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Article
2010 May
- Deflection limits for trusses with habitable spaces differ depending upon the building code.
- The 2009 IRC references TPI 1-2007; it defines a live load deflection limit of l/360 for these trusses.
- TPI 1-2002, which the 2006 IRC references, does not contain a live load deflection limit.
Article
2010 May
- A Sacramento Habitat home achieved LEED certification without FSC certified lumber.
- Check out Ben Hershey’s point of view on the cost of certified wood.
- Get out into the architect and engineering communities and use resources from SBCA to help market yourself.
Article
2010 April
- In the last year SBCRI testing has helped us measure web forces, equalize load distribution and develop computerized truss models.
- Get critical market data from SBC’s new Market Analysis Service.
Article
2010 April
- Even if code mandated, automatic sprinklers for one- and two-family dwellings are not required to be installed in every area of the dwelling. With some restrictions, attic spaces, crawl spaces, concealed spaces, closets, pantries, bathrooms, garages, carports, exterior porches and other unheated entry areas do not require fire sprinklers.
- When in doubt about the required location of fire sprinklers, contact your local building official.
Article
2010 March
- A downturn can leave you with a group of long-term, dedicated employees who are already trained in safety.
- Worker fatigue due to smaller crews and longer hours are safety hazards during a downturn.
- Holding regular safety meetings and encouraging workers to report all incidents is a way to maintain a culture of safety.
Article
2010 March
- The IRC requires vertical joints in braced wall panel sheathing to be connected to a common stud.
- SBCA has submitted a code change proposal that would allow a wall panels designed to the IRC to be built with the sheathing flush at the edges.
- The proposal will be heard at the May 2010 ICC Final Action Hearings.
Article
2010 March
- Committing to SBCA’s Operation Safety program now will pay substantial dividends when it comes time to hire again.
- SBCA has a long-time contract with Qualtim, the company that manages and provides staff for SBCA projects.
- Since the downturn began in 2008, SBCA’s annual budget has gone from $6 million to $2 million.
Article
2010 Jan/Feb
- Gypsum board is the most critical element in the fire endurance performance of cold-formed steel and wood truss assemblies.
- When adding insulation to a tested assembly, plan for an equivalent or greater plenum space.
Article
2010 Jan/Feb
- The wall panel business is completely different than trusses and has a learning curve.
- Before you start a panel operation, talk to panel manufacturers for specific tips.
- Make sure you compare the cost of labor for stick framed walls in your market to your own labor and overhead costs.
Article
2005 Sept/Oct
- The Component Manufacturers Division voted to split from the Truss Plate Insti-tute in 1983 to establish itself as the association we know today as the Wood Truss Council of America.
- Throughout their history, WTCA Presi-dents have faced adversity, worked to improve the association’s financial outlook, struggled to increase membership, and fought to secure credibility.
- WTCA is now a well-respected and influential organization, thanks to the direction and leadership of Past Presidents.
Article
2009 June/July
- The current Congress is addressing many issues including labor laws, energy policy, health care and immigration reforms.
- In May, SBCA members held 78 meetings with lawmakers from 17 states about our industry’s positions on these issues.
- For more information, go to additional online content for the June/July issue at www.sbcmag.info.
Article
2009 June/July
- OSHA and Congress are pursuing greater enforcement of existing regulations on the clean up and disposal of “combustible dusts,” including sawdust.
- Component manufacturers in several states—including FL, IL, TX and WI—have reported OSHA inspectors conducting combustible dust inspections in addition to their original inspections.
- SBCA has created a formal housekeeping plan and online training program to prepare you for that surprise OSHA combustible dust inspection.
Article
2007 December
- A bill was repealed in 1997 that allowed Caltrans to issue permits for transporting wall panels stacked horizontally.
- A coalition of CalESCA members, building contractors and homebuilders rallied to restore the bill that would allow wall panels to be hauled horizontally.
- In October 2007, AB 1612 was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger.
Article
2007 Sept/Oct
- There is no single statute of limitations for the many categories of records component manufacturers hang on to.
- The federal requirements vary tremendously, do not apply to all types of records, and may even contradict themselves from agency to agency.
- It is possible to strike a balance between saving too much and keeping too little.
Article
2007 Sept/Oct
- Euler’s buckling formula dates back to 1757; we still use it today to determine bracing.
- With the creation of an analysis program that more accurately predicts the behavior of a truss system, bracing designs can be examined.
- Given that relatively few material properties were measured, the SAWFT predictions are surprisingly close to the instability loads obtained from the tests.
- This work shows promise as a first step toward development of robust structural analysis algorithms for developing new design procedures for wood structural system s
Article
2009 December
- The nine people from my company took nine different things away from BCMC 2009.
- Stay connected with free Business Solutions Groups courtesy of SBCA.
- SBCA’s Component Technology Work-shops are a great way for design professionals and building/fire officials to get the most current information about our industry.
Article
2009 December
- All softwood lumber used for structural applications in the United States today is produced in accordance with U.S. Department of Commerce Voluntary Product Standard PS 20-05.
- Grading rules for lumber consider the extent, location and number of various characteristics that determine the quality of piece of lumber.
- If it appears that ripping lumber is the only alternative, hire a certified lumber grader to re-grade the material.
Article
2009 November
- New SBCA President Steven Spradlin owns Capital Structures in Fort Smith, AR.
- Spradlin started going to SBCA meetings at the advice of a past president and found it helpful to interact with follow manufacturers.
- An important goal for this year is to test stick frame performance in SBCRI.
- Thanks to all of our loyal SBC Magazine advertisers and those who supported this year’s BCMC Show.
Article
2009 November
- The 2009 IRC contains new provisions in Section R602.10.6 to use blocking for connecting braced wall panels to floor truss and roof framing applications.
- Lateral load can be transferred from bottom chord bearing floor trusses is by attaching wood structural panel wall sheathing to the ends of the trusses, ribbon board, and the top plate of the wall below.
- Section R602.10.6 also includes prescriptive blocking provisions for roof trusses of varying heel heights for seismic design categories and wind speeds.
- Component manufacturers can reduce waste
Article
2009 Sept/Oct
- Our faith has been tested, but perseverance will get us through hard times.
- SBCA is and will continue to be a strong, viable organization.
- I encourage members to continue reaching out to professionals outside the manufacturing process: architects, engineers and building inspectors.