Free loads: downloadable reference tools are alleviating some of the guesswork of specifying loads during the building design and construction process

Prosales, Sept, 2005

Whole-house engineers, component designers, and takeoff specialists burning the midnight oil over blueprints might be able to get out of the office a little earlier with the help two new publications that aim to demystify the interpretation and application of loads.

For dealers running a component shop, the Madison, Wis.--based Wood Truss Council of America (WTCA) has introduced "The Load Guide: A Guide to Good Practice for Specifying and Applying Loads to Structural Building Components." Available for download as a series of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, "The Load Guide" is designed to help users better understand, define, and specify loads during the design of structural building components.

Developed in cooperation with the Alexandria, Va.-based Truss Plate Institute, "The Load Guide" provides a previously unavailable industry consensus on loads for metal plate-connected wood trusses, according to Kendall Hoyd, WTCA president and owner of Meridian, Idaho--based Idaho Truss and Component Co. "Now architects, engineers, building code officials, and component manufacturers have a tool to aid them in the consistent interpretation and application of loads," Hoyd said in a WTCA announcement.

In addition to general reference, "The Load Guide" also includes a calculation worksheet to specify loads for any given building project; the worksheet can be saved or printed and included with other project documents. "The Load Guide" can be downloaded free of charge from www.woodtruss.com/loads.php.> Kennar, La.-based Southern Pine Council also is providing free load help. The "Southern Pine Headers and Beams" brochure features a series of size selection and allowable load tables for Southern pine lumber and glue-laminated headers, beams, and girders. First published in 1995, the brochure has been updated with higher shear design values and incorporates more restrictive deflection criteria.

"Southern Pine Headers and Beams" can be ordered by phone at 504.443.4464, ext. 207 or e-mail at info@southernpine.com, or can be downloaded from www.southernpine.com.