Prefabricated shearwalls are often used in wood and light gauge steel buildings that are designed with larger window and door openings. Made from steel, these walls provide the strength and load capacity needed for designs while offering narrow widths to accommodate larger openings. With the ability to stack prefabricated shearwalls, designers and builders can achieve even greater design flexibility in two-story homes and buildings.

Simpson Strong-Tie introduced Steel Strong-Wall shearwalls in 2005 and manufactures them in the U.S. The walls are code-listed to the 2006 IRC/IBC (see ICC-ES ESR-1679) and conform to ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria (AC322). ICC-ES ESR-1679 provides allowable base-moment information and a design example to help designers with stacked-wall solutions that account for cumulative overturning.

Simpson Strong-Tie now has the most code-listed prefabricated shearwall applications in the industry. Steel Strong-Wall shearwalls applications include:

• Standard application on concrete foundation
• Installation on first-story, wood floor system
• Balloon-framing application
• Two-story, stacked-wall application
• Cold-formed steel application on concrete foundation

Additional information about product applications and the Steel Strong-Wall code report is available at www.strongtie.com/steelstrongwall.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Since 2003, there have been thousands of reported injuries* and several deaths as a result of deck failures. To help raise awareness about the prevalence of deck collapse and promote code-compliant deck construction, Simpson Strong-Tie will stage a live deck collapse at DeckExpo in Indianapolis on October 28-29 at 1 p.m. in booth 302. In addition, educational seminars and new products will be featured at the show; visit Simpson Strong-Tie booths 1205 and 1305.

New DeckTools Software® 3.0
DeckTools® sales, design and estimating software program for decks makes it easy for deck builders and suppliers to create one-of-a-kind deck designs right from their laptops. The program allows users to customize nearly every detail, from the deck shape and railings to material choices, while quickly generating plans, proposals and material lists. Unlike many deck software programs, DeckTools software features photo-realistic 3D views that are rendered in real time. DeckTools was launched in 2003 and since that time has developed a large community of users. "The market is getting tougher because of the economy, but we are very busy, thanks to DeckTools. I've almost doubled my sales closing rate," said Clemens Jellema, president of Fine Decks Inc. in Maryland.

The latest version of the program, DeckTools Software 3.0, will be available at DeckExpo and includes new features, such as Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and fasteners at key connections in deck construction and DWG and DXF (CAD-compatible) file export. The software retails for $1895.00; DeckExpo attendees will receive 20% off the retail price if purchased at the show. For more information about the software, visit the DeckTools site.

A DeckTools Seminar is scheduled during the DeckExpo Conference on October 27 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. In addition, DeckTools Software® demonstrations will be held daily at the Simpson Strong-Tie booth 1305.

Deck Framing Connections Seminar
Simpson Strong-Tie and the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) will host a Deck Framing Connections Seminar at the DeckExpo Conference. The seminar reviews the IBC and IRC code requirements and methods to satisfy them. The course also identifies the common causes of deck failure, discusses corrosion issues, and provides guidelines for selecting the proper connectors and fasteners. The Deck Framing Connections Seminar will be held October 27 from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

New Deck Products
Simpson Strong-Tie will showcase its complete line of deck connectors and fasteners, including Swan Secure™ corrosion resistant and stainless steel fasteners, as well as Quik Drive® auto-feed screw driving systems. The new versatile DTT2Z deck tension tie fulfills two critical connections in deck construction. It's a safe, cost-effective way to attach rail posts to the deck framing and complies with IRC requirements for laterally tying the deck to the house.

The DTT2Z and many other products are featured in the new Simpson Strong-Tie Deck Framing Connection Guide. The guide includes best practices for building safe, code-compliant decks. It can be downloaded at the Deck Center on strongtie.com.

DeckExpo at a Glance:

Tues, Oct. 27     Deck Framing Connections Seminar 8 a.m.

Tues, Oct. 27     DeckTools Seminar 1:30 p.m.

Wed, Oct. 28     Live Deck Collapse 1:00 p.m. Booth 302

Wed, Oct. 28     DeckTools Demonstrations Booth 1305 | New Products Booth 1205

Thurs, Oct. 29    Live Deck Collapse 1:00 p.m. Booth 302

Thurs, Oct. 29    DeckTools Demonstrations Booth 1305 | New Products Booth 1205

Fri, Oct. 30        DeckTools Demonstrations Booth 1305 | New Products Booth 1205

*Based on data collected by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Simpson Strong-Tie has been honored with the prestigious Partners of Choice Award for the fifth consecutive year, earning an "A" ranking in quality. Sponsored by David Weekley Homes, the nation's second largest privately held for-profit homebuilder, the award program is a culmination of a year-long quality and service survey.

The Partners of Choice Awards program is based on a National Trading Partner Survey that reviews approximately 150 suppliers, including such companies as GE, Moen, Dupont and Boise Cascade. Companies, known as "trading partners," are rated by David Weekley team members (employees) each quarter on both quality and service. The National Trading Partner Survey, unique to the building industry, was launched in September 2003. Approximately 600 David Weekley team members are surveyed annually. Team members are asked to rate trading partners on a scale from 1-10 for quality and for service. Numeric scores are averaged and an alpha ranking of A through F is assigned in 20 percent increments based on each company's relative standing to others. David Weekley Homes shares the results quarterly with all participating partners. The award program honors suppliers who earn an "A" in quality, service or both in a 12-month period. Simpson Strong-Tie, who has been a part of the survey program since its inception, was among eighteen companies this year to receive an award.

"The National Trading Partner Survey challenges manufacturers to look beyond their four walls in delivering quality products to our job sites," said Bill Justus, vice president of supply chain services for David Weekley Homes and founder of the program. "For five straight years Simpson Strong-Tie has shown through their actions that they understand the concept, and actively manage the distribution channel in support of us. We want to align ourselves with partners such as Simpson, that invest time and energy into the relationship."

Mike Moran, vice president of Simpson Strong-Tie builder programs, added "Given our current situation in the home building industry, it is even more important that builders and manufacturers work together to improve communication, construction processes and quality. We appreciate the efforts of David Weekley Homes and their Partners of Choice program to help make that happen."

Pleasanton, Calif. - Simpson Strong-Tie introduces its newest collated fastener, the DHPD hardwood deck screw. It’s specifically designed for hardwood decking, such as fastening Ipê to pressure-treated joists, and the DHPD deck screw’s paddle-style drill point eliminates the need to pre-drill holes, saving contractors time

The screw’s paddle-style drill point not only allows users to skip the pre-drill step, but it greatly reduces their chance of splitting the hardwood. The screw is able to counter-bore hard material because of its reinforced mid-wings that allow the compact head of the screw to countersink into deck boards for a clean, less-noticeable finish. The screw is collated to work with the Quik Drive® auto-feed screw fastening system, which increases the speed of installation and helps prevent back and knee strain since users can stand while they work. The collated screw strips also help minimize screw waste.

The DHPD hardwood deck screw is made of type 305 stainless steel for premium corrosion resistance. For more information about all of our fasteners and Quik Drive systems, visit www.strongtie.com/fasten.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Colorado State University and Simpson Strong-Tie along with other partners successfully led the world's largest earthquake shake table test in Japan on Tuesday, showing that mid-rise wood-frame buildings can be built to withstand major earthquakes.

"Thorough, detailed analysis of the data won't be available for weeks, but scientists are pleased with the initial results," said John van de Lindt, principal investigator on the test and civil engineering professor at Colorado State University.

Tuesday's 40-second test, approximating a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, was the strongest test, occurring on a seven-story condominium tower with 23 one- and two-bedroom living units. The test, held in Miki City, near Kobe, Japan, was on the world's largest earthquake shake table owned by Japan's E-Defense, a 3-D, full scale earthquake testing facility. The tower is the largest wood-frame building ever built and tested.

"Early results of the testing this summer show that the building performed so well and had so little damage that it validated the design philosophy developed by Colorado State, other universities in the National Science Foundation's Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation and our industry collaborators," said van de Lindt.

Steve Pryor, structural engineer for Simpson Strong-Tie and project collaborator added, "The testing thus far has shown that performance-based design for light-frame wood structures works. This will allow the engineering and building community to provide safer, better performing buildings in the most cost-effective manner."

The U.S. building industry rarely permits wood-frame buildings in excess of five stories in earthquake-prone areas. The data gathered from this test could increase the height of these buildings and influence the design of future wood-frame construction. The government of British Columbia is particularly interested in the results of the test after enacting a new law April 1 that increases the height of wood-frame structures from four to six stories.

Researchers spent the summer simulating earthquakes ranging from fairly frequent events expected every 70 years or so, to more powerful earthquakes that are only expected every 500 to 2,500 years, with magnitudes ranging from 6.7 to 7.5 on the Richter scale. The Northridge earthquake, for comparison, measured 6.7.

The seismic testing, known as the NEESWood Capstone tests, is the culmination of a four-year $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a new design approach for taller wood-frame buildings in earthquake-prone areas. That grant is a collaboration between five universities, including Texas A&M University, RPI, University at Buffalo, and University of Delaware.

Other contributors on the Japan project include the U.S. Forest Products Lab/Forest Service, the Provincial Government of British Columbia, FPInnovations, Maui Homes and numerous material contributors, including Stanley Bostitch, and Strocal Inc.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Imagine showing a prospective customer a picture of their dream deck—and not just a drawing or sketch, but a full-color, 3-dimensional image they can look at from any angle. DeckTools™, a sales, design and estimating software program for decks, allows deck builders and suppliers to bring photo-realistic deck designs to customers right from their laptops.

With DeckTools, users can create one-of-a-kind deck designs for their clients, customizing nearly every detail from the deck shape to railings and material choices. The program provides 3-dimensional views of deck and railing designs as well as traditional plan views. Designs are rendered in real time, so clients can see what their deck will look like with their home and backyard. The program also makes it easy to suggest upgrades by instantly showing the visual and cost impact.

In addition, DeckTools helps with practical design elements, such as identifying the key connections required by the building code and suggesting the appropriate Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and fasteners. Users can generate all of the drawings they need in minutes, including structural drawings for permit applications, working drawings for crews and detailed finished views for homeowner associations. They also can create material take-off lists, cost estimates and professional proposals which are fully-customizable Microsoft Office documents. One-on-one training is provided with every license as well as ongoing online classes, self-paced instructional videos and customer support.

Simpson Strong-Tie acquired DeckTools in early 2009. For more information, visit our DeckTools site.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Increasing reports of deck failures across the country have led to a greater focus on deck safety in the building codes. The two main areas of concern are the guardrail-post connection and the deck-to-house connection which are critical to the performance and safety of the deck. Simpson Strong-Tie has developed a new solution to make both of these deck connections safer and stronger: the DTT2Z deck tension tie.

The International Residential Code® (IRC) requires deck railing posts to be able to resist a 200-lb. load in any direction. Many common guardrail-post connections that attach only to the rim joist do not meet this requirement. The new DTT2Z connects the railing post back into the deck framing, not just to the rim joist, creating a connection that meets the code provisions for guardrail reinforcement and results in a safer deck.

In addition, the DTT2Z can be used to tie the deck into the house for a safer, stronger ledger connection. It meets the IRC requirements for laterally attaching the deck to the house and complies with provisions of the AF&PA Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide (DCA6).

Versatile and cost-effective, the DTT2Z deck tension tie fastens quickly and easily using Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive® screws (SDS), which install without pre-drilling and are included with each connector. The DTT2Z also comes with a ZMAX® coating for additional corrosion protection.

To learn more about the DTT2Z deck tension tie and other deck products and resources, visit the new Simpson Strong-Tie® Deck Center.

Austin, Texas - The National Hurricane Conference today honored the corporate sponsors of StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes® at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL with its Outstanding Achievement Award for Mitigation in recognition of their innovation and achievement in public awareness and mitigation advocacy. StormStruck® enables guests from around the world to experience the power of a weather event while learning how to best prepare for floods, hail, high winds, lightning and more.

Keil Gunther of RenaissanceRe, Jamie France of State Farm and Phillip Burton of Simpson Strong-Tie were individually recognized for contributing their technical expertise to emergency preparedness messaging in an unprecedented manner to the guests visiting INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® annually. The exhibit serves as a mitigation public awareness model through its clever use of storytelling and combines education and entertainment to inspire consumers to accept, retain, and act on severe weather preparedness and mitigation messaging.

Keil Gunther, director of marketing at RenaissanceRe, said "I was honored to be one of the many people who contributed toward the extraordinary success of StormStruck, and am delighted it has been recognized by the National Hurricane Conference. By supporting pioneering mitigation initiatives like StormStruck and visionary outreach organizations like FLASH, RenaissanceRe hopes to advance disaster preparedness and foster more resilient communities in which the economic impact of severe weather is minimized."

Jamie France, manager - P&C underwriting for State Farm, said "It's an honor to be recognized at the 2009 National Hurricane Conference as a result of this opportunity. Through collaboration across public and private organizations, I'm confident we can continue to positively influence the lives and communities in coastal areas."

"Simpson Strong-Tie is honored to be a recipient of this award," said Phil Burton, vice president of Simpson Strong-Tie. "StormStruck is helping educate families about the steps they can take to make their homes safer and stronger. Through this exhibit, we are helping people understand how their homes are built and how they can be reinforced to ensure they are protected."

"StormStruck represents a milestone in the disaster safety movement and could not have been possible without exceptional support from our partners," said Leslie Chapman-Henderson, FLASH CEO and president.

StormStruck opened last August and is presented by The Federal Alliance of Safe Homes – FLASH®, RenaissanceRe, State Farm and Simpson Strong-Tie. To learn more, visit www.stormstruck.org.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Gas-actuated fastening tools are used on job sites everyday because of their speed and reliability. Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems® has launched its first gas-actuated nailer, the GCN150, a cordless fastening tool with a two-shot per second firing capacity.

Fast and efficient, the GCN150 is ideal for light-duty applications, such as fastening drywall track to concrete flooring, steel, CMU and metal decks. Other common uses include attaching hat channel, furring strips, drywall rack and plywood underlayment. The nailer is simple to load and use, and does not require operators to be licensed or certified. It features a 40-pin magazine and 1,200-shot fuel cell to maximize fastening time.

Since the GCN150 is cordless, it eliminates the need for compressors, hoses or an external power source. It also is lightweight, making it a portable as well as a versatile tool. To learn more about the GCN150 gas-actuated nailer, visit www.simpsonanchors.com/catalog/pat.

Pleasanton, Calif. - The recent federal economic stimulus package denotes an estimated $130 billion in construction-related projects, $40 billion of which will go to state governments. A portion of those monies are allocated for highways, bridges and transit. As states work to designate their funds, Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems® has been developing anchoring solutions specifically for transportation projects.

The new EDOT™ Epoxy-Tie® adhesive is an economical epoxy adhesive that has been formulated to provide a high-strength bond required for highway and bridge construction. As a two-component, high-solids epoxy-based system, EDOT adhesive is a non-shrink anchor grouting material. Resin and hardener are dispensed and mixed simultaneously through the static mixing nozzle. Available in both cartridges and bulk containers, EDOT is ideal for threaded rod anchoring and rebar doweling applications, and it meets the requirements of ASTM C-881 and AASHTO M235 specifications for Type I, II, IV and V, Grade 3, Class C.

To learn more about EDOT Epoxy-Tie adhesive and other anchoring solutions, visit www.simpsonanchors.com. To view a complete list of all of the Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems® products that are approved for use by the Department of Transportation of each state, visit Product Approvals by State Department of Transportation.

Fort Collins, Colo. - A group of researchers led by Colorado State University in close technical collaboration with Simpson Strong-Tie will take part in an unprecedented research event near Kobe, Japan, this summer. Construction of the largest building ever tested on an earthquake shake table will begin next week.

The seven-story, 40-foot by 60-foot condominium tower with 23 one- and two-bedroom living units and space to accommodate two retail shops will be subjected to simulated earthquakes of varying intensity on Japan's E-Defense (earthquake-Defense) shake table. The shake table is the largest in the world with the platform measuring approximately 65 feet by 49 feet. The shake table reacts against the rock in a nearby mountain and can support building experiments weighing up to 2.5 million pounds.

The series of seismic tests, known as the NEESWood Capstone tests, are scheduled for this June and July, and are the culmination of a four-year $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a new design approach for taller wood-frame buildings in earthquake-prone areas.

NSF estimates more than 75 million U.S. citizens in 39 states live in areas at risk for earthquake devastation.

John van de Lindt,
Colorado State University

"The test in Miki City, Japan, ultimately could help the building industry safely increase the height of wood-frame construction to six - possibly even seven - stories in active seismic zones," said John van de Lindt, Colorado State civil engineering professor who serves as the principal investigator for the project.

CSU is collaborating with four other U.S. research institutions as well as industry partners led by Simpson Strong-Tie, Maui Homes USA and technical collaborators at the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory. Other university collaborators include Texas A&M University, SUNY-Buffalo, RPI, and University of Delaware on the NSF grant.

"In the engineering and scientific community, we don't have quantitative data on how buildings of this size actually perform in an earthquake," said Steve Pryor, building systems research and development manager for Simpson Strong-Tie, a leader in innovative product development for wood-frame buildings. "Just expanding on typical one- and two-story design practices isn't the answer. We need a more robust design methodology to help us determine just how much strength and flexibility is needed, and where to put it. This testing will help us do that. Right now, it's all on paper - we don't have a baseline for buildings this size in a major quake."

Steve Pryor,
Simpson Strong-Tie

Van de Lindt has conducted tests over the past three years involving smaller structures at shake tables at CSU and in collaboration with co-investigator A. Filiatrault at the State University of New York-Buffalo in preparation for the capstone test in Japan. The Japan test will enable researchers to confirm that the new design approach meets expectations.

"Previous testing has shown us that our modeling procedures are accurate for low-rise wood-frame buildings, but the test in Japan will confirm new models for mid-rise wood-frame buildings developed at CSU and design approaches developed at Texas A&M University as part of the project," said van de Lindt.

In Japan, researchers will simulate earthquakes ranging from fairly frequent events expected every 70 years or so, to more powerful earthquakes that are only expected every 500 to 2500 years, with magnitudes ranging from 6.7 to 7.3. The strongest simulated quake will occur in a 40-second test on July 17.

"We're grateful to Japan's National Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention in Miki City for their collaboration and assistance on this very important stage in our research," said van de Lindt. "We're honored to be the first U.S. organization to conduct experiments on their shake table."

Other contributors on the Japan project include FPInnovations, the U.S. Forest Products Lab/Forest Service, the Provincial Government of British Columbia, the American Forest and Paper Association, Stanley Bostitch, and Strocal, Inc.

Pleasanton, Calif. - Simpson Strong-Tie mudsill anchors have always saved contractors time compared to anchor bolts, but now a new and improved design provides a one-to-one replacement of 1/2" and 5/8" anchor bolts. The load capacity of the new MASA mudsill anchor meets or exceeds that of other cast-in-place anchors.

The improved performance of the MASA anchor is a direct result of its design; key areas of the anchor have been reinforced and fasteners have been added. In addition, since the MASA can be installed as wide as 6 feet on center, the same load capacity can be achieved with fewer mudsill anchors.

MASA mudsill anchors attach easily to concrete forms and lay flat on top of the form board, eliminating the need to finish around anchor bolts. There is no plate drilling required and the flat design helps avoid time-consuming modifications to prefabricated walls or rim joists that often have to be adjusted to remedy off-center bolt installations. The MASA also eliminates the need for 3-inch square plate washers, which is now required for use with all sill bolts as referenced in the 2006 International Residential Code and International Building Code.

To learn more about the MASA, click here. MASAP mudsill anchors also are available for panelized forms.

SET-XP™ Anchor Adhesive is Now Code Listed for Use in Cracked Concrete

Pleasanton, Calif. - The new code provisions in the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) require designers to factor in whether conditions exist that may cause concrete to crack. The provisions also require new anchorage solutions. Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems has been focused on developing and testing products that meet the new standards. Designers now have several cracked concrete solutions to choose from, including the most recent addition of the Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems® SET-XP™ Epoxy-Tie® adhesive. SET-XP adhesive is now recognized for use in cracked and uncracked concrete (see ICC-ES evaluation report: ESR-2508). Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems is the only North America-based manufacturer that offers an anchoring adhesive that meets the 2006 IBC requirements and is ICC-ES code listed for use in cracked concrete environments.

Concrete typically cracks when it's in tension or is subjected to seismic events and other types of adverse conditions. Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems SET-XP anchoring epoxy was formulated and tested to meet the strict ICC-ES AC308 cracked concrete requirements. The epoxy can be used with threaded rod (carbon and stainless steel) and rebar, and is recognized for use at embedment depths up to 20 times the anchor diameter.

Since most states across the country have now adopted the 2006 IBC, engineers and designers are increasingly being required to specify anchors designed and tested to meet the new requirements. Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems continues to lead the way in testing and education in the area of cracked concrete solutions. In addition to SET-XP epoxy, the Titen HD® screw anchor (see ESR-2713) and Strong-Bolt™ wedge anchor (see ESR-1771) are code listed for cracked concrete. Other Anchor Systems products are expected to be released in early 2009. For more information and to view the latest code reports, visit www.simpsonanchors.com.

Pleasanton, Calif. - For several decades, Simpson Strong-Tie has made training customers a priority. The company has eight training centers across North America and provides hundreds of complimentary classes to engineers, architects, builders and code officials each year. Simpson Strong-Tie trained more than 12,000 customers on site last year. To broaden its educational reach, the company is now offering online training courses and has become an authorized provider of IACET Continuing Educations Credits.

New Online Classes
Although classroom training is the traditional method of learning, e-learning is becoming a popular option because of its convenience and availability. Simpson Strong-Tie has developed online content for some of its in-class courses, such as its Deck Building - Beginners' Course and Introduction to Joist and Beam Hangers. These new online classes are available on the web site any time of day and take between 1/2 and 1 1/2 hours to complete.

Continuing Education Credits
Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are important to professionals who need to maintain a credential or license and provide a permanent record of educational accomplishments. Simpson Strong-Tie is proud to offer CEUs through the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), a non-profit association dedicated to quality continuing education and training programs. In order to become an accredited provider, Simpson Strong-Tie had to meet strict continuing education guidelines. With the accreditation, the majority of Simpson Strong-Tie training classes and workshops can earn participants CEUs. Customers interested in credits should contact their certifying licensing organization or agency to inquire if they accept CEUs from IACET providers. In addition, Simpson Strong-Tie is a strong supporter of CSI, SEA, ICBO, BIA, CABO, AIBO, ACIA, and AIBD.

To learn more about Simpson Strong-Tie training programs and to sign up for a class, visit www.strongtie.com/workshops.

"Builders are going to find these frames much easier and less expensive to install. For example, if you look at a typical garage front application and consider materials, footing size and installation time, our moment frame is comparable in price to a portal built with factory-built shearwalls," said Tim Ellis, project manager, Strong Frame team.

Cracked Concrete Solutions

Also Featured at IBS: Anchoring Products for Cracked Concrete and New Connectors

Pleasanton, Calif. - For many years moment frames have been a typical method of providing high lateral-force resistance for residential and commercial construction. Stronger than site-built or factory-built shearwalls, moment frames allow larger openings and smaller wall sections in buildings while offering the high load values that structural designers and builders need. In the past, however, they have been time intensive to design and labor intensive to install. Simpson Strong-Tie has simplified both by developing a revolutionary alternative to traditional moment frames - the Strong Frame™ ordinary moment frame.

The Strong Frame moment frame is pre-designed and manufactured, minimizing the design process and reducing installation time on job sites. Rather than welding the frame together in the field, the Strong Frame moment frame is bolted together on site. This is a tremendous time and cost saver for installers and builders.

Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems® has been at work developing anchors for use in both cracked and uncracked concrete to comply with the 2006 International Building Code. Recent code-listed products include our Titen HD® screw anchor for post-installed concrete and masonry applications and our Strong-Bolt™ wedge anchor, which features a tri-segmented clip that enables "follow up" expansion if a crack forms and intersects with the anchor location. Additional adhesive and anchor products have code reports pending that meet the new cracked concrete criteria, including our SET-XP™ anchoring adhesive. For more information and code report updates, visit www.simpsonanchors.com.

In addition, Simpson Strong-Tie has designed several new connectors for residential construction. To preview all of our new products, visit us at the International Builders' Show, January 20-23, at our booth N1213.

Additional Information about the Strong Frame™ Moment Frame
Strong Frame moment frames are available in a variety of sizes up to 19 feet tall and 16 feet wide. As alternatives to wide-braced walls required by the UBC, IRC and IBC model building codes, they help designers avoid the need for wider site-built walls and/or engineered solutions. The most common framing applications include standard first-floor installation, garage front applications for two and three car garages in one, two or three-story buildings, and balloon-framing applications for tall, open-style rooms, such as great rooms.

"With 196 frame configurations, including anchorage designs for all common applications and complete calculation packages, we're able to save specificers hours of design time," said Paul McEntee, S.E., project engineer, Strong Frame team.

Some other unique product benefits include the following:

• 100% bolted connections allow for faster installation and no field welding; a standard socket or spud wrench is all that is needed to make the connection.
• Wood nailers are preinstalled on the frame, saving installation time and reducing the chance of mistakes.
• Full anchorage solutions and one-size-fits-all templates to locate preassembled anchor bolt assemblies. Patent-pending shear lugs allow for close concrete edge placement.
• Epoxy and Titen HD post-installed anchorage solutions for prescriptive design applications.
• Manufactured in a factory environment with comprehensive quality control measures. Installation in the field is made using reliable bolted connections, eliminating concerns about the quality of welds in the field as well as additional costly inspections.
• Load values for prescriptive, wind and seismic areas.
• All frames fit in a standard 2x6 wall, eliminating the need for thicker walls or furring.
• Convenient to store and ship. Each frame is shipped flat to the job in three pieces with a box of bolts.

For more product information and visuals, visit www.strongtie.com/strongframe.