RCKW™ Kneewall Connector
Seismic and Hurricane Ties
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Product Details
The Simpson Strong-Tie RCKW rigid connectors have been developed to resist overturning moment at the base of exterior kneewalls and parapets as well as interior partial-height walls. The RCKWS is a heavy 7-gauge stiffener that nests onto the RCKW clip. The screw holes and anchor holes in the stiffener line up with those in the RCKW clip, making fastener and anchor installation a snap. The RCKW clip and RCKWS stiffener are sold separately.
Key Features
- Anchorage legs incorporate stiffened flanges, improving overturning moment resistance
- Large-diameter anchor hole accommodates 1/2"-diameter concrete screws and wedge anchors, such as the Titen HD® heavy-duty screw and the Strong-Bolt® 2 wedge anchor
- For the RCKWS: 7-gauge stiffeners are secured to the RCKW clip with screws, optimizing overturning moment resistance and stiffness
Material
- RCKW, RCKWS, RCKWD and RCKWDS: 171 mil (7 ga.), 33 ksi
Finish
- Galvanized (G90)
Installation
- Use all specified screw fasteners.
- When using the RCKWS, secure the stiffener to the clip with the specified screw fasteners.
- Use all specified anchors. To achieve tabulated stiffness values, the installation torque for 1/2"-diameter anchors shall be at least 17 ft.-lb.
- For installation of the RCKW with 2x6 wood framing members, reference Simpson Strong-Tie engineering letter RCKW Kneewall Connector for Wood Framing (L-C-RCKW2X6WD).
Patent Information
- US Patent 9,938,709
Related Literature
Product Information Table
| Model No. | Thickness (mil) | Ga. | Coating/Material | Packaging Qty. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RCKW3D-R10 | 171 | 7 | Zinc Galvanized, G90 | 10 |
| RCKW3DS-R10 | 171 | 7 | Zinc Galvanized, G90 | 10 |
| RCKW3-R10 | 171 | 7 | Zinc Galvanized, G90 | 10 |
| RCKW3S-R10 | 171 | 7 | Zinc Galvanized, G90 | 10 |
| RCKW5.5-R10 | 171 | 7 | Zinc Galvanized, G90 | 10 |
| RCKW5.5S-R10 | 171 | 7 | Zinc Galvanized, G90 | 10 |
| RCKW7.5-R10 | 171 | 7 | Zinc Galvanized, G90 | 10 |
Load Tables
RCKW Allowable Loads for Wood Framing
- Designer is responsible for anchorage and framing member design.
- Tabulated values are based on wood post connected to sill plate in accordance with the fastening schedule IBC Section 2304.
- Multiply allowable moment and stiffness with an adjustment factor of 0.86 when attaching RCKW connector to SPF/HF wood post.
- Anchor Tension, T, is the force in the anchor at allowable moment and is based on minimum concrete compressive strength, f'c of 2500 spi.
- Tabulated Allowable Moment values correspond to connector strength without consideration of serviceability. Designer must check out-of-plane deflections using tabulated rotational stiffness values.
- Tabulated Assembly Rotational Stiffness is applicable for studs up to 38" tall and includes connector deflection, fastener slip and bending in the stud. For framing members greater than 38" tall, the designer must consider member deflection due to bending in the stud member in addition to the tabulated Connector Rotational Stiffness. See L-CF-RCKW for calculation example.
- Tabulated rotational stiffness values may be increased by dividing by a factor of 0.42 for deflection checks using component and cladding wind loads in lieu of reducing loads in accordance with 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2021 IBC Table 1604.3.
- Built-up post (multiple members) must be fastened together to act as one unit to resist the applied load (excluding the connector fasteners). This must be determined by the designer.
- Anchor bolt nut should be finger tight plus 1/3 to 1/2 turn with a hand wrench, with consideration given to possible wood shrinkage. Moisture content of wood sill plate shall not exceed 19% at time of installation.
- Fasteners: SD screws are Simpson Strong-Tie® Strong-Drive® SD Connector screws. For additional information, see Fastener Types and Sizes Specified for Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors.
Code Reports & Compliance
Drawings
| DWG | DXF | RFA | IFC | SAT | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
