Metal Plate Truss
Trusses in buildings are easily identified by a triangulated framework of structural elements. Open triangles are what distinguish a truss from other structural products. Their inherent structural efficiency makes them a cost- effective solution for many bridges, towers, and buildings. Metal-plate-connected wood trusses are the predominant type of truss used in residential construction. Parallel chord trusses can also be used to form roof assemblies, but they are more commonly used to form floor assemblies.
Parallel chord trusses allow for the easily installation of building utilities, such as, wiring, ductwork, and plumbing.
Exterior wall framing supporting parallel chord trusses.
Duct work is easily routed through a floor assembly of parallel trusses
Metal plate connectors are used to join truss chord and web members. The plates are embedded using hydraulic presses.
A structural frame is used to load a pitch chord truss for research purposes.
Parallel chord trussed bear on an interior wall. Once the gypsum wallboard is installed it will be difficult to identify the wall as load-bearing.
Parallel chord trusses bear on an exterior wall.
Parallel chord trusses are engineered to allow for the installation of ductwork.
The components of a parallel chord truss.
Components of a pitched chord truss.
Metal plate connectors are engineered for each loading condition. They are embedded into the wood fiber using hydraulic presses to assure the teeth penetrate the fiber.
Hydraulic presses are used to embed the metal connectors into the wood fiber of this pitched chord roof truss.