• Nail spacing—The nailing pattern for nailing the sheathing to the intermediate framing members is usually the standard 12" O. C. It is the edge nailing that changes to increase the strength.
• Penetration—The nail must not penetrate the sheathing’s outside veneer.
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3/8" minimum from nail to edge of sheathing /8" minimum gap |
• Nail size—The nail sizes will vary based on the engineer’s design, or code requirements. Check the specified thickness and length.
• Blocking—It is common to have blocking in the joist space that runs parallel to the exterior walls. It will be detailed on the plans if it is required. Blocking can also be used on the edges of the sheathing.
“Connectors" can refer to beams or other construction elements, but in most cases, connectors are hardware specifically designed for common framing connections. As part of the load path, connections have to be strong enough to transfer the forces of nature.
In the prescriptive code, the connections are made with anchor bolts to the foundation, and with nails to connect floor joists to the plates below them, wall bottom plates to floors, and rafters or trusses to wall plates.
In non-prescriptive design, there are many ways to achieve the required force transfer between the shear walls, diaphragms, and foundation. The most common method involves metal connectors, which are produced by many companies. The Simpson Strong-Tie Company, because of its work in developing, testing, and cataloging connectors, is often referenced in building plans. Simpson Strong — Tie connector catalog numbers will be used in the balance of this book. Please note that substitutes with equivalent strength are available.
There are connectors made for just about every type of connection you can think of. As the framer in charge, however, it is not your job to decide on the type of connector, but rather to use correctly the connector that is specified. The best way to do this is to read the specifications in the connector catalog. Following is an illustration from a Simpson Strong-Tie Catalog, and a good example of instructions for installing hold-downs. You can reference the connectors at www. strongtie. com.
There are different connectors for the variety of different framing details, but only four common areas of connection:
• Foundation
• Wall-to-wall
• Roof-to-wall
• Foundation-to-top-of-the-top-wall
Important Points for Connection Framing
• Install all connectors per catalog instructions.
• Drill holes no more than VW bigger than bolts.
• Use washers next to wood.
• Fill all nail holes unless using catalog specifications.
• Know that the connection is only as strong as the weakest side. Make sure to space and nail each side the same. (See “Equal Nailing" illustration later in this chapter.)
• Be aware that some connectors have different-shaped nail holes. The differentshaped holes have different meaning, as illustrated in “Nail Hole Shapes" later in this chapter.
