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.
Author: Simpson Strong-Tie
For more than 50 years, Simpson Strong-Tie has focused on creating structural products that help people build safer and stronger homes and buildings. Considered a leader in structural systems research, testing and innovation, Simpson Strong-Tie is one of the largest suppliers of structural building products in the world.
The company is committed to helping customers succeed by providing exceptional products, full-service engineering and field support, product testing and training. Simpson Strong-Tie works closely with industry professionals to provide code-listed, field-tested products, and value-engineered solutions. Its product lines include Structural Connectors, Fasteners, Wood and Steel Strong-Wall® prefabricated shearwalls, Anchor Tiedown Systems for multi-story buildings, Quik Drive® auto-feed screw driving systems, and Anchor Systems for concrete and masonry. Simpson Strong-Tie products are known for their consistent quality and availability as well as for helping structures resist high winds, hurricanes and seismic forces.
Simpson Strong-Tie has a national sales force and field engineers that are available to assist with specification and jobsite issues. Products are distributed nationally through an extensive network of distributors and dealers.
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.
Deep Dive into Mass Timber: Q&A from Our Virtual Summit Session
Earlier this year, we hosted our first Virtual Training Summit, featuring 16 industry-related webinars covering a range of topics. Customers could register for up to four events and earn professional credits for each session. One session, “Designing Mass Timber Connections,” focused on mass timber and was led by Simpson Strong-Tie Senior Field Engineer Brian DeMeza and Senior Branch Engineer Kelly Sias. In the following post, they respond to some of the questions that they fielded regarding mass timber applications, advantages, and more following their presentation.
Testing Teases Out Hidden Capacities of Reclusive Connector — New Data Available on the Simpson Strong-Tie® CBH Concealed Beam Hanger for Mass Timber
In North America, CLT and mass timber construction have garnered considerable press over the last few years, both inside the building industry and beyond. The burgeoning development has inspired new research centers and at least one annual conference — now in its eighth year and attracting scores of presenters and exhibitors and hundreds of attendees from around the world. Numerous observers are even heralding mass timber, or tall timber, as the necessary future of the fast-growing built environment.
ShakeOut Day Special: Building Resilience for Earthquakes — AMA Highlights
Simpson Strong-Tie was excited to join the annual Reddit AMA event hosted by experts in the Pacific Northwest last week to bring awareness to the International ShakeOut Day happening on October 19, 2023. This worldwide occasion sees millions participating in earthquake drills at work, school or home, emphasizing earthquake safety with the “Drop, cover & hold on!” practice. Our panel consisted of scientists and preparedness experts from government agencies in Washington and Oregon. They focused on addressing inquiries related to earthquakes, tsunamis, the ShakeOut drills and general preparedness, covering both structural and nonstructural aspects, including ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning activities in the Pacific Northwest.
Connecting Engineers, Innovation, and Fun: Simpson Strong-Tie’s Topgolf Event in Utah
The Simpson Strong-Tie structural steel team held an event earlier this year at Topgolf in Vineyard, Utah, to host 65 engineers. The view from the green range at this new Topgolf location was breathtaking with snowy peaks, and the view inside was not bad either, since you could see our Yield-Link® moment connection.
Mechanical Anchors: Screw vs. Expansion: — Which Is Right for Me?
Not all post-installed mechanical anchors are created equal. There are key differences between screw and expansion anchor types — differences that include how they gain their holding strength, installation requirements, and overall anchor performance. In the following post, field engineers Todd Hamilton, Chris Johnson and Derek Gilbert compare the two anchor types.
How to Accommodate Misplaced Shearwall Anchorage
For several years, the Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Wall® research and development team has kicked around the idea of developing an “adapter” that would allow for field substitutions or accommodate misplaced Strong-Wall anchorage.
Introducing Two New Connectors for Mass Timber Construction: E20/3 Angle Bracket and MTWS Washer Strap
We’ve added two new connectors to our expanding lineup of brackets and straps for mass timber / CLT manufacturers, specifiers and contractors. Introducing the E20/3 angle bracket and MTWS mass timber washer strap.
Both connectors are pre-engineered and code listed for a variety of applications in cross-laminated timber (CLT) and other mass timber projects. Designed to simplify and speed installation, the E20/3 angle bracket and MTWS washer strap are widely available to buy off the shelf, making them a more cost-effective and convenient solution than expensive, custom-fabricated components.
Field-Adjustable Sloped and Skewed Hangers — Introducing New LSSR Sizes
With the recent introduction of our new LSSR rafter hangers for 2x lumber, we thought we’d provide some background on how these new hangers were developed and why.