fasteners Archives -

Introducing The Next-Generation Strong-Drive® SDHR Combo-Head Screws: Steel-to-Wood Structural Fastening Solution with Enhanced Durability and Hydrogen Embrittlement Resistance

Now with Black E-Coat Finish — Compliant with CSA O86:24 Hydrogen Embrittlement Requirements

In response to the hydrogen embrittlement requirements defined in CSA O86:24 and the increasing structural demands of modern heavy timber and mass timber construction, Simpson Strong-Tie® has developed the next-generation Strong-Drive® SDHR Combo-Head Screw with a black e-coat finish. This updated version is designed to meet the latest durability and hardness requirements while delivering the same high-capacity structural performance that engineers have come to rely on in steel-to-wood applications. The new SDHR is listed in the ICC-ES ESR-3046 Evaluation Report.

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.

From Research to Real-World Application: Pioneering Mass Timber Innovation

Brian DeMeza’s journey from pursuing his Master of Science degree at Oregon State University (OSU) to his current role as a Senior Field Engineer at Simpson Strong-Tie has brought him full circle with his recent involvement in the six-story NHERI TallWood project. His hands-on experience in this project played a pivotal role in shaping his passion and focus on mass timber as a potential career path.

Common Technical Engineering Inquiries – Part III: Fasteners

This is the last 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), while part 2 covered connector products (view Part 2 here). These are questions that come directly into our call center, along with questions submitted through the website, our engineering email queues, and our sales team.

Ninth Day of Trivia — Strong-Drive® SDS Screws

It’s difficult to talk about connectors without talking about fasteners. Simpson Strong-Tie developed the Strong-Drive® SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screw as a high-capacity alternative to nails or bolts, and the first connector using them was the PHD Predeflected Holdown. We released in both the PHD and the SDS screw in 1997.

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.

Simpson Strong-Tie in Latin America: Our 2022 Chile Seminar

Our Director of International Sales in Latin America, Cyndi Chandler, organized our annual sales seminar in Chile. This was a great opportunity to connect with our engineers and specifiers in Latin America and educate them about the various products and resources we offer. Learn more about this dynamic two-day seminar and the products we demonstrated in Chile.

My Experience as an Engineering Intern from Gallatin, Tennessee

This summer we welcomed engineering student Sam Lewis to intern at our Gallatin, Tennessee branch. He discusses his hands-on opportunity to test our fasteners, learn more about our company culture and people.

New Materials Require New Hardware — Three Fasteners Engineered Specifically for Mass Timber Construction

Simpson Strong-Tie has always been a leader in designing innovative products for various construction markets. As an R&D engineer, I enjoy the opportunities for continuous exploring, experimenting and learning that come with my role. There’s never a dull moment working in research and development! At present, I’m thrilled to be part of a team that works on developing products for construction using cross-laminated-timber (CLT) and other forms of mass timber. So I have the honor of introducing three amazing fastener products that are load rated for use in CLT, wood, glulam and structural composite lumber (SCL) products (e.g., LVL, PSL, LSL).

SDWS Timber Screw – The Evolution Continues

Simpson Strong-Tie® R&D engineers are always looking to make products even better and more cost effective, in ways that will improve life not only for homeowners, but also for Designers and builders. In the following post, Aram Khachadourian explains how the newly designed SawTooth™ point on our code-listed Strong-Drive® SDWS Timber screw makes driving faster and easier with no predrilling. The flat head also makes connector and sheathing placement a lot smoother.
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