*
We’re about to begin building a floor system using “Trim Joists”–a wood truss-joist system with trimmable “I” beam ends. This is a garage apt. with concrete block first story walls. The area is coastal Florida so a continuous load path is essential. Here are my questions: 1) What is the best way to connect the strap anchors (that are set in the poured concrete bond beam) to the “I” beam ends of the joists? 2) What is the best material to use for rim joists, considering that some sort of connection has to be made from the rim joist to the studs in the frame walls on the second floor? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Listeners write in about haunted pipes and building-science tomes, and they ask questions about roof venting and roof leaks.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
*
For rim board, you might look at using rim board that's typically used with I-joists. I have no idea what to suggest for the connections you mention. I assume these are required by local codes ?
You might try looking at Simpson's catalog called "The well connected structure" for ideas.
*
Mr. Masson,
If time allows, get the joist manufacturer and a Simpson rep. together. Trim-joist should specify your rim, and Simpson can fabricate any connection.
The Machine
*
We're about to begin building a floor system using "Trim Joists"--a wood truss-joist system with trimmable "I" beam ends. This is a garage apt. with concrete block first story walls. The area is coastal Florida so a continuous load path is essential. Here are my questions: 1) What is the best way to connect the strap anchors (that are set in the poured concrete bond beam) to the "I" beam ends of the joists? 2) What is the best material to use for rim joists, considering that some sort of connection has to be made from the rim joist to the studs in the frame walls on the second floor? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
*
Harold,
As stated earlier, the manufacturer should designate what to use for your rim joist. Engeneer floor systems are generally sold as a package. Mix and match components may void manufacturer's warrenties. The manufacture may not be able to help with your tie down strapping. Marketing nationwide they would run into many different codes. You also state that the garage will have a living space above, thus the garage will probabily have to conform to residential codes. Uplift loads for your roof will determine your rafter or truss anchor, which will determine wall tie downs. If you don't have a seal set of blue prints, ones prepared by an architech or engineer, you will have to calculate these. You may be able to go to your local building department and ask the plan reveiwer what is required. Some department have a minimum strapping detail, over kill but sure to pass inspection, other may tell you they are not your architech/engineer. Once you have uplift loads have been calculated you can use the Simpson or Hughes catalog to find the anchors and tie downs for your application. These booklets can generally be found at the contractor's counter at your local lumber yard. Sorry this probabily isn't much help but would need more information to good further.
I am not now nor have I ever been an architect/engineer. I'm just a state license contractor in a state with no statewide code.