If you’re an engineer, contractor, or construction professional looking to stay ahead in structural strengthening and repair of existing concrete and masonry buildings and infrastructure, this year’s lineup of workshops is just for you. Across various regions of the country, we’re hosting in-depth workshops focused on modern structural strengthening and repair solutions — and you’re invited.
Unveiling the HDUE Holdown: Engineering Marvels and Rigorous Testing
The HDUE Holdown represents the latest milestone in a long history of innovative products at Simpson Strong-Tie. Our journey began in 1966 with the introduction of the first HD welded holdown, a robust, raw steel piece designed to secure posts to foundations (figure 1). Over the decades, we have continually refined and improved our designs to meet evolving industry needs and standards.
Key Considerations for Deck Guardrails: Connections, Dimensions, and Safety Standards
When it comes to deck construction, ensuring that your guardrails are both functional and safe is paramount. Often overlooked, the connection of railing posts, pickets, and balusters plays a crucial role in the overall safety and durability of the deck. This blog post will explore some of the essential aspects of deck guardrail construction, focusing on the importance of proper connections, minimum geometry dimensions, and code-compliant solutions.
Decks Done Right Series — Real Solutions for Safer, Stronger Decks: Joists, Joist Connections, Beams, and Lateral Requirements
Deck Beams and Joists
Deck beams and joists need to be sized, spaced, and supported properly to support the loads that they are subjected to. The tables in 2021 IRC R507.5 list maximum beam spans for the different wood species members based on various ground snow loads. Table R507.6 helps to determine the maximum joist span, considering live load, wood species, joist spacing, joist size, and whether there’s a cantilever or not. Cantilevers are included but are maxed out at L/4. Joist spacing should be no more than 16″ o/c for decking that runs perpendicular to joists and no more than 12″ o.c. if the decking runs diagonal to them. DCA 6, Table 2 is the comparable section that addresses maximum joist spans and overhangs. These member sizes and spans are developed using established code minimum distributed loads of 40 psf live and 10 psf dead.
Decks Done Right Series — Real Solutions for Safer, Stronger Decks
The ledger is a crucial component in deck construction, serving as the wood member that attaches the entire deck to the house. Its proper installation is vital, as an improperly installed ledger is one of the most common causes of deck failure. This failure can result from inadequate or improper fastening to the supporting structure or from a failure to correctly flash the installation to prevent rot. Both issues can worsen over time, seriously compromising the integrity of a deck.
Building Safer Decks: Footings, Posts, and Post-to-Beam Connections
This is the second in a six-part blog series in which we discuss, from the ground up, how to build a code-compliant deck. Building a safe, sturdy deck involves much more than selecting the right materials and a stylish design. To ensure a deck can handle the loads placed upon it, a strong foundation is essential and starts with properly designed and installed footings, posts, and post-to-beam connections. Footings are the foundation of the deck, providing support to the posts, which, in turn, support the beams and the rest of the structure. Properly installed footings prevent settling or shifting that could jeopardize the deck’s stability. Post-to-beam connections are particularly crucial, as they bear the weight of the deck and distribute it to the posts. These connections should be reinforced with metal connectors to ensure they can handle the load. Now let’s get more into the specifics.
Building Safer Decks: Essential Tips for Code Compliance and Structural Integrity
Decks are a beloved feature of many homes, offering a space for relaxation, social gatherings, and a connection to the outdoors. However, despite their popularity, decks can also pose serious safety risks if not properly designed, built, and maintained. According to experts, decks cause more injuries and fatalities than any other part of the home’s structure — a shocking statistic that highlights the importance of ensuring your deck is safe, secure, and compliant with local building codes. In this article, the first in a six-part series, we’ll explore key insights into building stronger, safer decks, drawing on the thinking behind industry standards and guidelines.
QuickFrames Q&A: Top Questions Answered
In this post, we follow up on our March webinar, Innovative Structural Steel Solutions, Part 2 — QuickFrames, by answering some of the interesting questions raised by attendees.
During the webinar, we explored QuickFrames, a pre-engineered, adjustable framing solution that simplifies structural support for rooftop and floor openings in commercial buildings. We examined common market challenges and the limitations of traditional angle iron and channel steel frames, emphasizing the need for more adaptable framing solutions. By comparing QuickFrames to traditional welded steel frames, we highlighted its fully customizable, bolt-on design, simplifying coordination, eliminating field fit-up issues, and reducing labor, installation time, and overall costs.
Anchor Anatomy 101: Titen HD® Concrete and Masonry Screw Anchors
Today’s blog post is the first in a series called “Anchor Anatomy 101.” 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.
The Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Link™ Moment Connection — A Strong, Field-Friendly New Moment Connection for Low-Seismic and Wind-Governed Regions
Moment connections are a common lateral system in structural steel design, offering the advantage of unobstructed sight lines and clear passageways. However, they often come with significant cost and labor demands. Fully welded moment connections require extensive beam preparation, welding, and inspection, while common bolted solutions, such as flange-plated and end-plate moment connections, still involve welded components, leading to installation and fit-up challenges.