DeckTools® Software, Booth 6020
DeckTools® software is a sales, design and estimating program for decks that 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 software retails for $1895.00; DeckExpo attendees will receive a 20% discount if purchased at the show. More information about the software is available at the DeckTools site.

DeckTools software demonstrations will be held daily at the Simpson Strong-Tie booth 6020.

New Products for Deck Construction, Booth 5817
Simpson Strong-Tie will showcase the Quik Drive® PRO300S auto-feed screw driving system that includes a new decking nose clip. This handy accessory centers the screw on the deck joist and places each screw the same distance from the edge of the board, for a clean finished appearance.

The Quik Drive PRO300S system uses collated screw strips to eliminate fastener waste and comes with an extension so users can stand up while they drive screws, saving time and increasing comfort. The Quik Drive PRO300S kit includes the auto-feed attachment, removable nose clip, extension for stand-up driving and the choice of a DeWalt® or Makita® screwdriver motor.

In addition, Simpson Strong-Tie will feature its complete line of deck connectors and fasteners, including its expanded line of corrosion resistant and stainless-steel fasteners, and its DTT2Z deck tension tie which attaches rail posts to the deck framing and complies with IRC requirements for laterally tying the deck to the house.

The new Simpson Strong-Tie Deck Framing Connection Guide will be available at the show and includes best practices for building safe, code-compliant decks. It also can be downloaded at the Simpson Strong-Tie Deck Center.

As a structural purlin, the AHEP lines up with the end jack trusses to maintain framing spacing from eave to hip or peak. Roof sheathing or decking can be attached directly to the AHEP. As a lateral restraint, the AHEP saves time by eliminating the steps needed to install and possibly remove and dispose of other fill-in framing during installation. For example in wood step-down hip trusses, the restraint attaches at the leading edge, so there's no need for dropped top chords and gable fillers. In CFS applications, the AHEP attaches similarly and saves the time and expense of cutting and installing C-stud fillers.

The AHEP is designed with an inner and outer tube, so it can be adjusted to the desired pitch or length and then fastened together with four #10 self-drilling tapping screws. The parts are installed with 10d nails for wood trusses or #10 self-drilling screws for CFS applications. The AHEP can accommodate a pitch range of 3/12 to 9/12 as a structural purlin and up to 12/12 as an installation spacer/lateral restraint.

"Up until now, no single product on the market could streamline step-down hip framing and provide additional structural integrity for lateral spacing restraints," said Stan Sias, Simpson Strong-Tie national manager for the Plated Truss Industry. "In addition to saving time by eliminating gables or C-stud fillers during installation, the AHEP eliminates the need to attach twist clips and requires fewer nails or screws. By using the AHEP to serve as the framing purlin from the eave to the hip or ridge, installers also don't have to cut and shift sheathing as they go."

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie has been honored with the prestigious "Partners of Choice Award" for the sixth 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 David Weekley Homes' 150 suppliers. These suppliers, known as "trading partners," are rated quarterly by David Weekley's 600+ team members (employees) on both quality and service. The National Trading Partner Survey tracks team member responses to measure how effective partners are in managing the supply chain. Partners are rated on a scale from 1-10. 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. The award program honors suppliers who earn an "A" in quality, service or both in a 12-month period. David Weekley Homes shares the results with all participating partners each quarter to encourage ongoing communication and improvement. Simpson Strong-Tie, who has been a part of the survey program since its inception in 2003, was among 17 companies this year to receive an award.

"The National Trading Partner Survey provides suppliers with 360 degree feedback on how they and their channel partners are doing in supporting their customer, the builder," said Bill Justus, VP of supply chain services, and the brains behind the seven-year Supplier Performance System. "Rhetoric is not enough to be successful in our survey…it goes beyond talk. Through its actions Simpson Strong-Tie has demonstrated for six consecutive years that it is among the best of the best in supplying high-quality products to David Weekley Homes."

Mike Moran, vice president of Simpson Strong-Tie builder programs, added "Winning this award is very important to us. It provides a measurement of how our efforts are perceived by our customer at multiple levels throughout their organization, and it compares those efforts to other companies. Our goal is to be continually recognized by David Weekley Homes as one of their top suppliers."

The VTCR connector installs after the valley truss has been set, a time-saving benefit for new construction as well as for retrofits in high-wind areas. The connector conveniently installs from one side with nails or with Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive® SD structural connector screws, the latter resulting in a nearly 30 percent increase in uplift capacity.

"With the introduction of the VTCR, Simpson Strong-Tie has addressed the need for a valley truss connector that doesn't install under the valley frame as well as one that only requires front-side fastening," explained Stan Sias, Simpson Strong-Tie national manager for the Plated Truss Industry. "The VTCR also has a wider pitch range and uses fewer fasteners than its predecessor, and it has been load rated for Simpson Strong-Tie SD-9 screws as well as for nails."

The VTCR can be installed on either beveled or non-beveled bottom chords and is clearly marked for fast setup of pitches from 0:12 to 12:12. For more information about the VTCR truss connector, click here.

With more frame configurations, there's greater design flexibility for larger openings, wider interior clear spans and retrofit solutions. Strong Frame moment frames are recommended for standard wall-bracing, garage-front and balloon-framing applications, and solutions are available for both prescriptive wind and seismic areas. Unlike other moment frames that are welded together, Strong Frame ordinary moment frames come with two columns and one beam that are bolted together. This reduces cost by eliminating an on-site welder or a special welding inspector.

Custom-Order Sizes
Simpson Strong-Tie also is launching a made-to-order Strong Frame™ program using the product's current plate girder geometries. Clear opening frame sizes are available in widths 6' to 20'-4" and heights 6' to 19'-10 1/2". There is an extended lead time of up to six weeks for custom-size, non-catalog components.

New Code-Listed Applications
Strong Frame catalog-size frames and custom-size frames (as mentioned above) are now code listed (see IAPMO ES ER-164).

New Selector Software
To help designers with specification, a new Strong Frame Selector Software has been developed. By inputting loads, height, width and available space for columns, the program will create a list of available frames, ranked according to relative price, and provide anchorage options. The new software is available online for download.

For more product information, to download or request the new Strong Frame catalog and to watch a new installation video (available mid-June), visit www.strongtie.com/strongframe.

Simpson Strong-Tie has been able to deepen its fastener offering since acquiring Swan Secure Fasteners in 2007. The new line of stainless-steel fasteners provides superior corrosion resistance, strength and durability, and is now fully integrated under the Simpson Strong-Tie brand. Customers can expect to see newly packaged stainless-steel hand-drive nails and screws, stainless-steel staples, brads and collated nails, and other corrosion-resistant fasteners.

"Our new offering of premium fasteners is a natural line extension for us," said Mike Bugbee, senior vice president - fasteners. "It complements our expanding line of structural fasteners as well as our Quik Drive fastening systems."

Simpson Strong-Tie is well known for its innovations in structural fasteners, including a few most recent additions, the Strong-Drive® SD structural-connector screw, SDW screw for multi-ply trusses and SDS screw in stainless steel. The company also is recognized for bringing new technology to fastening systems with its offering of Quik Drive® auto-feed screw driving systems and collated screws. For more information about the entire line of Simpson Strong-Tie fasteners, visit www.strongtie.com/fasten.

The bold thread design of the SDW allows installers to fasten 2, 3 and 4-ply trusses or 1 3/4" engineered lumber from one side, saving time. Unlike typical hex-style screws, the SDW features a large, flush head which makes applying drywall to structural composite lumber much simpler since the head doesn't protrude from the girder. The flush head also causes less interference when handling trusses and installing connectors. In addition, the screw's deep head recess reduces bit pop-out, making installation faster and easier while the high shear strength of the SDW cuts down the number of fasteners required, reducing material and labor cost.

The Strong-Drive SDW screw series is offered in eight lengths from 2 7/8" to 6 3/4". For additional information, visit www.strongtie.com/fasten.

The SDW is available this spring through our network of distributors.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems will be showcasing a wide variety of anchoring and fastening products for use in concrete and masonry at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas, February 2-5, in booth N2109 (indoor) and booth O30729 (outdoor).

Torq-Cut™ self-undercutting anchor

Titen HD® rod hanger

GCN150 Gas-Actuated
Concrete Nailer

Indoor Booth N2109
Anchors for Cracked Concrete, New Torq Cut™ and IXP™ Anchors, GCN150 Gas Nailer
The Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems® indoor booth will showcase adhesive and mechanical anchors for use in cracked concrete, including the Titen HD® screw anchor, Strong-Bolt™ wedge anchor and SET-XP® Epoxy-Tie® anchoring adhesive. All three anchors meet the 2006 International Building Code requirements and are ICC-ES code listed for use in cracked and uncracked concrete applications.

In addition, the new Torq-Cut™ self-undercutting anchor and IXP™ anchor will be featured at the show as well as the new GCN150 gas-actuated nailer. The Torq-Cut self-undercutting anchor is a heavy-duty, high-capacity anchor designed and tested for use in cracked and uncracked concrete under static and seismic loading conditions. The built-in ring with hardened cutters expands with installation torque forming undercut grooves in the concrete. This interlocking connection between the anchor and the concrete provides superior load-carrying capacity. The IXP torque-controlled anchor, when used with the SET-XP® Epoxy-Tie® adhesive, offers a high-strength solution in adverse conditions, such as tension and seismic zones where cracks may intersect the anchor. And the new, portable GCN150 gas-actuated nailer is ideal for attaching light-duty fixtures, such as drywall, hat and angle track to concrete, steel, block and metal deck. The tool's GPD concrete pins are now ICC-ES code listed.

New 3/8" Titen HD® Rod Hanger for Cracked Concrete
The Titen HD rod hanger is a high-strength screw anchor that provides a fast and convenient way to suspend threaded rod from concrete slabs and beams. Unlike traditional drop-in anchors, installation requires no special tool or secondary setting process; just drill a hole and drive the anchor. The Titen HD rod hanger is available in three sizes, including a 3/8" diameter shank – the most popular size for hanging pipes, equipment and fixtures in overhead applications. This larger shank diameter also makes it suitable for evaluation under AC193 for cracked and uncracked concrete. Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems anticipates having its code listing for the 3/8" Titen HD Rod Hanger this spring.

Outdoor Demonstration Booth O30729
In the Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems hands-on, outdoor booth, attendees can demo products themselves, such as using Powder Actuated Tools to install pins and fasteners into concrete, steel, and wood. They also can install mechanical anchors into concrete and dispense epoxy and acrylic adhesives. In addition, Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems field representatives will demonstrate several crack repair products, including the ETI, SET-PAC-EZ, Crack-Pac®, and Crack-Pac® Flex H20™ adhesives.

For more information about these products, to review product code reports for cracked concrete and to download our free Anchor Designer Software™ for ACI 318, visit www.simpsonanchors.com.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Today, Simpson Strong-Tie announced that TimberTech® decking, railing and lighting solutions will be fully integrated into its DeckTools® Deck Sales and Design Software. TimberTech is a leading manufacturer of long-lasting, high-quality composite and PVC decking, railing and lighting products and is among several brand-name decking products available in the DeckTools Materials Library. When the integration is complete, DeckTools customers will have access to nearly the entire TimberTech product offering.

DeckTools Software is a sales, design and estimating program that enables deck builders and suppliers to design decks in a photo-realistic, 3D environment. Users can customize nearly every detail, from the deck shape and railings to fencing and material choices. In addition to its design flexibility, the program can quickly generate plans, proposals and material lists.

"We're glad to expand our relationship with Simpson Strong-Tie and DeckTools," said TimberTech director of marketing, Carey Walley. "A lot of our dealer and contractor partners use DeckTools to manage the process of estimating and visualizing a customer's finished space. Our expansion of product offerings in DeckTools will make that visualization process for homeowners who choose TimberTech, that much easier."

DeckTools Software 3.0 includes new features, such as a fence layout tool and the ability to help users place Simpson Strong-Tie® connectors and fasteners in key deck connections. In addition, the bill of materials automatically calculates all the materials needed for building a deck, including the deck boards, structural connectors, fasteners, and adhesives and anchors for post-installed connectors into concrete. The software retails for $1895.00. For more information about the program and to see a current list of DeckTools partners, visit the DeckTools site.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie is introducing several new products for homes and decks in 2010. These products will be on display at the International Builders' Show in Las Vegas, January 19-22 in booths C755 and C955.

Strong-Drive® SD Structural-Connector Screws – Booth C755
As an alternative to nails, the new SD structural-connector screw is the only screw designed, tested and approved for use with some of the more popular Simpson Strong-Tie connectors. Why screws instead of nails? In tight spaces and overhead applications, screws are easier to install than nails and in some cases, achieve higher load ratings than 10d and 16d common nails. In addition, the SD screw has a corrosion-resistant galvanized coating so it can be used in interior and most exterior conditions.

LSCZ Adjustable Stair-Stringer Connector – Booth C755
The LSCZ connector offers a versatile, concealed connection between the stair stringer and the carrying header or rim joist while replacing costly framing. It is field slopeable to all common stair stringer pitches and is suitable for either solid or notched stringers. The LSCZ installs with hot-dipped galvanized nails or our new Strong-Drive® SD screws, has a ZMAX® coating for additional corrosion protection, and can be used in interior and some exterior applications, such as decks.

DeckTools® Deck Design Software – Booth C955
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 3D 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. The latest version of the program, DeckTools Software 3.0, includes new features, such as hardware solutions (Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and fasteners) and DWG and DXF (CAD-compatible) file export. The software retails for $1895.00; IBS attendees will receive 20% off the retail price if purchased at the show. For more information about the software, visit the DeckTools site.

For more information about these products and other new products for 2010, visit our new products page.

In addition, Simpson Strong-Tie will feature the Strong Frame™ ordinary moment frame, Anchor Systems products for cracked concrete, Quik Drive® auto-feed screw driving systems, structural connectors and corrosion-resistant fasteners in booth C755.

As the world's largest full-scale earthquake test, the NEESWood Capstone project was developed to test new design methods for multistory, wood-frame buildings during large seismic events, and ultimately improve the construction and safety of wood buildings in the U.S. The project featured a seven-story, 40- by 60-ft. condominium tower with 23 one- and two-bedroom living units and two retail shops on the ground level. The condo building was subjected to simulated earthquake ground motions on Japan's E-Defense (Earth-Defense) shake table.

Project lead Colorado State University and technical collaborator Simpson Strong-Tie used the shake table to recreate a series of earthquakes based on the 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake – a 6.7 magnitude quake. The seismic intensity on the final and strongest test on July 14 was increased to 180% of Northridge, roughly a 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Simpson Strong-Tie designed the special steel moment frames on the first floor and provided the 63 Anchor Tiedown Systems and hundreds of connectors to secure the six-story wood structure.

The research team successfully averted major structural damage to the building because it used performance-based design. Unlike traditional building design, performance-based design goes above and beyond the code minimum to increase building performance and prevent significant structural damage. Although this design method adds 5% to 15% to the upfront building cost, as the Capstone project showcased, it can save the structure and avoid millions of dollars in repairs after a major seismic event.

"We are extremely pleased with the results of the test. The performance-based design approach has been validated and shows that wood can be a great building material for mid-rise construction in high seismic regions," said Steve Pryor, S.E., International Director of Building Systems for Simpson Strong-Tie.

Dr. John van de Lindt of Colorado State University and Steve Pryor, S.E., of Simpson Strong-Tie are presenting the project findings at several upcoming conferences in 2010, including:

• March 1-6: 7th Conference on Urban Earthquake Engineering / 5th International Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Tokyo, Japan
• May 11-15: ASCE Structures Congress, Orlando, FL
• June 20-26: World Conference on Timber Engineering, Trentino, Italy
• July 24-29: 9th US National and 10th Canadian Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Toronto, Canada
• August 30-September 3: 14th European Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia
• September 6-8: 4th International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation, Cape Town, South Africa

Click here for more information about the Capstone Tests and to preview the new video.

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.