Issue link: http://alpine.uberflip.com/i/148376
INTRODUCTION TO OUR USERS The SpaceJoist TETM Design & Specification Guide is intended for use by architects, engineers and design professionals responsible for the specification of structural components in building projects. This manual also provides useful information to lumber suppliers and building contractors and serves as a reference guide for building code officials. The loading tables included in this manual are limited to common loading conditions for typical construction; however, many other loading conditions are possible. SpaceJoist TE users are cautioned to fully investigate all loading conditions to which specific trusses may be subjected. Contact your SpaceJoist TE representative with any questions. The information contained herein is valid only for the loads and conditions stipulated and applies solely to construction utilizing the SpaceJoist TE product. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. It remains the responsibility of the manual's user, however, to validate its adequacy for the particular situation in which the product is being utilized. SpaceJoist TE and the holders of trade names referenced in this manual expressly disclaim any responsibility arising from the improper use of the information in this manual. FLOOR PERFORMANCE FACTS The technical information in this manual has been developed based on state-of-the-art engineering analysis and on commonly accepted guidelines contained in major building codes utilized throughout the U.S. However, in addition to the structural integrity of a floor system, the perception of the floor system's performance is an important consideration. Since this is a subjective matter, what may be judged as a "good" floor by one person could be unacceptable to someone else. Knowledge of the client's expectations is an important factor in floor design. Increasing the floor decking thickness improves floor performance. To produce a stiffer floor system, be mindful of the following principles. Proper installation of the floor system's components helps prevent problems, reduces expensive call backs, and promotes good will. For a given span and loading, deeper joists exhibit less deflection. Reducing the spacing between trusses reduces truss deflection. 4 Use of proper adhesives between decking and joists produces a stiffer floor and is an excellent weapon against floor squeaks. Proper installation of strongback bracing reduces localized floor deflection in areas of concentrated load by providing for load sharing between joists. Correct installation of framing connectors is critical to proper floor system performance. Specification of a floor assembly that exceeds minimum deflection requirements yields a better performing floor system.