Basic Load Paths

Have you ever had an inspector tell you to add a strap (tension tie) to some framing for a “positive connection” and when you asked what that meant, you got a non answer? Truth is it took me a ton of time to find a definition and reference.

In wood framed light construction we’ve become very good at constructing strong buildings that are proving to be very resilient to earthquakes and hurricanes. Fully sheathing our walls contributes greatly to this, but another important component in framing is the load path.

We instinctively understand some load paths. If we have an opening in a wall and a floor or roof above it, we bridge that opening with a header. That header transfers the loads from above to columns or framing that bear on something else, e.g. floor, foundation wall, etc that will transfer that load to the ground. One comment on a webinar by the Engineered Wood Association was that one way or another a load will meet the ground, either through transfer of structural members or building collapse.

Over the years in the field I would have a inspector point out where I had missed “positive connections” between structural members and I didn’t always understand what he was referring to. Thankfully our engineer walked a house I framed and took the time to explain it to me.

Where I live and work, we build to the International Residential Code (2015 currently). R301.1 Application states “Buildings and structures, and parts thereof, shall be constructed to safely support all loads, including dead loads, live loads, roof loads, flood loads, snow loads, wind loads and seismic loads as prescribed by this code. The construction of buildings and structures in accordance with the provisions of this code shall result in a system that provides a complete load path that meets the requirements for the transfer of loads from their point of origin through the load-resisting elements to the foundation. Buildings and structures constructed as prescribed by this code are deemed to comply with the requirements of this section.” (bold mine)

[svdesertdepartedjoe]

Great video I’ve been framing and building houses for 35 years. I get so tired of my fellow tradesmen complaining about engineering and extra strapping and things like that instead of understanding it like you are doing. I’m gonna have them watch this! And one of my favorite sayings is they don’t build them like they used to and thank God!

[Jacob_Dwyer]

Super neat. Simple and straightforward. Something I really appreciate about the channel is no thumbs down; it's because you guys are Awesome Framers

[granworks]

Thanks for posting this here. Instagram has its place but longer-form educational content like this is much better suited for YouTube than IGTV.


Also... that's an interesting strap. I had never heard of it before! Would've likely have been less expensive to use that instead of "normal" metal coils and buying a dedicated metal connector nailer.

[cmm]

Great video and topic 👍. Thank you for taking the time to make this video

[hhprogressiveconstruction]

Tim good information video regarding those straps in certain zones needing them . Keep the videos coming 👍 .

[nicpedia]

Just found your channel, starting from first video! I can not believe those blocks do not split with that many nails close together. I have a hard time with wood splitting when I toenail a stud in place for 'built in place' framing! Must be the speed of the nail making the difference ;) And of course the grain of the wood.

[nobreighner]

Very cool! When you strap a beam to blocking, longer tail on the blocking with more spaced nailing.

[maxjones]

Early in the video you mention that you prefer .121 diameter nails for Douglas Fir because it doesn’t split it as much as the wider diameter 3 inches. Is that:

- Only in the strapping?
- Applicable to Simpson hangers?
- For all lumber framing?
- Do you think that would apply to yellow pine?

[skliros]

Fortunately I frame in middle America where we don't do strapping. Only thing required is uplift ties for trusses. But now we can use lag screws for that. Do you have to fill every hole with a nail? Turns the wood to Swiss cheese.

[tomsqueri]

Love your video series. Excellent educational content. Question: does the drywaller have to do anything to keep the rock from bulging where it covers those straps?

[latifhalilovic]

Tim great information, would you ever do a PNW building class?

[pizall]

How does the drywall look over the straps? Is there a noticable hump?

[thesidburgess]

Wouldn't it be great if there was a channel like this for EACH of the home construction trades. If you know of a channel put it in the comments. I'm looking to follow more great content like this.

[svdesertdepartedjoe]

My guys are always complaining about engineering and strapping and hardware because They don’t understand it. I just say we don’t build them like we used to and thank God!

[osu]

It won't do anything for an earthquake. If the house moves at all you need to have it torn down and rebuilt.

[haltz]

there are two holes without nails and I'm sure it doesn't matter but I can't handle it

[bobcougar]

too complicated. once the drywall goes up it's a win.

[rnotalther]

Oh great now you think your an engineer.
Stop ✋
Go get the ID 10 T straps out of the trailer.