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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- A bill was repealed in 1997 that allowed Caltrans to issue permits for transporting wall panels stacked horizontally.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.
Article
2009 Sept/Oct
- The prescriptive method for designing snow load is more conservative than the engineered method.
- The IRC prescriptive method allows the ground snow load to be reduced to 0.7Pg as long as the conditions of this section are met for all truss types.
- The IBC engineered method allows certain reductions to the ground snow load per ASCE 7.
Article
2009 Sept/Oct
- Damage to cords can cause an electrical shock or fire.
- Frayed extensions and three-prong cords that are missing their ground prong are examples of cords that are dangerous.
- Adding an extension cord check to weekly safety walkthroughs is an easy way to make sure all cords are in safe working condition.
Article
2009 August
- Truss or rafter uplift connections should be designed for wind load using ASCE 7 MWFRS method, while the member design of the individual truss should use C&C loads to generate member forces.
- Visit http://www.sbcindustry.com/kb/technotes.php for SBCA’s Tech Note on this issue.
- The SBCA Load Guide also contains information about uplift connections for structural building components.
Article
2009 August
- One company was protected following a roof collapse in the Phoenix area because they proved they sent an SBCA Jobsite Package to the jobsite.
- If we use these jobsite packages to consistently send our message, I believe we can lower the frequency of jobsite-related claims.
- Certification in the In-Plant WTCA QC program helped our company show our compliance with the quality control requirements of a city building code.
Article
2009 August
- The body can gather heat through physical activity or environmental factors.
- Learning to recognize the onset of heat stress; a worker experiencing a heat-related illness usually responds quickly to treatment.
- The best way to control heat stress is through prevention.
Article
2009 June/July
- Information about ceiling space energy requirements from the International Energy Conservation Code is replicated in both the IRC and IBC.
- IRC Section N1102.2.2 applies to ceilings without attic spaces while Section N1102.1 applies to those with attic spaces.
- It is assumed that attic spaces do not require raised heels in order to meet given R-values. Instead, the insulation must be deep enough to achieve it wherever the construction technique allows it.
Article
2009 June/July
- The sense of sight is powerful. Capitalize on it by freshening up your safety signage!
- SBCA sells a variety of safety posters in English and Spanish.
- Catchy slogans can reinforce important safety messages.
Article
2009 June/July
- The SBCA Legislative Conference in May gave participants firsthand experience with the changes in Washington, DC.
- The Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 (EFCA) is a hot issue that needs your attention. Learn more about it in an online bonus feature at www.sbcmag.info.
- SBCA Legal Counsel Kent Pagel reminds us that using JOBSITE PACKAGES provides you with a “golden defense” in the courtroom.
Article
2009 May
- This issue focuses on Design & Engineering.
- Our companies would be better positioned for success if we charged for our truss designs, details and placement diagrams at the time they are complete.
- BCMC 2009 will take place September 30-October 2 in Phoenix. See you there!