The Truss Joint

Pegged Mortise & Tenon Exposed Trusses

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NEW JOINT METHOD OFFERED FOR EXPOSED TRUSSES BY THE TRUSS JOINT:

Adding to our list of connection options for exposed trusses is traditional pegged mortise and tenon construction. Designed and manufactured all in house at The Truss Joint, exposed trusses can now be provided without steel plates or bolts.

Utilizing the 5 Axis CNC timber machining capabilities of our Essetre Techno Fast machine; we can design and cut complex traditional timber framing methods with speed and precision. Tolerances are key when designing timber to timber connections to ensure seamless flush joins every time.

CNC Timber Machining By the Truss Joint
Timber Dowel Pegged Mortise & Tenon Connection Ready For Delivery.
Pegged Mortise & Tenon CNC Timber Machining By The Truss Joint
Mortise & Tenon cuts on center web ready for assembly.

Earlier this year we designed and manufactured our first set of traditional P.M.T (pegged mortise & tenon) trusses from Tasmanian Oak Glulam hardwood. Fully constructed in our factory and delivered to site with a seamless installation by the guys at Luke Construction, Geelong Vic. Provided to site with a raw timber finish, Sam put his own finish on them to ensure they tied in with other elements chosen by the clients.

To see more of the below project head to the Project Gallery

‘The Shearers Hut’ by Luke Construction, Geelong.

Creating this style of truss eliminates the need for structural steel plate and bolt connections. Visually stunning; P.M.T timber exposed trusses can suit modern and traditional rustic styled homes.

Design Options

Get in contact with our design experts for guidance on your desired build. We can provide different design options and timber types to suit every individual design.

From timber types to truss style and web pattern, we can provide endless options. Design are often only limited by imagination.

See our Pinterest board ‘exposed truss inspiration‘ for other traditional design ideas and see what the Truss Joint can do for you.

We support and use sustainably sourced timber materials for every exposed truss designed and manufactured.

Split Hangers

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Heavy Duty Split Hangers
Mitek – Split Hanger

Mitek ‘Split Hangers’ are the answer to the versatile heavy duty beam to beam connection builders require. Suitable to use on any width beam they are not pigeon holed to one sectional size timber size. Their speedy and ease of installation is a great benefit also; using pre-drilled holes and Miteks 14G self tapping screws it couldn’t be easier.

Available in 3 different depths their holding capacity is enough to cover most standard applications. Split Hangers can be purchased in 140mm, 180mm & 220mm depth variants and come in pairs 1 Left & 1 Right.

Fixing Split Hangers

Split Hanger Fixing Configurations
Split Hanger Fixing Configurations.

The versatility in these split hangers is not only earned by their varying width capability but also in their fixing configurations.

Standard Configuration:

The standard configuration is the most used and strongest of all the connection options. (see technical data sheet from Mitek to see fixing capacities)

Stacked Configuration:

A ‘stacked’ configuration can be utilized also where the fixing both Left & Right hand side of the hanger are applied to one side of the floor beam. This is useful in stair voids where you may want a nice flush plaster finish. (A reduced capacity factor is applied in this configuration. See technical data sheet from Mitek to see fixing capacities)

Single Configuration:

A ‘ single’ configuration can be designed where only one side of a split hanger is installed. The holding capacity is greatly reduced in this application but still achieves a strong connection. This option is great for fixing whaler plates to stud wall faces as shown. in the diagram. (A reduced capacity factor is applied in this configuration. See technical data sheet from Mitek to see fixing capacities)

Consult a licensed Mitek Fabricator or Mitek Australia Engineer for design advice and specification help.

See more and download the technical data sheet for fixing and capacity specifications from Mitek Australia – Split Hanger Technical Specification.

Contact The Truss Joint for design help and/or specification of Split Hangers and other Mitek Products.

The Truss Joint

CNC Timber Machining

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NEW MACHINE INSTALLATION:

Adding to our list of connection options for exposed trusses is the installation of our first Essetre Techno Fast CNC Machine. The 5 Axis CNC timber machining capabilities of the Techno Fast are almost limitless. The Essetre Techno Fast is marketed as “THE QUICKEST, MOST VERSATILE AND COMPACT WORKING CENTER ON THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET“. It is the first of its kind in Australia; being installed at The Truss Joint, Bendigo, Victoria.

The specifications of the machine allows the production of technical timber connections with millimeter precision and speed. With it’s installation in January 2024 it has already produced a number of components and jobs for our factory.

The Techno Fast CNC Timber Machine is where B.I.M design meets timber construction. Its methods will eliminate onsite issues, saving time and money. Intensive labor hours to produce such complex timber connections are a thing of the past with it’s ability to undertake precision at speed.

The Truss Joint Essetre
Essetre Techno Fast Installed at The Truss Joint, Bendigo.

Not only are we using the CNC Timber Machining capabilities to produce our own components we also provide a machining service to clients and builders.

CONTACT The Truss Joint to see how we can help you save time and money. Our trained staff will trouble shoot and design the best option for all timber trusses and structures using the latest in CAD software.

Techno Fast Features

The Techno Fast features an 11 position tooling magazine. The magazine results in the ability to change drilling and milling sizing heads to suit each individual job. The machine gives us the capacity to cut sectional timber sized anywhere up to 620mm High x 250/300mm Wide. The accuracy produced by the Techno Fast is second to none and produces millimeter perfect cuts every time. Since its commission we have machined and produced jobs from Australian Soft & Hardwoods.

See The Techno Fast in Action.

Watch The Essetre Techno Fast Video and read more The Truss Joint Essetre Techno Fast CNC Timber Machining.

Over time we will add additional features and images of different timber connections and design options. Check back on the products and services page or follow us on Instagram: the.truss.joint. See below for same sample components and cuts machined by our Techno Fast.

CNC Timber Machining By the Truss Joint
Pegged Mortise & Tenon CNC Timber Machining By The Truss Joint
Dove Tail CNC Timber Machining By The Truss Joint

Pegged mortise and tenon timber connections & dove tails are produced with precision by the Essetre Techno Fast

Essetre Home

Learn about the Essetre Techno Fast on their home page. Essetre Techno Fast Home Page

The Truss Joint

Compare LVL – All LVL’s are not equal

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Compare LVL

There are many different brands and grades of LVL (laminated veneer lumber) on the market in Australia. Here we will compare LVL grades and demonstrate that not all LVL’s are equal. For the purpose of this topic, specific branding and products have not been mentioned. We will focus on only strength grades commonly found in Australian hardware stores.

More often or not we hear this comment on site from builders/installers; “it was the closest size i could find to the one i needed”. This often arises when we site measure jobs. Occasionally a beam installed is not what’s been specified by the project engineer. Just like framing pine has different strength grades, so does LVL. It is critical to the performance of the structure being built and the beam/lintel that’s being installed that the correct strength grade of LVL beam is being used; ‘All LVL’s are not equal’.

Knowing LVL Numbers & Grades.

LVL strength grading is usually always in the product name; ‘LVL13 or E13′ would commonly be heard. Both of these names directly relate back to the Modulus of Elasticity. The Modulus of Elasticity or ‘MOE’ is a measure of stiffness of an elastic material. It is the strength grade that tells us how much the material will bend/deflect under specific loading applications. In basic, the higher the number in the product name, the stiffer it is and will deflect less under load. LVL grades commonly seen in Australia range from E10 found in framing studs through to E19 found in LVL structural beams.

What makes one LVL stronger than another?

Visually the majority of LVL’s on the market all look the same. But what makes one LVL stronger than another; is the timber species used and the thickness of laminate veneers. Many producers will use a mixture of soft and hardwood veneers to gain a better MOE value. This also directly effects the sale price of the different products.

Lets Compare LVL Grades.

Diagram 1:

Below is a simple comparison table using some of the strength grades on the market. The table compares each LVL strength grade as a lintel typically found over a 2400 wide sliding door/window. As shown, the higher the LVL grade, the better it performs and minimises the deflection in that lintel. What is deflection you ask? Deflection is the measurement past Horizontal zero. (see Diagram 1)

Deflection is a critical value to consider when designing any beam or lintel. There will always be deflection in any structural member but there are things to consider which can limit this value.

GRADEELASTICITY (mpa)STRENGTH GROUPJOINT GROUPDEFLECTIONSTRESS RATIO
LVL1313200SD5JD48.1mm81.2%
LVL13.213200SD6JD38.1mm81.2%
LVL1414000SD6JD47.7mm76.5%
LVL1515300SD6JD37.5mm74.9%
LVL1919500SD3JD25.5mm55.2%
Worked Example 1: Upper lintel spanning 2450mm (typical sliding door size)

Summary-

As the heading states; Not all LVL’s are equal and will not perform the same. So when substituting LVL members, consider its strength grading and not just its physical sectional size. If you are unsure, seek further clarification on a substitution LVL for your next job, talk to your project engineers or CONTACT US

Links:

Learn More about ‘Timber Joint Groups’

Learn more about ‘Timber Strength Groups’

The Truss Joint

FG Rafters (an LVL alternative)

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FG rafters are a great time saving rafter alternative to LVL & I joist rafters often nominated by engineers & building designers. The benefits for the builder far outweigh the other alternatives.

Developed in 2020 by The Truss Joint with MiTEK engineers the FG Rafter was born when the building industry suffered sever timber shortages. LVL and other engineered timber products were near impossible to acquire and build times blew out due to wait times. We developed the FG Rafter to keep our clients & builders moving during hard times.

FG Rafters

Since their inception into our product line we have provided FG Rafters into many applications. Most commonly used in residential builds the FG Rafters also perform well in commercial applications. Manufactured on already existing machinery, most truss manufacturers across Australia can readily produce this item and provide the market.

Builder feedback on FG Rafters has been very positive on all jobs we supplied. Being versatile in design they can accompany eave overhangs, box gutter ends and the open web style allows for any HVAC items required to be hidden. All of these items are seen as huge time savers for the builder on site as they are readily already manufactured into the rafter.

FG Rafter Benefits:

  • Ducting & Electrical services can be run between truss chords.
  • No drilling or Noting is required for electrical or support points.
  • Larger, better performing clear spans can be achieved.
  • Very lightweight and easy to handle.
  • Rafters are manufacture pre-cambered to minimise deflection your would otherwise face with LVL & I Joist products.
  • Special end details are achievable to suit Bog gutters and a variety of support scenarios.
  • Custom built to suit individual jobs & loading requirements.
  • No onsite cutting is required.
  • Exposed eave overhang tails can be manufactured into the Rafters.

Below are some basic design span charts using residential loads, rafter spacing and achievable spans.

FG Rafter Span Chart
FG Rafter End Details
FG Rafters Commercial
Cohuna Show Society Pavilion. Commercial Loads and Exposed Eave Tails. (Builder- McLoughlan Constructions)

For further information or a quote on FG Rafters, contact our team. We will be happy to help. Consider FG rafters for your next build.

OH and why are they called FG Rafters? …… Because they are F*n Good!

MiTEK Australia ‘EasyCat’ Phone App

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MiTEK EasyCAT

Everyone now days has a phone allowing us to find and build knowledge wherever we are. Builders and carpenters are one of the busiest trades in Australia and sometimes find it hard to find information quickly. MiTEK Australia have developed an easy to navigate app which allows us to make informative decision on the fly.

With MiTEK Australias ‘EasyCat’ app builders, designers & engineers now have around the clock access to technical data on every MiTEK product. Whether it be information on a truss tie down or technical information in regards to installing prefabricated trusses; the EasyCat app has you covered.

Find out different fixing methods for hangers/brackets, tie downs. Determine which hanger is fit for use in the application you require.

All Technical Data Sheets Provided Cover:

  • Wall Frame Ties
  • Truss Tie Downs
  • Girder Brackets
  • Bracing
  • Hangers
  • Fasteners
  • Truss Installation Booklet
  • Posi-Strut Floor & Roof Installation Book
  • Technical Reports

Download link MiTEK Australia: https://www.mitek.com.au/software/easycat/ EasyCAT

The Truss Joint

New Web Site Launch

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Welcome to the new home of The Truss Joint, Bendigo, Victoria. Browse through our new site to see a showcase our latest designs and work. Whether it be a prefabricated roof design, floor joist design or one of our bespoke exposed truss designs this site will give an insight of what we’ve been up to.

We will from time to time showcase a new idea or products from our suppliers and keep you informed and up to date with roof truss installation and manufacturing specifics.

Want to know more about a product? drop us a line or get in touch. One of our in house staff will be more than happy to help.

Browse our Project Galleries

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Pinterest: thetrussjoint

The Truss Joint