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Article
2008 August
- 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.
Article
2008 August
- 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.
Article
2008 August
- 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.
Article
2008 June/July
- 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.
Article
2008 June/July
- 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.
Article
2008 June/July
- 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.
Article
2008 May
- 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.
Article
2008 May
- 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.
Article
2008 May
- 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.
Article
2008 April
- 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.
Article
2008 April
- Going to see and learn something first hand from an expert is an effective way to learn about a topic.
- Plant tour attendees at an Illinois manufacturer’s TTW event were awed by the custom engineering and code compliance involved in component design and manufacturing.
- A plant tour in New Hampshire led to an invitation for one manufacturer to present further component education for a local fire department.
- WTCA staff can assist manufacturers setting up a plant tour in many ways: compiling targeted handouts, providing signage
Article
2008 April
- A written HazCom plan is the first step to creating a safeguard against chemical hazards.
- Each hazardous material in the plant must have a current Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) accessible to all employees.
- Educating employees and contractors about dangerous substances will prevent chemical related injuries and illnesses.
Article
2008 April
- To add insulation into a tested assembly, an equivalent or greater plenum space should be maintained and the insulation held up and away from the gypsum surface.
- Increasing the depth of an assembly does not adversely affect its fire endurance rating.
Article
2008 March
- An effective leader empowers people to do things because they want to do it.
- It’s difficult to maintain a solid safety awareness culture if management doesn’t believe safety should be a priority.
- Most leaders exhibit five characteristics: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism.
Article
2008 March
- While walking though the shop, take digital pictures of safety hazards to show at the next safety meeting.
- Component manufacturers will save time and money with WTCA’s Operation Safety program.
- Chambers Truss created an educational program for builders about proper installation and bracing techniques.
Article
2008 March
- A common mistake is thinking that the truss design drawing provides all of the bracing requirements for the truss.
- In the 2006 Edition of BCSI continuous lateral brace has been replaced in by the term “continuous lateral restraint.”
- Bracing the lateral restraint is critical for ensuring truss stability; failure to do so can result in serviceability problems or structural collapse.
Article
2008 Jan/feb
- Wall panel technology has come a long way since the 1960s.
- It is important for all component manufacturers to have basic knowledge of wall panels.
- WTCA offers various resources to help educate the industry about wall panels.
Article
2008 Jan/feb
- The basis for a good safety program is keeping work areas neat and organized.
- A clean production area can significantly reduce the cost of accidents by preventing them.
- Create a daily housekeeping checklist to confirm that attention is given to specific areas of your operation—both the plant and the office.
Article
2008 Jan/feb
- Using different wall bracing methods on the same structure is often acceptable.
- The IRC recognizes eleven total methods for providing wall bracing.
- The continuous wood structural panel sheathing section of the code has caused confusion in terms of whether other bracing methods can be used with it.
Article
2007 December
- Quality is something that no one should sacrifice, no matter what.
- Part of manufacturing is discovering the nuances that make a world of difference.
- Make it a goal to get your systems tuned up, in place and ready for the New Year.
Article
2007 December
- Solar panels—devices that convert solar energy into electricity or heat—are often installed in trussed and conventionally framed roofs.
- To determine if a truss can withstand the load of a solar panel, add the value of the panel to the maximum top chord dead load capacity.
- If a panel can be applied to a conventionally framed roof with the same design load capacity as a truss system, the application should also work in the trussed roof.
Article
2007 December
- The third largest cause of workplace injuries, slip and fall injuries can be expensive to employers.
- Tend to outdoor and indoor housekeeping during the winter weather months to minimize slip and fall hazards.
Article
2007 November
- WTCA President Bob Becht emphasizes bracing and long-span truss installation education.
- There was a time when short member temporary lateral restraint was not installed safely.
- BCSI and the B-Series documents have helped to provide direction and a consistent message on bracing and installation issues.
- Given the current state of housing, we need tools like BCSI to raise the level of professionalism in construction.
Article
2007 November
- There are many guidelines and recommendations in place to ensure trusses are installed and braced properly.
- Truss Design Drawings show the truss calculation and engineer stamp, but usually show limited bracing.
- It is our hope that BCSI recommendations are followed in the field, but we cannot enforce them.