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BCMC Recap

Lumber Design Values for U.S. and Canadian Species Group Combinations - Applications to Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses

  • The Western Lumber Grading Rules permit combinations of like-named U.S. and Canadian species groups, which allows mills that have access to logs from the U.S. and Canada to mix them during production.
  • The most common combinations are Douglas Fir-Larch, Hem-Fir and Spruce-Pine-Fir.
  • The applicable design values for a given U.S. and Canadian species group combination that component manufacturers should use in their software are the lower of the two individual country values for each design value category (see Table 2 on page 76).

Truss Technology in Building: Crane Equipment & Proper Truss Handling

  • A new Truss Technology in Building document developed by WTCA due to members’ requests demonstrates proper truss hoisting techniques on the jobsite.
  • Although the document gives recommendations for the handling of trusses, it is important to note that the general operation of any mobile crane must comply with OSHA standards.
  • The TTB’s section on Load Positions, Movement & Rigging presents techniques that are likely to reduce crane damage to trusses.

TTT Recertification: New Ways to Earn & Keep Track of Your Recertification Credit

  • Every step in the TTT recertification process is online.
  • It’s good to offer options—anything that gives technicians real-world experience helps them in their profession and gives them greater exposure to the truss industry.
  • Technicians up for recertification will be emailed starting this month. Technicians whose certification has already expired will also be notified by email.

Adventures in Advocacy: Taking the Pulse of the Nation's Leaders

BCMC 2006: Bigger & Better in Texas!

  • BCMC 2005 was another record breaking show.
  • Doug Folker of Robbins Engineering is the 2006 BCMC Committee chair.
  • The 2006 show will head to Fort Worth, TX on October 4 - 6.
  • The show’s theme will be Bigger and Better in Texas.

Builder Banter

Code Connection: Wall Panels

  • In today’s market, wall design is generally performed using code prescribed tables and provisions.
  • When a building of conventional construction contains structural elements exceeding the prescriptive code, these elements shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice.

In Memoriam: Paul D. Lenauer & Norman L. Garlock

  • Paul D. Lenauer
  • Norman L. Garlock

Publisher's Message: Turn, Turn, Turn

  • This issue of SBC Magazine focuses on wall panel manufacturing.
  • Two component manufacturers are featured in this issue: Blenker Building Sys-tems and Clearspan Components.
  • Additional feature articles spotlight whole house design concepts as they relate to the building components industry.

WTCA Update: Study Reveals Increased Level of Automation among Truss & Wall Panel Maufacturers

  • The first phase of a new study conducted by U. S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory and North Carolina State University revealed that wall panel manufacturers employ a higher degree of manufacturing technology than do modular home manufacturers.
  • Phase 2 of the study will include time studies of wall panel manufacturing facilities.

WTCA Update: Open Quarterly Meeting Highlights - October 15, 2005

  • The October OQM included the introduction of new representatives to the board and the 2006 committee chairs. Board members who had fulfilled their terms were also recognized.
  • Passed motions included a policy with regard to WTCA staff attendance at Code/ Fire Service meetings and updated language in the Non-operating Funds Invest-ment Policy.
  • The next OQM is schedule for March 1-3 in San Antonio, TX.

WTCA Update: Quarter Life-Opportunities: What Will WTCA Mean in the Future?

  • As component manufacturers’ scope of work changes to meet varying customer demands, should the association’s name also evolve to reflect that change?
  • Some component manufacturers believe that in order to represent the varying interests of the membership, the name of the association should change accordingly.

Blenker Building Systems: Customer Service from the Inside Out

  • Blenker’s business is built on ingenuity, quality and customer service.
  • A unique internal cross-training approach fosters self-respect and teamwork.
  • Offering a one-stop shop means providing a complete service for their builder customers.

Dude, Where's My Truss Industry?

  • The founders of our industry are probably asking, “Where’s my truss industry?”
  • We must continue to sell value in order to keep this industry strong.
  • One of the only possible negatives to selling more engineering and integrated services is if component manufacturers begin to dilute the value of components by not “up-selling” the value provided.

Optimum Value Engineering: The Whole House Concept Expanded

  • Optimum value engineering (OVE) has applications in the component design phase and on the jobsite.
  • Using OVE techniques in the field can re-duce framing expenses by as much as $1,000 per 2,400 square foot home, ac-cording to a study done by the Partnership for Advanced Technologies in Housing.
  • Component manufacturers can use design software to optimize component design.

The Business Side of Whole House Design

  • Paul D. Lenauer
  • Norman L. Garlock

Adventures In Advocacy: Advocating Congress: Taking on the "Little Legislatures"