SBCA Scientific Research Reports

This research report seeks to provides fact-based information about causes, effects, and mitigation of mold growth on lumber and wood structural building components. 

This report focuses on building code requirements for using fire retardant treated wood (FRTW) in floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies in Type III building construction. 

Drywall cracking and ridging are typical problems seen in ceilings and walls of homes. Sometimes, both of these issues appear at the same location, with cracking appearing in wetter months and ridging in drier months. This problem has become more widespread as homeowners insist on larger rooms and open floor plans that have large clear span areas. This Research Report evaluates local environment changes that play a significant role in every gypsum ridging and cracking case.

This report discusses ways of increasing the energy efficiency requirements of the building envelope within the context of the requirements of the 2009, 2012 and 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) and IECC for ceiling insulation and truss heel heights.

There are circumstances when the deflection requirements for a specific structure that utilizes floor trusses as structural members are questioned. The current residential and commercial building codes provide minimum design requirements for loads and for deflection of structural floor members, which also apply to floor trusses. The building designer may specify more stringent requirements. This research report will focus on manufacturer or trade association deflection requirements for a number of floor topping/covering related products

Many factors go into classifying buildings. Each type will have different allowable height, allowable number of stories and allowable area limitations based on the classification. This report will focus on Type III-A building construction using fire retardant treated wood (FRTW).

It can be often misunderstood whether a Truss Design Engineer has the responsibility to seal a Truss Placement Diagram (TPD). The purpose of this Research Report is to provide the relevant code sections from the latest editions of the International Building Code (IBC) for thorough analysis and interpretation, as they relate to the state of Texas. 

Controlling sound transmission in buildings through wall, floor and ceiling assemblies is important for the comfort level and enjoyment of building occupants as they live, work and play in these buildings. This report aims to explore the methods one can use to reduce sound transmission in assemblies constructed with wood trusses.

In order to promote the safe installation of building components including trusses, manufacturers send out a Jobsite Package to the construction site with the truss delivery. These Jobsite Packages include the Truss Submittal Package. The Truss Submittal Package includes the information that if required will be submitted to the Contractor/Building Designer, who if required will submit it to the local building official.

The goal of this Research Report is to assist in designing safe buildings economically, especially when sprinkler systems are required or desired in the design.

A fire endurance rating may be mandated by code for many of the applications where trusses could be used in floor/ceiling, roof/ceiling or in attic separation applications. This Research Report discusses 5 different methods for determining fire resistance.

ASCE/SEI 7-10, Minimum Design Loads of Buildings and Other Structures, lists two methods for calculating wind pressures: Main Wind Force Resisting System (MWFRS) and Components & Cladding (C&C). This report will provide information to assist the building designer in deciding upon the appropriate analysis method for uplift due to wind loading.

The capacity of a ribbon board and its system through the composite of the ribbon board, floor sheathing and bottom plate of the wall has not been ascertained. In order to provide better guidance, a series of tests were conducted in order to determine the capacity of the ribbon board system.

Long span trusses can pose significant risk to installers. The dimensions and weight of a long span truss can create instability, buckling and collapse of one or many trusses, if not handled, installed, restrained and braced properly. As such, they require more detailed safety and handling measures than shorter span trusses. This research report provides guidelines for proper handling and installation of long span trusses for both wood and cold-formed steel.