I recently wrote about the H1A hurricane tie in this post, which discussed the original H1 hurricane tie first appearing in 1972, and the subsequent changes over the years that led to our current H1A. The original H1 along with the H2 and the H3 were the first products to appear under the label “hurricane ties” in our catalog.
Category: Connectors
With nearly 70 years of field and R&D experience, Simpson Strong-Tie® connectors are manufactured to the industry’s highest standards. From framing angles to straps to heavy-duty girder hangers, we offer the most diverse product line so that you have the right product for the job. Find out how Simpson Strong-Tie connectors can help you build the right way every day.
The Twelve Days of Christmas — A Sleigh Ride Through the Years with Simpson Strong-Tie
We have our new Simpson Strong-Tie Wood Construction Connectors catalog coming out in January. In anticipation of this, I wanted to do a series of short, daily posts discussing the history of Simpson Strong-Tie products, catalogs, and random trivia through the years. In the winter holiday spirit, we’ll do this in “Twelve Days of Christmas” style.
Common Engineering Technical Inquiries – Part II: Wood Construction Connectors
This is the second part of a three-part series covering common questions we receive in our engineering department. Part 1 consisted of frequently asked questions related to our anchor products (view Part 1 here). These are questions that come directly into our call center, questions submitted through the website, submitted through our engineering email queues, or through our sales team.
Why Fire-Rated Hangers Are Required in Type III Wood-Frame Buildings
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 high design loads. The high overturning forces were resisted using the Simpson Strong-Tie® Strong-Rod™ anchor tiedown system, which incorporates high-strength rods, bearing plates and shrinkage compensation devices.
Understanding Post Cap Lateral Capacities
Why do our light-duty BC post caps have published allowable lateral loads while our strong, heavy-gauge CCQ column caps do not?
Because with great power comes great responsibility. Or, in the world of post caps: With great capacity comes more responsibility.
The H1A Hurricane Tie – An Update for a Classic
Simpson Strong-Tie recently released an updated model of our H1 – now the H1A. As a consulting engineer, I remember how much I disliked updating my standard details when products were discontinued. I thought it would be informative to explain the modifications and some of the reasons for them.
Reviewing 2021 IBC Changes for Cold-Formed Steel Light-Frame Design
“Change is the only constant in life” and “When you are finished changing, you are finished” are quotes from the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus and Benjamin Franklin, respectively. I’m reminded of them as I review the numerous changes to codes and standards during the typical three to five-year development cycles. While code and standard changes can be challenging to incorporate into our work, they typically offer an improvement or expansion of design and construction solutions.
Introducing a Tested Connector (WBAC) to Support Wood Backing in Cold-Formed Steel Walls
Engineers spend much of their career designing and detailing main structural members which are exposed to significant structural loads. An experienced engineer will often master this type of design and excel at detailing an efficient building system. However, these same savvy engineers are sometimes left scratching their heads when tasked with providing a clean and simple design for attaching components such as cabinets, shelves or handrails to interior finish. Simpson Strong-Tie’s versatile new WBAC Wood Backing Steel Connector provides the engineer with a fully tested design solution that efficiently and easily attaches wood backing members for heavy wall hangings.
Hurricane Andrew — a 30-Year-Old Learning Experience
Last week marked the 30th anniversary of the Florida landfall of Hurricane Andrew, one of the most damaging, and influential, hurricanes ever to hit the United States. Hurricane Andrew hit South Florida with Category 5 winds early on the morning of August 24, 1992. Andrew caused damages of $25 billion in Florida, and another billion dollars’ worth when it struck Louisiana as a Category 3 hurricane two days later. This image, from NASA Earth Observatory, shows Andrew on August 23, 24, and 25.
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.