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Upward Deflection of Truss Bottom Chords

  • Partition separation is often blamed on a condition known as truss arching. 
  • Wood may expand or shrink depending on its moisture content. 
  • The example given in Figure 2 shows that a 28-ft truss with 19% moisture content that dries to 7% may cause an upward deflection of about 0.7 inches. 
  • Many factors lead to partition separation; the only way to prove truss arching is to use a laser level to assess all the areas of potential movement in the structure.

The Whole Kit & Caboodle

  • Before developing a first aid kit for your operation, analyze work spaces and review your OSHA Form 300: Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses to note potential hazards. 
  • Remember that where you place the kits can be as important as what you put inside. 
  • The most important thing is to put them in places that are centrally located that people will remember.

Diversifying, Staying Connected Are Key in Current Environment

  • In our current business environment, we’ve got to get creative, explore new markets and consider ways to differentiate. 
  • If there’s one benefit of your membership in WTCA, it’s staying connected and learning from each other. 
  • BCMC is the place to keep your finger on the pulse of the industry and make adjustments to your business.

Questions about Stress-Graded Lumber

  • Any lumber that is graded to assign design properties is considered stress-graded, no matter if it was visually or mechanically graded. 
  • Material with design properties listed in the NDS Supplement or in individual lumber use guides is considered stress-graded.

You Are Getting Very, Very Sleepy…

  • Many of us do not get enough sleep, which can lead to mistakes and poor job performance. 
  • Tips for dealing with fatigue at work include hydration, taking a quick break to refocus and napping.

Parting Shots

Material Handling

  • A project featuring long-span radius trusses is on page 32. 
  • Environmental Components on page 24 explains nine reasons building components have been green since 1952. 
  • Don’t miss the BCMC Early Bird deadline on August 25! Check out the main events on page 16.

Trusses with Exposed Bottom Chords

  • The IBC does not prohibit the use of exposed truss bottom chords. 
  • Since interior grade OSB is allowed on the underside of an exposed truss, it follows that there would not be a more stringent requirement for exposed trusses. 
  • The USDA Forest Products Laboratory’s Wood Handbook provides the average equilibrium moisture content of wood exposed to the outdoor atmosphere for various cities in the United States.

Steel Components & Eye Safety

  • For manufacturers sharing shop workers between steel and wood plants, it is prudent to cross-train them on eye protection. 
  • When drilling metal screws into steel components, employees are exposed to metal shavings and fragments. 
  • If metal shards get caught in the eye, rust rings can occur. 
  • Beyond enforcement of PPE, the best thing you can do to encourage the use of eye protection is to find comfortable options for all shop workers.

Keep After 'Em

  • Florida Representative Mark Foley visited Chambers Truss for a plant tour in 2006. 
  • Bob Becht got to know Foley’s top aide after attending several WTCA Legislative Conferences. 
  • Foley’s visit was very helpful for one of Chambers’ employees whose wife was facing deportation.

Publisher's Message: A Look at Legal & Legislative Issues

  • This issue is devoted to Legal and Legis-lative topics. View a recap of the 2008 SBC Legislative Conference on page 42. 
  • Turn to page 30 for The Big Picture on “cap and trade” climate legislation. 
  • Don’t miss the seven most important contract provisions to look for when reviewing your customer’s contract forms on page 24.

Natural Stone Floors & Deflection

  • Conditions like deflection and vibration can occur in metal plate connected wood trusses even if they meet the building code and adequately transfer loads. 
  • When stone flooring is installed over wood frame construction, deflections not exceeding L/720 are recommended.
  • The Building Designer is responsible for providing the deflection criteria and on-center spacing requirements to limit deflections.
  • If no building design information is given, truss technicians should not assume deflection criteria of L/360.

Parting Shots

Ensuring the Long-Term Sustainability of WTCA

  • In 2008, WTCA has made some difficult budgetary and staffing choices to weather the housing downturn.
  • Qualtim, Inc.’s fiscal management of WTCA has allowed the association to stay within budget.
  • A WTCA “sales committee” has been formed to raise the sales associated with BCMC exhibiting and attendance, WTCA products and services and SBC advertising.

Here Comes the Sun

  • Cataracts are the most common eye disorder associated with excessive sun exposure.
  • Sun over-exposure and damage accumulates over time.
  • If possible, limit employees’ sun exposure at your facility.
  • Use safe sun practices to keep you and your employees on the right track for preventing sun-related health risks.

Cracking Between Drywall Joints

  • Two common conditions that impact drywall are known as cracking and ridging.
  • These conditions can be caused by temperature and humidity changes or insufficient framing techniques.
  • The Gypsum Association and the Drywall Finishing Council have provided guidelines for trades working with gypsum board.

Parting Shots

SBCRI: The Possibilities Are Limitless

  • SBCRI is a one of a kind world-class testing lab located in Madison, WI dedicated to testing building components. 
  • TPI and WTCA have committed to investing almost $2 million in the next several years for industry testing projects. 
  • Take advantage of your WTCA membership by using the products and services developed for component manufacturers.