TRIFORCE® makes your work on the jobsite easier. It offers many features that can help you get your jobs done quicker, reduce overall construction costs and make it easy for your framers to use. Learn all about the TRIFORCE® features and benefits in this section of the blog.
Used for centuries in many different ways, cantilevers as a construction device were first recognized in 19th Century bridge designs. But they gained significant notice in architectural use when Frank Lloyd Wright unveiled his iconic “Fallingwater” commissioned residence. There the cantilever was not just a structural means to an end but also a dramatic design … Continued
1) Joist Repair Needed Recently, a TRIFORCE® representative was called to a construction site because the GC had discovered a cracked bottom chord on one of the installed TRIFORCE® joists (see photo above). The cause of the damage was a mystery and no one was taking responsibility. What could have happened? First… we know what … Continued
In North America residential construction, wood has long been a material of choice: abundant, readily available, flexible, and easily repairable, it is less expensive than steel and concrete, and is naturally an overwhelmingly popular material. For some 40 years now, engineers and builders have had the choice between using traditional lumber or engineered wood for … Continued
While floor systems have evolved through time, the good ol’ floor truss is still around. Admittedly, it does have certain advantages. But how does it compare to the latest generation of our floor solution: TRIFORCE® open joist? Floor truss characteristics Floor trusses are certainly a viable option for your floor structure. A floor truss consists … Continued
You’re a builder visiting your jobsite the day after the trades have finished their installations, and you immediately realize something is wrong. The brand new joists you carefully installed have been cut, drilled or otherwise mangled! Welcome To Your Worst Nightmare! Plumbers, electricians and HVAC contractors have left their marks, altering your floor system so … Continued
Today’s housing market offers an ever-increasing variety of construction materials. From the more traditional lumber that we’ve been using for centuries, the industry moved to more efficient solutions. The I-joists and plated trusses appeared in the late 60’s and early 70’s to challenge widespread methods and standards. But it wouldn’t be until 1990 that a … Continued
“Why should I use a floor joist that is trimmable when I can install a made-to-length truss immediately?” Because it’s not a perfect world! Just ask the framer who, after finishing his morning coffee, opens the bundle of trusses, hoists the first one onto the foundation and discovers it’s too short by 6 inches. Ask … Continued
It’s not enough to simply specify the right components for a building project. An architect, engineer or designer must also specify how those components should be installed… how the pieces connect to one another. Sometimes a simple fastener schedule is adequate when wood-to-wood connections are needed. But often, especially in today’s world of engineered building … Continued
When designing a floor system, it is crucial to understand how weight and loads are distributed throughout a building. Often, floor framing plays an important role in transferring loads from the roof to the foundation of a building. To ensure proper structural integrity, the floor loading assessment must account for factors such as roof design, … Continued
The Passive House movement is becoming a growing trend in the construction industry. Indeed, the idea of building the most energy efficient house has finally become a reality, and the movement is increasingly inspiring builders to improve their projects. The Passive House concept has achieved a certain notoriety in Europe. It actually comes from Germany, … Continued