Pleasanton, Calif. — Simpson Strong-Tie, the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, has introduced the MTWS mass timber washer strap as a versatile, off-the-shelf, load-tested option for a variety of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel-to-panel and panel-to-steel connections in mass timber construction.
First introduced in the 1990s, CLT and other mass timber products provide the enhanced rigidity necessary for creating larger and taller wood-framed buildings. Recognized as a green building product for its ability to sequester carbon, mass timber is proliferating as specifiers seek sustainable structural building materials and builders embrace the efficiency and reduced waste of factory-based construction solutions.
Mass timber projects can utilize a hybrid of structural materials, and often require strap and holdown connections with two to three times the capacity of light-frame connections. The new MTWS washer strap is engineered for the high strength and stiffness required by these higher-load applications while using 10% to 20% fewer fasteners, providing productivity and efficiency on the jobsite and eliminating the need for custom fabrication of steel connector straps.
“The MTWS washer strap from Simpson Strong-Tie provides a pre-engineered, tested solution to replace expensive, shop-fabricated steel plates while providing maximum versatility on the jobsite,” says Randy Daudet, director of Global Offsite Construction at Simpson Strong-Tie. “The use of inclined screws and washers reduces the number of fasteners needed to achieve load, which helps boost productivity for mass timber contractors who are seeing a proliferation of projects even as the labor pool remains tight.”
Backed by a robust inventory and distribution system, along with first-rate service, support, and training, the MTWS mass timber washer strap will allow for design flexibility while enabling mass timber projects to be built stronger, faster, and more easily than ever.
For more information on the new MTWS mass timber washer strap visit go.strongtie.com/masstimber.
About Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.
Simpson Strong-Tie is the world leader in structural solutions — products and technology that help people design and build safer, stronger homes, buildings, and communities. As a pioneer in the building industry, we have an unmatched passion for problem solving through skillful engineering and thoughtful innovation. Our structural systems research and rigorous testing enable us to design code-listed, value-engineered solutions for a multitude of applications in wood, steel, and concrete structures. Our dedication to pursuing ever-better construction products and technology and to surrounding our customers with exceptional service and support has been core to our mission since 1956. For more information, visit strongtie.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.