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Article
2005 December
- 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.
Article
2005 December
- Bama Truss & Components manufactures both wood and steel trusses for the commercial and multi-family building construction industry.
- When they first introduced their steel line in 2002, they made drastic changes in their design and manufacturing departments to separate the functions of the wood and steel divisions.
- The company has experienced more benefits than drawbacks as a result of ex-panding their operations to include steel trusses.
Article
2005 December
- 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).
Article
2005 December
- 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.
Article
2005 December
- 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.
Article
2006 Jan/Feb
- 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.
Article
2006 Jan/Feb
- 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.
Article
2006 Jan/Feb
- Paul D. Lenauer
- Norman L. Garlock
Article
2006 Jan/Feb
- 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.
Article
2006 Jan/Feb
- 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.
Article
2006 Jan/Feb
- 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.
Article
2006 Jan/Feb
- 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.
Article
2006 Jan/Feb
- 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.
Article
2006 Jan/Feb
- 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.
Article
2006 Jan/Feb
- 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.
Article
2006 March
- Exhibiting at the BCMC show is a great opportunity to get to know potential new customers.
- Engineered wood products become increasingly prevalent at BCMC in the last several years.
- When a new product is unveiled at the show, Jim Gilleran says it drives atten-dee feedback, which in turn facilitates product improvement.
Article
2006 March
- 45 states plus Washington, DC use the International Residential Code.
- A few changes to the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC) will impact manufacturers.
- The first eighteen month code change cycle for the 2009 edition begins with the March 24, 2006 submission deadline.
Article
2006 March
- Price increases for building materials have been very similar to increases in house prices in the last several years.
- Mortgage rates are more important than wood prices in determining the cost of a home.
- With the rapid rise in home prices during the past five years, it appears that most component manufacturers are sharing in the housing boom.
Article
2006 March
- This issue of SBC Magazine is devoted to topics relating to personnel and safety.
- The cover story reveals what Casmin Inc., a Florida component manufacturer, did to make a major league turnaround in the company’s safety record.
- One feature article explores the "why" of the industry’s current shortage of skilled labor, for both truss plants and design departments.
Article
2006 March
- This is the first article in a year-long series by Jerry Koskovich on automation.
- It takes many, many years to perfect a machine, according to Koskovich.
- As the industry progresses in automation, some suppliers may have to change in order to properly accommodate our needs.