Simpson Strong-Tie Honored with Sphere 1 Partner of the Year Award for Second Consecutive Year
Simpson Strong-Tie has been recognized as 2012 Preferred Supplier Partner of the Year by Sphere 1, a cooperative of independent tool and fastener distributors. Simpson Strong-Tie received the premier award over 84 other Sphere 1 preferred suppliers for the second year in a row.
Individual awards were presented to companies that performed well in one of the six different criteria categories established by Sphere 1. The Preferred Supplier Partner of the Year Award goes to the organization that ranks highest overall across all six criteria, including sales volume increase over the previous year, growth percentage, number of members purchasing from the supplier, completion of Gateway for Growth Programs and Sphere 1 University student course completions in 2012.
Sphere 1 CEO Carol Shackelford noted, “Congratulations to Simpson Strong-Tie for winning Partner of the Year again! We appreciate their participation and the commitment from their outstanding team. Simpson Strong-Tie will have another opportunity to exclusively showcase their wonderful line-up of products to our membership at our Annual Member Meeting next year in May in San Antonio, TX.”
“Being awarded the Preferred Supplier Partner of the Year for the second consecutive year is a great achievement, and we thank the Sphere 1 membership for this outstanding recognition. We look forward to continuing our fruitful relationship with Sphere 1 by providing the membership with the products, testing and customer service we are known for,” said Simpson Strong-Tie President Terry Kingsfather.
The award was presented at Sphere 1’s Annual Member Meeting on May 7-9, 2013 in Tucson, AZ.
Simpson Strong-Tie Sponsors Building Safety Month in May
Simpson Strong-Tie is proud to once again join other industry associations and organizations in supporting the International Code Council’s (ICC) 2013 Building Safety Month in May. As a Supporting Sponsor, Simpson Strong-Tie is encouraging the industry and the general public to learn more about ways to make buildings, homes and decks safe and strong.
Building Safety Month is a public awareness campaign during May to help individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create and sustain safe and sustainable structures. As an annual event, this year’s theme is “Code Officials Keep You Safe.” The four-week campaign focuses on key safety areas each week, including fire safety and awareness, disaster safety and mitigation, backyard and pool safety, and energy and green building. The overall goal is to reinforce the need for adopting modern, model building codes as well as implementing strong and efficient code enforcement. To learn more about the campaign and how to get involved, visit www.buildingsafetymonth.org.
“Simpson Strong-Tie structural products help people build safer, stronger homes, buildings and decks,” said Terry Kingsfather, president of Simpson Strong-Tie. “We’re proud to support Building Safety Month and the work that code officials do every day to ensure structures are well built and safe.”
As a sponsor, Simpson Strong-Tie has several resources that help support the initiatives of Building Safety Month, including educational materials about designing and building homes and buildings to resist earthquakes and high winds as well as building and retrofitting code-compliant outdoor decks. These resources can be found on the Building Safety Month website and the Simpson Strong-Tie® homeowner website, SafeStrongHome.com.
Vulcraft Group Introduces Add-in For BIM to Increase Efficiency
NuBIM™ Vulcraft Add-In for Revit® Software to save time and money
Vulcraft Group announces NuBIM™ Vulcraft Add-In for Revit® software, a proprietary, custom-built tool to help streamline joist configuration in Building Information Modeling (BIM). This user-friendly Revit specification tool will automatically create specified joists in a model after the user has made selections, eliminating the need to search for and load multiple families from a library.
“Our ongoing mission is to maximize the value we add to our customers’ business on a daily basis,” said Ray Napolitan, Vulcraft/Verco Group President. “NuBIM™ Vulcraft Add-In for Revit® software is an example of our pledge and commitment to provide the most advanced technology in every area of our business. This technology will make the detailing and design process more efficient for users, saving time and money.”
Built for Revit® Software because it is the most widely used among design and engineering professionals, the design process will be made easier and more powerful with the NuBIM™ Vulcraft Add-In. The current release is for Revit Structure 2012, with the Revit 2013 release expected for early June.
The BIM process will be more efficient with this tool because it enables users to specify joists in the design stage utilizing only the joists needed for the model. The NuBIM™ Vulcraft Add-In for Revit® software creates joist families that meet defined criteria, providing a lightweight, conceptual web joist family for specifying parallel chord joists in a model. Pre-configured web layouts for the most common joists are also included for early coordination of building trades.
Placing joists with the NuBIM™ Vulcraft Add-In for Revit® software is similar to using Revit’s standard beam tools. The NuBIM™ Vulcraft Add-In opens a specification box that allows you to define the joist type, end conditions, bottom chord extensions, and even a web layout for early coordination with downstream building trades. Once parameters are input, light-weight joist families populate automatically based on point-to-point or by an entire bay.
Vulcraft deck properties are also added to the list of generic roof and floor profiles with the NuBIM™ Vulcraft Add-In, allowing the specification of Vulcraft deck in the Revit model. Once the Vulcraft joists and deck have been specified in the model, users will select the “Create Report” option to save a small file, which can be supplied to a Vulcraft Sales representative to begin early coordination discussions or to receive a quick quote.
For more information, please visit: www.vulcraft.com or www.vulcraft.com/engineers/bim/revit.php.
Three New High-Capacity Truss Hangers Added to Simpson Strong-Tie Product Line
By customer request, Simpson Strong-Tie has added three new high-capacity truss hangers to its connector product line. The HTHGQ, HTHMQ and HHSUQ truss hangers are no longer custom orders, but now part of the standard catalog offering.
The HTHGQ heavy girder truss hanger is a high-load capacity girder hanger designed to carry multi-ply trusses (up to five plies) or structural composite lumber. Prior to the HTHGQ, such extreme loads required a bolted connection.
The HTHMQ heavy multiple truss hanger is a versatile, high-capacity truss hanger designed to accommodate various angles, member sizes and number of plies. This truss hanger is able to carry two or three trusses to enable a greater range of hip-jack configurations. The HTHMQ also facilitates single hip-jack combinations and two hip no-jack combinations.
The HHSUQ heavy severe-skew truss hanger is a high-load, face-mount, truss-to-truss and structural composite lumber hanger designed to accommodate severe skews. The 45°– 84° skew range for hip trusses enables greater installation applications.
Each of these welded hangers install easily and quickly with Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive® SDS structural wood screws. For more information about the new truss hangers, visit www.strongtie.com/newproducts.
New .375" wall sizes for 18" and 20" Jumbo HSS
Atlas Tube, North America’s leading provider of hollow structural sections (HSS), now offers 18" and 20" square Jumbo HSS with .375" wall thickness. This is in addition to a wide range of Jumbo HSS with wall thicknesses from .500" to .875". Jumbo HSS deliver improved functional performance and greater flexibility for engineers facing complex design challenges in structures of all types and sizes. Atlas Jumbo sizes meet both the ASTM A500 and CSA G40 industry standards.
Contact Atlas Tube or one of the following stocking distributors for ordering information:
RISA Technologies and Tekla Partner to Offer Steel Connection Design In Tekla Structures
New RISA-Tekla Link Results in Faster, More Accurate Design
Tekla, a leader in bringing building information modeling (BIM) software and online tools to the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) markets, and RISA Technologies, a market-proven analysis and design software company, today announced they have partnered to bring together two leading steel design solutions. Available this month, the new RISA-Tekla Link gives users the combined benefit of the design, detailing and collaboration strengths of Tekla Structures and the comprehensive steel connection design features of RISAConnection.
With Tekla Structures, users create and manage accurately detailed, highly constructible 3D structural models that can be used to ensure success across the entire building process from conceptual design to fabrication, erection and construction management. The RISA-Tekla Link extends these capabilities to include steel connection design, a critical piece of the overall design process, directly within the Tekla Structures environment. This eliminates the need to manually enter connection components into separate design software. The result is increased accuracy and a reduction in the time and cost associated with steel connection design.
With the RISA-Tekla Link, users of Tekla Structures and RISAConnection can:
- Run analysis and design on moment and shear connections
- Group and solve connections collectively or analyze them individually
- View pass/fail analysis results in the Tekla Structures 3D BIM model or in a report format
- Access individual detailed design calculations from within RISAConnection
- Print connection calculations
"Tekla is one of the engineering community's most respected companies and we are happy to join forces and create a link between RISAConnection and Tekla Structures," said Amber Freund, Director of Marketing for RISA Technologies. "We both share a focus in offering the best solutions to automate steel design and engineering for greater safety, accuracy and efficiency."
"We strive to continuously improve our solutions to meet the needs of a structural steel industry that is facing new challenges with shorter lead times, a greater need to collaborate across disciplines and problems in revision handling," said Mark Allphin, Business Manager of Steel for Tekla, Inc. "RISA is an established leader in the steel engineering analysis and design industry and a natural pairing in bringing connection design to our solution and users."
CONTACT: Amber Freund, RISA Technologies, 949-951-5815, amberf@risa.com; Mary Chiaffredo, Tekla Inc., 770-426-5105, ext.229, mary.chiaffredo@tekla.com; Jenn Pratt, Carabiner Communications, 404-655-2273, jpratt@carabinerpr.com
Hilti HIT - HY 200 Adhesive Anchor System
Hilti is launching the most revolutionary adhesive anchor system to date--Hilti HIT-HY 200 Adhesive Anchor System. Inadequately cleaning holes during installation can reduce the performance of conventional adhesive anchor systems significantly. Hilti Safe Set™ Technology eliminates this factor almost entirely and improves reliability and productivity because no manual hole cleaning is required to obtain optimum performance.
For holes that clean themselves use the new Hilti TE-CD and TE-YD Hollow Drill Bits in conjunction with the Hilti VC 20/40 vacuum. Dust is removed by the Hilti VC 20/40 Vacuum System while drilling is in progress for faster drilling and a virtually dustless working environment. No more cleaning after drilling means higher productivity and less cleaning errors. This new method of installation is only allowed with one adhesive in the market- Hilti HIT-HY 200.
No cleaning required - The new Hilti HIT-Z, zero cleaning rod with its cone shaped helix works as a torque-controlled anchor. This means that because of their shape, HIT-Z Anchor Rods, when used with HIT-HY 200, the unique shape of the HIT-Z Anchor Rod allows it to be installed in a standard (hammer drilled, dry or water saturated concrete, above 41°F/5°C) uncleaned hole. The benefits are clear: fewer steps, less equipment and extremely high reliability in anchoring applications.
The traditional blow-brush-blow method is also an option. The current industry standard installation method uses compressed air and a wire brush to clean the drill hole. Like all Hilti adhesive anchors, HIT-HY 200 can be installed using the traditional blow-brush-blow method. Because HIT –HY 200 only requires two blows of compressed air, two brushes and two more blows of compressed air (2x2x2) when using the traditional method, it is
Available in two versions with the same load performance: HIT-HY 200-R for “regular” working times and HIT-HY 200-A for “accelerated” working times allows contractors to choose the perfect adhesive for the application and jobsite conditions.
Hilti HIT-HY 200 Adhesive Anchor System installed with the Hollow drill bit method, HIT-Z or standard hole cleaning is approved by ICC-ES in the ESR 3187 for use in all seismic zones and uncracked and cracked concrete.
For more information on the Hilti HIT-HY 200 Adhesive Anchor System, please contact Hilti Customer Service. From the U.S., call Hilti, Inc., at 1-800-879-8000 or visit the HY200 info page www.us.hilti.com/HY200 ; from Canada, call Hilti (Canada) Corporation at 1-800-363-4458 or visit www.ca.hilti.com/HY200.
To see this system in action, click here to watch a short video
CTS Augments Product Line with Type-G Expansive Additive
CTS Cement Manufacturing Co. now offers CTS Type-G expansive mineral additive for use in shrinkage reduction and shrinkage compensation in portland cement concrete. The Type-G additive can be used in any application where regular portland cement concrete is used, including: slab on grade (flatwork), bridge-decks, parking structures, topping slabs and pre-cast elements.
The primary chemical mechanism for expansion with the Type-G additive is the reaction of calcium oxide and water to create the expansive Calcium Hydroxide Platelet System. The CTS Type-G expansive additive eliminates or reduces cracks caused by drying shrinkage and reduces the number of joints on large, monolithic slabs. There is no effect on mechanical strengths and it is compatible with most portland cements. Type-G is not a shrinkage-reducing admixture.
"With proper handling and safety precautions Type-G can be an effective expansive mineral admixture that complements the CTS line of shrinkage compensating cement products," said Ken Vallens, Vice President Product Development / Engineering Sales, CTS Cement Mfg. Corp. / Rapid Set Products.
CTS also offers its proven KSC Type-K cement technology, a hydraulic cement designed for use in shrinkage-compensating concrete and reduced shrinkage concrete, as well as Komponent, an expansive cement which can be added to ordinary portland cement to make Type-K.
For more information about CTS Cement and Rapid Set, please visit http://www.ctscement.com.
Fast and accurate squaring and aligning Hilti PM 4-M Multi Line Laser
Precision, accuracy and versatility – the Hilti PM 4-M Multi Line Laser takes leveling, plumbing and aligning applications to the next level. The PM 4-M features two vertical lines and one horizontal line for maximum versatility for leveling or aligning applications such as leveling outlets, cable trays, pipes, suspended ceiling, aligning doors and windows and when transferring points or installing partition walls.
The PM 4-M makes these applications easy and fast because it rotates around the center point and has a fine-tuning knob for precise alignment. Add to that Hilti Pulse Power™ technology to produce highly visible beams and contractors have an accurate squaring and aligning tool.
Because these types of tools take a beating on a jobsite, the PM 4-M has a rubberized tool body to help protect the laser aperture and tool edges for increased durability along with a locking pendulum mechanism for added protection.
The PM 4-M is covered by Hilti’s Lifetime Service, a unique service agreement that includes two years of no-cost coverage* and one free calibration per year for the first two years to help ensure reliability and accuracy.
For more information about the Hilti PM 4-M Multi Line Laser, please contact Hilti Customer Service. From the U.S., call Hilti, Inc., at 1-800-879-8000 or visit www.us.hilti.com; from Canada, call Hilti (Canada) Corporation at 1-800-363-4458 or visit www.hilti.ca.
*Some limitations apply. Contact Hilti for details
CSC releases Tedds 2013 to the US and Canada
Later this month leading structural software developer, CSC, will release Tedds 2013, a ground breaking new version of its structural calculation software. Up to twice as fast as its predecessor, Tedds 2013 includes a new and fully integrated 2D frame analysis application, many new and enhanced calculations to both US and Canadian design codes, and is compatible with Microsoft Word 2013.
The new analysis application was developed in collaboration with Bassam Izzuddin, Professor at Imperial College in the UK, and enables engineers to access a range of analysis options within Tedds, avoiding the need to use separate analysis software. Engineers can now analyse frames, such as trusses, cranked beams & portal frames, and then create a single project document including calculations, notes and sketches.
Tedds 2013 has new calculations for designing concrete and masonry retaining walls, and concrete and wood shear walls and masonry columns, along with many other significantly enhanced calculations in accordance with US and Canadian design codes. It also includes unique features enabling engineers to create their own bespoke calculations, along with new API functionality for communication with other software applications.
Supported Tedds users will be able to download Tedds 2013 at www.mycscworld.com. For information on Tedds, including information on the new features in Tedds 2013, please visit www.cscworld.com.
TGRWA invests in CSC’s Fastrak for superior BIM integration
TGRWA, a long-standing US engineering company, has invested in CSC’s steel building design software, Fastrak. Now available to all its engineers TGRWA aims to further increase efficiency by capitalizing on the automated design and seamless BIM integration provided within Fastrak.
Jon Andrews, Principal at TGRWA said: “Fastrak offers superior integration with Autodesk® Revit®. We have been able to save huge amounts of design and drafting time as we only need to build one model, and we can easily pass the model back and forth with Revit® and see what has been changed during the design process. We have recently used Fastrak to model a 2 story office and retail building and are delighted to have saved so much time integrating with Revit – this has increased our productivity enormously.”
Stuart Broome, Vice President at CSC, said: “TGRWA will also benefit from the intuitive and automated design capabilities within Fastrak. They can design buildings using real objects - such as beams and columns - manipulate models easily and apply loading quickly. We are delighted that our software can help firms like TGRWA save time and resource, and gain a competitive edge.”
For more information regarding CSC’s products visit www.cscworld.com. For information on TGRWA please visit www.tgrwa.com.
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products announces the new Robotic Welding Solutions Catalog
Available in print or online, the Robotic Welding Solutions catalog includes the comprehensive product offering from ESAB Automation.
From the innovative, pre-engineered Swift Arc robotic welding cells to Aristo Mig welding packages, ESAB Automation delivers economical robotic solutions to fabricators across a diverse range of industries. Designed for exceptional productivity in harsh industrial environments, ESAB products are supported by a global network of customer service and maintenance programs. Visit esabna.com/roboticscatalog to download your copy today or call 1-800-ESAB123 to request a printed copy.
ESAB Automation experts review each customer’s current welding operations and then work with the customer to design an optimal system.
For more information, visit www.esabna.com or call 1-800-ESAB123.
S-FRAME Software Provides BIM-CAD Link Updates to S-FRAME Structural Office R11
Structural Engineering Software Provider introduces new 2-way links between S-FRAME Structural Office R11 and Revit & Tekla BIM solutions as well as a new DXF import link. This functionality provides a focus on interoperability and connectivity within project workflows. For more details, click here.
Structural Engineering Software Solutions Provider S-FRAME Software Announces the Release of S-FRAME Structural Office R11
Structural Office R11 provides structural engineering professionals significant new functionality and enhancements to S-FRAME Analysis, S-STEEL Design, S-PAD Design, S-CONCRETE Design, S-LINE Design & S-CALC.
Click here to see more details.
Simpson Strong-Tie® Acquires TJ® Shear Brace Product Line from Weyerhaeuser to Complement Shear Wall Offering
Simpson Strong-Tie announces the acquisition of the TJ® Shear Brace product line from Weyerhaeuser. The TJ Shear Brace pre-fabricated shear wall complements the Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Wall® shear wall product offering and is the only trimmable shear wall on the market for custom heights and rake walls.
Simpson Strong-Tie will now handle all sales of the TJ Shear Brace. Weyerhaeuser will continue to distribute the product line in its 22 U.S. markets. Customers can also continue to source the product through current distribution in Canada and outside of Weyerhaeuser Distribution markets.
Simpson Strong-Tie and Weyerhaeuser have a longstanding relationship that spans more than three decades, beginning with the collaboration on new products for the Trus Joist® engineered wood products line.
“We are pleased to continue our relationship with Simpson Strong-Tie through this transaction. Both companies are dedicated to creating high-quality, innovative products for our customers and backing them with world-class service. We’ll work hand-in-hand to make this a smooth and efficient transition for our valued customers,” stated Carlos Guilherme, vice president of Engineered Lumber Products for Weyerhaeuser.
“The purchase of the TJ Shear Brace product line is mutually beneficial, and a positive step for both companies. We look forward to new opportunities and collaborations with Weyerhaeuser to bring new products to our customers,” said Simpson Strong-Tie President Terry Kingsfather.
A Simpson Strong-Tie branded shear wall will be launched later this year. Until that time, the product brand will remain TJ Shear Brace. Simpson Strong-Tie sales and technical reps will be working closely with Weyerhaeuser to ensure a smooth transition for customers and will notify customers when the product conversion is complete.
New XEQ Self-Drilling Screw for Exterior Metal Applications Undergoes Dual-Hardness Heat Treatment for More Ductility
Simpson Strong-Tie has expanded its line of fasteners to include the XEQ self-drilling screw for use in exterior metal framing applications.
Designed specifically for use with Simpson Strong-Tie® connectors and cold-formed steel framing, the new XEQ screw features a unique heat treatment. It has a hardened tip at 52 HRC and a load-bearing, threaded shank that is less than 34 HRC. This dual-hardened heat treatment is not utilized in standard self-drilling screws and results in a screw that is more ductile and less prone to hydrogen embrittlement.
The XEQ screw meets ASTM C1513 drill-time performance, and is the only fastener load rated for Simpson Strong-Tie L70Z and LS70Z connectors for use with Trex® Elevations™ steel deck framing. It also features a proprietary Quik Guard® double-barrier coating for corrosion resistance in exterior applications.
The #10 x ¾” hex-head screw is available in 100 and 1000 count boxes. For more information about the XEQ self-drilling screw and other Simpson Strong-Tie fasteners, visit www.strongtie.com/fasten.
Introduction to LIMCON Steel Connection Design Software
StrucSoft Solutions, Inc. is pleased to announce a free webinar on designing and checking structural steel connections with LIMCON software. This free webinar should be of interest to structural engineers, steel detailers, connection checkers, and general contractors.
Designing and checking structural steel connections can be both time-consuming and tedious. LIMCON is a windows-based, graphical software tool that allows you to quickly and easily design and check steel connections in both SI metric and US customary units, using the latest code from AISC 360-10 LRFD and ASD, BS 5950, AS 4100 and CAN/CSA-S16-09.
Please join StrucSoft for this informational webinar to learn how you can:
- Easily choose and plug in hundreds of standard steel connection types, including support for multiple-row moment and end plate connections
- Perform calculations in real-time
- Check bolt and weld groups
- Check support for multiple codes
- View connections in realistic 3D
- Integrate detailing with DXF output.
Who Should Attend:
Structural engineers
Steel detailers
Connection checkers
General Contractors
Registration Link Here.
New steel deck operations support regional construction growth
New Millennium, a division of Steel Dynamics, Inc., announces the launch of new metal deck manufacturing operations in Hope, Arkansas.
The new operations will support economic growth in the south central U.S. by adding new jobs and supporting new construction in the region.
The expanded operations fulfill a goal of the company to revitalize and grow the production of facilities acquired by the company here in 2010. The company’s decision to invest here means the following metal deck production capacities have been added to the region:
- 36,000 square feet of renovated metal deck manufacturing
- Capacity to produce fourteen deck profiles, including F deck and full deck accessories
- 300 feet-per-minute production rates
- Deck lengths up to 40 feet
- New production hires and related support staffing
“New Millennium is a growing company,” said Chris Graham, New Millennium’s general manager at the Hope, AR facility. “The new deck lines represent our continued investment in progressive structural steel construction both in the south central U.S. and nationwide.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION about New Millennium, visit: www.newmill.com
Newly Code-Listed Strong Frame® Special Moment Frame for Wood and Light-Frame Construction Featured at IBS
Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie announces that its Strong Frame® special moment frame, a unique lateral system solution for both new construction and soft-story multifamily retrofits, is now code listed (ICC-ES ESR-2802). The special moment frame is designed to ease installation and offers quick specification using readily available design software. The special moment frame will be featured at the International Builders’ Show, January 22-24 in Las Vegas, Booth C1826.
As a structural framing system, the new Strong Frame special moment frame is designed to help prevent damage to structures in seismic events. The frame is built upon a new patented Yield-Link™ Structural Fuse technology. In a large earthquake, the beam-to-column links are designed to bear the brunt of inelastic deformation demands, keeping the structural integrity of the beams and columns intact. With bolt-on/bolt-off ability, the links are fully replaceable if damaged. The Yield-Link Structural Fuse technology also enables the special moment frame to be designed without lateral bracing from the beam to the adjacent roof or floor diaphragm.
The steel frame is available in 192 pre-engineered sizes and also can be custom-engineered using Simpson Strong-Tie® Strong Frame® Selector software. All specialty bolts are installed and inspected at the factory, so no special tools are required in the field.
With straightforward installation and prompt lead times, the special moment frame is an economical solution for both new construction and soft-story retrofits in wood and light-frame structures. For more information, visit www.strongtie.com/smf.
Tilt-Up Concrete Association Releases New Temporary Wind Bracing Guideline
MT. VERNON, IOWA – The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) – an international nonprofit organization that serves to expand and improve the use of Tilt-Up as the preferred building system – has announced the release of a revised guideline on Temporary Wind Bracing of Tilt-Up Concrete Panels During Construction.
According to Jim Baty, Technical Director of the TCA, the guideline is intended to provide a standardized method for the design and erection of a temporary bracing system for use during construction of a Tilt-Up structure. The current OSHA requirement requires that Tilt-Up concrete panels be temporarily braced to prevent panels from overturning or collapsing during the construction of a Tilt-Up structure. Since OSHA does not specify how to prevent Tilt-Up wall panels from overturning or collapsing, the TCA developed a temporary bracing guideline for use by the construction industry.
“The 2012 edition of the TCA Wind-Bracing Guidelines is a combination of technological progress in this industry and reassurance for the performance of these systems,” said Baty.
Baty noted that the industry was challenged when ASCE 37 identified it would change to adopt ASCE 7 pressures as it established the concern that bracing schemes may be under-designed for the resulting wind conditions. However, he noted, TCA’s engineering experts have been able to confirm that Tilt-Up bracing systems are sufficiently designed with today’s standards.
“This confirmation permitted us to move forward with recommendations for response design recommendations on slab thickness and integrating helical ground anchor systems to this more robust version,” he said.
The original TCA Bracing Guidelines, published in September 1994, suggested a temporary bracing design based on a minimum uniform lateral wind pressure of 10 psf., applied over the entire panel area. This was based on a 40-year history of bracing panels that were for the most part, shorter than 30-feet tall. TCA revised the document in 1998 to incorporate the analytical procedures contained in ASCE Standard 7-95, Minimum Design Loads For Buildings And Other Structures. This ASCE standard forms the basis for calculation of wind forces used in the design of wind force resisting systems in completed structures. The wind load provisions of section 6.0, ASCE 7-95 were followed in the design of temporary bracing for Tilt-Up panels during construction.
The application of ASCE 7-95 resulted in an applied lateral wind pressure that varies over and increases with the height of the panels. The 1998 guideline used a construction period wind speed of 70 mph as a minimum in the design of temporary bracing. This was based on a basic wind speed of 90 mph, with a fifty year mean recurrence interval and multiplying it by 0.78 to convert it to a construction period wind speed of 70 mph with a five year mean recurrence interval. This method also incorporated the 3-second gust speeds reported by the national weather service and other weather information services.
In 2005, TCA revised its 1998 wind-bracing guide to incorporate the provisions of SEI/ASCE 37-02, Design Loads On Structures During Construction. The SEI/ASCE 37-02 standard incorporates the design wind load requirements of the ASCE 7-95 standard, using a basic wind speed of 90 mph. For construction periods up to one year, the SEI/ASCE 37-02 standard specifies the use of an adjustment factor of 0.8 to be applied to the basic 90 mph wind speed. This adjustment results in a 72 mph construction period design wind speed, which is the wind speed recommended for design of the temporary bracing system.
The 2012 edition continues to base its design loadings on SEI/ASCE 37-02, however, the wind loadings are now based on ASCE 7-10 provisions. ASCE 37-02 will adopt the ASCE 7-10 wind provisions in the next revision to the publication. In addition, it is very likely that many, if not all local building codes, will endorse ASCE 7-10 in the near future. As such, the TCA decided to endorse ASCE 7-10 as the standard for temporary bracing of Tilt panels during construction.
The major changes to wind load provision of ASCE 7-10 include:
- Introduction of new wind speed maps to be used with a 1.0 load factor for LRFD design
- A 0.6 load reduction factor for ASD design
- Re-introduction of Exposure D in hurricane prone Regions
To purchase your copy of the new Guideline, visit www.tilt-up.org/resources. Considering the environmental impact and declining use of printed material, this publication is available solely in its digital form.
Airport Link design team receive highest honour in Bentley awards
The team responsible for the design of the Brisbane Airport Link projects – the Parsons Brinckerhoff and Arup Joint Venture (PBAJV) – has received the Special Recognition Award for Sustaining our Society at the Bentley 2012 Be Inspired Awards on 14 November in Amsterdam.
Regarded as the highest honour of the awards program, the Special Recognition Award recognises outstanding achievement in infrastructure – representing the ‘best of the best’ and chosen from a competitive field of entries from across the world.
PBAJV was a finalist in the individual award categories of Innovation in Roads and Connecting Project Teams for its entry for the Airport Link, Northern Busway (Windsor to Kedron) and Airport Roundabout Upgrade projects. Only projects that reach the finalist designation for each category were eligible for a special recognition award.
A project of such significant scale and complexity – at $5.6bn, it is one of the largest road and transport infrastructure projects in Australia’s history – required a truly collaborative effort to deliver 1,500 separate design packages and more than 35,000 design drawings. Over 1,000 PBAJV team members worked more than one million hours to design this project and provide construction phase support, drawing on their extensive local and international skills and resources. Specialist design professionals were mobilised from around the world to form what became a highly effective delivery team.
Bentley solutions that were used for the design include: (MicroStation, MXROAD, InRoads, Structural Modeler, and gINT) and project collaboration document control (ProjectWise).
PBAJV Technical Director Marty Scrogings (Arup) collected the award on behalf of the joint venture at the official ceremony, along with Mark Patis (PB) and Andrew Lewis (Arup). The PBAJV Project Director had this to say:
“It is a tremendous honour for the PBA team to receive the special recognition award for our work on this complex piece of infrastructure. We thank Bentley for its ongoing support to us throughout the project, and also congratulate all the other finalists and award winners this year.
The entire project team is very proud of our involvement in this project which delivers a social legacy for Brisbane. The design brief challenged us to collaborate intensively to produce technically excellent solutions that are world class on every possible measure. The sheer size of the Airport Link projects bring with it a huge engineering challenge in terms of coordination and management of the design teams, the number of drawings to be produced, and best practice data management.
As a collaborative tool, Bentley ProjectWise enabled us to meet the project’s challenging design brief, ultimately helping the PBA team and our construction partners Thiess John Holland to redefine the urban fabric of our city through an innovative and inspired design.”
- Luke van Heuzen, PBAJV Project Director
PDI's Latest Integrity Method
Learn about PDI’s Thermal Integrity Profiler (TIP), a new system to assess the quality of cast-in-place concrete foundations.
The Thermal Integrity Profiler, developed by Pile Dynamics, Inc. and FGE, LLC, determines the integrity and quality of cast-in-place concrete foundations such as drilled shafts, bored piles, augered cast-in-place (ACIP) piles, continuous flight auger (CFA) and drilled displacement piles. It may also be used to evaluate the integrity of diaphragm walls and slurry walls, as well as evaluate the shape and quality of jet grout columns.
The Test
The TIP measures the temperature of the concrete during the hydration process. Using relationships between the volume of concrete placed and the heat generated during the hydration process, TIP provides information such as:
- Integrity of the entire cross-section of concrete, including inside and outside of the reinforcing cage (100% cross section coverage)
- Integrity along the entire length of the shaft
- The actual shape of the shaft
- Reinforcement cage alignment
- Integrity can typically be assessed within 24 – 48 hours, thus accelerating construction
The System
TIP is available in two models – with a Thermal Probe or with Thermal Wire®. Both include the TIP main unit for visualization of field data. Data is later downloaded to a computer for analysis (software included).
Thermal Probe Model – Includes a thermal probe that is inserted into access tubes built into the shaft to collect temperature data during concrete curing.
Thermal Wire Model – Includes wires fitted with thermal sensors throughout their length. The wires are attached to the reinforcement cage prior to concreting and collect thermal data during concrete curing.
Software
The TIP Reporter Software displays measured temperatures versus depth and mapped on cross sections of the shaft, thus creating a 3 dimensional view of the final shaft. This helps to pinpoint areas of concern (e.g. regions that are colder than average indicate necks or inclusions and regions that are warmer than average indicate bulges).
To receive more information on the Thermal Integrity Profiler please contact our sales team at sales@pile.com. Please visit us online at www.pile.com to view information on the Thermal Integrity Profiler and on our entire product line. Also find a local PDI representative in your region of the world, or download numerous supporting reference papers on a variety of deep foundation testing subjects.
Simpson Strong-Tie Product Catalogs Now Available On Mobile App
Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie launches the new Literature Library mobile app, providing customers with a quick and easy way to view and search the most popular Simpson Strong-Tie product catalogs while on the go. The app is a free download in the App Store™ for the iPhone® and iPad® and for Android™ devices in the Google Play Store.
With the Literature Library mobile app, customers can review the current Simpson Strong-Tie Wood Construction Connectors Catalog and Addendum, the Fastening Systems Catalog, and the Anchoring & Fastening Systems for Concrete and Masonry Catalog.
Each catalog is fully searchable by keyword, including product name, number or description. The app includes an interactive table of contents enabling customers to go directly from the table of contents to the product page with one tap of a button. Customers can also zoom in to view drawings and tables in detail.
To download the app for iPhone or iPad, visit the App Store. For Android devices, download the app from the Google Play Store.
For more information on the Literature Library mobile app, visit www.strongtie.com/apps.
New Video on Designing with HSS
Known throughout North America for Hollow Structural Sections (HSS), Atlas Tube produces steel to all major specifications and can roll custom grades and lengths to meet the demands of any project. Today, Atlas Tube premieres the third installment in their educational HSS web video series, "Designing with HSS: A Corporate Overview of Atlas Tube."
Hear from Brad Fletcher, S.E., in the third installment of the video series, "Designing with HSS: Corporate Overview," on why no other manufacturer offers more flexibility or capacity when it comes to steel. Please click here to watch the new video.
Martin/Martin and Design Data to join CSC’s BIM presentations at the Autodesk University 2012
Global structural software developer and Autodesk Structural Industry Partner, CSC, is to present once again at the Autodesk University, this year held in Las Vegas on 27-29 November. CSC’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) expert, Kevin Lea, will lead a 90 minute roundtable discussion with Grant Doherty from leading structural engineering firm Martin/Martin on the benefits of Structural BIM. He will also be joined by Design Data in a separate class where delegates will learn how integration between CSC’s steel design software, Fastrak, and Design Data’s SDS/2 Connect detailing software and Autodesk® Revit® is revolutionizing BIM.
The round table discussion entitled ‘Autodesk® Revit® Structure: Structural BIM Delivers Real Productivity Gains’ explores the tangible benefits structural BIM technology offers and how it is being implemented. Delegates will hear from Martin/Martin on how BIM has delivered productivity gains in real life projects.
In conjunction with VP Doug Evans from Design Data, Lea will demonstrate how integration between Revit, Fastrak and SDS/2 Connect completes the process for the entire design of steel structures. Delegates joining this class entitled ‘Autodesk® Revit® Structure: The Complete Solution for Steel Buildings’ will leave with a clear understanding of how seamless integration can bridge the information gap between design and fabrication, shortens timelines, enhances project communication, and ultimately reduces project costs.
Kevin Lea is a respected BIM expert and one of the foremost influencers in the adoption of Structural BIM. Kevin has worked with consulting engineers throughout the world, assessing their requirements for structural design and BIM solutions. Kevin has worked with CSC’s clients such as Arup, Atkins, Buro Happold, AECOM, Martin/Martin, and WSP to implement the latest structural BIM technologies.
For more information on Structural BIM please visit www.cscworld.com. To register for CSC’s presentations at the Autodesk University visit www.autodeskuniversity2012.com and search for class references SE2341 and SE2342.
CSC software now Windows 8 compatible
Leading structural software developer, CSC, has announced that its entire portfolio is now compatible with Windows 8, Microsoft’s new operating system released last month. CSC customers using structural calculation software, Tedds, and concrete and steel building design software, Orion and Fastrak, can take advantage of over 300 new features in Windows 8, while working as normal with their structural design software from CSC. They can also run CSC software on the new Windows 8 tablets.
CEO, Mark Roberts, comments: “At CSC we are continually developing our products to ensure that they are fully compatible with the latest operating systems and Windows 8 is no exception. Whether our users plan to adopt Windows 8 now or in the future, they can be confident our software works.”
CSC customers currently using Windows XP will soon need to consider upgrading operating system as Microsoft will be withdrawing support from April 2014.
For more information on Windows 8 visit here.
Fyfe Announces Breakthrough Fireproofing System for FRP
Fyfe Company, a subsidiary of Aegion Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select Market: AEGN), is pleased to announce the release of its newest Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. (UL) listed fire protection system, the Tyfo® CFP System.
The Tyfo® CFP System is a new, specially formulated fire protection system for use with the Tyfo® Fibrwrap® System. It is one of the lowest profile fireproofing systems available for application over fiber reinforced polymer (FRP). The thin and environmentally durable application is spray applied and can be installed for up to a 4-hour rating on square and circular columns and beam slab assemblies.
Fire protection for concrete structures is necessary because according to ACI 216 guidelines, the strength of a reinforced concrete member decreases as it is exposed to fire. When FRP is added to strengthen a reinforced concrete member, it is exposed to the same threat of fire. The Tyfo® CFP System insulates the reinforced concrete member and the FRP, providing thermal protection in fire events.
Fyfe recently completed ASTM E119 testing on a round column, square column and two beam slab assemblies. The load applied to all test specimens for the duration of the test was greater than the theoretical capacity of the specimen without Tyfo® Fibrwrap® reinforcing. Results from these tests confirm that the Tyfo® CFP system applied with the Tyfo® Fibrwrap® system provides structural strengthening along with required fire ratings.
More information about Aegion can be found on its internet site at www.aegion.com.
More information about Fyfe can be found on its internet site at www.fyfeco.com.
Simpson Strong-Tie Launches New Integrated Component Systems for Truss Design, Manufacturing and Installation at BCMC 2012
Simpson Strong-Tie will launch its Integrated Component Systems offering to truss manufacturers at BCMC on October 17-19 in New Orleans at booth 303.
The Integrated Component Systems line includes Simpson Strong-Tie® Component Solutions™ software for roof and floor trusses and wall panels, along with a full line of code-listed truss connector plates.
Component Solutions software is a powerful program providing manufacturers with the tools they need to efficiently design and manufacture trusses. Within the software, designers can model structures in an intuitive 3-D environment, create and optimize truss and panel designs, send truss design information to Simpson Strong-Tie for engineering seals, and more. The company is working closely with users to expand functionality of the software on an ongoing basis.
Simpson Strong-Tie is also producing a line of top-quality truss connector plates with some of the highest loads in the industry. Code listings for truss plate products include ICC-ES ESR-2762, Florida FL10495, and CCMC 13326-L and 13418-L.
For more information on the new Integrated Component Systems offering from Simpson Strong-Tie, visit the company’s website at: www.strongtie.com/ics.
New Connector and Current Fastener Products Showcased at BCMC 2012
Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie will feature a number of new and innovative products at the 2012 BCMC show in New Orleans, October 17-19, booth 303.
The following are a few of the products that will be showcased.
New Simpson Strong-Tie® Truss Hangers – Available January 1, 2013
The HTHGQ Heavy Girder Truss Hanger is a high-capacity girder hanger designed to carry multi-ply trusses (up to five-plies) or structural composite lumber. Previously, such extreme loads required a bolted connection.
The HTHMQ Heavy Multiple Truss Hanger is a versatile, high-capacity truss hanger designed to carry two or three trusses to enable a greater range of hip-jack configurations. The HTHMQ truss hanger accommodates various angles (30°-60° skews), member sizes and number of plies. The HTHMQ also facilitates single hip-jack combinations and two hip-no jack combinations.
The HHSUQ Heavy Severe Skew Truss Hanger is a high-load, face-mount, truss-to-truss and structural composite lumber hanger designed to accommodate severe skews. The 45°-84° skew range for hip trusses enables greater installation applications.
The HTHGQ, HTHMQ and HHSUQ can all be used with Simpson Strong-Tie® SDS screws to make installation faster and easier.
Strong-Drive® SDW Structural Wood Screws – Available Now
The Strong-Drive® SDW screw is a 0.22" diameter, high-strength structural wood screw specifically designed for fastening multi-ply wood members such as plated trusses, engineered-lumber products and solid-sawn lumber. The SDW installs easily with no pre-drilling and is available in optimized lengths for fastening 2, 3 and 4-ply trusses or 1 3/4" engineered lumber such as structural composite lumber. The SDW enables single-side fastening, while still allowing concurrent loading on both sides of the assembly to the full allowable head or tip-side load of the fastener.
Strong-Drive® SDWC Structural Wood Screw – Available Now
Simpson Strong-Tie has expanded its Strong-Drive® SDW structural wood screw product line by offering the code-listed SDWC, a time-saving and reliable option for fastening trusses and rafters to wall top plates. The entire length of the Strong-Drive SDWC screw comprises a fully-threaded shank, providing a secure connection between the roof and wall framing members. The fastener’s cap-style head countersinks fully into the double top plate to avoid interference with drywall or finish trades. The SDWC requires no pre-drilling and allows for a wide installation-angle range for faster and easier installation. The SDWC offers fully tested loads in accordance with ICC-ES AC233 (screw) and ICC-ES AC13 (roof-to-wall assembly). The SDWC screw is sold with a matched-tolerance T-30, 6-lobe driver bit and metal installation guide tool.
For the Simpson Strong-Tie press kit for BCMC 2012, please visit www.strongtie.com/pressroom.