, the varying load strengths, the similarities and differences between powder-actuated and gas–actuated tools and pins, and the approval process for Evaluation Reports. Now that we have a basic understanding of pins and power–actuated tools (PATs), we are ready to dive into the acceptable uses for these fastening systems and specific limitations that exist as they pertain to the resistance of seismic forces.
PAF, GAF or Pass? Part 1: A Guide to Selecting a Power-Actuated Fastening Solution
“PAF, GAF or Pass?” is a question that designers are often faced with when they need to attach wood or mechanical, electrical, or plumbing (MEP) fixtures to concrete, steel, or masonry structures, because there are several considerations to be made when deciding whether to utilize a direct-fastening solution or to “pass” and utilize a different attachment method. This is Part One of a two-part series discussing power–actuated fasteners and their applications. Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s define these acronyms and discuss how these types of fasteners work.
Anchor Anatomy 101: Heli-Tie™ Helical Wall Tie
This is the fourth Anchor Anatomy 101 blog post focusing on anchor systems. The goal of each post is to review anchor components, installation processes, and common applications to help you make informed anchor selection decisions based on your project’s unique requirements. The prior Anchor Anatomy 101 blog post focused on wedge type anchors. This blog post “drills down” into helical wall ties.
Upcoming Presentation: Ensuring Seismic Deformation Compatibility in Mass Timber Connections
Ever wonder how mass timber beam-to-column and column-to-column connections hold up when seismic deformation begins to push a structure beyond its expected limits? For engineers working with mass timber, understanding this behavior is central to design decisions, connection detailing, and project performance. Simpson Strong-Tie senior product engineer Alex Mueller and product engineer Giovanni Pereira will examine seismic deformation compatibility for mass timber connections in a webinar on December 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. PT. Presented by Simpson Strong-Tie and hosted by STRUCTURE as part of its sponsored webinar series, the session reviews the mechanics, research insights, and engineering considerations that shape connection performance during seismic demand. Read on to learn more about the focus of this webinar.
ASCE Timber-Strong Design Build Competition team “Shiver Yer Timbers” Brings Home Honors and Educational Experiences
The ASCE Timber-Strong Design Build (TSDBSM) Competition team, “Shiver Yer Timbers,” at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO, finished an incredible year. Over the course of the 2024-2025 academic year, we dedicated countless hours to designing, fabricating and learning about timber design. Our team was composed of eight students: Lucas Baum, Maddie Gotlieb, Gavin Nelson, Jordi Ramos Nunez, Alex Reil, Madelyn Riley, Zaid Safian and Tyler Worley. Advisors included: Dr. Hongyan Liu, Garrett Erickson, David Sparks and Dr. Shilling Pei.
What I Did This Summer: Working as a Simpson Strong-Tie R&D Intern
This summer, we welcomed Wyatt Munsch, a senior electrical engineering major at San Jose State University, who spent the summer interning in our Karen Colonias Research Laboratory in Pleasanton, California. He jumped into projects ranging from small-scale fastener tests to large-scale structural builds, learning how engineers and technicians collaborate to bring ideas to life. Wyatt gained hands-on experience with tools, setups, and material prep, even building a planter box for our scholarship student trip. Along the way, he picked up practical skills and made personal and professional connections..
Anchor Anatomy 101: Strong-Bolt® 2 Wedge Anchor
We’re back today with our third Anchor Anatomy 101 blog post focusing on anchor systems. Each post is designed to clarify anchor components, installation processes, and common applications to help you make informed anchor selection decisions based on your project’s unique requirements. Our preceding post focused on adhesive anchor systems, while this post will look at wedge anchors.
Decks Done Right Series — Real Solutions for Safer, Stronger Decks: Building Safe and Sturdy Stairs for Your Deck
In this post, the last in a series of six, we will discuss how to build code-compliant stairs for your deck. When constructing a deck, ensuring that stair stringers and treads are properly connected is crucial for safety and compliance with building codes. Here are some key considerations for stair dimensions and connections:
Fastener Substitutions in Connectors — Where We Started and Where We Are
We often get questions about using fasteners different from those listed in a connector’s catalog load tables. A question came up recently, and I said, “I did a blog post about that not too long ago.” Turns out that blog post is over 10 years old, which no longer qualifies as “not too long ago.” The options we offer as alternative fasteners for our connectors have grown since that blog post, so I thought it was worth revisiting the topic.
Anchor Anatomy 101: SET-3G® Adhesive Anchoring System
Welcome to our second Anchor Anatomy 101 blog post focusing on anchor systems. Each post is designed to clarify anchor components, installation processes, and common applications to help you make informed anchor selection decisions based on your project’s unique requirements. Our first article focused on screw anchors; this blog looks at adhesive anchoring systems.