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Strong-Drive® Screw Installation for LVL, PSL and LSL

Technical & Installation Notes

General Notes
Deck Construction and Fastening Tips
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Fasteners Literature
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Fastening Systems Corrosion Information
Installation Detail Drawings
General Product Use Information

Simpson Strong-Tie® Strong-Drive screws (SDS) screws are an easy-to-install method for joining multiple SCL members to make a beam. Also see SDW Strong-Drive® Structural Wood Screws, specifically designed for fastening multi-ply engineered lumber products.

Installation

  • No pre-drilling required.
  • See illustrations for SDS positioning on different assemblies.
  • SDS screws install best with a low speed 1/2" drill with a 3/8" hex head driver.
  • Do not over-drive the SDS screws.

Design

  • SDS allowable load values are from ICC ESR-2236. The Designer shall apply adjustment factors per the NDS. Loads shown are CD = 1.0. Increase as allowed per code to a maximum CD = 1.60.
  • The load table below assumes Douglas Fir-Larch values (G = 0.5), as per the LVL, PSL and LSL manufacturer's instructions.
  • The designer shall specify the location of all screws (stagger screws on opposite faces). Minimum recommended spacing - Wide Face: end distance 4", edge distance 1 1/2", spacing parallel to grain 4", spacing perpendicular to grain 2".
  • Uniform loads in the table below are based on the capacity of the fasteners to transfer loads between plies. The capacity of the beam may be less and should be checked by a qualified Designer or with the manufacturer’s literature.
  • LSL applications that require 4 1/2" and 6" screws (Assembly B2, C and F) are limited to interior-dry use only.
See also SDW Strong-Drive® Structural Wood Screws.
081a-2009
Simpson Strong-Tie
Strong-Drive Screw
081b-2009
Assembly A
2 - 1 3/4"
SDS 1/4"x3 1/2"
081c-2009
Assembly B1
3 - 1 3/4"
SDS
1/4"x3 1/2"
081d-2009
Assembly B2
3 - 1 3/4"
SDS
1/4"x4 1/2"
081e-2009
Assembly C
4 - 1 3/4"
DS 1/4"x6"
081f-2009
Assembly D
1 - 1 3/4",
1 - 3 1/2"
SDS 1/4"x3 1/2"
081g-2009
Assembly E
2 - 1 3/4",
1 - 3 1/2"
SDS
1/4"x3 1/2"
081h-2009
Assembly F
2 - 3 1/2"
SDS 1/4"x6"

Also see Connector Selector Software.

Tables

081-2009
081b-2009_updated
  1. If 7" beams are not equally loaded on each side, the plf load from the lesser side should be at least 25% of the opposite side.
  2. Quantity and spacing of screws in table are for each screw head side of the assembly as shown in the Assembly figures above.
  3. The design professional shall ensure that adequate lateral bracing is provided to prevent displacement of the beam due to the torsion created by the structural members framing into the side of the beam assembly.
  4. LSL applications involving Assemblies B2, C and F are limited to interior-dry use only.