Most USP structural products listed in this catalog have been evaluated or are in the submittal stage for evaluation from one or more of the following code authorities.
With the consolidation of former services (ICBO ES, NES, SBCCI PST & ESI, and BOCAI evaluation services) into ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. (ICC ES), the following evaluation reports now have the status of ICC-ES "Legacy Reports". The ICC-ES Web Site provides additional information, and may be accessed at http://www.icc-es.org.
ICC-ES
ICC Evaluation Services, Inc. ESR-1178, 1702
NES
National Evaluation Service NER-478, 505, 510, 530, 532, 564, 568, 608
ICBO
International Conference of Building Officials. ICBO ES ER-2039, 2725, 3613, 5125, 5321, 5356, 5531, 5634
BOCA
Bldg. Officials and Code Admin. International, Inc. NER-478, 505, 510, 530, 532, 564, 568, 608
SBCCI
Southern Bldg. Code Congress International, Inc. SBCCI PST & ESI 2031C, NER-478, 505, 510, 530, 532, 564, 568, 608
Division of State Architect, California. DSA PA-076
LA CITY
City of Los Angeles, California RR23888, 25029, 25104, 25113, 25283, 25303, 25325, 25327, 25332, 25337, 25357, 25433, 25434, 25592
Canadian Construction Materials Center
CCMC 13116-R, 13117-R
Other code agencies may require specific reductions and limitations and may have different load values than those presented in this catalog. USP recommends consulting specific code evaluation or product acceptance reports that govern in the applicable area. Any questions about current code listings should be directed to the Technical Assistance staff. USP continuously updates code reports to reflect new standards and requirements. Visit Code Evaluation Reports web page, or specific code agencies web sites for current listings. Code evaluation reports referenced in USP's Full Line Catalog may not apply to all stock numbers or product series listed.
Code Watch
"Code Watch" items are included to highlight some sections of the model building codes that discuss the use of products contained in USP's Full Line Catalog. The user is strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified design professional to review the exact requirements of the relevant code references. Please note that not all code sections relating to the use of products contained in USP's Full Line Catalog are included. In addition, some states and local municipalities have developed amendments to the referenced code section. Shown references are for the 2003 International Residential Code (IRC), 2003 International Building Code (IBC), and 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC).
Connector Use with Preservative Treated Wood
In cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency, chemical producers in the treated wood industry agreed to discontinue the use of Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) for most residential applications at the end of 2003. In place of CCA, treated wood suppliers use copper based alternative treatment chemicals such as Amine/Ammoniacal Copper Quat (ACQ, ACQ-D), and Copper Azole (CBA-A, CA-B). Sodium Borate (SBX, DOT) is also used primarily in sill plate applications. Testing conducted by USP and others in the industry have concluded that ACQ and Copper Azole wood treatments are more corrosive to metals while Sodium Borate treatments are less corrosive to metals than traditionally used CCA treatments are. A key factor in this increased corrosion is the amount of copper used in the treatment chemical. The ACQ and Copper Azole treatments contain roughly three times the amount of copper and leach more copper than the traditionally used CCA treatment does.
Corrosion Basics
Corrosion may result when a metal comes in contact with a variety of substances including air, acids, bases, salts, oils, solid or liquid chemicals, and gas vapors. If an electrolyte is present, such as water, a metal will form an electric circuit with a dissimilar metal and galvanic corrosion can take place. Zinc is the metal used in the hot-dip galvanizing process due to its ability to sacrifice itself while protecting the base steel underneath. When zinc and copper are in electrical contact with each other the copper will have a tendency to extract electrons from the highly reactive zinc at a greater rate,
therefore corrosion will take place at a greater rate.
Galvanized Coatings and Triple Zinc G-185
Galvanizing the steel (coating it with a sacrificial layer of zinc), is the most widely used corrosion protective system in our lumber connecter industry. Galvanized coatings have a proven commercial track record of over 150 years under a wide range of environmental conditions. Triple Zinc G-185 connectors contain 1.85oz of zinc/ft2 which is three times the amount of the historically used G60 coating. This additional zinc provides additional protection against corrosion attributed to the new wood preservatives. USP's standard zinc coating, G90, contains 0.90 oz of zinc/ft2.
Unfortunately, we are unable to predict the service life of particular connectors in selected environments. We can provide a relative level of protection information regarding corrosion resistance. From this we can provide guidance for the selection of corrosion protection based on the anticipated environmental conditions.
Corrosion Protection Guidelines:
Ask for and follow recommendations of the preservative wood supplier for use of connectors and fasteners in contact with their brand of treated wood product.
USP recommends that for the highest corrosion protection available, stainless steel connectors are the best option. However as an economical alternative to stainless steel, USP recommends the use of Triple Zinc G-185 when in contact with alternative treated woods as a minimum level of protection.
The use of the correct fastener with the connector is critical. Stainless steel connectors require stainless steel fasteners. For exterior applications, hot-dip galvanized
fasteners (HDG) must be used with both Triple Zinc G-185 and hot-dip galvanized (HDG) finishes.
USP's Zinc dichromate WS Wood Screws are not recommended for use with preservative or fire-retardant treated wood.
For any questions contact USP Technical Assistance or visit our web site at www.USPconnectors.com
USP clearly differentiates our Triple Zinc products from our standard G90 products. USP's TZ product identification is embossed on all Triple Zinc products. Following are examples of our carton labels, bin cards for retail displays, and individual product labels.
Product Notes
This catalog reflects the most current information regarding USP product line. However, product revisions and new product additions occur on an ongoing basis. USP Structural Connectors® reserves the right to change specifications, designs, and models at any time without notice and liability for such changes. This catalog may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written approval of USP Structural Connectors®.
This catalog reflects design changes and design load adjustments to some USP products. The information presented in this publication replaces all information
published in previous documents, and is valid until December 31, 2006.
This Full Line Catalog was designed as a general reference for the USP Product Line. Various specialized publications have been developed for design professionals, truss manufacturers, contractors, retail dealers, and building material wholesalers. Product load values may vary from one publication to another due to recent product testing, changes in regulatory criteria, or code evaluation updates. The most current product information is available on USP's Web Site.
The type and quantity of fasteners used to install USP products is critical to connector performance. To achieve the allowable loads presented in this catalog, all specified
fasteners must be used and proper installation procedures observed. Verify that the dimensions of supporting members are sufficient to receive specified fasteners. Any product modifications void the warranty unless prior written permission of USP Structural Connectors® is obtained.
Some connector models are listed more than once to indicate installation and/or fastener options.
New products or updated product information are designated in red.
Throughout this catalog, dimensions are expressed in inches and loads in pounds unless specifically noted otherwise.
Some USP products show both bolt and nail fastening schedules. In those cases, specific loads for each has been identified. Bolt and nail values cannot be combined unless noted otherwise.
Load values for 8d, 10d, 16d, and 20d designations in the fastener schedules throughout this catalog refer to common wire nails unless noted otherwise. Nails shall conform to a recognized national standard, such as ASTM F1667, as prescribed by the model building codes.
Fastener installation may cause wood to split and reduce a fastener's ability to carry a load. If wood splitting occurs, consider pre-drilling holes not exceeding 75% of the nail diameter (per the National Design Specification).
Bolts specified in this catalog are through-bolts and must conform to requirements for ASTM A 307 Grade A, or ASME SAE Grade 2, or better unless noted otherwise.
Anchor Bolts conform to ASTM F 1554.
USP connectors listed in this catalog are manufactured for specific sizes of standard lumber, plated trusses, or
composite lumber. For applications involving unusual
supporting conditions environments, contact USP. Wood shrinkage or expansion, caused by lack of moisture or
excessive moisture, may adversely affect connector
installation. Evaluate potential shrinking or expanding to ensure proper connector installation and performance.
The load values listed in this catalog are based on
installation to wood with a moisture content of less than 19%, and used in dry service conditions. Load reductions, in
accordance with the code, shall be taken where wood
moisture content greater than 19% at the time of installation or where used in wet service conditions.
Unless otherwise noted, USP products may not be bent or cut in the field to facilitate installation. Field alterations may weaken steel and cause connector failure at lower than
published allowable loads.
Material
USP selects steel for its various products in
accordance with application needs and steel properties,
including tensile strength, ductility, corrosion
resistance, gauge, and weldability. See specific
code evaluations or consult USP for steel information
on specific products. USP Structural Connectors®
are manufactured from steel which meets ASTM A
653, ASTM A 1011, or ASTM A 36.
NDS® Standards
Unless otherwise noted, the load resistance values presented in USP's Full Line Catalog reflect the calculation criteria set forth in the 1997 or 2001 National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS®) published by the American Forest and Paper Association; with the methodology prescribed in ICC-ES AC13 or other relevant acceptance criteria applied.
Non-Catalog Products
USP manufactures a connector product line second to none in scope and diversity. However, unusual framing needs may require the use of a non-catalog product.
Non-catalog product details must be provided by the customer and will be manufactured by USP Structural Connectors® in accordance to customer specifications. Consult USP's Technical Assistance Department for more information.
A full range of shipping options are available, from regular freight to overnight delivery.
Installation Notes
Use proper safety equipment during connector installations. Always wear gloves when handling connectors.
All field welding should be done in accordance with AWS Codes. Caution: Welding galvanized steel may produce harmful fumes and should only be performed in well-ventilated environments.
The type and quantity of fasteners used to install USP products is critical to connector performance. To achieve the allowable loads shown in USP's Full Line Catalog, install with the fasteners specified for that particular product. Some products allow for alternate nail installations. Refer to the "Optional Nails for Face Mount Hangers and Straight Straps" chart of USP's Full Line Catalog for load adjustments when using alternate nailing. All specified fasteners must be properly installed prior to applying load of any kind to the connection.
Drill bolt holes a minimum of 1/32 and a maximum of 1/16 larger than the diameter of the bolt to be installed (per the 2001 NDS®, Section 11.1.2.).
Washers should always be used under the head or nut of a bolt when not in contact with the connector unless noted otherwise.
It is permissible to use nail guns to install connectors as long as the specified nails are installed through prepunched nail holes and all specified nail holes are filled. USP recommends the use of nail guns featuring hole-locating mechanisms. Please note that many nail guns use fasteners smaller than the common nail size and load reductions will result. Caution: Always follow nail gun manufacturer's safety guidelines.
Joists installed in hangers should bear fully on the connector seat and shall be cut to fit against the header with a gap no greater than 1/8'' between the joist end and header face.
Multiple-ply members must be fastened securely together to act as one unit.
Top mount hangers to be installed with the face of the hanger tight to the face of the header.
Top mount hangers installed in floor systems may produce unevenness. This may vary by the thickness of the hanger top flange steel and the nail heads. If a problem is anticipated, the effects can be mitigated by dapping the beam or cutting the subfloor at hanger locations. The use of face mount hangers will eliminate this problem.
Design Notes
Allowable loads for more than one direction for a single connection cannot be added together. A design load which can be divided into components in the directions given must be evaluated as follows:
The allowable loads shown in USP's Full Line Catalog are based on Allowable Stress Design methodology. AF&PA has published a brochure for
calculating soft conversions called Guideline to LRFD for Pre-engineered Metal Connectors for Wood Construction. Consult USP for determining appropriate LRFD values for the products shown in USP's Full Line Catalog.
Connector ratings may exceed the tensile strength or other aspects of the wood members involved in the connection. A qualified designer should verify wood member capacities when specifying connectors.
Verify that the size of the supporting member can accommodate the connector's specified fasteners.
Some illustrations in this catalog may not reflect additional mechanical reinforcements which may be required to reduce cross grain tension or wood member bending under loading. The design professional is responsible for determining if additional mechanical reinforcement is required.
USP recommends the hanger height be 60% of the joist height for stability.
Special Fastening Features
Seat Cleat® Prongs - U.S. Patent #5,564,248
USP's THO, TFL, and THF I-Joist hangers feature the patented Seat Cleat® prong. The Seat Cleat®allows framers to "pop" I-Joists into hanger seats for a positive bearing lock. This prevents spring back during nailing, reduces post-installation I-Joist movement, and eliminates connector related floor system noise (if hangers are installed according to USP's specifications). Simple, quick, and easy-to-use, the Seat Cleat® eliminates the need to bend tabs and drive nails from an awkward angle into the I-Joist bottom flange.
Slant Nailing via Dimple Nail Holes - U.S. Patent #5,217,317
USP's Dimple Nail Holes are used to indicate the need for slant nailing. Unlike tabs, the dimple retains its shape better under misguided hammer strokes and cannot be bent or broken. The Dimple Nail Hole also allows for correct 45° angle placement in I-Joist hangers.
Diamond Holes
Diamond Holes are used to indicate either an optional fastening pattern or for optional, temporary nailing to aid installation.
Speed Prongs
Speed prongs help framers by temporarily holding connectors in place for easier nail fastening. Unless stated otherwise, speed prongs should not be considered an alternative to nail fastening.
Slot Holes
Slot Holes are used to give installers easier access to tight fastening locations or to provide floating action between members. Fasteners installed in slotted holes resist shear only in one direction while allowing limited drift in the other direction.
Spruce-Pine-Fir or Hem Fir Equivalent Capacity
Unless otherwise noted, the published design loads in USP's Full Line Catalog apply to Douglas Fir-Larch or Southern Pine lumber. When Spruce-Pine-Fir or Hem Fir lumber is use with face mount hangers or straps, the nail shear capacity maybe adjusted according to the chart below.
Allowable Load Adjustment Factor
Wood Species
Specific Gravity
Adjustment Factor
Douglas Fir-Larch (DF-L)
0.50
1.00
Southern Pine (SP)
0.55
1.00
Douglas Fir (S) Hem Fir (N)
0.46
0.88
Spruce-Pine-Fir (S-P-F)
0.42
0.86
1) Allowable loads must be adjusted according to the applicable wood species.
2) When using structural composite lumber, verify wood species and use above listed adjustment factors.
Testing and Product Design Loads
On all structurally-rated products, USP performs full-scale testing in accordance with ICC-ES AC13, or ASTM D 1761, the standard recognized by all domestic model code agencies. All final testing is conducted by a third-party testing laboratory. In accordance to these standards the design loads listed are the lowest results obtained from one of the following methods:
The lowest ultimate tested load divided by three.
Lowest load producing 1/8" deflection.
Calculations based on 1997 or 2001 NDS® and current codes.
The listed capacity of some products have been increased in accordance with the NDS® by applying Duration Factors for mechanical fastenings. Stress increases have not been applied to steel applied to steel components of the products.
Floor/Design Load
100% no increase.
Roof Snow
115% of design load for 2-month duration of load.
Roof Non-Snow
125% of design load for 7-day duration of load.
Uplift
133% or 160% of design load for wind/seismic loading based on local code requirements.
Literature & Links for Canada
Seat Cleat® Prongs - U.S. Patent #5,564,248
Speed Prongs
Slot Holes