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I M P O R TA N T S A F E T Y I N F O R M AT I O N

NOTICE! WARNING! CAUTION! DANGER!

2008 EDITION PUBLISHED JUNE 2008


Derived from BCSI – created by WTCA & the Truss Plate Institute
Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information

Warning! Caution! Danger!

Use of the words above in any language should tell the reader that WARNING! The handling, storing, installing, restraining and
an unsafe condition or action will greatly increase the probability Bracing of Trusses requires specialized training, clearly im-
of an accident occurring that results in serious personal injury plemented procedures, and careful planning and communi-
or death. Disregarding or ignoring handling, installing, restraining cation among the Contractor, all installation crews and any
and Bracing safety recommendations is the major cause of Struc- crane operators. Property damage and/or serious bodily inju-
tural Building Component erection/installation accidents. ry is one possible result when handling and installing Trusses
without appropriate training, planning and communication.
The erection/installation of Structural Building Components such
as Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Trusses is inherently dangerous and Prior to Truss installation, it is recommended that the documents
requires, above all, careful planning and communication between be examined and disseminated to all appropriate personnel. In
the Contractor involved with the erection/installation, installation addition to proper training and a clear understanding of the in-
crew and the crane operator. Depending on the experience of the stallation plan, any applicable fall protection requirements and the
Contractor, it is strongly recommended that a meeting be held with intended restraint/Bracing requirements shall be understood.
all onsite individuals involved in the lifting/hoisting, setting and
Installation/Permanent Restraint/Bracing operations to review the Examine the structure, including the framing system, bearing lo-
provisions of the Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety cations, and related installation locations and begin Truss installa-
Information (CFSBCSI) booklet, the Truss Design Drawings, the tion only after any unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.
Construction Documents (i.e., architectural/structural plans and Do not cut, modify or repair Trusses. Report any damage before
specifications), the Truss Placement Diagram (if/when required installation.
by the Contract), OSHA jobsite lifting and fall protection require-
The information in this booklet is offered as a minimum guide-
ments (see CFSBCSI-B11), the erection and installation plan (if
line only. Nothing contained in CFSBCSI shall be construed in any
provided) and site specific conditions and issues.
manner as expanding the scope of responsibility of, or imposing
It is recommended that this review process be followed before any any additional liabilities on, the Truss Manufacturer.
Truss handling operations are performed. It is also recommended
Every project has different site conditions that can have a specific
that this meeting be held before any Truss handling at each new
effect on the erection process. Before the first Truss is erected,
jobsite and be repeated for any individuals newly assigned to the
every individual involved shall understand the plan for hoisting and
erection/installation operation. Proper restraint and Bracing of
Truss setting and the intended Installation Restraint and Bracing
Trusses requires an understanding of Triangulation in the various
requirements for a safe, efficient and accident-free jobsite.
planes perpendicular to the planes of the members of the Trusses.
This understanding is essential for a safe installation. The Con- Precautionary Note to Users of CFSBCSI
tractor involved with the erection/installation shall be familiar with
general Lateral Restraint and Bracing concepts as discussed in CFSBCSI – Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Re-
the above referenced industry publications. It is not intended that straining & Bracing of Cold-Formed Steel Trusses may be edited,
these recommendations be interpreted as superior to the Building changed, revised or withdrawn by WTCA at any time. Purchasers
Designer’s design specification for handling, installing, restraining and users of this guide are advised to visit the products section of
and Bracing Trusses. It also does not preclude the use of other www.cfsc.sbcindustry.com to confirm that this edition is the most
equivalent methods for restraining/Bracing and providing stability current information available. Use only the latest edition. Addition-
for the walls, columns, floors, roof and all the interrelated Struc- ally, errata and updates are published periodically and are avail-
tural Building Components as determined by the Contractor. able at www.cfsc.sbcindustry.com/cfsbcsi.php.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Capitalized terms found throughout this docu-


ment are defined in the “Glossary of Terms” (see pages 63-66).


ii
Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information

Produced by
WTCA – Representing the Structural Building Components Industry’s
Cold-Formed Steel Council (CFSC)

Published – June 2008

Copyright © 2008
WTCA – Representing the Structural Building Components Industry
All rights reserved. This book or any part thereof may not be reproduced in any form
without the written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.
This document should appear in more than one color.

iii
Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PHOTO AND GRAPHIC ARTS CREDITS
The thoughts, ideas and hard work of many have brought this edi- Graphic art, photographs, sketches, drawings, forms and table
tion of the Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Informa- formats that appear in this document have come from many
tion (CFSBCSI) document to press. sources, some known and others unknown. WTCA wishes to
thank the following known suppliers of graphic materials for this
Special thanks to WTCA’s Cold-Formed Steel Council (CFSC) CFSBCSI booklet:
membership in its entirety for perspective and feedback in guid-
ing the creation of this work, under the leadership of Barry Dixon, • Aegis Metal Framing, LLC
WTCA 2007 President; Don Groom, Immediate Past President; • Builders First Source/Bama Truss
Bob Becht, President Elect; and Ben Hershey, Secretary. Special • Cascade Mfg Co
thanks are also due to each of the CFSC Co-Chairs: Mike Noonan
and Joe Odgers. • Nucon Steel Commercial Corporation
• TrusSteel, an ITW Company
Certain individuals have been especially dedicated to making this
document possible: Don Allen, Jayna Altman, Ted Antrim, Bill Bab-
ich, Danny Barbee, Daniel J. Cordova, Rich Edwards, Earl Fenner,
Robert Fields, Dave Goodwin, David Horne, Chris Lambert, Marc
Langlee, Jay Larson, Keith Lindemulder, Michael Mendralla, Mike
Noonan, Tim Noonan, Joe Odgers, Kenny Pagano, Mike Pellock,
Chris Pogreba, Dan Pogreba, Lindsey Rattan, Harry Ray, Carl
Schoening, Andrew Seidel, Kelly J. Sias, Ed Spal, Steven Strouse,
Tom Valvo, Patrick Wallis, Scott Ward, Tim Warran, William Welty
and Jason Windham.

Finally, a key thank you must go to those that tended to all the de-
tails in the background, without which this document would not yet
be completed. This group includes Mike Noonan (CFSC Co-Chair-
man) and Tim Noonan of Cascade Mfg Co, Joe Odgers (CFSC
Co-Chairman) Builders First Source/Bama Truss, Mike Pellock
and Tom Valvo of Aegis Metal Framing; Bill Babich of TrusSteel,
an ITW Company; Keith Lindemulder of Nucon Steel Commer-
cial Corporation; Becky Bushnell, Michael Gilardi, Agron Gjinolli,
Kirk Grundahl, Keith Hershey, Marisa Hirsch, Denise Lane,
Anita Meredith, Sherry Misener, Emily Patterson, Jim Vogt and
Jill Zimmerman of WTCA staff.

iv
Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information

contents

Notice/Warning/Caution/Danger................................................ i CFSBCSI-B2 Setting Trusses and Installation


Precautionary Note to Users of CFSBCSI................................... i Restraint/Bracing..............................................17

Acknowledgements................................................................. iv Considerations Before Starting........................................18

Photo and Graphic Arts Credits.............................................. iv General Safety Reminders...............................................18

Introduction.......................................................................... vii Summary of the Eight Steps in the


Truss Installation Process...............................................19
Publications Background........................................................ vii
Details of the Eight-Step Truss Installation Process..........20
Important Note Regarding On-Center Spacing.........................viii
Alternate Installation Method – Rafting............................28
Hypocycloid...........................................................................viii
Hip Set Assembly & Bracing...........................................29
Proprietary Steel Shapes........................................................viii
Long Span Truss Installation...........................................31
JOBSITE PACKAGE................................................................viii
Field Assembly & Other Special Conditions......................33
Checklist for Handling & Installing Trusses............................... ix
Valley Set Frame Installation............................................34
Building Designer Information................................................... x
Special Applications Using Trusses.................................35
Building Designer Checklist..................................................... xi
Other Applications Requiring Special Restraint/Bracing....35
Acryonyms and Initialisms.....................................................xii
CFSBCSI-B3 P
 ermanent Restraint/Bracing
CFSBCSI-B1 Guide for Handling, Installing, of Chords & Web Members..............................37
Restraining & Bracing of Trusses.......................1
Restraint/Bracing Materials & Connections......................38
Installation Restraint/Bracing.............................................2
Using Installation Restraint/Bracing as
Permanent Individual Truss Member Restraint...................2 Permanent Restraint/Bracing...........................................39
Special Design Requirements............................................3 Permanent Bracing for the Various Planes
Unloading & Lifting...........................................................3 of a Roof Truss...............................................................39
Jobsite Handling...............................................................3 Permanent Bracing for Special Conditions.......................50
Crane Use & Proper Truss Handling...................................4 CFSBCSI-B4 Construction Loading........................................53
Hoisting & Placement of Truss Bundles.............................6 Construction Loading Do’s and Don’ts............................53
Installation of Single Trusses by Hand...............................7 CFSBCSI-B5 Truss Damage, Jobsite Modifications
& Installation Errors.........................................55
Mechanical Hoisting Recommendations for Single Trusses.. 7
Follow These Steps to Correct Damage, Jobsite
Restraint/Bracing Material & Connections..........................9
Modifications or Installation Errors..................................55
Beginning the Erection/Installation Process........................9
Common Repair Techniques............................................55
Ground Brace – Exterior..................................................10
Examples of Common Damage, Modifications
Ground Brace – Interior...................................................10 or Installation Errors........................................................55
Installation Tolerances.....................................................10 Note Regarding CFSBCSI-B6-B10..........................................57
Restraint/Bracing Warnings.............................................11 CFSBCSI-B11 Fall Protection & Trusses...............................59
Installation Restraint/Bracing Requirements Fall Protection Do’s & Don’ts...........................................59
for the Various Planes of a Roof Truss.............................12
Conventional Fall Protection............................................60
Alternative Methods of Installation Restraint/Bracing........14
Alternative Safe Installation Options.................................61
Construction Loading......................................................14
Summary.......................................................................61
Additional Notes..............................................................15
Glossary of Terms.................................................................63
General Notes.................................................................15

Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information
Reference.............................................................................67
Industry Associations
& Governmental Agencies...............................................67
Industry Standards, Guidelines
& Recommendations.......................................................67
Examples of Supplemental Information Tags....................68
Quick Reference Guide to
CFSBCSI-B Series Summary Sheets................... Back Cover

vi
Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information

INTRODUCTION for protecting Trusses from weather and damage at the jobsite,
how to lift bundles and individual Trusses by crane, restrain-
WTCA – Representing the Structural Building Components In- ing/Bracing guidelines to prevent Trusses from toppling during
dustry (WTCA) seeks to promote handling, installing, restrain- erection, installation tolerances to keep the Trusses in plane and
ing and Bracing guidelines for Cold-Formed Steel Trusses that plumb, and basic Construction Loading and materials placement
are simple, safe and proven methods consistent with accepted recommendations. Numerous graphics with universal red warning
framing construction practices in the field. The intention of this labels accompanied by written instructions provide an easy-to-
Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information follow reference. A supplemental warning tag can be attached to
(CFSBCSI) booklet is to implement those policies. individual Trusses urging erection/installation Contractors to refer
to CFSBCSI-B1 for more Bracing information.
The methods and procedures in CFSBCSI are intended to ensure
that the overall construction techniques employed will put Trusses CFSBCSI-B2 Summary Sheet - Setting Trusses & Installation
in place safely. These recommendations for handling, installing, Restraint/Bracing: Installation Restraint/Bracing is an impor-
restraining and Bracing Trusses are based upon the collective ex- tant, yet often overlooked, element of safe Truss installation.
perience of leading personnel involved with Truss design, manu- CFSBCSI-B2 provides options for safe Installation Restraint/Brac-
facturing and installation, but must, due to the nature of responsi- ing and strongly emphasizes how all Lateral Restraint needs to be
bilities involved, be presented only as a guide for use by a qualified stabilized with Diagonal Bracing, while showing how to get the
Building Designer and/or Contractor. It is not intended that these first five Trusses erected, restrained and braced efficiently and
recommendations be interpreted as superior to the Building De- safely for the benefit of the crew and the project.
signer’s design specification for handling, installing, restraining
and Bracing Trusses and it does not preclude the use of other CFSBCSI-B3 Summary Sheet - Permanent Restraint/Bracing
equivalent methods for restraining/Bracing and providing stability of Chords & Web Members: Permanent Bracing must provide
for the walls, columns, floors, roofs and all the interrelated Struc- sufficient support at right angles to the plane of the Truss to hold
tural Building Components as determined by the Contractor. Thus, every Truss member in the position assumed for it in the design.
WTCA, CFSC and those who participated in the development of CFSBCSI-B3 reviews the various planes of the Truss that typically
this guide expressly disclaim any responsibility for damages aris- must be restrained/braced and provides installation guidelines
ing from the use, application or reliance on the recommendations for Gable End Frame restraint/Bracing, individual chord and web
and information contained herein. member Permanent restraint/Bracing, web member reinforcement
and Permanent restraint/Bracing for special conditions.

PUBLICATIONS BACKGROUND CFSBCSI-B4 Summary Sheet - Construction Loading: During


construction, Trusses must not support any loads from equipment
The consistent message throughout all of these documents is that or construction materials until the Truss assembly is properly re-
proper Truss handling, installing, restraining and Bracing are crucial strained and braced. This document provides safe stack heights for
for consistent jobsite safety and acceptable structural performance. several materials and reviews good and bad loading practices.
More information regarding the design and manufacturing of Cold-
Formed Steel Trusses is provided in the AISI S214-07, North Amer- CFSBCSI-B5 Summary Sheet - Truss Damage, Jobsite Modifica-
ican Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing – Truss Design and tions & Installation Errors: Trusses are engineered components
the AISI CF06-1, Code of Standard Practice for Cold-Formed Steel that can be damaged through mishandling, jobsite modification or
Structural Framing and CFSC's Standard Responsibilities in the De- improper installation. This Summary Sheet provides information
sign and Application of Cold-Formed Steel Trusses. on what to do if Trusses become damaged during the construc-
tion process.
The sections of this booklet are available as CFSBCSI-B Series
Summary Sheets. Each Summary Sheet condenses the informa- The following CFSBCSI-B Series Summary Sheet was specifically
tion contained in the corresponding section of this booklet into a created for special conditions that are encountered during the
few pages that emphasize the main points using a graphical rep- Truss installation and Bracing process:
resentation of the text as fully as possible. The goal is to provide
clear, concise information for jobsite users so they can imple- CFSBCSI-B11 Summary Sheet - Fall Protection & Trusses:
ment the handling, installing, restraining and Bracing concepts Trusses are NOT designed to be fall protection anchors. CFSBCSI-
contained herein more easily. The CFSBCSI-B Series Summary 11 provides general guidelines to assist framing crews to safely
Sheets include: and efficiently install Trusses while meeting OSHA’s fall protection
guidelines.
CFSBCSI-B1 Summary Sheet - Guide for Handling, Installing,
Restraining & Bracing of Trusses: This guide for builders fea- All CFSBCSI Summary Sheets are viewable online and are avail-
tures proper techniques for unloading, storing, lifting, installing, able at www.cfsc.sbcindustry.com/cfsbcsi.php.
restraining and Bracing Trusses. It includes specific information

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Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING JOBSITE PACKAGE
ON-CENTER SPACING
WTCA has created a “JOBSITE PACKAGE” cover sheet that
The information provided in CFSBCSI is primarily directed toward may be included with the JOBSITE PACKAGE for each job.
Truss installations in which the on-center spacing is 24" or less; The JOBSITE PACKAGE typically provides one or more of the
although the concepts apply to all stability issues. Closer on- CFSBCSI-B Series Summary Sheets, the Truss Design Drawings
center spacings are acceptable using the handling, installing and for the project, the Truss Placement Diagram (if/when required
Bracing criteria of this booklet. by the Contract), Truss Bracing Diagram (if/when required by the
Contract), and other key information as determined by the Truss
Manufacturer.
HypoCyCLOID

The CFSBCSI booklet uses a hypocycloid to represent a


steel member. You will see this graphic used throughout the book- JOBSITE PACKAGE
let, and in most cases, it will be used at the end of a Truss. The IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED
American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) also uses the hypocycloid
in its logo. PLEASE REVIEW
WARNING: The handling, storing, installing, restraining and bracing of Structural Building Components requires special-
ized training, clearly implemented procedures, and careful planning and communication among the Contractor, crane operator and
installation crew. Handling and installing Components without appropriate training, planning and communication greatly increases the
probability of an accident resulting in property damage, serious personal injury and/or death.
Proprietary Steel Shapes Prior to Component Installation, the documents should be examined and disseminated to all appropriate personnel, in addition to
proper training and a clear understanding of the installation plan, any applicable Fall Protection Requirements, and the intended
restraint and bracing requirements. Trusses over 60 feet in length are very dangerous to install and may require complex
Installation and Permanent Bracing. Please always consult a Registered Design Professional.
There are a variety of proprietary steel shapes that are used in Examine the Building, the Building’s Structural Framing System, bearing locations and related Installation conditions. Begin compo-
nent installation only after any unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected. Do not cut, modify or repair Components. Report any
CFS Trusses and related Structural Building Components. Given damage before Installation.
The enclosed documents are offered as minimum guidelines only. Nothing contained in this joBSITE PaCkagE should be construed
this, there are also a variety of general and proprietary structural in any manner as expanding the scope of responsibility of, or imposing any additional liabilities on, the Truss Manufacturer.

details available. WTCA’s Cold-Formed Steel Council website ADVERTENCIA: El manejo, almacenamiento, instalación, restricción y arriostre de Componentes Estructurales
de Construcción requiere entrenamiento especializada, procedimientos claramente implementados, y planificación y comunicación
prudente entre el Contratista, operador de grúa y los obreros de instalación. El manejo y la instalación de Componentes sin entre-
provides links to manufacturer websites for proprietary details. namiento, planificación y comunicación suficiente aumentan mucho la probabilidad de un accidente resultando en daño a propiedad,
herida personal seria y/o muerte.

Our goal is to make available as many details as possible pertain- antes de la Instalación de Componentes, los documentos deben ser examinados y difundidos a todo el personal apropiado, además
de la entrenamiento suficiente y una comprensión clara del plan de Instalación, algunos Requisitos de Protección de caída aplicables,

ing to handling, installing and Bracing CFS Trusses in accordance y los requisitos previstos de restricción y arriostre. Trusses más de 60 pies de largo son muy peligrosos a instalar y pueden
requerir instalación y arriostre permanente complejo. Por favor, siempre consulte a un Profesional Registrado de
Diseño.
with CFSBCSI. Examine la Estructura, el Sistema de armazón Estructural del Edificio, las ubicaciones de soportes y condiciones relacionados de
instalación. Empiece la Instalación de componentes sólo después de que cualquier condiciones insatisfactorias hayan sido corregidas.
No corte, modifique o repare componentes. Reporte algunos daños antes de la Instalación.
Los documentos adjuntos se ofrecen solamente como directrices mínimas. Nada contenido en este PaquETE DE oBRa debe ser inter-
pretado en cualquier manera como ensanchando el alcance de responsabilidad de, ni de imponer cualquier obligaciones adicionales
en, el Fabricante del Truss.

To view a non-printing PDF of this document, visit www.sbcindustry.com/cfsjobsitecs.

for Design responsibilities see reverse

viii
Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information
CHECKLIST FOR HANDLING & Notify your Truss Manufacturer if Truss repairs are needed.
iNSTALLING TRUSSES After installation, if damage to the Trusses is discovered that
could weaken them, temporarily brace or support the Trusses
WTCA has also created the “Checklist for Handling and Installing to prevent further damage. Make sure the area remains clear
Trusses” that may also be included with the JOBSITE PACKAGE. of plumbing, electrical, mechanical runs, etc. until the field
An example of this checklist is provided below. repairs have been properly completed.

DO NOT cut, drill, relocate, add, or remove any Truss mem-


ber, screw, splice plate or other Connections until you have
received instructions from your Truss Manufacturer.

r Protect Trusses from weather, corrosion, Lateral Bending and


damage when stored at the jobsite. When Trusses are stored
at the site, use Blocking, stringers, pallets, platforms or other
means of support to keep the Trusses off the ground or in a
braced upright position to avoid damage.

r Carefully review the Truss Design Drawings, the Truss Place-


ment Diagram (if/when required by the Contract), Truss Brac-
ing Diagram (if/when required by the Contract) and all JOBSITE
PACKAGE documents prior to handling and installing Trusses.

r Examine the Building, the Building’s structural framing sys-


tem, bearing locations and related installation conditions. Be-
gin installing Trusses only after any unsatisfactory conditions
have been corrected.

r Use a Spreader Bar 1/2 to 2/3 of the Truss span for Trusses
over 30' and less than 60', and 2/3 to 3/4 of the Truss span
for Trusses up to and over 60'.

r Give special attention to connecting all beams and compo-


nents that support Trusses affected by wind uplift.

r Girder Trusses may consist of more than one Truss. Review


the Truss Design Drawings to determine the proper number
of plies and the correct attachment methods to be used at the
jobsite.
Review all the information provided in the JOBSITE PACKAGE
to ensure compliance with industry recommendations. Property r Install Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing in accordance
damage, serious bodily injury and/or death are possible when with the guidelines in the JOBSITE PACKAGE to prevent
handling and installing Trusses without following the recommen- Trusses from toppling during installation. Erect Trusses us-
dations presented in the JOBSITE PACKAGE. This is particularly ing the design spacing indicated, keeping the Trusses vertical
true when working with Trusses 60' and greater in length. and parallel to one another. Anchor Trusses securely at bear-
ing points. Space Trusses no more than plus or minus 1/4"
Property damage, serious bodily injury and/or death are possible
from Truss Placement Diagram location.
when Trusses are improperly handled, installed, restrained and/
or braced. Installation of Trusses can be dangerous, particularly r Refer to the Construction Documents or the Truss Placement
Long Span Trusses. Use the following checklist when handling Diagram (if/when required by the Contract) for the framing
and erecting Trusses. Connector (e.g. hanger, strap, anchor, etc.) locations. Fram-
ing Connectors shall be correctly attached. Refer to Connec-
r Inspect the Trusses at the time of delivery and after installa-
tor manufacturer’s specifications for installation information.
tion for:
r Install all Permanent Individual Truss Member Restraints or
(1) Conformance with the Truss Design Drawings
member reinforcement depicted on the Truss Design Draw-
(2) Dislodged/missing screws or other fasteners ings.

(3) Kinked, dislodged or broken members r Comply with the Owner's, or the Owner's retained Registered
Design Professional's Permanent Building Stability Bracing,
(4) Any other damage that may impair the structural integrity Anchorage, Connections and field assembly requirements.
of the Trusses, including red rust This information is typically provided in the Construction
Documents.
ix
Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information
r Install Structural Sheathing as soon as possible. Trusses hold Building Designer information
their profiles best when they have been properly plumbed,
restrained, braced and covered with Structural Sheathing. The following information is provided to help guide the Building
Sheath early . . . sheath often! Designer when using Trusses.

r During construction, distribute material and equipment loads There are two situations under which Building construction is
(e.g., plywood, drywall, roofing, tools, etc.) on the Trusses performed:
to stay within the limits of the carrying capacity for each
Truss. Make sure the Trusses are adequately restrained and 1. Structures that require a Registered Design Professional
braced BEFORE placing any construction loads on them. (RDP)
Only install HVAC units, fire sprinklers, etc., on Trusses if the 2. Structures that do NOT require a Registered Design
Trusses have been designed to accommodate these specific Professional
loads. Review the Truss Design Drawings for the assumed
loads and locations. For Structures that require a Registered Design Professional, the
Building Designer is defined as:
r NOTE: Temporarily braced structures are NOT suitable for
use or occupancy. Restrict access to construction personnel “The Registered Design Professional who contracts with the
only. DO NOT inhabit or store anything of value in temporarily Owner for the design of the Framing Structural System and/
braced structures. or who is responsible for the preparation of the Construction
Documents.”

For Structures that do NOT require an RDP, the Building Designer


is defined as:

“The Owner of the Building or the person that contracts with


the Owner for the design of the Framing Structural System
and/or who is responsible for the preparation of the Con-
struction Documents.”


Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information
BUILDING DESIGNER CHECKLIST r Any dead Load and/or Live Load deflection criteria
for floor Trusses supporting stone, marble or ce-
Required Information in the Construction Documents ramic tile finishes
Be sure to specify the following in the Construction Documents: r Anticipated moisture, temperature, corrosive chemicals
q Trusses with clear spans greater than 60' require that the and gases expected to affect the trusses and require-
Owner contract with a Registered Design Professional for ments for any additional corrosion protection.
the design of the Temporary Installation Restraint/Bracing
and the Permanent Individual Truss Member Restraint and Method of Restraint
Diagonal Bracing. The method of Permanent Individual Truss Member Restraint/
q Trusses with clear spans greater than 60' require that the Bracing and the method of Anchoring or restraining to prevent lat-
Owner contract with a Registered Design Professional to eral movement of all Truss members acting together as a system
provide special inspections to assure that the Temporary shall be accomplished by:
Installation Restraint/Bracing and the Permanent Individual
Truss Member Restraint and Diagonal Bracing is installed r Project Specific Design – A project specific permanent
properly. individual Truss member restraint/Bracing design speci-
fied by any Registered Design Professional, as specified
The following information is required in the Construction Docu- in the Contract documents and/or Construction Docu-
ments for developing the design of the Trusses for the Building: ments.

r All Truss and Structural Element orientations and locations r Substitution with Reinforcement – Truss member
Reinforcement designed by the truss design engineer
r Information to fully determine all Truss profiles or Truss Designer to eliminate the need for permanent
individual Truss member Lateral Restraint and Diagonal
r All Structural Element and Truss support locations and bear- Bracing. The permanent individual Truss member Rein-
ing conditions forcement design and details shall be noted/shown on
r The location, direction, and magnitude of all dead, live, and the Truss Design Drawings or on supplemental Truss
lateral Loads applicable to each Truss including, but not member buckling reinforcement details provided by the
limited to, Loads attributable to: roof, floor, partition, me- truss design engineer or Truss Designer.
chanical, fire sprinkler, attic, storage, rain and ponding, wind, r Standard Industry Details – Standard industry member
snow (including snow drift and unbalanced snow), seismic, Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing details in accor-
and any other Loads on the Truss dance with CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing
r All Anchorage designs required to resist uplift, gravity and of Chords and Web Members of the Cold-Formed Steel
lateral loads Building Component Safety Information (CFSBCSI).

r Truss-to-Structural-Element Connections, but not Truss-to- The method of Permanent Individual Truss Member Restraint and
Truss Connections Diagonal Bracing for the Truss Top Chord, Bottom Chord and web
members shall be permitted to be specified by any Registered
r Permanent Building Stability Bracing, including Truss An- Design Professional.
chorage Connections to the Permanent Building Stability
Bracing If a specific Truss member Permanent Bracing design for the roof
or floor Framing Structural System is not provided by the Owner
r Criteria related to serviceability issues including: or any Registered Design Professional, the method of Permanent
Individual Truss Member Restraint and Diagonal Bracing for the
r Allowable vertical, horizontal or other required deflection Truss Top Chord, Bottom Chord and Web members shall be in
criteria accordance with CFSBCSI-B3.
r Any dead Load, Live Load and in-service deflection cri- Note: This section on Method of Restraint is based on the pro-
teria for flat roofs subject to ponding loads visions for wood Trusses as provided in Section 2303.4 of the
2007 Supplement to the 2006 International Buidling Code®(IBC®).
r Any differential deflection criteria from Truss-to-Truss or These concepts also apply to Cold-Formed Steel Trusses. The
Truss to adjacent structural member text provided for the three (3) options above is taken directly from
r Any deflection and vibration criteria for floor Trusses AISI S214-07/S2-08, which has been submitted as a reference
including: standard for the 2009 IBC.

xi
Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information

ACRONYMS AND INITIALISMS

AISI: American Iron and Steel Institute

BCILR: Bottom Chord Installation Lateral Restraint

BCPLR: Bottom Chord Permanent Lateral Restraint

CFS: Cold-Formed Steel

CFSBCSI: Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information

CFSBCSI-B Series Summary Sheet: Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information Series Summary Sheet

CFSC: Cold-Formed Steel Council

CLB: Continuous Lateral Brace

CLR: Continuous Lateral Restraint

DBS: Diagonal Brace Spacing

O.C.: On-center (spacing)

OSHA: Occupational Safety & Health Administration

PBSB: Permanent Building Stability Bracing

PITMR: Permanent Individual Truss Member Restraint

PSF: Pounds per Square Foot

RDP: Registered Design Professional

SDS: Self-Drilling Tapping Screw

TCILR: Top Chord Installation Lateral Restraint

TDD: Truss Design Drawing

TPD: Truss Placement Diagram

WTCA: WTCA – Representing the Structural Building Components Industry

xii
CFSBCSI-B1
GUIDE FOR HANDLING, INSTALLING,
RESTRAINING & BRACING OF TRUSSES
For Trusses spaced up to 2'-0" on-center and up to 80'-0" in length

In order to properly receive, store, erect, restrain, brace, connect 1603.1 General. Construction documents shall show the size,
and integrate the Trusses into the Framing Structural System, it section and relative locations of structural members with floor
is necessary to have a complete understanding of the Submit- levels, column centers and offsets fully dimensioned. The design
tal Documents for the project. Submittal Documents typically in- loads and other information pertinent to the structural design re-
clude, but are not limited to: quired by Sections 1603.1.1 through 1603.1.8 shall be indicated
on the Construction Documents.
• the Construction Documents (i.e., architectural/structural plans
and specifications) IRC
• the Truss Submittal Package which includes:
• the Truss Design Drawings (TDD) R106.1 Submittal documents. Construction documents, special
• the Truss Placement Diagram(s) (TPD) (if/when required by the inspection and structural observation programs and other data
Contract) shall be submitted in one or more sets with each application for a
• this CFSBCSI document and/or CFSBCSI-B Series Summary permit. The construction documents shall be prepared by a reg-
Sheets (when provided) istered design professional where required by the statutes of the
• the erection and installation plan (if provided), and jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. Where spe-
• site specific conditions cial conditions exist, the building official is authorized to require
additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered
The 2006 IBC and IRC include general provisions for the typical design professional.
submittal process in Sections 106 and R106, respectively. Some
Exception: The building official is authorized to waive the
of the more pertinent subsections include, in part:
submission of construction documents and other data not
IBC required to be prepared by a registered design professional
if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such
106.1 Submittal documents. Construction documents, state- that reviewing of construction documents is not necessary
ment of special inspections and other data shall be submitted in to obtain compliance with this code.
one or more sets with each permit application. The construction
documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional R106.1.1 Information on Construction Documents. Con-
where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the struction documents shall be drawn upon suitable material.
project is to be constructed . . . Electronic media documents are permitted to be submitted
when approved by the building official. Construction docu-
106.1.1 Information on construction documents. Con- ments shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location,
struction documents shall be dimensioned and drawn upon nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail
suitable material. Electronic media documents are permitted that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant
to be submitted when approved by the building official. Con- laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, as determined by
struction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the building official.
the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and
show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this R106.1.2 Manufacturer’s installation instructions. Manu-
code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, facturer’s installation instructions, as required by this code,
as determined by the building official. shall be available on the jobsite at the time of inspection.

106.3.4.1 General. . . . The registered design professional R106.3.3 Phased approval. The building official is autho-
in responsible charge shall be responsible for reviewing rized to issue a permit for the construction of foundations
and coordinating submittal documents prepared by others, or any other part of a building or structure before the con-
including phased and deferred submittal items, for compat- struction documents for the whole building or structure have
ibility with the design of the building. been submitted, provided that adequate information and de-
tailed statements have been filed complying with pertinent
requirements of this code. The holder of such permit for the
foundation or other parts of a building or structure shall pro-
ceed at the holder’s own risk with the Building operation and
without assurance that a permit for the entire structure will
be granted.


CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses
R106.4 Amended construction documents. Work shall be in- CAUTION! Trusses stored or in-
stalled in accordance with the approved construction docu- stalled in full sun may become
ments, and any changes made during construction that are not very hot to the touch. Use the
in compliance with the approved construction documents shall proper personal protection equip-
be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of construction ment when handling Trusses.
documents.

The Construction Documents are critical for understanding how INSTALLATION RESTRAINT/
the Building is to be built. The Construction Documents shall be
BRACING
readily available on the jobsite and only the approved set shall be
used. Trusses are not marked in any way to identify the frequency or
location of Installation Restraint/Bracing.
All of the care and quality involved in the design and manufacture
of Trusses is jeopardized if the Trusses are not properly handled,
All Installation Restraint/Bracing shall comply with
hoisted, installed, restrained and braced.
the recommendations and options as described herein and/
or in the latest edition of the individual CFSBCSI-B Series
WARNING! The consequences of improper handling, erecting,
installing, restraining and Bracing can result in a collapse of Summary Sheets that are referenced.
the structure, which at best is a substantial loss of time and
materials, but can also result in serious injury and/or loss of PERMANENT INDIVIDUAL
life. The majority of Truss accidents occur during Truss instal-
lation and not as a result of improper design or manufacture.
TRUSS MEMBER RESTRAINT
Permanent Individual Truss Member Restraint (PITMR) shall be un-
dertaken in accordance with CFSBCSI-B3 or the Building Designer’s
Permanent Building Stability Bracing (PBSB) plan, which must in-
clude all Bracing that is considered part of the lateral force resisting
system for the entire Building. The PBSB is Bracing that transfers
forces due to gravity, seismic, wind, and/or other external lateral
forces, as well as collected forces caused by the restraint of mem-
bers subject to buckling into the shear walls, foundation or other
lateral force resisting systems that are provided for the Building.

The locations for attaching Continuous Lateral Restraint (a type


of PITMR) for individual compression members of a Truss are
provided on the TDD. Bracing such as Diagonal Bracing is re-
Photo CFSB1-1 quired for the Continuous Lateral Restraint (CLR) to prevent the
simultaneous buckling of the series of Truss members to which
Prior to Truss erection/installation, it is strongly recommended the CLR is attached. Permanent Lateral Restraint and Diagonal
that the Contractor involved with the erection/installation of the Bracing are required for proper performance of individual Trusses
Trusses meet with the erection/installation crew and crane op- within the roof or floor system. Permanent Lateral Restraint and
erator for a safety and planning meeting making sure each crew Diagonal Bracing shall provide sufficient support at right angles to
member understands his or her roles and responsibilities during the plane of the Truss to hold every Truss member in the position
the erection/installation process. assumed for it to properly carry the applied design loads. If prop-
erly planned, the Installation Restraint/Bracing applied during
CAUTION! Truss members and Connections, as well as the
Truss installation can be used as permanent Lateral Restraint
materials used to attach the Trusses in a bundle, have sharp
and Diagonal Bracing, making the completion of the perma-
edges! Handle with care. USE THE PROPER PERSONAL
nent Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing more efficient.
PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (E.G., GLOVES, SAFETY GLASS-
ES, FOREARM GUARDS, ETC.) WHEN CUTTING BANDING The Building Designer (see Supplement 2 to the North American
AND HANDLING STEEL COMPONENTS! Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing – Truss Design, AISI
S214-07/S2-08) is responsible for determining the proper trans-
fer of design Loads and the Anchorage design of each Truss to
the supporting structure. When the flow of Loads has been ac-
counted for and all the Load resisting systems for the Building
have been adequately designed, constructed and installed, the
structural framing for the Building is complete.


Figure CFSB1-1
CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses
SPECIAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS 
Make sure Trusses in a bundle are securely connected to-
gether prior to moving.
Special design requirements, such as wind Bracing, portal Brac-
ing, seismic Bracing, Diaphragms, shear walls, or other Load Do not lift Truss bundles by the banding or metal
transfer elements and their Connections to Trusses, shall be con- attachment pieces.
sidered separately by the Building Designer, who shall determine
the size, location, and method of Connections for all Bracing as
needed to resist these forces.
Spreader Bar
for Truss
UNLOADING & LIFTING

Avoid Lateral Bending.


(For more information, see Figure CFSB1-5, page 4.)
Figure CFSB1-3

Beginning with the unloading pro-
cess, and throughout all phases
of construction, exercise care

Trusses attached together in bundles that are in a vertical
position should be picked up along the Top Chords.
to avoid LATERAL BENDING of
Trusses, which can cause dam-
age to the Truss members and
Connections.

Figure CFSB1-2

JOBSITE HANDLING
Trusses in a bundle may be connected together with banding or
with pieces of metal stud or furring (hat) channel.

 Photo CFSB1-4


Proper attachment and smooth ground allow for unloading
of Truss bundles without damage. Trusses should be un-
loaded as close to the Building site as possible to minimize
handling. USE CARE TO NOT DAMAGE TRUSSES WITH THE
FORKS OF THE FORKLIFT.

Example of Truss bundles attached with banding.


PHOTO CFSB1-2

 PHOTO CFSB1-5

Do not break banding or remove metal attachment pieces


until erection/installation begins.

Do not store unbraced bundles upright.

Example of Truss bundles attached with metal stud pieces.


PHOTO CFSB1-3
 PHOTO CFSB1-6
CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses


Make sure Trusses are stored on even ground. Avoid Lateral Bending.

 
Trusses are relatively deep, narrow Structural Building Com-
ponents that are extremely flexible if bent perpendicular to
their Truss plane. Use care when handling Trusses to limit
the amount of Lateral Bending, which can cause damage to
the Truss members and Connections.
Examples of Lateral Bending when handling Trusses
(red line added to illustrate deviation from plane)

Plan View

PHOTO CFSB1-7
Do not drag or push Trusses along the ground.


If Trusses are stored vertically, they shall be braced in a
manner that will prevent tipping or toppling.


Trusses may be unloaded directly on the ground at the time
of delivery or stored temporarily in contact with the ground
after delivery. If Trusses are to be stored horizontally for
more than one week, place Blocking of sufficient height be-
neath the stack of Trusses on eight to ten foot intervals (or as
required) to minimize Lateral Bending and store on a slight Figure CFSB1-5
slope to allow for draining and to prevent accumulation of
water on the interior of Truss members.
CRANE USE & PROPER TRUSS HANDLING
A common method for hoisting Trusses into place is to use a
crane and rigging. Inadequate or improperly used hoisting equip-
ment can result in damage to Truss members and/or Connec-
tions. This section provides very basic guidelines to help avoid
this type of damage.
Figure CFSB1-4


Trusses stored for more than one week shall be protected 
from the environment in a manner that provides adequate
ventilation of the Trusses. If tarpaulins or other protective
covers are used, the ends shall be left open for ventilation.
Tight fitting coverings are not recommended, since they can
trap moisture.

CAUTION! Exercise care when removing banding or metal


attachment pieces to avoid damaging Trusses and prevent
personal injury. Gloves and safety glasses should be worn.

A spreader bar should be used when lifting Trusses greater than 30'.
PHOTO CFSB1-8

Responsibility

Crane equipment and use should comply with OSHA standards


and, unless agreed to expressly through Contract, is the responsi-
bility of the crane operator and/or Contractor. All OSHA standards
referred to in this document can be found on the OSHA website at
www.osha.gov/comp-links.html.


CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses
Key Considerations Crane Setup & Inspection

• Always obtain the correct crane size; never exceed load capacity. It is essential the crane is properly stabilized, physical obstruc-
• Always properly stabilize the crane onsite. tions to movement are accounted for, and proximity of electrical
• Always use proper rigging equipment. power lines is known. The crane footing area should be level,
• Use special hoisting equipment as needed. See hoisting firm, properly graded, free from obstruction, and drained to pre-
recommendations for Truss bundles (page 6) or single Trusses vent settling and tipping.
(page 7).
• The crane operator and ground crew need to know basic hand Outriggers should always be extended and used in accordance
signals (see examples in Figure CFSB1-6). with the crane manufacturer’s recommendations. Place blocking
under outrigger pads to spread the load to the ground over a larg-
Crane Size er area to prevent the pad from sinking. The relationship between
the weight of the load, the angle of the boom, and the hoisting
Crane size should be determined with consideration for both size process shall be considered to prevent tipping. Consult the crane
and weight of the Trusses to be hoisted, as well as the total dis- manufacturer’s load and angle information prior to hoisting.
tance from the crane footing location(s) to the farthest point of
Truss delivery. Crane equipment, load capacity and use should When uncertain about proper crane setup, consult a Registered
comply with OSHA standards [Subpart N, 29 CFR 1926.550]. Design Professional competent in this field to ensure setup com-
These standards require the crane user to comply with the equip- plies with the standards established by the American Society of
ment manufacturer's specifications and limitations applicable to Mechanical Engineers [ASME/ANSI B30.5-2004].
the operation of the crane. It also states that when the manu-
facturer's specifications are not available, equipment limitations
should be determined and documented by a Registered Design
Professional competent in this field.

Figure CFSB1-6 
CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses
As required by OSHA standard [Subpart N, 29 CFR 1926.550
Connect lifting devices to the Truss Top Chord with
(a)(5)], all crane and rigging equipment should be inspected reg-
only closed-loop attachments (see Figure CFSB1-8C). Refer
ularly by a competent individual to ensure everything is in proper
to the section entitled “Mechanical Hoisting Recommenda-
working order and that any worn or defective parts are repaired or
tions for Single Trusses” beginning on page 7 for additional
replaced. Equipment and worksite inspections should adhere to
information regarding the correct hoisting methods for single
the latest “Mobile Crane Inspection Guidelines for OSHA Compli-
Trusses of various span lengths.
ance Officers” published by OSHA.

Load Positioning & Movement A Spreader Bar used to hoist a Truss shall be of suf-
ficient strength and rigidity to carry the weight and to resist
Position the load to be hoisted as close to the Building site as bending of the Truss. Spreader Bars should comply with de-
possible to minimize hoisting distance. Load movement using sign specifications established by ASME [ASME/ANSI B30.2-
crane equipment and rigging should comply with OSHA regula- 2004] and prescribed by the equipment manufacturer.
tions [Subpart H, 29 CFR 1910.180].
Special Considerations
Check attachment of Trusses in bundle prior to mov-
• Use special care in adverse weather conditions. Buildings un-
ing Trusses.
der construction become more dangerous when constructed
DO NOT rely on banding OR METAL PIECES USED TO in high wind conditions. Lightning can also pose a serious risk.
ATTACH TRUSSES IN A BUNDLE to hoist and move It is the responsibility of the crane operator or Contractor to
bundles on the jobsite. recognize adverse weather conditions and take prompt and ap-
propriate action to ensure safety.
Rigging Equipment
• Avoid using a crane in close proximity to electrical power lines
Use materials such as slings, chains, cables and nylon straps unless the power has been disconnected by the local power
of sufficient strength to carry the weight of the Truss or Truss company [OSHA: 29 CFR 1926.550(a)(15)(i)].
bundle. Use slings, taglines and Spreader Bars properly to avoid
damage to the Truss members and Connections. • If you are using a crane within five miles of an airport, contact
the airport 30 days prior to crane use to learn about any re-
All rigging equipment and use should comply with OSHA regula- quired safety regulations [FAA: 49 CFR Part 77].
tions [Subpart H, 29 CFR 1926.251] which provides guidelines
on safe working loads permitted for the different types of rigging
equipment. This standard also requires regular inspection of all HOISTING & PLACEMENT OF TRUSS BUNDLES
rigging equipment by a competent individual and replacement or Trusses that have been securely attached together with banding,
repair of damaged or defective parts. metal stud or furring (hat) channel pieces to form a bundle are
Hoisting Trusses stiffer than single Trusses. Therefore, hoisting recommendations
for bundles are different as there is less likelihood of damage due
to out-of-plane bending (see Photo CFSB1-9).
Avoid Lateral Bending
when hoisting Trusses (see Figure
CFSB1-7).

Do not lift single Trusses
by the peak using a hook as shown
in Figure CFSB1-8A, as this can
cause damage to the chords, Figure CFSB1-7
Webs and/or Connections.

Example of a bundle of Trusses being lifted into place.


PHOTO CFSB1-9

 Recommendations for Hoisting Truss Bundles

Determine the weight of the Truss bundle. The actual


unit weight of a Truss depends on many factors including the
FIGURE CFSB1-8A FIGURE CFSB1-8B FIGURE CFSB1-8C size and thickness of the steel members and the Truss con-
figuration. A good rule to estimate the weight of the bundle
Do not lift single Trusses by the Webs as shown in is to use seven pounds per foot of Truss length times the
Figure CFSB1-8B, as this will cause Lateral Bending in the number of Trusses in the bundle or contact the Component
Truss and damage to Truss members and Connections. Manufacturer for weights.

CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses

Know the crane’s capacity. Do not lift bundles that INSTALLATION OF SINGLE TRUSSES BY HAND
weigh more than the capacity of the crane, which varies con-
siderably with the length and angle of the boom.

Hoisting by hand is allowed, provided excessive Lateral
Bending is prevented (see Figure CFSB1-5 on page 4).
• Before lifting, inspect the banding or metal pieces used to
attach the Trusses in a bundle to make sure they are secure

Trusses with spans less than or equal to 20' can be raised
into position by lifting near the peak.
and intact. Never use the banding or metal pieces to lift the
bundles.
• If a large bundle is made of several smaller bundles, redis-
tribute the Trusses into smaller bundles, reattach and lift the
smaller bundles one at a time.
• Lift points for hoisting Truss bundles are permitted anywhere
along the chords.
• Use at least two lift points for bundles with Trusses up to 45'
in length.
• Use at least three lift points for bundles with Trusses greater
than 45' in length.
• Follow the recommendations for proper crane use, tag lines and FIGURE CFSB1-9
all rigging equipment as described in this document. Special
care shall be taken in the choice of rigging equipment to pre- 
Trusses with spans less than or equal to 30' should be raised
vent damage to the Trusses. into position by lifting at Top Chord joints nearest the quarter
• Place Truss bundles in their most stable configuration or se- points of the span.
curely support by temporary means to ensure the safe removal
of banding or metal attachment pieces and installation of indi-
vidual Trusses.
• Use care to position Truss bundles so that the supporting
structure is not overloaded.
• Support each bundle with as many exterior and interior walls
as possible.
• All walls shall be adequately braced and capable of supporting
the weight of the bundle.
• Take additional precautions if Truss bundles cantilever over
outside walls. Do not cantilever the bundle more than 1/3 the
overall length of the Trusses. Use extra caution when removing FIGURE CFSB1-10
banding or metal attachment pieces of cantilevered bundles.
• Take extra care with bundles of shallow or vaulted Trusses, MECHANICAL HOISTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
which can bend excessively if they are not adequately sup- SINGLE TRUSSES
ported.
• Bundles placed vertically shall be adequately braced or sup- 
Use the erection equipment to safely hold the erected Truss
in position until such time as all Top Chord Installation Lateral
ported to prevent toppling.
Restraint (TCILR) has been installed and the Trusses are se-
• Do not stand on Truss bundles that have been placed on top curely fastened to all bearing points assumed in the design.
of the walls.
• Remove banding or metal pieces used to attach Trusses in a Using a single pick-point at the peak can damage
bundle carefully and proceed with Truss erection and Bracing. a Truss.

FIGURE CFSB1-11


CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses

The Contractor should provide adequate rigging Spreader Bar


(crane, forklift, slings, taglines and Spreader Bars) for suf- Toe-in Toe-in
ficient control during lifting and placement to assure safety
to personnel and to prevent damage to Trusses and property.
Slings, taglines and Spreader Bars should be used in a man- Spreader Bar 1/2 to
ner that will not cause any damage to the Truss members 2/3 Truss length
and Connections. Lifting devices should be connected to the Tagline For Trusses up to 60'
Truss Top Chord with only a closed loop attachment utilizing FIGURE CFSB1-13B
materials such as slings, cables or nylon straps of sufficient
TRUSSES UP TO AND OVER 60': For single Trusses up to and
strength to carry the weight of the Truss.
over 60', use a Spreader Bar 2/3 to 3/4 of the Truss length. The
Spreader Bar prevents Lateral Bending and should be attached to
Avoid Lateral Bending (see Figure CFSB1-5, page 4). Top Chords and Webs at 10' intervals. Locate the Spreader Bar at
TRUSSES UP TO 30': For single Trusses up to 30', use a mini- or above mid-height of the Truss to prevent overturning.
mum of two pick-points near Top Chord joints spaced up to 1/2
the Truss length apart. Keep line angle to 60° or less. Design the Spreader Bar of any material with suf-
ficient strength and rigidity to carry the weight and to resist
bending of the Truss. If in doubt, seek professional guid-
ance.

Spreader Bar Attach to Truss


60° or less Locate at 10' o.c.
above or Stiffback
max.
mid-height

Up to 1/2
Truss length Spreader Bar 2/3 to
Tagline
3/4 Truss length
For Trusses up to 30' Tagline

FIGURE CFSB1-12A For Trusses up to and over 60'

FIGURE CFSB1-14A Attach to


Truss at
10' o.c.
Spreader Bar max.
60° or less or Stiffback

Up to 1/2
Spreader Bar 2/3 to
Truss length
Tagline 3/4 Truss length
Tagline
For Trusses up to 30' For Trusses up to and over 60'
FIGURE CFSB1-12B
FIGURE CFSB1-14B

TRUSSES UP TO 60': For single Trusses between 30' and 60', use
a Spreader Bar 1/2 to 2/3 of the Truss length. Attach Truss to the
Spreader Bar with lines that slope inward or “toe-in,” as shown.

CAUTION! Lines that “toe-out” can cause the Truss to buckle.

Spreader Bar

Toe-in
Toe-in

Spreader Bar 1/2 to


2/3 Truss length
Tagline
For Trusses up to 60'

FIGURE CFSB1-13A

CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses
RESTRAINT/BRACING MATERIAL & CONNECTIONS
CAUTION! Inadequate size and/or fastening of Bracing mate-
rial is a major cause of erection dominoing.


The minimum size of a steel section used as Lateral Restraint
and Diagonal Bracing is 33 mil 1-½" furring (hat) channel
(150F125-33)* or 33 mil 2-½" stud section (250S162-33)*
unless specified by the Building Designer.
* Furring (hat) channel and stud section are based on industry standards adopted by the
Steel Stud Manufacturers Association (SSMA). SSMA products have a four-part code "Overlapped" Lateral Restraint
which identifies the size (both depth and flange width), style and material thickness of PHOTO CFSb1-11
each member.
These designations include the following:
Minimum Attachment Requirements for
250 S 162 - 33 Min. base metal thickness in mils (mil=1/1000")
Flange width in 1/100"
Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing1
S=Stud and/or F=Furring (Hat) Channel Minimum Min. Number of Screws
Member depth in 1/100" Screw Size per Connection to Truss
#10 Self-
The Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing can be Drilling Tapping 2
installed on either the top or bottom edge of the chord and Screws (SDS)
can be "nested" or "overlapped" (see Figure CFSBI-15). 1
Other attachment requirements may be specified by
the Truss Designer or Building Designer.
“NESTED” Lateral Restraint table CFSb1-1
“Nested” or “Stacked” Lateral Restraint using furring
(hat) channel. Attach restraints using min. 2-#10 SDS
at each Truss.

Screws shall draw metal tight together with screw heads
“OVERLAPPED” Lateral Restraint flush. Screws shall extend a minimum of three exposed
Stack “hat" restraints “Overlapped” Lateral Restraint threads through the last piece of steel in the connection.
on top of each other. using furring (hat) channel or stud Truss
section. Attach restraints using min. member
2-#10 SDS at each Truss.

lap
min. 6"

figure CFSb1-16

Overlap one

Truss space.

FIGURE cFSb1-15

Attaching Continuous Lateral Restraint (e.g. furring


channel), to the Bottom Chord of the Trusses.
PHOTO CFSb1-12

BEGINNING THE ERECTION/INSTALLATION


PROCESS (See CFSBCSI-B2)

It is important for the Contractor to provide substantial Brac-
ing for the first Truss erected. Trusses making up the rest
"Nested" Lateral Restraint of the first set are tied to the first Truss and rely upon it for
PHOTO CFSb1-10 stability. Likewise, after this first set of Trusses is adequately
restrained and Diagonally Braced, the remaining Trusses in-
stalled rely on this first set for stability. Performance of the
Truss Bracing system depends to a great extent on how well
 the first set of Trusses is restrained and braced.
CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses
GROUND BRACE - EXTERIOR (See CFSBCSI-B2) GROUND BRACE - INTERIOR (See CFSBCSI-B2)

Exterior Ground Bracing ties the first set of Trusses off to 
Where the height of the Building or ground conditions pro-
a series of braces that are attached to stakes driven into hibit Bracing from the exterior, stabilize the first Truss with
the ground and securely anchored. The Ground Brace itself Ground Bracing attached to the interior at the floor level,
should be restrained and braced as shown in Figures CFSB1- provided the floor is capable of supporting the Ground Brac-
17 and 18, or it is apt to buckle. Additional Ground Braces ing forces. Install the first Truss near the middle of the Build-
placed inside the Building in the opposite direction, are also ing and brace similar to Exterior Ground Bracing shown in
recommended. Figure CFSB1-19. Restrain and Diagonally Brace the first
set of Trusses before removing Ground Braces and setting

Locate Ground Braces for the first Truss directly in line with remaining Trusses.
all rows of Top Chord Installation Lateral Restraint (TCILR).
Temporary support
wall (or interior Second through
Top Chord Installation
partitions) fifth Trusses
Lateral Restraint
(TCILR)
Ground Lateral
Restraint

End
Diagonal
Brace ≈45°
Ground Brace
Ground Diagonal
≈90° Second Brace strut
Note: TCILR can be attached floor
to the underside of the Top FIGURE
FIGURE cfsB1-17 Chord (as shown here), or on CFSB1-19
top of the Top Chord. Second floor system shall have
First
adequate capacity to support
floor
Ground Braces.

INSTALLATION TOLERANCES (per AISI S214-07)


Brace first Truss
Ground Brace
securely before
Diagonal
erection of additional Out of Plumb
Trusses.
Bearing for Trusses D/50 D (ft.)
Ground
Lateral 1/4" 1'
Restraint 1/2" 2'
Depth, D

Plumb 3/4" 3'


line
1" 4'
1-1/4" 5'
1-1/2" 6'
Ground Brace strut D/50 max
FIGURE 1-3/4" 7'
Driven Note: End Diagonal Brace not shown for clarity.
CFSB1-18 2" ≥8'
ground stake Ground Bracing Connections should use a FIGURE CFSB1-20
min. 3-#10 SDS unless otherwise specified. table CFSB1-2
Note: The tolerances shown apply to Trusses in their permanently set position.

10
CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses
Max. bow Do not walk on Trusses or Gable End Frames lying flat.

Length

Length Max. bow

Max. bow Length

FIGURE CFSB1-21 FIGURE CFSB1-23

Out of Plane DANGER! Do not step, sit or walk on furring (hat) channel or
stud section material used for Lateral Restraint or Diagonal
Max. Bow Truss Length Bracing.
(feet-inches-sixteenths)
3/4" 12-6-0
7/8" 14-7-3
1" 16-8-6
1-1/8" 18-9-10
1-1/4" 20-9-10
1-3/8" 22-10-13
1-1/2" 25-0-0
1-3/4" 29-2-6
2" ≥33-3-10
table CFSB1-3

 Compliance with installation tolerances is criti-


cal to achieving an acceptable roof or floor
line, AND TO ACCOMPLISHING EFFECTIVE BRACING. Set- PHOTO CFSb1-13
ting Trusses within tolerance the first time prevents the need
for the hazardous practice of re-spacing or adjusting Trusses 
All anchors, hangers, tie-downs, seats, and bearing ledgers
when Structural Sheathing or Purlins are installed. Leaning that are part of the supporting structure shall be accurately
or bowing Trusses can result in fasteners that miss the Top and properly placed and permanently attached before Truss
Chords when Structural Sheathing is applied, and create ex- erection/installation begins. Do not install Trusses on an-
cessive cumulative stresses on the Bracing, which can lead chors or ties that have temporary Connections to the sup-
to Bracing failure and Truss dominoing. porting structure. Properly connect the Truss to each sup-
port.

The spacing of Trusses along bearing support must be within
WARNING! THE STRUCTURE IS NOT STRUCTURALLY
+/- ¼" of plan dimension. Field conditions that force spac-
ing beyond this tolerance shall be reviewed and approved by SOUND, STABLE OR SAFE until all the Truss attachments,
the Building Designer and Truss Designer. restraints and Bracing are properly installed.

RESTRAINT/BRACING WARNINGS
WARNING! LATERAL RESTRAINT
Do not walk on unbraced Trusses.
& DIAGONAL BRACING ARE
VERY IMPORTANT!

SEE CFSBCSI-B2 FOR ADDITIONAL


RESTRAINT/BRACING OPTIONS.

FIGURE CFSB1-22

11
CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses
TCILR
INSTALLATION RESTRAINT/BRACING spacing per
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE VARIOUS PLANES Table CFSB1-4
OF A ROOF TRUSS Top Chord Installation Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing


Installation Restraint/Bracing must be applied to ALL of the
following planes of the Trusses to ensure stability:

1) Top Chord Plane (roof plane)


2) Web Member Plane (sloping or vertical plane perpen- Max.
dicular to Trusses) 2' o.c.

3) Bottom Chord Plane (ceiling plane)

CAUTION! It is critical to install Lateral Restraint and Diago-


nal Bracing for the Top Chord and Web Member Plane im- Diagonal Braces
mediately to prevent out-of-plane buckling of the Truss. every 10 Truss
spaces (20' max.)
1)
TOP CHORD INSTALLATION RESTRAINT/BRACING is the See Short Member Installation
most important step for the Contractor. Truss Top Chords are Lateral Restraint options on page
susceptible to lateral buckling. See CFSBCSI-B2 for more 25. Overlap or nest per Figure
information. CFSB1-15.
Refer to CFSBCSI-B3 for Gable End Frame Bracing.

The Top Chord Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Note: Ground Bracing not shown for clarity.
Bracing approach provided in this section applies FIGURE CFSB1-24
to all sloping chord Trusses, Scissors Trusses,
parallel chord Trusses and piggyback Trusses.
Note: Trusses with depths less than 1/15 of the span at any Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing for a Piggyback Assembly
location away from bearings require more complex Installation Top Chord of supported Truss (blue) Diagonal Bracing* (red)
Restraint/Bracing. Consult a Registered Design Professional.
Top Chord of Lateral
supporting Truss Restraint*
WARNING! Exact spacing between Trusses should be (teal) (green)
maintained as the Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing
is installed to avoid the hazardous practice of trying to re-
move this material to adjust spacing. This act of “adjusting Lateral Restraint & Diagonal Bracing**
spacing” can cause Trusses to topple if the restraint and
Bracing is disconnected at the wrong time. *Note: Refer to Table CFSB1-4 and Figure CFSB1-24 for spacing of Installation
Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing on the sloped Top Chords of the
supported and supporting Truss.
Maximum Top Chord Installation Lateral Restraint (TCILR) Spacing **Note: Refer to the TDD and Figure CFSB3-36 on page 51 for Permanent
Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing, respectively, on the flat portion
Truss Span TCILR Spacing of the supporting Truss unless otherwise specified in the Construction
Documents.
Up to 30' 10' on-center maximum
FIGURE CFSB1-25
30' - 45' 8' on-center maximum
45' - 60' 6' on-center maximum
60' - 80' * 4' on-center maximum
*Consult a Registered Design Professional for Trusses longer than 60'.

Table CFSb1-4

12
CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses
2) WEB MEMBER PLANE requires installation Diagonal Brac- the TDD must also be Diagonally Braced for rigidity. Install
ing, as shown in Figures CFSB1-26 and 27, which is critical Diagonal Bracing along the same Web Member Planes
in preventing Trusses from leaning or dominoing. Locate In- that require CLR. Refer to the Truss Design Drawings to
stallation Diagonal Bracing on web members (vertical Webs determine which webs, if any, require CLR. Installing the
whenever possible), at or near each row of Bottom Chord CLR and Diagonal Bracing as the Trusses are installed
Lateral Restraint. See CFSBCSI-B2 for additional informa- saves time.
tion pertaining to Web Member Plane Installation Diagonal
Note: Web members that require more than one row of CLR
Bracing and CFSBCSI-B3 for information pertaining to Per-
shall have the CLRs and Diagonal Bracing installed as the
manent Restraint and Bracing for the Web Member Plane.
Trusses are installed.
 Webs that require Continuous Lateral Restraint (CLR) per 3) BOTTOM CHORD INSTALLATION LATERAL RESTRAINT
TCILR spacing per Table CFSB1-4.
Web Member Plane (BCILR) AND DIAGONAL BRACING is required to maintain
Note that TCILR can be attached to
Diagonal Bracing
the top or bottom of the Top Chord. on-center spacing for the Bottom Chord and to laterally “stiff-
en” the group of Trusses. Place Continuous Lateral Restraint
Bottom Chord and Diagonal Bracing on the Bottom Chord (Figures CFSB1-
Lateral Restraint 28 and 29). This material can be removed after the Perma-
nent Ceiling Diaphragm is in place or remain to become part
of the PBSB system.

Apply Diagonal Bracing to Webs that are near each row of Bottom Chord Lateral Restraint. BCILR
See **Important Note on this page for spacing between Bottom Chord Lateral Restraint.
FIGURE CFSB1-26
Diagonal Bracing
Diagonal
Bracing
Web members

Bottom Chord
FIGURE CFSB1-29
Bottom
Chords **IMPORTANT NOTE: Install Bottom Chord Installation Lateral
Restraint (BCILR) in rows no more than 15' on-center (o.c.).
Install Bottom Chord Permanent Lateral Restraint at the
spacing specified in the TDD and Construction Documents.
Diagonal Braces
every 20' max.
 Connect ends of each row of Lateral Restraint to the end walls.
Rows of Web Member Plane Add Diagonal Bracing at each end and every 10 Truss spaces
Installation Diagonal Bracing at
same spacing as Bottom Chord Lateral
Note: Some chord and web (20' max.).
members not shown for clarity.
Restraint.
See **Important Note on this page.
 Long spans, heavy loads or Truss Spacing greater than 2'
o.c. often require closer spacing of Lateral Restraint and
FIGURE CFSB1-27 Diagonal Bracing. Consult the Building Designer.

“Overlapped” Lateral Restraints


(one Truss space)
See Figure CFSB1-15.

Bottom c.
' o.
Chords x. 2
Ma

Diagonal Braces every


10 Truss spaces (20' max.)
Note: Some chord and web members
not shown for clarity.
See “**Important Note” above.
“Nested” Lateral Restraints. See Figure CFSB1-15.
FIGURE CFSB1-28
13
CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses
ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF INSTALLATION Never stack materials on the cantilever of a Truss.
RESTRAINT/BRACING

Alternate proprietary methods for Installation Restraint/Brac-
ing are available. See manufacturer's specifications.

WARNING! LATERAL RESTRAINT


& DIAGONAL BRACING ARE
VERY IMPORTANT!
Cantilever
See CFSBCSI-B2 for additional information. FIGURE CFSB1-33

CONSTRUCTION LOADING
Don't drop loads of any material on Trusses. Truss damage

Construction materials shall be distributed properly. See also from the impact is possible even if the weight of the material
CFSBCSI-B4 for additional information. is small.

Don't proceed with construction until all Lateral Restraint Never overload small groups or single Trusses. Position a load
and Bracing is securely and properly in place. over as many Trusses as possible. Do not exceed stack heights
in Table CFSB1-5, unless alternative information is provided by
Don't stack materials on unbraced Trusses. the Building Designer or Truss Manufacturer.

FIGURE CFSB1-34
FIGURE CFSB1-30

Never stack materials near a peak or at the center of the 


Always stack materials over two or more Trusses.
span.
 Place material next to outside Load bearing wall or directly
over interior Load bearing wall.


Position stacks of materials flat with the longest dimension
perpendicular to the Trusses as shown below.

FIGURE CFSB1-31

FIGURE CFSB1-35

FIGURE CFSB1-32

14
CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses

Maximum Stack Height


GENERAL NOTES
for Material on Trusses1, 2 DISCLAIMER: The Truss Manufacturer and Truss Designer rely
Material Height on the presumption that the Contractor and crane operator are
professionals and that they have the capability to undertake the
Gypsum board 12" work they have agreed to do on any given project. If the Con-
22 ga. Type “B” 1½" metal deck 21 sheets tractor believes he/she needs assistance in some aspect of the
20 ga. Type “B” 1½" metal deck 17 sheets construction project, he/she should seek assistance from a com-
petent party. The methods and procedures outlined in this docu-
18 ga. Type “B” 1½" metal deck 13 sheets
ment are intended to ensure that the overall construction tech-
Plywood or OSB 16" niques employed will put the Trusses into place SAFELY. These
Asphalt shingles 2 bundles recommendations for handling, installing, restraining and Bracing
Trusses are based upon the collective experience of leading per-
Concrete block 8"
sonnel involved with Truss design, manufacture and installation,
Clay tile 3-4 tiles high but must, due to the nature of responsibilities involved, be pre-
1. This table is based on Trusses designed with a Live Load sented only as a GUIDE for use by a qualified Building Designer
of 40 psf or greater. For other loading conditions, contact a or Contractor. It is not intended that these recommendations be
Registered Design Professional. interpreted as superior to the Building Designer’s design speci-
2. Install stacks of materials as quickly as possible. fication for handling, installing, restraining and Bracing Trusses,
table CFSB1-5 and it does not preclude the use of other equivalent methods for
restraining/Bracing and providing stability for the walls, columns,
Never cut, bend, drill, remove or otherwise alter any mem- floors, roofs and all the interrelated Structural Building Compo-
ber of a Truss unless specifically permitted by the Truss De- nents as determined by the Contractor. Thus, WTCA, CFSC and
sign Drawing. those who participated in the development of this guide expressly
disclaim any responsibility for damages arising from the use, ap-
plication, or reliance on the recommendations and information
contained herein.

FIGURE CFSB1-36


Any field modification that involves the cutting, drilling or re-
location of any Truss member or Connections shall not be
done without the approval of the Truss Manufacturer or a
Registered Design Professional.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Errors in Building lines and/or dimensions, or errors


by others (i.e., uneven bearing elevations, walls not parallel,
etc.), shall be corrected by the Contractor BEFORE the erec-
tion/installation of Trusses begins.

Non-Load bearing walls can transfer loads if large


Construction Loads are applied above them. This can cause
deflection problems in the floors below.

Under industry guidelines, Trusses that have been


field altered at the jobsite or overloaded during the construc-
tion phase will render your Truss Manufacturer’s limited war-
ranty null and void. Check your Truss Manufacturer’s limited
warranty for specific information.

15
CFSBCSI-B1: Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses

Notes:

16
CFSBCSI-B2
SETTING TRUSSES & INSTALLATION RESTRAINT/BRACING
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
For Trusses spaced up to 2'-0" on-center and up to 80'-0" in length

The Contractor shall be familiar with general Bracing concepts as


WARNING! The installation of Trusses is inherently dan-
gerous and requires, above all, careful planning and com- discussed in the documents referenced at left. It is not intended
munication between the Contractor, crane operator and that these recommendations be interpreted as superior to the
installation crew. Depending on the experience of the Con- Building Designer’s design specification for handling, installing,
tractor, it is strongly recommended that a meeting be held restraining and Bracing Trusses. It also does not preclude the use
with all onsite individuals involved in the lifting/hoisting, of other equivalent methods for restraining/Bracing and providing
installing and restraint/Bracing operations to review the stability for the walls, columns, floors, roof and all the interre-
provisions of: lated Structural Building Components as may be determined by
the Contractor. The Contractor is also responsible for the proper
• the Construction Documents (i.e., architectural/structural plans and safe lifting of the Trusses. See CFSBCSI-B1 for additional
and specifications) commentary on handling and installing Trusses. Every project
• the Truss Submittal Package which includes: has different site conditions that can have a specific effect on
• the Truss Design Drawings (TDD) the erection process. Before the first Truss is erected, every indi-
• the Truss Placement Diagram(s) (TPD) (if/when required by the vidual on the erection crew, including the crane operator, needs to
Contract) understand the installation plan and the intended Lateral Restraint
• this CFSBCSI document and/or CFSBCSI-B Series Summary and Diagonal Bracing requirements for a safe, efficient and ac-
Sheets (when provided) cident-free jobsite.
• the erection and installation plan (if provided)
• site specific conditions WHAT NOT TO DO: Fail to install Diagonal Bracing.
• OSHA jobsite lifting and fall protection requirements
(see CFSBCSI-B11)

DANGER! Disregarding handling, installing, restraining


and Bracing safety recommendations is the major cause
of Truss erection/installation accidents. Ignoring an un-
safe condition or action will greatly increase the probabil-
ity of an accident resulting in property damage, serious
personal injury and/or death.

Proper Truss erection, installation, restraint and Bracing require a


basic understanding of Triangulation within and between the vari-
ous planes of the Truss (i.e., Top Chord, Bottom Chord and Web).
It is critical to note that all Lateral Restraints must be braced. photo CFSb2-1
Lateral Restraint by itself is not adequate to resist the buckling
forces in the members to which it is attached without the rigid-
ity provided by Bracing. Bracing is typically provided by adding 
Always Diagonally Brace for Safety!
Diagonal Bracing within the same plane of the Lateral Restraint
or by anchoring the Lateral Restraint to a lateral force resisting
member such as a shear wall. This understanding is essential for 
a safe installation.

photo CFSb2-2
17
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing
CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE STARTING 
11. Is the Building configuration such that the first set of
Trusses can be stabilized by tying them off to the Build-
Prior to starting the erection/installation process, there are sev- ing structure (existing or new) itself? Particular attention
eral checks that are the responsibility of the Contractor. These shall be paid to the adequacy of the wall Bracing if this
include: technique is chosen.

1. Is there a complete set of Building Designer-approved
 12. Is the roof a hip style? For hip style roofs, use the crane
Construction Documents on the jobsite? to lift and hold the Girder Truss while the end jacks are in-
stalled to brace the Girder Truss. This eliminates the need

2. Is the Building the correct size? Are all as-built dimen-
for Ground Bracing the first Truss assuming all hardware
sions the same as those depicted in the Construction
and hangers are properly installed prior to the crane releas-
Documents? If not, corrective actions shall be taken
ing the Girder Truss. Properly attaching the Girder Trusses
prior to Truss installation.
and jack Trusses at their bearing points and permanently
restraining and Diagonally Bracing this assembly will pro-

3. Are all the Load bearing supports (e.g., walls, columns,
vide a rigid framework to which subsequent Trusses can
headers, beams, etc.) plumb and properly braced? Stop-
ping in the middle of the Truss installation to straighten be restrained and braced.
and brace these supports is dangerous.
DANGER! Truss spacers are for spacing only! Never use
DANGER! Having an inadequately braced support the commercially available non-structural metal fold-out
single unit spacer products for Truss LATERAL RESTRAINT.
system buckle during the erection process will cause
Truss spacers are not intended as structural members and
property damage, personal injury and/or death.
are insufficient as Lateral Restraint and Bracing of any kind.
Approved Proprietary Metal Restraint/Bracing products are

4. Are all bearing supports accurately and securely installed
acceptable. Property damage, personal injury and/or death
at the locations shown on the Construction Documents?
If not, corrective actions shall be taken prior to Truss are possible if this warning is not heeded.
installation.

 5. Are the tops of all bearing supports at the correct el- 


evation? Uneven bearing surfaces are a major cause of
Truss unevenness, and can cause costly delays and/or
repairs. Check and correct bearing wall deficiencies prior
to starting the Truss erection process.


6. Are the bearing supports straight along their length and Example of a proprietary metal restraint Example of a non-structural metal fold-
parallel where they should be parallel? If not, corrective product. out spacer.
action shall be taken prior to Truss installation. photo CFSb2-3 figure CFSb2-1


7. Are the delivered Trusses the right size? Check Trusses GENERAL SAFETY REMINDERS
for dimensions and damage as soon as they arrive on
site to avoid possible installation delays. Before starting, here are some general safety reminders:
1. Brief all members of the erection/installation crew as to the

8. Are all required hangers, angle clips, tie-downs and re-
installation plan and the intended Lateral Restraint and Di-
straint/Bracing materials onsite and located where they
agonal Bracing requirements.
will be readily accessible when needed? Obtain all mate-
rials or parts prior to starting the Truss erection process. 2. If possible, fasten together all multi-ply Trusses, including
Do not attempt to “make do” without all required materi- Girder Trusses, per the TDD prior to lifting into their assumed
als. Jobsite safety has no room for shortcuts. positions on the Building.

9. Is the jobsite clean and neat with scraps and trash from 3. Check all Trusses for damage, including red rust, (see CFS-
the construction process removed or in designated ar- BCSI-B5) prior to, during and after the erection/installation
eas away from the work area? Truss erection typically process. Do not install damaged Trusses unless specifically
involves bringing the Trusses in overhead with the as- instructed on how to do so by the Building Designer, Truss
sistance of a crane. Worker attention is often directed Designer or Truss Manufacturer.
upward even while moving around. A clean jobsite will
help to avoid trips and falls. 4. Brace all rows of Lateral Restraint with Diagonal
Bracing (see Bracing diagrams, when provided, for proper

10. Have the appropriate Ground Bracing techniques for the location, spacing and attachment requirements for the Brac-
first Truss been determined? Steeply sloping site terrain ing). Lateral Restraint alone is not adequate without the added
or upper-level Truss installations usually warrant using rigidity of Triangulation provided by the Diagonal Bracing.
an Interior Ground Brace scheme, as Exterior Ground
Brace Diagonals get exceedingly long and require sub- 5. WARNING! Property damage, bodily injury and/or death
stantial Bracing themselves. are possible when Trusses are improperly handled, installed,
restrained and/or braced. Installation of Trusses can be dan-
gerous, particularly Long Span Trusses in excess of 60'.
18
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing
SUMMARY OF THE EIGHT STEPS IN THE TRUSS 
STEP 2. Determine the on-center spacing of Top Chord In-
INSTALLATION PROCESS stallation Lateral Restraint (TCILR) (see Table CFSB2-1, page
20, or Installation Bracing layout when provided).

STEP 1. Establish Ground Bracing procedure; interior
or exterior. Interior 
STEP 3. Set first Truss (or Gable End Frame) and fasten se-
curely to Ground Bracing verticals using minimum 2-#10
Self-Drilling Tapping Screws (SDS) at each junction, and to
If ground level is too far from the wall, or as directed by the Building Designer. Install Truss
Truss for Exterior Ground Brac- straight, plane and plumb as each subsequent Truss will
ing, use Interior Ground Bracing. have a tendency to follow the shape of this first Truss.

The use of Ground Brace verticals alone, attached


Exterior to the end wall, is not considered good construction practice
and is not permitted.
figure CFSb2-2
Typical attachment of vertical
and Diagonal Bracing and Lateral
Restraint to Truss
First Truss (or Gable
Ground Brace diagonal End Frame) of braced
group of Trusses
Lateral Ground Brace
Restraint diagonal
Ground Brace
vertical

Truss

Ground
Ground Brace vertical
Lateral Attach Ground Brace
Side view Elevation view Driven ground Restraint vertical to structural
stake wall sheathing, wall
note: use min. 350s162-33 for ground brace Strut
diagonal and vertical members. connect plates or studs with
ground brace diagonal to vertical with Backup ground 2-#10 SDS at each
min. 3-#10 SDS. connect Lateral Restraint Horizontal
to Truss and to ground brace vertical with stake junction.
tie member End Diagonal
min. 2-#10 SDS.
with multiple stakes Brace
figure CFSb2-3 exterior Ground Bracing to first Truss installed (see Ground Bracing pagE 64.)

Typical attachment of vertical


and Diagonal Bracing and Lateral Restraint to Truss
Ground Brace diagonal
Lateral
Restraint

Truss
Ground Brace
vertical
Side view Elevation view
note: use min. 350s162-33 for ground brace
diagonal and vertical members. connect
ground brace diagonal to vertical with
min. 3-#10 SDS. connect Lateral Restraint
to Truss and to ground brace vertical with
min. 2-#10 SDS.

figure CFSb2-4 interior Ground Bracing to first Truss installed (see Ground Bracing page 64.)

19
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing


STEP 4. Set Trusses 2, 3, 4 and 5 with TCILR installed in line DETAILS OF THE EIGHT-STEP
with Ground Bracing. Attach securely at all bearings, shim- TRUSS INSTALLATION PROCESS
ming bearings as necessary. Allow a Floating Connection
for the attachment to all non-bearing interior walls. Do not STEP 1. ESTABLISH GROUND BRACING AND SETTING THE
shim. FIRST TRUSS

DANGER! NEVER release the Truss being set from the lift- Ground Bracing can be installed on either the exterior or interior
ing slings/crane until Truss is in its intended position, all of the Building, to the top of an adjacent wall, or to the structure
TCILR are installed and bearing attachments are made. itself. Site conditions dictate the most efficient procedure. The
Exercise caution to assure the Trusses are accurately located procedure selected is not as important as following the simple
at their proper on-center spacing while the Lateral Restraint guidelines for locating the Ground Braces. Ground Brace loca-
is being applied. Releasing a Truss early or releasing a Truss tions are determined by the requirements for TCILR. Locations
to adjust spacing is an extremely dangerous practice. Doing for TCILR are determined by the overall Truss length (see Table
so leaves the Truss in an unstable condition and places the CFSB2-1) and the length of the Top Chord between pitch breaks
installation crew in danger. This is an UNSAFE act that can (i.e., change of slope). It is important to note that TCILR is re-
cause the Truss to topple and cause serious personal injury quired at EVERY pitch break (see Figure CFSB2-10, page 21).
or death. The portion of the Top Chord between pitch breaks shall be
restrained at intervals not exceeding the lengths given in Table
 STEP 5. Install Top Chord Plane Diagonal Bracing (see CFSB2-1 (see Figures CFSB2-6, 7 and 10, pages 20-21).
pages 25 and 26 or Installation Bracing layout, if provided).
Alternately, Structural Sheathing correctly applied at this Set the first Truss into position and connect it to each bearing and
stage will act as Diagonal Bracing for the Top Chords and then to the Ground Brace verticals where they intersect the Top
adequately brace the first five Trusses (see Figure CFSB2-5). and Bottom Chords of the Truss.

TCILR interval Note: TCILR can be attached to


(see Table CFSB2-1) the underside of the Top
Chord (as shown here) or
to the top of the Top Chord.

Truss Span
Bearing wall Bearing wall
Ground Brace vertical
FIGURE CFSB2-5
figure CFSb2-6


STEP 6. Install Web Member Plane Diagonal Bracing to STEP 2. DETERMINE GROUND BRACE LOCATION
stabilize the first five Trusses set (Figure CFSB2-35, page
26, or the Installation Bracing layout ). Web member Lateral Maximum Top Chord Installation Lateral Restraint (TCILR) Spacing
Restraint (if indicated on the TDD), together with Diagonal Truss Span TCILR Spacing
Bracing or some other form of Permanent Building Stability
Bracing (PBSB), serves this purpose. Up to 30' 10' on-center maximum
30' - 45' 8' on-center maximum

STEP 7. Install the Bottom Chord Plane Installation Lateral
45' - 60' 6' on-center maximum
Restraint and Diagonal Bracing to stabilize the Bottom Chord
Plane(s). 60' - 80' * 4' on-center maximum
*Consult a Registered Design Professional for Trusses longer than 60'.
Do not remove Ground Bracing until all the Top Chord, Web
Table CFSb2-1
and Bottom Chord Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing is
installed for at least the first five Trusses.

Start Structural Sheathing immediately after secur-


ing the Bracing onto the Web and Bottom Chord Planes.


STEP 8. Continue the erection/installation process by install-
ing the next four Trusses with the TCILR and then repeat-
ing Steps 5, 6 and 7. Repeat the process with sets of four
Trusses until all of the remaining Trusses in the Building run
have been installed.
20
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing


The TCILR and Diagonal Bracing approach provided in this
* = Pitch break * Over 8' (add a row of
document applies to all sloping chord Trusses, Scissors Under 8' Lateral Restraint)
Trusses, Parallel Chord Trusses and Piggyback Trusses.
Note: Trusses with depths less than 1/15 of the span at all *
* *
locations away from bearings require more complex Installa- *
tion Bracing. Consult a Registered Design Professional.
5'-6" 5'-6" 5'-6" 8'-10" 3'-4" 4'-4"

Example 1: 36' span 6/12 Truss 33'-0"

figure CFSb2-10
6'-8 12
6 '-8" " 6
" 6'-8 
Continuous TCILR is required over bearing if the height is 10"
6'-8 "
or greater as shown.
" 6'-8
6'-8 "
Top Chord Installation Lateral Restraint (TCILR)
Minimum size of steel used as TCILR is 33 mil 1-½" furring (hat)
channel (150F125-33) or 33 mil 2-½" stud section (250S162-33).
≈6' ≈6' ≈6' ≈6'
Use minimum 2-#10 SDS at each Truss to Lateral Restraint
36'-0" joint connection.

figure CFSb2-7

The 36' Truss above will require TCILR at not more than 8' on-
center (o.c.) per Table CFSB2-1, page 20. The length of the
Top Chord from the peak to Truss heel (as measured along the
slope) is roughly 20'. Adding one row of TCILR at the midpoint ≥ 10"
of the 20' segment leaves two 10' segments, which exceeds the
8' on-center maximum in Table CFSB2-1. Therefore, the chord
segment needs to be divided into three segments 20' ÷ 3 ≈ 6'-
Truss attachment
8". TCILR will be approximately 6'-8" o.c. along the slope. required at supports
Bottom Chord Installation Lateral Restraint (BCILR)

Example 2: Locating TCILR and Ground Bracing for hip Minimum size of steel used as BCILR is 33 mil 1-½" furring
Trusses and special configuration Trusses. (hat) channel (150F125-33) or 33 mil 2-½" stud section
(250S162-33). Use minimum 2-#10 SDS at each Truss to
Locate a TCILR at each pitch break along the Top Chord. Lateral Restraint joint connection.
Additional rows of TCILR are required according to the maxi- figure CFSb2-11
mum on-center spacing in Table CFSB2-1, page 20.

Minimum size steel section used as Truss Lateral Restraint
and Diagonal Bracing is 33 mil 1-½" furring (hat) channel
(150F125-33)* or 33 mil 2-½" stud section (250S162-33)*
unless other size is specified by the Building Designer.
Truss Span * Furring (hat) channel and stud section are based on industry standards adopted by the
Steel Stud Manufacturers Association (SSMA). SSMA products have a four-part code
Hip Truss with TCILR and Ground Brace verticals. which identifies the size (both depth and flange width), style and material thickness of
each member. These designations include the following:

figure cFSb2-8 250 S 162 - 33 Min. base metal thickness in mils (mil=1/1000")
Flange width in 1/100"
S=Stud or F=Furring (Hat) Channel
Member depth in 1/100"

Lateral Restraint/Diagonal Bracing can be installed


Truss Span oneither the top or bottom edge of the chord and can be
"nested" or "overlapped" (see Figure CFSB2-13 on page 22).
Parallel Chord roof Truss with TCILR and Ground Brace verticals.
Minimum Attachment Requirements for
figure CFSb2-9 Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing1
Minimum Min. Number of Screws
Screw Size per Connection to Truss
#10 Self-
Drilling Tapping 2
Screws (SDS)
1
Other attachment requirements may be specified
by the Truss Designer or Building Designer.
table CFSb2-2
21
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing


Screws shall draw metal tight together with screw heads
flush. Screws shall extend a minimum of three exposed
threads through the last piece of steel in the Connection.
Truss
member

figure CFSb2-12

“NESTED” Lateral Restraint "Nested" Lateral Restraint


“Nested” or “Stacked” Lateral PHOTO CFSb2-4
Restraint using furring (hat) channel.
Attach restraints using min. 2-#10
SDS at each Truss.
“OVERLAPPED” Lateral Restraint
Stack “hat”restraints “Overlapped” Lateral Restraint
on top of each other. using furring (hat) channel or stud
section. Attach restraints using min.
2-#10 SDS at each Truss.

lap
min. 6"

"Overlapped" Lateral Restraint


PHOTO CFSb2-5

Overlap one
Truss space.

FIGURE cFSb2-13


Figure CFSB2-14 depicts the maximum o.c. spacing of TCILR
per Table CFSB2-1, page 20. Ground Bracing not shown for
clarity.
Apply Diagonal Bracing or Structural Sheathing immediately.
For spans over 60', applying Structural Sheathing immediately
is the preferred method (see Step 5, page 25).

**Note: Spans over 60' require more


complex Installation Restraint/Brac-
ing. Consult a Registered Design
Professional.

4' o.
c. m
6' o. ax.*
10' o 8' o. c. m
.c. m c. m ax.*
ax.* ax.*
≈45°
up to
Tr uss Typical 80'*
up to *
Span up to 60'
s up 45'
to 30 Top Chord Installation
'
figure CFSb2-14 *Note: Maximum spacing for Top Chord Installation Lateral Restraint. Lateral Restraint
22
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing
STEP 3. SET FIRST TRUSS AND FASTEN SECURELY
The TCILR options discussed in this section apply to
TO GROUND BRACES
all sloped and Parallel Chord Trusses, including:

Construct and install the Ground Bracing for the first Truss
from the Building interior or exterior.


Example of first Truss installed with Interior Ground Bracing:

Interior Ground Bracing

figure CFSb2-15 Radius Truss

figure CFSb2-19

CAUTION! First Truss shall be attached securely to all re-


Mono Truss quired Ground Braces prior to removing the hoisting sup-
figure CFSb2-16 ports.


Example of first Truss installed with Exterior Ground Brac-
ing:

Exterior Ground Bracing


Scissors Truss
figure CFSb2-17

Parallel Chord Truss


figure CFSb2-20
figure CFSb2-18

 Example of first Truss installed with Interior Ground Bracing


to top of wall and back to floor below.

Overall
**
(f t) Truss height

Interior
Ground Bracing
to end wall and floor below.

**See Figure CFSB2-22 on page 24.


figure CFSb2-21

23
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing
Min. 350S162-33 stud
section (or end jacks in Overall 
Example of first five Trusses with Interior Ground Bracing:
a Hip Set Truss height
application) See Short Member
Attach members Braced Truss (or Installation Lateral
to wall Girder Truss in Hip Restraint detail
Set application) Option 2 on
page 25.

(ft)

Properly brace wall with


adequate diagonals and floor
Anchorage, perpendicular to
walls, etc.

figure CFSb2-22

figure CFSb2-24
 X = wall setback (ft) = overall Truss height (ft-in) rounded
to next full Truss spacing or Girder Truss set back in hip end
framing. For example, if the overall Truss height is 5'-6" and
the Trusses are to be spaced at 2' on-center (o.c.), use a wall
setback, X, of 6' (i.e., three Truss spaces at 2'=6'>5'-6"). 
Example of first five Trusses with Interior Ground Bracing to
top of wall and back to floor below:
STEP 4. SET TRUSSES 2, 3, 4 AND 5 WITH TCILR IN LINE
WITH GROUND BRACING See Short Member
Installation Lateral

Set Trusses 2, 3, 4 and 5 using the Short Member Installa- Restraint Option 3
tion Lateral Restraint (see options on page 25) in line with on page 25.
the Ground Braces.


Example of first five Trusses with Exterior Ground Bracing:

See Short Member


Installation Lateral
Restraint detail
Option 1 on
page 25. figure CFSb2-25

figure CFSb2-23

24
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing
STEP 5. INSTALL TOP CHORD DIAGONAL BRACING
Install Diagonal Bracing to the Top Chord Plane im-
mediately after the initial five Trusses have been set and
restrained. Thereafter, install Diagonal Bracing at no more
 Triangles make Trusses strong. Triangles make Bracing
strong.
than 20' intervals as shown in Figure CFSB2-37. Refer to
manufacturer's specifications for Diagonal Bracing require- Diagonal Bracing
ments when Option 3: Proprietary Metal Restraint Products (red)
is used.

OPTION 1:
"Overlapped" Short Member Installation Lateral Restraint

Note: Diagonal Bracing not


shown for clarity. figure CFSb2-29

 Some Truss Manufacturers attach supplemental warning


≥1 1/2" tags to Trusses reminding the installer of proper bracing
practices. An example of one such tag is shown below.

Restraint should extend


WARNING! TRUSSES ARE UNSTABLE UNTIL PROPERLY
RESTRAINED & DIAGONALLY BRACED
See CFSBCSI-B1 or CFSBCSI-B2 for Installation Restraint & Diagonal Bracing Information.
at least 1 1/2" past the Consult Building Designer and/or CFSBCSI-B3 for Permanent Restraint & Diagonal Bracing
Information. For Trusses 60' or Greater in Length, Consult a Professional Engineer.
Truss at each end.

figure CFSb2-26
≥1 1/2"

OPTION 2:
¡ADVERTENCIA!
LOS TRUSSES SON INESTABLES HASTA
"Nested" Short Member Installation Lateral Restraint QUE SEAN RETRINGIDOS Y ARRIOSTRADOS
DIAGONALMENTE APROPIADAMENTE
Vea CFSBCSI-B1 o CFSBCSI-B2 para Información Sobre la Restricción de Instalación y Arriostre Diagonal.
Consulte al Diseñador del Edificio y/o CFSBCSI-B3 para Información Sobre la Restricción Permanente y el
Arriostre Diagonal. Para Trusses de Más de 60 Pies de Largo, Consulte a un Ingeniero Profesional.

Note: Diagonal Bracing not


shown for clarity.
#
www.sbcindustry.com WTCA – Representing the Structural Building Components Industry Copyright © 2007 All Rights Reserved www.cfsc.sbcindustry.com

figure CFSb2-30


Example of Diagonal Bracing on first five Trusses with Inte-
rior Ground Bracing:
Overlap min. 6"
See Short Member
Installation Lateral
Restraint detail
options on this page.

figure CFSb2-27

OPTION 3:
Proprietary Metal Restraint/Bracing Products*

Truss Top Chord


Note: Diagonal Bracing not
Truss o.c. spacing shown for clarity.

*These products are


specifically designed to figure CFSb2-31
provide Lateral Restraint
and are not just for spacing.
Refer to manufacturer’s
specifications.
figure CFSb2-28
See DANGER on page 18.
25
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing


Example of Diagonal Bracing on first five Trusses with Exte- STEP 6. INSTALL DIAGONAL BRACING IN WEB MEMBER PLANE
rior Ground Bracing:
Diagonal Bracing or some other type of Permanent Building Sta-
See Short Member bility Bracing (PBSB) installed perpendicular to the plane of the
Installation Lateral Trusses and attached to similar web members of adjacent Truss-
Restraint detail es greatly increases the stability of the Truss System both during
options on page 25.
and after installation.


The web Diagonal Braces, acting together with the Top Chord
and Bottom Chord Installation Lateral Restraint, form Trian-
gulation perpendicular to the plane of the Trusses, thus cre-
ating additional lateral stability for the Trusses.


Diagonal Bracing installed for the purpose of increasing the
stability of the Truss System during installation shall be in-
stalled on web members (verticals whenever possible), lo-
figure CFSb2-32 cated at or near each row of Bottom Chord Lateral Restraint.

 Example of Diagonal Bracing on first five Trusses with Ground Bottom Chord Web member
Bracing to top of Building wall and back to floor below: Installation Diagonal Bracing
Lateral
See Short Member Restraint
Installation Lateral
Restraint detail
options on page 25.

Apply Diagonal Bracing to Webs that are near


each row of Bottom Chord Lateral Restraint.
See Figure CFSB2-35 for spacing of Bottom Chord Lateral Restraint.
figure CFSb2-34


Install Web Diagonal Braces so that they cross the web
figure CFSb2-33
members at approximately 45° and are fastened with a mini-
mum of 2-#10 SDS at each end and to each intersecting
Truss Web.


The requirements for web member Permanent Individual
Truss Member Restraint (PITMR) are specified on the TDD
(see CFSBCSI-B3).
Diagonal
Web members Bracing

Bottom
Chords

Diagonal Braces
every 20' maximum

≤15'. Same spacing as Bottom Chord Lateral Note: Some chord and web members
Restraint (see **IMPORTANT NOTICE** on not shown for clarity.
next page).
FIGURE CFSB2-35
26
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing


Web PITMR and Diagonal Braces used for installation stabil-
ity purposes and installed at the locations specified for PBSB
can become part of the PBSB system.

Diagonal Bracing is critical in preventing Trusses “Nested” Lateral Restraint “Overlapped” Lateral Restraint
see Figure CFSB2-13 see Figure CFSB2-13 Approx. 45°
from leaning or dominoing. Repeat as shown to create a
succession of rigid units. Mono Trusses, deep flat Trusses
and other types of Trusses with deep ends also require In-
stallation Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing on the long
web members at the deep end of the Truss.


Consult the Building Designer during the pre-erection meet-
ing if the Lateral Restraint, Diagonal Bracing and PBSB re-
quirements are not perfectly clear.

STEP 7. LATERAL RESTRAINT & DIAGONAL BRACING FOR ≤15 ft. ≤15 ft. ≤15 ft.
THE BOTTOM CHORD PLANE
Plan view of Bottom Chord Installation Lateral Restraint (BCILR) and Diagonal Bracing.
Note: Top Chord and Web Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing not shown for clarity.

Bottom Chord Installation Lateral Restraint (BCILR) and
Diagonal Bracing are used to stabilize the Bottom Chords figure CFSb2-36
during Truss installation and to maintain proper spacing be-
tween Trusses. They also can be used as PBSB. Therefore, STEP 8. CONTINUE THE TRUSS INSTALLATION PROCESS
most Bottom Chord Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing REPEATING STEPS 5 THROUGH 7
is placed on the top edge of the Bottom Chords and attached
per the minimum requirements of Table CFSB2-2 at each 
Install Trusses using Short Member Installation Lateral
Truss intersection, at the locations specified for the PBSB Restraint Options 1-3 from page 25.
and becomes part of the PBSB system.

Add Diagonal Bracing (at ≈ 45˚) as indicated in Figure
**IMPORTANT NOTE: Rows of Bottom Chord Lateral Restraint CFSB2-37 unless otherwise specified by the Building
installed for the purpose of stabilizing the Bottom Chords of Designer.
the Trusses during installation should be spaced no more
than 15' o.c. Bottom Chord Lateral Restraint may also be
required to stabilize the Bottom Chords due to loads applied
during the service life of the Building. Refer to the Truss
Design Drawings and the Construction Documents for the
required spacing of this Bottom Chord Permanent Lateral
Restraint. Diagonal Bracing required
at each end and every 10 Spacing between rows

The Building Designer specifies how the Bottom Chord Lat- Truss spaces (20' max.). of TCILR is based on
eral Restraint is to be braced to prevent lateral movement Truss Span (see Table
TCILR CFSB2-1, page 20 for
and become part of the PBSB system. This can be accom- guidelines).
See installation
plished by: options on page 25.
Overlap or nest per

Diagonal Bracing in the Bottom Chord Plane repeated Figure CFSB2-13.
at the same intervals as the Top Chord Diagonal Brac-
ing (see also CFSBCSI-B1 pages 13 and 14; or other
means as determined by the Building Designer.

≈45°

10 Truss spaces (20' max.).

Note: Ground Bracing not shown for clarity. Note: TCILR is required over the outside
bearing walls if the Truss Heel Height is
figure CFSb2-37 10" or greater (see Figure CFSB2-11).
27
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing
ENSURE THAT ALL TRUSSES ARE 
Pre-plan before starting, as skill, coordination and experi-
PROPERLY DIAGONALLY BRACED ence are required.


 Refer to CFSBCSI-B1, Guide for Handling, Installing, Re-
straining and Bracing of Trusses for crane use and Truss
handling considerations.


Improper Bracing scheme - TCILR without Proper Bracing scheme - TCILR with
Diagonal Bracing Diagonal Bracing
photo CFSb2-6 photo CFSb2-7

Apply Structural Sheathing early and often. Do not wait
until all Trusses are set to apply Structural Sheathing.

CAUTION! Remove only as much Installation Lateral Re-


straint and Diagonal Bracing as is necessary to attach the
next sheet of Structural Sheathing.
Restrain and Brace as soon as the first “set” of Trusses have been properly
CAUTION! Do not exceed the Truss Design Load with Con- plumbed.
struction Loads (see CFSBCSI-B4).
photo CFSb2-9

ALTERNATE INSTALLATION METHOD – RAFTING


"Rafting" is the term used in the Cold-Formed Steel construction 
industry to describe the procedure of building the entire roof sys-
tem, or portions thereof, on the ground and lifting it into place.


Ensure level bearing and follow the procedures described in
Steps 1-8 on pages 20-28, except set, position, plumb and
properly restrain and brace the Trusses as modules on the
ground. Lift note: Depending upon the job specifics, it may
be possible to construct the entire roof on the ground and lift
into place as a single unit.


Be sure to install all Top Chord, web member, and Bottom
Chord Lateral Restraint and Bracing prior to lifting.
Pick up the finished assembly and set it into place.
CAUTION! Additional restraint and bracing may be required photo CFSb2-10
to safely lift units into place.


Be sure to get proper guidance from a Registered Design
Professional to ensure modules are designed and installed 
safely and properly.

If properly braced, rafting can also take place before the Structural Sheathing
Ground Bracing for Truss assembly being built on the ground. is applied.
photo CFSb2-8 photo CFSb2-11
28
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing
HIP SET ASSEMBLY & BRACING Hip Trusses
Common Trusses
A Hip Set is a series of Trusses that de-
crease in height to form the end slope Hip Girder
of a hip roof. Hip Sets are laid out in a
variety of ways, but for the most part,
they have a hip Girder Truss that is set
back from the end wall a certain dis-
tance and perpendicular end jacks that
span the setback distance. Permanently
connecting the end jacks to the end wall
and Girder Truss as early in the instal-
End wall
lation process as possible dramatically
ack
increases the stability of the hip Girder s etb all
der w
Truss and the safety of the structure. End jacks Gir end
rf om
Steps for Hip Set Assembly & Bracing figure cFSb2-38

Step 1: Position the hip Girder Truss on


the bearing walls at the speci-
fied end wall setback. If the hip Step 2: Install all the corner and end jacks with all permanent
Girder Truss consists of multiple plies, it is much easier Truss-to-bearing Connections (e.g., hangers, clips and
to fasten the plies together and install the end jack hang- tie-downs).
ers (if required) on the ground before lifting the Girder
Truss into place. Permanently attach the Girder Truss to
bearing supports. Note: All plies of a multi-ply Girder
Truss shall be attached per the fastening schedule on
the TDD before attaching any framing members or
applying any Loads.

Install jacks while


crane continues to
hold Girder Truss in
Attach hip Girder Truss
place.
to supports
figure CFSb2-41
Install hip jack

Alternate Option to Step 1 & 2: Assemble the Girder Truss


and jacks on the ground and lift the entire assembly into
place. Be sure to get guidance from a Registered Design
Hip jacks and end
Professional to ensure modules are designed and installed
Install Outer End Jacks
jacks
and oneatevery
10' o.c.
10' o.c. safely and properly (see page 28 for information on Rafting).

figure CFSb2-39

Per the TDD, attach jack


Trusses at or near the
Top Chord and at or
near the Bottom Chord
of the Girder Truss. The
Connection at the top is
important as it helps to
stabilize the Top Chord
of the Girder Truss.

figure CFSb2-40
figure CFSb2-42

29
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing
Step 3: Install the next Hip Truss with Short Member Installation Step 5: Install pitched Trusses using the guidelines of this
Lateral Restraints. Attach each Short Member Installa- document.
tion Lateral Restraint to the Top Chord of the hip Girder
Truss and adjacent Hip Truss with a minimum of 2-#10
SDS at each end. The Short Member Installation Lateral
Restraints should be long enough to extend at least 1.5"
past the Top Chord of each Truss. Place Short Mem-
ber Installation Lateral Restraint at pitch breaks and the
sloped portions of the Top Chords space rows accord-
ing to the guidelines provided in Table CFSB2-1.

figure CFSb2-45

 If there is a hip at one end of the Building and a gable at the


other, a good practice is to start the Truss installation at the
Hip Set end.

Note: Lateral
figure CFSb2-43 Restraint and
Diagonal Bracing
not shown for
Step 4: Install remaining Hip Set Trusses. For the flat portion of clarity.
each Hip Truss, use Short Member Installation Lateral
Restraints that are at least double the length of the first
set of Short Member Installation Lateral Restraints. For
the sloped sides of the Trusses, install Short Member
Installation Lateral Restraints according to one of the
three options on page 25. figure CFSb2-46
See Short Member
Installation Lateral
Restraint detail options DON’T stack materials or stand on end jacks as it causes
on page 25.
instability in the hip Girder Truss.

figure CFSb2-44

figure CFSb2-47

30
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing
LONG SPAN TRUSS INSTALLATION
DANGER! Trusses over 60' in length are extremely danger-
ous to install.

Long Span Trusses, 60' or greater in length, pose significant
risk to installers. The dimensions and weight of a Long Span
Truss can create instability, buckling and collapse of the Truss if
it is not handled, installed, restrained and Braced properly. Long
Span Trusses can be installed safely and efficiently, but they re-
quire more detailed safety and handling measures than shorter
span Trusses.

Before Starting
• Hire a Registered Design Professional to provide an Instal-
lation Restraint/Bracing plan and to supervise the erection photo CFSb2-12
process.
Tips for Safe and Efficient Installations
• Read and understand this guide.  Build the First Five Trusses into a Stable Base Unit: Assem-
ble the first five Trusses with all Structural Sheathing, restraint
• Develop a safe, effective Truss installation method and in- and Bracing. Some installers lift the first five Trusses one at a
form all crew members of their roles. time and restrain, brace and sheath as they go. Other installers
• Use installers who have experience installing Trusses build the base unit on the ground and lift it into place. Either
greater than 60' in span. way, this makes the installation process much easier, accurate
and safe (see Figure CFSB2-48).
• Inspect the Trusses.
 Add a Temporary Center Support: It is highly recommended
• Document all Truss damage including red rust. Prior to in- that temporary supports be set up at interior locations dur-
stallation, repair all Trusses according to the repair details ing the erection/installation process. This will provide greater
prepared by the Truss Designer or a Registered Design Pro- stability and increased safety at the jobsite. Temporary in-
fessional. terior supports should be left in place until all PBSB is in-
stalled.
• Ensure that the walls and supporting structure are stable and
adequately restrained and braced.

• Have all necessary lifting equipment and Building materi-


als on hand. Make sure the crane operator understands the
special hoisting requirements of Long Span Trusses (see
CFSBCSI-B1 Figures CFSB1-14A and 14B, page 8).

figure CFSb2-49

figure CFSb2-48

31
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing


Sheath the Top Chord as Trusses are Installed: Save time
by applying Structural Sheathing immediately. Installation is
also safer when the crew can work from a sheathed deck.

Trusses greater than 60' require a Spreader Bar (Stiffback) attached directly to
the Truss. See Figure CFSB2-50.
photo cFSb2-13


Keep Trusses Straight During Hoisting: Long Span Trusses
are very prone to bending out-of-plane while being lifted into photo CFSb2-14
place. It is very important to provide support so the Trusses
flex as little as possible. A good hoisting device and Spreader 
Install All Permanent Building Stability Bracing Immedi-
Bar can provide support and be a real time saver. ately: Once the installation crew becomes familiar with the
procedure, the Permanent Lateral Restraint and Diagonal
Bracing for Webs and Bottom Chords can be installed in the
time it takes to release the hoist and install the next Truss.

Attach to
Truss at
Contractor experience is required to install Trusses
Spreader Bar over 60' in length.
Locate 10' o.c.
or Stiffback
above max.
mid-height DISCLAIMER: The Truss Manufacturer and Truss Designer rely
on the fact that the Contractor and crane operator (if applicable)
are capable to undertake the work they have agreed to do on a
particular project. The Contractor should seek any required assis-
Spreader Bar 2/3 to tance regarding construction practices from a competent party.
3/4 Truss length The methods and procedures outlined are intended to ensure
Tagline
that the overall construction techniques employed will put floor
For Trusses up to and over 60' and roof Trusses in place SAFELY. These recommendations for
handling, installing, restraining and Bracing Trusses are based
FIGURE CFSB2-50
upon the collective experience of leading personnel involved with
Attach to Truss design, manufacturing and installation, but must, due to the
Truss at nature of responsibilities involved, be presented only as a guide
Spreader Bar 10' o.c. for use by a qualified Building Designer and/or Contractor. It is
or Stiffback max.
not intended that these recommendations be interpreted as supe-
rior to the Building Designer’s design specification for handling,
installing, restraining and Bracing Cold-Formed Steel Trusses. It
does not preclude the use of other equivalent methods for re-
Spreader Bar 2/3 to straining/Bracing and providing stability for the walls, columns,
Tagline
3/4 Truss length floors, roofs and all the interrelated Structural Building Compo-
For Trusses up to and over 60'
nents as determined by the Contractor. Thus, WTCA, CFSC and
those who participated in the development of this guide expressly
FIGURE CFSB2-51 disclaim any responsibility for damages arising from the use, ap-
plication, or reliance on the recommendations and information
contained herein.

32
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing
FIELD ASSEMBLY & OTHER SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Certain sizes or shapes of Trusses require some assembly at the

jobsite. For these Trusses, refer to the Truss Design Drawings
(TDD) for specific instructions on assembly methods, unless the
Construction Documents indicate otherwise. The Contractor is
responsible for proper field assembly.

Lateral Restraint at on-


Diagonal Bracing center spacing specified
(red) on the TDD (green)
photo CFSb2-15

Field Spliced Trusses


Trusses that are too long or too tall for delivery to the jobsite in
one piece are designed to be delivered in two or more parts, and
then field spliced together on the jobsite. Splicing can be per-
formed on the ground before installation, or the Truss sections
figure CFSb2-52
can be supported by temporary shoring after being hoisted into
place and the splices installed from a safe working surface. In-
stallation Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing must be installed
per the recommendations provided in this document and PBSB
Piggyback Trusses
per the Construction Documents as the Trusses are installed.
Profiles that are too tall to be delivered to the jobsite in one piece
may be designed and manufactured in two or more layers and
“piggybacked” at the jobsite. All Installation Lateral Restraint
and Diagonal Bracing must be in accordance with the Building
Designer’s Installation Restraint/Bracing plan or the procedures
outlined herein. Install all PITMR shown on the TDD and PBSB
shown on the Construction Documents. The supporting Trusses
shall be completely installed with all PBSB as required BEFORE
installing the “cap” Trusses.

For details on how to permanently laterally restrain and diagonally


brace Piggyback Truss Systems, refer to CFSBCSI-B3.

Supported (“Cap”)
Frames

Lateral Restraint
Diagonal Bracing Example of a steeply pitched
(in green)
(in red) Scissors Truss requiring a spe-
cially designed field splice at the
top and bottom peak.
Use an engineered
connection per the TDD.
≈45°
figure cFSb2-54

figure CFSb2-53

Note: Diagonal Bracing can be installed between the rows of Lateral Restraint on
the top of the Top Chord of the supporting Truss (as shown) or on the bottom of
the Top Chord of the supporting Truss.

33
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing


Some Buildings are designed to have open ends (no end
walls) or large door openings in the end walls. Apply Diago-
nal Bracing to the Bottom Chords between the rows of Bot-
tom Chord Lateral Restraint and at approximately 45° to the
laterals (see Figure CFSB2-36, page 27). Apply this Diagonal
Bracing at both ends of an open end Building, and repeat
along the length of the Building at the same spacing as de-
termined for the Top Chord Diagonal Braces. Such Buildings
may also require additional Bottom Chord Permanent Build-
ing Stability Bracing to resist buckling of the Bottom Chord
due to compression forces caused by wind uplift. Consult
the Building Designer.

Multi-Ply Trusses & Girder Trusses


The proper attachment of Truss plies in Multi-Ply Structural Sheathing directly applied to Top Chords of supporting Trusses beneath
Valley Set frames.
Trusses is required along the entire length of the Truss. The
figure CFSb2-56A
Truss Designer specifies the specific ply-to-ply Connections
required for chords and Webs on the TDD. If possible, con-
nect Multi-Ply Trusses together in accordance with the TDD
prior to erection/installation.

Girder Truss plies shall be completely and securely


attached together prior to attaching the supported Trusses to
the Girder Truss.


Attach Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing to each ply of
a Multi-Ply Trusses.

VALLEY SET FRAME INSTALLATION



A Valley Set is a group of Truss frames designed to sit on top
of other Trusses to change the direction of the roof planes.
No Structural Sheathing attached to the Top Chords of the supporting Trusses
beneath the Valley Set frames. The on-center spacing of the Valley Set frames,
Valley Set as measured along the slope of the Top Chord of the supporting Trusses must
frames be less than or equal to the maximum Purlin spacing specified on the TDD for the
Top Chord of the supporting Trusses unless additional restraint and Bracing is
Supporting provided. Add Diagonal Bracing to the Top Chord Plane of the supporting Trusses
Trusses if the Valley Set frames are ≥ 20' in length.
figure CFSb2-56B

Valley Set frames on top of lower roof.


figure CFSb2-55


The Top Chord of the supporting Trusses beneath the Valley
Set frames shall be laterally restrained and Diagonally Braced
by either Structural Sheathing or other alternate methods as
specified by the Building Designer. If Structural Sheathing is
not installed, the Top Chords of the supporting Trusses shall
be braced by the Valley Set frames or with rows of Lateral photo CFSb2-16
Restraint, spaced no more than the maximum o.c. spacing
specified on the TDD, and Diagonal Bracing.
34
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing
NOTE: The method used to frame a valley will affect how the SPECIAL APPLICATIONS USING TRUSSES
Loads from the upper roof are distributed to the supporting Truss-
es, and therefore, how these Trusses are to be designed. Valley CAUTION! Trusses installed for ornamental purposes or
Set frames (Figure CFSB2-55 on page 34) spaced at 24" o.c. or other special applications that are not intended to carry roof
less distribute the upper roof Load uniformly to the lower roof. Loads, floor Loads, or exterior environmental Loads such as
Valley Set frames spaced at more than 24" o.c. distribute the up- snow or wind, still require Bracing to prevent lateral buckling
per roof Load to the lower roof as a series of concentrated line due to self weight, incidental material Loads (e.g., from lattice
Loads applied to the lower roof at the location of each Valley Set work or other finished framing) and installation forces. Even
frame. Conventional Framing (Figure CFSB2-57) distributes the very small Loads may cause lateral buckling in members
upper roof Load to the lower roof as a concentrated line Load act- that do not have adequate Bracing. The Contractor is advised
ing along the valley created at the intersection of the two roofs. to adhere to the Lateral Restraint requirements specified on
the TDD, and install Diagonal Bracing or Structural Sheathing
to brace these areas.

OTHER APPLICATIONS REQUIRING


SPECIAL RESTRAINT/BRACING

Top Chord Bearing


Parallel Chord Truss

For conventionally framed dormers as shown in this figure, the Top Chords of
the supporting Trusses beneath the dormer must be restrained and Braced with Continuous Lateral Restraint
Structural Sheathing as shown, or with rows of Lateral Restraint and Diagonal required at first Bottom
Bracing to prevent buckling under Load. Chord Panel Point for Top
Chord Bearing Parallel
figure CFSb2-57 Chord Trusses

Optional lateral support at first Bottom


Chord Panel Point in lieu of Bottom
Chord Lateral Restraint

figure CFSb2-58


For Top Chord Bearing Parallel Chord Trusses, apply Continu-
ous Lateral Restraint at the first Bottom Chord Panel Point to
prevent torsional overturning under Load (see Figure CFSB2-
58).


For Bottom Chord Bearing Parallel Chord Trusses that are
properly anchored to the supports, the Bottom Chord Lat-
eral Restraint is not required at the first Bottom Chord Panel
Point.

35
CFSBCSI-B2: Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing

Notes:

36
CFSBCSI-B3
PERMANENT RESTRAINT/BRACING
OF CHORDS & WEB MEMBERS
For Trusses spaced up to 2'-0" on-center and up to 80'-0" in length

Section 2210.3 of the 2006 International Building Code® (IBC®) in-


Proper installation of Trusses is extremely criti-
cludes the following provision for the design of Cold-Formed Steel
cal to the lifetime performance of the Building. Depending
Trusses:
on the experience of the Contractor, it is strongly recom-
mended that a meeting be held with the Building Designer 2210.3 Trusses. The design, quality assurance, instal-
to ensure that all Permanent Building Stability Bracing lation and testing of cold-formed steel trusses shall be
(PBSB) is identified and will be properly installed and to in accordance with AISI-Truss, subject to limitations
review the provisions of: therein.
• the Construction Documents (i.e., architectural/structural plans AISI S214-07, North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel
and specifications) Framing – Truss Design is undergoing revision for inclusion as
• the Truss Submittal Package which includes: a reference standard in the 2009 IBC and 2009 International
• the Truss Design Drawings (TDD) Residential Code® (IRC®). Design responsibilities and criteria for
• the Truss Placement Diagram(s) (TPD) (if/when required by the loading, manufacturing quality, installation and bracing will be
Contract) covered in Supplement 2 to AISI S214-07 (AISI S214-07/S2-08).
• this CFSBCSI document and/or CFSBCSI-B Series Summary Section B2.3 of AISI S214-07/S2-08 indicates that the Truss De-
Sheets (when provided) sign Drawings are to include, in part:
• the erection and installation plan (if provided)
• site specific conditions (11) maximum axial compressive force in all truss
• any specific Truss member Permanent Bracing plans that are members based on nominal [specified] loads;
provided for the roof or floor structural system
• all special Permanent Bracing conditions such as un- (14) locations of required permanent individual truss
sheathed Top Chords, Long Span Scissors Trusses, member restraint in accordance with Section B6(a)
Piggyback Truss Systems, and all 60' or greater clear or B6(c), if required; and
span systems
(15) design and details for individual truss member
reinforcement in accordance with Section B6(b), if
WARNING! Disregarding Permanent Individual Truss Mem-
required.
ber Restraint and Permanent Building Stability Bracing
recommendations is a major cause of Truss field perfor- Section B6 of AISI S214-07/S2-08 includes the following provi-
mance problems and has been known to lead to collapsed sions concerning the design of Permanent Individual Truss Mem-
roof and/or floor systems. Failure to install the proper re- ber Restraint/Bracing:
straint and Bracing will greatly increase the probability of
Truss performance problems or an accident resulting in Where permanent individual truss member restraint/
property damage, personal injury or death. bracing is required, it shall be accomplished by one
of the following methods:
Trusses, as with other types of structural framing components
such as joists, beams, studs, etc., require lateral support in order (a) Standard Industry Details. Standard industry
to perform in the manner for which they are intended. Trusses are permanent individual truss member restraint/brac-
designed to carry Loads applied within their plane. Trusses are ing details supplied in accordance with B3.4.
not designed to resist lateral (i.e., out-of-plane) Loads and rely
on PBSB to transfer the lateral Loads out of the Truss System into (b) Substitution with Reinforcement. Truss member
the supporting structure. Certain individual Truss members also reinforcement designed by the truss design engi-
require Lateral Restraint and Bracing to prevent buckling under the neer or truss designer to eliminate the need for per-
applied design Loads. Permanent Bracing provides sufficient sup- manent individual truss member lateral restraint and
port at right angles to the plane of the Truss to hold every Truss diagonal bracing. The permanent individual truss
member in the position assumed for it in the design. Permanent member reinforcement design and details shall be
Lateral Restraint and Bracing is needed for the proper performance noted/shown on the truss design drawings or on
of individual Trusses within the roof or floor system. supplemental truss member buckling reinforcement
details provided by the truss design engineer or-
truss designer.

37
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members
(c) Project Specific Design. A project specific per- Minimum Attachment Requirements for
manent individual truss member restraint/bracing Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing1, 2
design specified by any registered design profes- Minimum Min. Number of Screws
sional, as specified in the contract documents Screw Size per Connection to Truss
and/or construction documents, and supplied in
#10 Self-
accordance with B3.4.
Drilling Tapping 2
Screws (SDS)
As defined in many engineering laws and Building codes, 1
Use a minimum of 3-#10 SDS to attach Diagonal Bracing to the Top Chord
the Building Designer is responsible for the overall design
of the supporting trusses in a Piggyback Truss Assembly (see page 51).
and flow of Loads through the Building. This includes 2
Other attachment requirements may be specified by the Truss Designer or
what is called the PBSB for the Trusses. The PBSB resists Building Designer.
forces acting perpendicular to the plane of the Trusses table CFSb3-1
due to gravity, seismic and/or Wind Loads, as well as
collective forces caused by the restraint of members “NESTED” Lateral Restraint
subject to buckling. To aid in the design of the PBSB, the “Nested” or “Stacked” Lateral
Restraint using furring (hat) channel.
TDD includes the information provided in Section B2.3 of Attach restraints using min. 2-#10
AISI S214-07/S2-08; items (11), (14) and (15) (see page SDS at each Truss.
37) to assist the Registered Design Professional (RDP) in “OVERLAPPED” Lateral Restraint
generating the appropriate engineering calculations. Stack “hat" restraints “Overlapped” Lateral Restraint
on top of each other. using furring (hat) channel or stud
In accordance with most engineering laws and the Build- section. Attach restraints using min.
ing code, the Building Designer should review the TDD 2-#10 SDS at each Truss.
submittals to verify that all the components and their
lap min. 6"
placement comply with his/her written engineering re-
quirements.

RESTRAINT/BRACING MATERIALs
& CONNECTIONS

The material and fasteners used to restrain and brace FIGURE cFSb3-1
Trusses shall be of sufficient strength and stiffness Overlap one
Truss space.
to hold every Truss member in the position assumed
for it in the design.


Some of the more common materials used to brace
the members of Trusses include wood structural
panels, metal decking (panels), gypsum board
sheathing, Cold-Formed Steel sections, metal Pur- 
Screws shall draw metal tight together with screw heads
lins, Proprietary Metal Restraint/Bracing Products flush. Screws shall extend a minimum of three threads
and straps, to name a few. through the last piece of steel in the Connection.


The minimum size of a steel section used as a Lateral Re- Truss member
straint and Diagonal Bracing is 33 mil 1-½" furring (hat) chan-
nel (150F125-33)* or 33 mil 2-½" stud section (250S162-
33)* unless specified by the Building Designer.
* Furring (hat) channel and stud section are based on industry standards adopted by the
Steel Stud Manufacturers Association (SSMA). SSMA products have a four-part code FIGURE CFSb3-2
which identifies the size (both depth and flange width), style and material thickness of
each member.

These designations include the following:
250 S 162 - 33 Min. base metal thickness in mils (mil=1/1000")
Flange width in 1/100"
S=Stud or F=Furring (Hat) Channel
Member depth in 1/100"

38
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members
USing INSTALLATION RESTRAINT/BRACING 1. PERMANENT BRACING FOR THE TOP CHORD PLANE
AS PERMANENT RESTRAINT/BRACING

Permanent Bracing for the Top Chords of Trusses is typically
CFSBCSI-B2 provides important information and guidelines on provided by attaching Structural Sheathing or metal struc-
the use of restraint/Bracing during the installation of Trusses. tural Purlins that are properly braced.
Many elements of Installation Restraint/Bracing also apply to Per-
manent restraint/Bracing of Trusses. Installation Restraint/Bracing 
The most common types of Structural Sheathing include
metal decking and wood structural panels such as plywood
provides support to the Trusses during installation. Permanent re-
or oriented strand board (OSB).
straint/Bracing provides support to the Trusses during the lifetime
of the structure and resists the applied Loads anticipated during 
The metal decking and wood structural panels shall be de-
that lifetime. If properly planned, much if not all of the restraint/ signed to support the Building Designer's defined Loads at
Bracing used during Truss installation can also serve to perma- the on-center (o.c.) spacing of the Trusses.
nently restrain and brace the Truss, making the completion of the
Permanent Building Stability Bracing system more efficient. 
The sheathing and attachment requirements (i.e., fastener
size and spacing) are provided on the Construction Docu-
ments prepared by the Building Designer and/or within the
PERMANENT BRACING FOR THE VARIOUS PLANES Building code.
OF A ROOF TRUSS
Structural
Permanent Bracing applied at right angles to the plane (i.e., depth) Sheathing (e.g.
metal decking),
of a Truss performs several functions including: on Top Chord Plane

a) Preventing out-of-plane buckling of certain Truss mem-

~
bers due to compression forces developed under the
specified design Load conditions
b) Maintaining the proper Truss Spacing
c) Resisting and transferring the lateral Loads (e.g. wind,
seismic, etc.) applied to the Truss System

Trusses are designed to only support Loads applied within their
plane. Because Trusses are relatively narrow in relation to their
depth and span, they require lateral support. Without this sup- figure CFSb3-4
port, the entire Truss, or a portion of its members, will buckle
(i.e., fail) at Loads far less than the design Loads that they were
intended to carry.

Metal Purlins are most often used in applications where
Trusses are spaced greater than 4' o.c. Purlins must be prop-
Trusses require Permanent Bracing within ALL of the following erly sized and fastened to the Top Chords of the Trusses
planes: in accordance with the specifications provided in the Con-
struction Documents. The Trusses must be designed so that
1. Top Chord Plane the maximum allowable unbraced length of the Top Chord is
2. Bottom Chord Plane greater than or equal to the on-center spacing of the Purlins.
3. Web Member Plane

Metal Purlins alone will not adequately brace or prevent
buckling of the Top Chord and must also be braced. This
Top Chord Plane
Bracing is typically provided by attaching Structural Sheath-
figure CFSb3-3 ing directly to the metal Purlins.

~
Web Member
Plane Bottom Chord Plane

39
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members
2. PERMANENT BRACING FOR THE BOTTOM CHORD PLANE


Permanent Bracing for the Bottom Chords of Trusses is typi-
cally provided by attaching either gypsum board panels or
Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Lateral Restraint properly braced
against lateral movement.

figure CFSb3-5

CAUTION! Without some form of Permanent Diagonal Brac-


ing, the metal Purlins by themselves only ensure that the Top
Chords of the Trusses will all buckle in the same direction
(See Figure CFSB3-5).
figure cFSb3-6 Directly attached
Not all sheathing products are structural. The Build- rigid ceiling
ing Designer is responsible for the design and detailing of
the Structural Sheathing and Diaphragms.

Bottom Chord Permanent Lateral Restraint shall be installed
at the spacing indicated on the TDD and/or by the Building
 The Building Designer is responsible for the design and
detailing of the metal Purlins and the PBSB for the roof Designer, whichever is less.
system.

The TDD provides information on the assumed support for
the Bottom Chord based on the Load conditions for which
 The TDD provides information on the assumed support for
the Top Chord based on the Load conditions for which the the Truss has been designed. This typically includes a di-
Truss has been designed. This typically includes directly rectly applied rigid ceiling or rows of Lateral Restraint at a
applied Structural Sheathing or metal Purlins at a specified specified maximum on-center spacing.
maximum o.c. spacing.
The furring (hat) channel (e.g., resilient channel)
specified in certain fire-rated assemblies of the Trusses is
not structural and typically does not take the place of Lat-
eral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing required to restrain and
brace the Bottom Chord.

40
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members


Install rows of Diagonal Bracing at intervals of no more 3. PERMANENT BRACING FOR THE WEB MEMBER PLANE
than 20' along the length of the Building, or as specified
by the Building Designer, to provide stability and transfer the 
Permanent Bracing is typically installed in the Web Member
Plane of a Truss to collect and transfer forces produced by
forces from the Lateral Restraint to a lateral force resisting
the restraint of members subject to buckling and/or to trans-
system.
fer lateral Loads from wind and Seismic Forces applied to
the Truss System. The same Bracing can often be used to
support both functions. This Bracing is referred to as Perma-
nent Stability Bracing and is the responsibility of the Building
Designer.

Diagonal Bracing

“Overlapped” Lateral Restraints ≈45°


(one Truss space)
See Figure CFSB3-1.

Bottom Chords

per T
DD
per T
DD
≤20'
per T
DD
per T
DD

figure CFSb3-7
“Nested” Lateral Restraints
See Figure CFSB3-1.
Note: Some chord and web
members not shown for clarity.
Permanent Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing used to brace the Bottom Chord

41
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members

One row of CLR required


on each of these two webs.

Graphic of Truss indicating two web members that require Lateral Restraint.
figure CFSb3-8

Individual Web Member Permanent Restraint & Diagonal Bracing & Continuous Lateral Restraint
Diagonal Bracing

If individual web member Permanent Lateral Restraint is
required on a particular Truss design, Continuous Lateral

Certain web members require restraint and Diagonal Bracing
Restraint (CLR), consisting of furring (hat) channel or stud
to prevent design out-of-plane buckling when subjected to
anticipated design forces. section attached at right angles to the Web in combination
with Diagonal Bracing, is most frequently specified.

Web member restraint is typically accomplished by either
reducing the unsupported length of the web member via Lat- 
Webs may require one or more rows of CLR.
eral Restraint or by reinforcing the member with additional
material and thus increasing its cross-section.

The TDD will specify the number of rows and the approxi-
mate location of the CLR.

The TDD indicates which web members (if any) require this Important Note: CLRs shall always be Diagonally Braced for
restraint. rigidity.

Graphic of Truss indicating two web members that require Lateral Restraint. Note that the vertical web requires Lateral
Restraint at the mid-span and the Diagonal web requires Lateral Restraint at the third points.

figure CFSb3-9

42
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members


Diagonal Bracing with CLRs work most efficiently when ap-
plied to three or more similar Trusses.


Attach the Lateral Restraint at the locations shown on the
TDD together with a Diagonal Brace at an angle of approxi- figure CFSb3-10
mately 45˚ to the Lateral Restraint (see Figures CFSB3-12
and 13). Position the Diagonal Brace so that it crosses the
web in close proximity to the Lateral Restraint. The Diagonal
Bracing should be attached as close to the Top and Bottom
Chord Plane as possible and to each web that it crosses.
Permanent
This provides rigidity that prevents the Webs from displacing Continuous
laterally. Lateral Restraint


Diagonal Bracing is required to restrain the CLR(s) and to
transfer the cumulative force from the CLR(s) into a lateral
force resisting system such as the roof or Ceiling Diaphragm.
Repeat Diagonal Bracing every 20' or as specified. Closer
spacing may be required by the Building Designer.

Always Diagonally Brace


the Permanent Continuous
Lateral Restraint!

Repeat Diagonal Bracing every 20' or


as specified. Closer spacing may be
figure CFSb3-11 required by the Building Designer.

Note: S
 ome chord and web members
not shown for clarity.

EXAMPLES OF DIAGONAL BRACING WITH CONTINUOUS LATERAL RESTRAINT

“Overlapped” Lateral Restraint ≈45˚


See Figure CFSB3-1

“Nested” Lateral Restraint


≈45˚ See Figure CFSB3-1

Diagonal Bracing

≈45˚

≈45˚

figure CFSb3-12 figure cfSb3-13


43
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members

For webs that require two rows of CLR, the concepts are the Position Diagonal Bracing so that it
same as those used to brace a single row of CLR (see Fig- crosses the web in close proximity
to each row of CLR.
ure CFSB3-14 and CFSB3-15 for examples). Position the Di-
agonal Brace(s) to cross the Webs in close proximity to each
Lateral Restraint to minimize the out-of-plane bending forces
in the Web. Attach the Diagonal Brace(s) as close as possible
to the Top and Bottom Chord Plane and to each Web that the
Diagonal Brace(s) crosses.

~ 45°
~ 45°
Attach Diagonal Bracing to
Diaphragm Blocking with figure CFSb3-14 figure CFSb3-15
min. 4-#10 SDS unless
Top Chord may be standard otherwise specified by the Attach ends of Diagonal Bracing
Structural
or proprietary shapes. Building Designer. as close to Top and Bottom Chord
Sheathing
Planes as possible.

Compression web
(sloping or vertical) L/2 or as
Continuous specified
Lateral Restraint L in the
min. 150F125-33 TDD
≈45° L/2
or 250S162-33

Bottom Chord may Attach Continuous Lateral Restraint Blocking on either side
be standard or pro- to each Truss with min. 2-#10 SDS of Diagonal Brace loca- Attach Diagonal Bracing to each Truss
prietary shapes. or as required by Building Designer. tion, if required. with min. 2-#10 SDS unless otherwise
See Note below. specified by the Building Designer.
figure cFSb3-16

Note: To help transfer large Bracing forces into the roof and Ceiling Diaphragms, Blocking may need to be installed between the Trusses
on either side of the Diagonal Brace location as shown in Figure CFSB3-16. The Blocking should fit snuggly between the Trusses
and attach to the Trusses and the Diaphragm. The Blocking helps to transfer the lateral Load directly from the Diagonal Brace into
the Diaphragm.


Diagonal Bracing combined with Lateral Restraint can also be
used with small groups of Trusses. Figure CFSB3-17 below
provides an example of a Building containing nine Trusses
with three different configurations. Each Truss configuration
contains web members that require Lateral Restraint and
these web members are in different locations for each con-
figuration. To ensure the Webs of these Trusses are properly
braced, install Lateral Restraints (shown in green) and Di-
agonal Bracing (shown in red) within each group of Trusses.
Extend the Diagonal Bracing from
the Top Chord to the Bottom Chord
of the adjacent Trusses. Attach the
Diagonal Bracing to the Web of
the middle Truss near the location
of the CLR and to each intersect-
ing Truss. This provides the rigidity
that prevents the Webs and the CLR
from displacing laterally.

figure CFSb3-17

44
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members


If there are only two adjacent Trusses in which the Webs Individual Web Reinforcement (Jobsite Applied)
align, Diagonal Bracing and Lateral Retraint can still be used.  Furring (hat) channel, stud section, track, or other propri-
One option is to install two Diagonal Braces. Attach one end etary reinforcements specified on the TDD or by the Building
of each Diagonal Brace to the Web at the permanent restraint Designer are options that involve adding material to increase
location shown on the TDD and attach the other end near the the Web’s section properties, thereby increasing its resis-
top or bottom of the Web of the adjacent Truss (see Figure tance to buckling. Reinforcement is typically used as an al-
CFSB3-18). ternative to the combination of Continuous Lateral Restraint
Structural Sheathing (CLR) and Diagonal Bracing when CLR is not possible or
desirable.
≈45° Lateral Truss member
Restraint
Diagonal Reinforcement
Braces Section “A-A”
or

The size and fastening


requirements for the
Reinforcement are as
specified by the Truss
≈45° Designer.

A
A
figure CFSb3-18 figure CFSb3-20


Some Truss Manufacturers will mark the web member(s)
that require permanent restraint on the Truss itself. One
supplemental marking example is the tag shown below.

The size as well as the fastening schedule for attaching the
PERMANENT LATERAL RESTRAINT AND DIAGONAL Reinforcement to the Web is typically specified on the TDD,
BRACING REQUIRED or a supplemental document provided by the Truss Designer.
SEE TRUSS DESIGN DRAWING FOR LATERAL RESTRAINT; CONSULT It is sometimes also specified in the Construction Docu-
BUILDING DESIGNER AND/OR CFSBCSI-B3 FOR DIAGONAL BRACING
ments prepared by the Building Designer.
LATERAL
RESTRAINT

DIAGONAL

Permanent Building Stability Bracing for wind, seismic and/
BRACING or other lateral Loads acting perpendicular to the plane of the
VEA EL DIBUJO DE DISEÑO DE TRUSS PARA RESTRICCIÓN LATERAL; CONSULTE
Trusses is always required in every Building.
AL DISEÑADOR DE EDIFICIO Y/O CFSBCSI-B3 PARA ARRIOSTRE DIAGONAL

RESTRICCIÓN LATERAL PERMANENTE Y ARRIOSTRE


DIAGONAL ES REQUERIDO
#
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figure CFSb3-19

ALWAYS refer to the TDD for information regarding


web member Lateral Restraint requirements since tags are
not always used and can be mis-located or fall off.

45
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members
Gable End Frame Permanent Bracing 
The Building Designer, Truss Designer and Contractor all play
a vital role in Gable End Frame Bracing.

Permanent Bracing in the Web Member Plane, installed at
each end of the Building, serves to transfer lateral Loads act-
ing against the end walls and gable ends of the Building into Building Designer Responsibilities for
the roof and/or Ceiling Diaphragm. The Building Designer is Gable End Frame Bracing
responsible for the design of this Permanent Building Stabil- 
The Building Designer, knowing the intended flow of Loads for
ity Bracing. the entire Building, is responsible for taking the resultant Loads
that exist within the Gable End Frame and safely transferring

Gable End Frames are often used directly above the end walls
these Loads into the ground. This typically involves transfer-
of a Building to save the Contractor the time and expense of
ring the Loads through additional Bracing from the Gable End
having to field frame the end wall to match the roof slope.
Frame to the roof and Ceiling Diaphragms (e.g., roof sheathing
and rigid ceiling, respectively).

Many manufactured Gable End Frames contain only vertical
“studs" (as opposed to the typical triangulated web members)
and are designed to transfer only vertical roof Loads (gravity  Gable End Frame Bracing is designed by considering a
number of factors including:
and/or uplift) directly into a continuous bearing below. Web
• The length and spacing of the Gable End Frame studs
member reinforcement shown on the TDD for these frames
• Gravity Loads
is required to prevent column buckling of the web members
• Lateral Loads (wind and seismic)
due to the vertical Loads applied to the frame.
Exposure
distance to terrain
Top Chord obstructions

Ridge

½h
h
½h
Continuous bearing wall Mean
Eave
Roof
Gable End Frame 24" o.c. Height
Typical stud spacing
figure CFSb3-21 d
Ground
in

figure CFSb3-23
W


The Building Designer, through detailing in the Construction
Documents, is responsible for all Gable End Frame Bracing,
including the Bracing member size and locations, attach-
ment to Trusses, gable end sheathing, and fastener size and
locations including any mechanical Connectors required.
D


Other factors the Building Designer must consider include:
IN
W

• Thickness and type of roof, wall and ceiling sheathing


figure cFSb3-22 • Transfer of Load between the Gable End Frame Bottom
Chord and the wall below
• Attachment of Structural Sheathing to the wall Gable

In service, Gable End Frames also experience lateral Loads End Frame interface and attachment of wall to founda-
parallel and perpendicular to their plane that must be incor- tion to resist uplift and lateral Loads
porated into the wall design by the Building Designer.


Gable End Frames rely on properly designed and installed
Structural Sheathing, Bracing and Connections to the bear-
ing wall, and roof and Ceiling Diaphragms to be able to ad-
equately transfer lateral Loads acting parallel and perpen-
dicular to its plane.

46
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members
Truss Designer Responsibilities for Gable End Frame Bracing/Reinforcement Requirements
Gable End Frame Reinforcement 
If the lateral Load is large enough, and the vertical studs are

The Truss Designer must note on the TDD for the Gable End long enough, the Gable End Frame may require Bracing to
Frame the type and location of Permanent Individual Truss prevent it from rotating at the Gable End Frame/end wall in-
Member Restraint (PITMR) requirements to resist the verti- terface, along with Diagonal Bracing and/or Web Reinforce-
cal Loads assumed in the design of the frame. This includes ment to prevent the vertical Webs from bending excessively.
the type of reinforcement deemed appropriate to restrain the Serviceability failures often occur if the Gable End Frame is
out-of-plane buckling of the vertical “studs.” not properly braced.


The Truss Designer is responsible for indicating the loading Lateral Force transfer to roof and Ceiling Diaphragms
and environmental design assumptions used in the design of Gable End Roof Diaphragm
the Gable End Frame to conform to the Loads specified in the Frame
Construction Documents.


In order to assist the Building Designer in determining the
Bracing required to transfer lateral Loads from the Gable End
Frame into the roof and/or Ceiling Diaphragm, many Truss
Designers provide standard design tables and details based
on the typical design assumptions used by Building Design-
ers.


These tables and details do some of the work of the Building
Designer with respect to incorporating the Gable End Frame Ceiling Diaphragm
into the overall structural design, but do not take the place of
Structural Sheathing
a complete flow of Loads analysis by the Building Designer.
End wall
figure CFSb3-25

Y
Potential Modes of Failure

ON L
P L E se—
Excessive

M
bow in Gable

U
A
End Frame

o r
S ot F
—N Ceiling and finish cracking and
related serviceability issues
(i.e., construction defects)
figure CFSb3-24
Connection failure between top of end
wall and bottom of Gable End Frame
Contractor Responsibilities for Gable End Frame Bracing figure cFSb3-26


The Contractor is responsible for properly installing the Ga-

Gable End Frame Bracing/reinforcement helps prevent these
ble End Frame as detailed in the Construction Documents
types of serviceability failures and safely transfers forces
and within the Truss Submittal Package.
from the Gable End Frame into the associated Diaphragms.

47
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members


Typical Gable End Frame Bracing/reinforcement details in- Note: The Diagonal Brace from the top of the end wall to the Top
clude Blocking at the ceiling and roof level Diaphragms, Chord of the Truss will impart a vertical force to the Truss
gable stud reinforcement, horizontal reinforcement and/or Top Chord. This is in addition to any uplift forces the roof
Diagonal Bracing, mechanical Connectors/straps, and spe- sheathing will impart to the Truss from wind. The Load
cific fastener size and frequency schedules. from this brace must be considered in the design and at-
tachment of the supporting Truss.

Examples of Gable End Frame Bracing/reinforcement

Examples of Gable End Frame Web Reinforcement

A A

Note: Top Chord


sheathing not Truss
shown for clarity. Member

figure cfSb3-27
figure CFSb3-29
Scab Reinforcement

Roof Diaphragm Blocking


Diagonal Brace to
roof Diaphragm Blocking

Structural Sheathing

Wall Sheathing

Gable Top Chord


End
Frame
L/2 ≈45°
figure cFSb3-28

≈45°
L

L/2
Bottom Chord

Rigid Ceiling
Diaphragm

End Wall Blocking on either side of Diagonal


Brace location, if required

48
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members


Sample detail of Gable End Frame Bracing and Reinforce-
ment (as provided by the Building Designer)

Lap over outlooker


Uplift Connectors and/or Blocking.
between the Top Use 4-#10 SDS.
Chord and outlooker Attach Blocking to each Truss
with min. 2-#10 SDS.

Structural Sheathing

Min. 2-#10 SDS


at each Connection 45°
between outlooker
and fascia
Common Trusses
Gable End
Frame

Diagonal Bracing
min. 150F125-33 or Attach Diagonal Bracing to each Truss
250S162-33 with min. 2-#10 SDS.

Bottom Chord and/or Top


Chord may be standard or
Attach Bottom Chord Continous Lateral
proprietary shapes.
Restraint to each Truss with 2-#10 SDS.
figure cFSb3-30
Bottom
Chord Plane
Balloon-Framed Gable End Walls and
Sloped Bottom Chord Gable End Frames

The Building Designer may decide to design a balloon-framed
end wall, which eliminates the need for a Gable End Frame ~
(see Figure CFSB3-31). If a Gable End Frame is used, it must
match the profile of the adjacent Trusses so that proper Bot-
tom Chord Plane Bracing can be installed (see Figure CFSB3-
32), unless special Bracing is designed to support the end Example of raked gable end wall
(with Scissors Gable End Frame)
wall.
figure CFSb3-32

CAUTION! A flat Bottom Chord Gable End Frame used with


adjacent Trusses that have sloped Bottom Chords (see Figure
CFSB3-33), creates a hinge in the wall/gable interface that is
below the Bottom Chord Plane Diaphragm. This condition is
prohibited by some Building codes because adequate Brac-
ing of this condition is difficult and sometimes impossible.
Special end wall Bracing design considerations are required
by the Building Designer if the Gable End Frame profile does
not match the adjacent Trusses.

Example of balloon-framed
gable end wall.

Note: Fire Blocking not shown for clarity.


figure CFSb3-31

figure CFSb3-33
49
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members
PERMANENT BRACING FOR
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Sway Bracing


Diagonal Bracing, installed at both ends of a Building and re-
peated along the length of the Building at intervals specified
by the Building Designer, helps to stabilize the Truss System
and minimize the lateral movement due to lateral Loads. Also
referred to as “sway” Bracing, this Bracing serves to stiffen
the Truss System thereby greatly reducing stresses caused
by movement or displacement of the Trusses.

Diagonal Bracing
at end of Building
Web members
Note: Some chord and web
members not shown for clarity.

Bottom
Chords

Spacing of "sway" Bracing


as specified by the
Building Designer.

Rows of "sway" Bracing as


specified by the Building Designer. figure CFSb3-34

Diagonal Bracing
"sway" Bracing

Sway Bracing is typically installed on web members (verti-
cals whenever possible) located at or near each row of Bot-
tom Chord Lateral Restraint and should extend from the Top
Chord Plane to the Bottom Chord Plane at right angles to the
Trusses.


Sway Bracing is designed and installed at the discretion of
the Building Designer and is not always required.


Sway Bracing, if continuous, also serves to distribute gravity
Loads between Trusses of varying stiffness.

figure CFSb3-35

50
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members
Permanent Bracing for the Top Chord 
If Structural Sheathing is used to brace the flat portion of the
in a Piggyback Truss Assembly Top Chords, openings must be provided to permit ventilation
between the upper and lower portions of the Piggyback as-

Long Span or steeply pitched Trusses are often too large to
sembly.
be manufactured, shipped and erected in one piece. In these
situations, the Trusses are manufactured in two or more 
The TDD provides the maximum assumed spacing for at-
“pieces” and assembled at the jobsite. A “Piggyback” Truss taching the Lateral Restraint or sheathing to the Top Chord
assembly is an example of a multi-piece Truss in which a based on the Load conditions for which the Truss has been
supporting (carrying) Truss is topped with a smaller, sup- designed. The TDD also provides the assumed thickness of
ported (cap) Truss carried directly on top of the supporting the restraint and the minimum connection requirements be-
Truss. tween the cap and the supporting Truss or restraint.


A critical consideration with a Piggyback assembly is to The Truss Designer and Truss Manufacturer shall be
make sure that the portion of the Top Chord of the supporting notified prior to manufacturing the Trusses if the spacing and
Truss located directly beneath the cap Truss is adequately thickness of the restraint and Bracing between the supported
braced to prevent it from buckling out from under the sup- and supporting Trusses will be different than what is shown
ported Truss. Bracing for this portion of the Top Chord is on the TDD.
accomplished in several ways including:

The supporting Trusses shall have all of the required Instal-
• Rows of Continuous Lateral Restraint (CLR) and Diago- lation Bracing discussed in CFSBCSI-B2 and Top Chord Per-
nal Bracing (see Figure CFSB3-36). Minimum size of re- manent Bracing discussed here installed BEFORE the cap
straint and Bracing is 33 mil 1-½" furring (hat) channel Trusses are lifted into place.
(150F125-33) or 33 mil 2-½" stud section (250S162-
33) unless otherwise specified by the Building Designer. Repeat Diagonal Cap Trusses
Bracing (red) every 10' or
• Connecting the CLR into the roof Diaphragm as specified. Closer
spacing may be required CLR (green) at
• Adding Structural Sheathing by the Building spacing specified
Designer. on the Truss
• Some other equivalent means Attach with Design Drawing
3-#10 SDS
per truss or

The combination of Diagonal Bracing and CLR as a means of
as specified.
≈45°
Supporting
Bracing the Top Chord of the supporting Truss is fairly com-
Trusses
mon, especially for conditions where the axial forces in the
Top Chord are fairly small and the length of the flat portion of
the chord is relatively short.


Multiple rows of CLR are typically required and installed
across the length of the flat portion of the Top Chord of the
supporting Truss.
Note: Diagonal Bracing (red), can be installed between the rows of Lateral
Restraint (green) on the top of the Top Chord of the supporting Truss
If Diagonal Bracing is used to restrain the CLR(s) (as shown) or on the bottom of the Top Chord of the supporting Truss.
and to transfer the cumulative force from the CLR(s) into the figure cFSb3-36
roof Diaphragm, repeat the Diagonal Bracing at 10' inter-
vals or as specified. Closer spacing may be required by
the Building Designer. Attach the Diagonal Bracing to the
Top Chord of each supporting truss with 3-#10 SDS or as
specified.

51
CFSBCSI-B3: Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members

Notes:

52
CFSBCSI-B4

CONSTRUCTION LOADING

The term “Construction Loading” is typically used to describe


Maximum Stack Height for Material on Trusses1, 2
Loads from workers and Building materials on an unfinished
structure; for example, when builders temporarily stack bundles Material Height
of panel sheathing or gypsum board on installed Trusses during Gypsum board 12"
the construction process. 22 ga. Type “B” 1½" metal deck 21 sheets
20 ga. Type “B” 1½" metal deck 17 sheets

Make sure that the Truss assembly is properly restrained
and braced according to the guidelines in CFSBCSI-B1 and 18 ga. Type “B” 1½" metal deck 13 sheets
CFSBCSI-B2. Plywood or OSB 16"
Asphalt shingles 2 bundles

Construction Loads shall be placed only on fully restrained
and braced structures. Concrete block 8"
Clay tile 3-4 tiles high
WARNING! Trusses by themselves are very unstable and have table CFSB4-1
NO CAPACITY to carry Load until they are properly restrained
and braced. Placing Loads on Trusses that have not been
1
This table is based on Trusses designed with a Live Load of 40 psf or greater.
For other loading conditions, contact a Registered Design Professional.
properly restrained and braced is hazardous and prohibited. 2
Install stacks of materials as quickly as possible.
Property damage, personal injury and/or death are possible if
this warning is not heeded. DON’T exceed stack heights listed in Table CFSB4-1 unless
alternative information is provided by the Building Designer,
 Use extreme caution when placing Construction Loads
Truss Designer or Truss Manufacturer.
and only stack reasonable amounts of materials (see Table
CFSB4-1). Diagonal Properly restrain and brace
Lateral
Bracing Trusses before stacking con-
Restraint
CAUTION! Stacking excessive amounts of construction ma- struction materials on them.
terials on floor or roof Trusses is an unsafe practice. Structural Sheathing
(e.g., metal decking)

Trusses that have been over-stressed due to exces-


sive Construction Loading will usually show excessive sag-
ging (deflection) and at least a portion of this deflection will
remain even after the Load has been removed.
figure cfSb4-2
CONSTRUCTION LOADING DO’S AND DON’TS
DON’T allow the stack to lean against
DON’T stack materials on unbraced Trusses. walls.

DON’T stack materials in concentrated


areas so that they overload a single or
small group of Trusses.


DO stack materials FIGURE CFSB4-3
along exterior sup-
ports or directly
over interior sup-
figure CFSb4-1 ports of properly re-
strained and braced
structures.
 DO stack a reasonable amount of material that will not over- Truss Bracing
load the Trusses. (Note: Trusses must be properly restrained  DO restrain Loads to not shown for clarity.
and braced first.) keep from sliding.
FIGURE CFSB4-4

53
CFSBCSI-B4: Construction Loading


DO leave construction materials on lifting equipment until
installation, if possible.

photo CFSB4-1

DON’T over-stack materials midway between supports.


Never exceed stack heights per Table CFSB4-1, unless al-
ternative information is provided by the Building Designer, photo CFSb4-2
Truss Designer or Truss Manufacturer.
DON’T stack materials at locations that will produce instability,
such as on cantilevers or near Truss-to-Girder Truss Connec-
tions.

Girder Truss

FIGURE cfsB4-8

FIGURE CFSB4-5


DO distribute Loads over as
many Trusses as possible.
Position stacks of materials
flat with the longest dimen-
sion perpendicular to the FIGURE CFSB4-9
cantilever
Trusses as shown.

DON’T pile cut-off tile and/or other construction waste on


Truss roofs.
FIGURE CFSB4-6

DON’T drop Loads of any materials on Trusses. Truss dam-


age from the impact is possible even if the weight of the
material is small.

photo CFSb4-3
WARNING! Excessive Construction Loads on floor or roof
FIGURE CFSB4-7 Trusses is an unsafe practice and shall be avoided. Property
damage, serious personal injury and/or death are possible if
DON’T support mechanical units from Trusses that have not these recommendations are not followed.
been designed to support these Loads. 54
CFSBCSI-B5

TRUSS DAMAGE, JOBSITE MODIFICATIONS & INSTALLATION ERRORS


Cold-Formed Steel Trusses are pre-fabricated Structural 4. Prior to beginning the repair, lay the Truss flat on a solid,
Building Components, assembled with Cold-Formed Steel level surface. If the Truss is already installed, shore up the
sections and Connections designed to carry superimposed Truss to relieve any Load.
Loads.
5. Repair the Truss by following the information provided in

Damage, jobsite modifications or improper installation will the Repair Detail exactly. Make sure to use the correct
reduce the strength of a Truss. Seek professional assistance materials as specified. Seek professional guidance if any-
from the Building Designer, Truss Designer or Truss Manu- thing is unclear.
facturer to remedy the condition.
6. Keep the Repair Detail in case the Building Official, Build-
ing Designer or Owner requests it.

Some Truss Manufacturers will mark Trusses with warn-
ings against jobsite modifications. An example of one such 7. If the Repair Detail is not for the specific field condition
supplemental marking is the Truss tag shown below. you are repairing, do not use it. Always follow the Repair
Detail specifically prepared for your exact situation.
DO NOT USE DAMAGED COMPONENTS
DO NOT USE CUT, BENT OR OTHERWISE DAMAGED COMPONENTS 8. If the designed repair cannot be accomplished, call the
Building Designer, Truss Designer or Truss Manufacturer.

COMMON REPAIR TECHNIQUES



Each Repair Detail is generated on a case-by-case basis,
NO USE LOS COMPONENTES CORTADOS, DOBLADOS since Trusses and the type of damage vary considerably.
O DE OTRA MANERA DAÑADOS
Some of the more common repairs specified by Truss
NO USE LOS COMPONENTES DAÑADOS Designers include:
#
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• Remove and replace damaged member.
FIGURE cFSB5-1 • Attach a CFS member over damaged chords, Webs
or joints.
DON’T cut or remove Truss Webs. • Apply a steel gusset to reinforce the damaged area.


The Contractor shall ensure that handling and installation
procedures do not reduce the Load carrying capacity of the EXAMPLES OF COMMON DAMAGE,
Truss. See CFSBCSI-B1 for handling and installation best MODIFICATIONS OR INSTALLATION ERRORS
practices.
Figure CFSB5-2 provides illustrations of commonly reported dam-
age and modifications. If you see one of the conditions detailed
FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO CORRECT DAMAGE, below (or anything unusual), follow these steps:
JOBSITE MODIFICATIONS OR INSTALLATION
ERRORS Kinked Web


If a Truss is damaged, altered or improperly installed:

1. Temporarily brace or support the Truss to prevent further


damage to the Truss and danger to workers.

2. Report damage, alterations or installation errors to the


Truss Manufacturer immediately.

3. Do not attempt to repair the Truss without a Repair De-


tail from the Building Designer, Truss Designer or Truss Cut Drilled hole
Manufacturer. FIGURE CFSB5-2
55
CFSBCSI-B5: Truss Damage, Jobsite Modifications & Installation Errors
A great help to starting the repair process is to draw a picture of
the damage on the original TDD or take a digital photograph and
fax, email or deliver it to the Truss Manufacturer. Be prepared to
supply the Truss Manufacturer with the following information:


Job name and/or number


Truss ID mark


Location of the Truss on the Truss Placement Diagram
(if one has been provided)


Is the Truss installed or is it still in the stack?
photo CFSB5-1

Please provide the following information regarding the
damage:

Describe the damage directly on the original Truss Design
Drawing (TDD) included in the JOBSITE PACKAGE. • Exact location of damaged chord, Web or Panel Point
from a known location such as a Panel Point or
bearing location
• Type of damage (e.g., kink, break, red rust, hole,
cut, etc.)
• Dimensions of the damaged area


Digital photographs of the damaged area, jobsite modifica-
tions or installation errors sent as quickly as possible to the
Truss Manufacturer and the Truss Designer save significant
time in trying to explain the site situation or circumstances
FIGURE CFSB5-3
and will expedite the repair process.

In this example, a piece of stud section has been ap- Repaired Top Chord
plied to one face of the damaged Top Chord member.
Note: The size of steel and the attachment require-
ments are provided on the Repair Detail.

FIGURE CFSB5-4

56
CFSBCSI-B6–B10
NOTICE: While sections CFSBCSI-B6 – B10 are currently vacant, it is anticipated
that they will be used in future editions of CFSBCSI to provide information
on some other aspect involving the handling, installing, restraining or Bracing
of Structural Building Components.

57
CFSBCSI-B6–B10

Notes:

58
CFSBCSI-B11

FALL PROTECTION & TRUSSES


The current regulation governing fall protection with regard FALL PROTECTION DO’S & DON’TS
to the erection of steel Building materials in commercial
Buildings is the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational DANGER! Trusses alone are NOT designed to SUPPORT fall
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard 29 CFR protection anchors.
1926.760.

Written fall protection programs and safety measures are
jobsite and Building specific. The appropriate fall protection

Important information pertaining to the erection/installa-
method for a given job shall be determined by a person who
tion of steel Building materials in residential construction is
contained in this OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926, Subpart M. is qualified to design, install, and use Fall Protection Systems
Erection/installation of Trusses in residential construction and authorized to have any problems corrected.
is considered “leading edge” work that permits the use of
a “Fall Protection Plan” in place of more conventional Fall
Protection equipment. A Fall Protection Plan shall conform to DANGER! DO NOT USE A SINGLE
CFR 1926.502(k). TRUSS AS AN ANCHORAGE POINT
FOR ANY TYPE OF PERSONAL FALL

Choosing fall protection equipment, or a plan, that effectively ARREST SYSTEM.
protects workers from jobsite hazards while remaining in
compliance with current government regulations can be an
intimidating task. To provide optimum protection, contract the
services of a qualified person, such as a licensed Registered
Design Professional experienced in the elimination/control of
fall hazards to prepare any Fall Protection System.


With regard to steel construction in commercial Buildings,
general requirements are included in CFR 1926.760(a), figure CFSb11-1
where it states in pertinent part:

(1) Employees who are on a walking/working surface


with an unprotected edge more than 15 feet above a
lower level must be protected by conventional fall pro-
tection. . .

figure CFSb11-2

DANGER! Attaching to a single Truss greatly increases risk


of serious injury or death to workers.

photo cFSb11-1

59
CFSBCSI-B11: Fall Protection & Trusses

Trusses are designed to support Loads like this: CONVENTIONAL FALL PROTECTION


While working at heights of up to 15 feet above a lower lev-
el, employees engaged in steel erection activity should be
protected from fall hazards by guardrail systems, safety net
systems, Personal Fall Arrest Systems, positioning device
systems or fall restraint systems [1926.760(a)(1)].

All fall protection equipment and their components


must conform to the criteria listed in CFR 1926.502 Appen-
dix G [1926.760(d)(1)].
figure CFSb11-3

While working at heights over 15 feet and up to 30 feet above
NOT lateral impact loads like this: a lower level, employees must be provided with a Personal
Fall Arrest System (body belt or body harness), positioning
device system or fall restraint system and wear the equip-
ment necessary to be able to be tied off; or be provided with
other means of protection from fall hazards as mentioned in
section (a)(1) [1926.760(b)(3)].


figure CFSb11-4

DANGER! A falling worker attached to a single Truss could


cause all the Trusses on the structure to collapse in a domi-
no effect.

PHOTO CFSB11-3

All employees working at heights over 15 feet and up


to 30 feet must receive fall hazard training as required under
OSHA Standard CFR.
figure CFSb11-5

Perimeter safety cables must be installed immediately after
the decking.


Attach Personal Fall Arrest Systems to structural members Perimeter safety cables must meet the criteria listed
that are capable of supporting the Loads. in CFR 1926.502 Appendix G [1926.760(d)(3)].

Fall protection equipment may be left in place for


 use by other trades only if the controlling Contractor has di-
rected the steel erector to leave it in place and has inspected
and accepted control and responsibility of the fall protection
[1926.760(e)(1&2)].

photo CFSb11-2
60
CFSBCSI-B11: Fall Protection & Trusses
ALTERNATIVE SAFE INSTALLATION OPTIONS 
Option 3: Ground Assembly

Here are a few alternatives to conventional fall protection that can • Pre-assemble a section of Trusses on the ground.
be used with Truss installation: • Sheath, restrain and brace for stability.
• Lift and set in place. Use this pre-assembled section

Option 1: Scaffolding
as a tie-off point as necessary.
Use a scaffolding system with Personal Fall Arrest System,
following OSHA’s guidelines.
 

photo CFSb11-8 photo CFSb11-9

summary
WARNING! A single Truss is NOT designed to withstand
Loads from a falling person.
photo CFSb11-4
DANGER! A falling worker attached to a single Truss could
cause all Trusses in the assembly to collapse in a domino
 effect.

DANGER! Partial or complete Building collapse is possible if


the attachment of fall protection equipment is incorrect.

DANGER! In the event of a Truss collapse, personal injury


and/or death is possible.

NOT LIKE THIS!

photo CFSb11-5


Option 2: Worker Lift

Use a Worker Lift with Personal Fall Arrest System, following


OSHA’s guidelines.

 
photo CFSb11-10


If you are uncertain, contact OSHA or a qualified person
for assistance. To view the entire OSHA Standard, visit
www.cfsc.sbcindustry.com/fallprotection.php.

photo CFSb11-6 photo CFSb11-7

61
CFSBCSI-B11: Fall Protection & Trusses

Notes:

62
Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Below is a glossary of terms that are intended to assist the read- Building Official: Officer or other designated authority charged
er. All capitalized terms contained within CFSBCSI shall have the with the administration and enforcement of the building
meaning set forth in this Glossary of Terms. code, or a duly authorized representative.

WARNING! CAUTION! DANGER! Ceiling Diaphragm: The horizontal or sloped structural system
The use of this symbol and any of these words is intended defined by the ceiling plane acting to transmit lateral forces
to indicate to the reader that an unsafe condition or action to the vertical resisting elements.
will greatly increase the probability of an accident occur- CFSBCSI-B Series Summary Sheets: A comprehensive set of
ring, which could easily result in serious personal injury or Building safety, restraint and Bracing documents created
death. by WTCA to educate Cold-Formed Steel Truss users of the
Anchorage: Connection between the roof or floor framing mem- inherent dangers associated with the handling, installing, re-
bers (e.g., Trusses, Bracing, etc.) and the Building structure, straining and Bracing of these products, and to train on how
which is required to transfer the forces from these members to install Trusses safely.
into the Building. Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information
Blocking: A solid member placed between structural members, (CFSBCSI): The Guide to Good Practice for Handling, In-
usually at the bearings, to provide lateral support. stalling, Restraining and Bracing of Cold-Formed Steel
Trusses. CFSBCSI provides handling, installing, restraining
Bottom Chord: The horizontal or pitched member that defines the and Bracing guidelines for Cold-Formed Steel Trusses that
lower edge of a Truss, usually carrying combined tension are simple, safe and proven methods consistent with good
and bending stresses. framing construction practices in the field.
Bottom Chord Bearing: Bearing condition of a Truss that is sup- Cold-Formed Steel Trusses: Trusses constructed entirely of
ported on its Bottom Chord. steel structural members cold-formed to shape from sheet
Bottom Chord Plane: The two-dimensional area formed by the or strip steel.
top or bottom edge of adjacent similar Bottom Chords al- Connectors and Connections: Fasteners that join two or more
lowing for the connection of a roof Diaphragm, or Bracing members together, including: screws, Truss and joist hang-
members in a linear fashion. ers, and bolts.
Bottom Chord Installation Lateral Restraint (BCILR): Structural Construction Documents: Written, graphic and pictorial docu-
members installed at right angles to the Bottom Chord of ments prepared or assembled for describing the design (in-
a Truss during construction to reduce the laterally unsup- cluding the Framing Structural System), location and physi-
ported length of the Bottom Chord. cal characteristics of the elements of a Building necessary to
Bottom Chord Permanent Lateral Restraint (BCPLR): Structural obtain a building permit and construct a Building.
members installed at right angles to the Bottom Chord of a Construction Loading: The Loads from workers and building ma-
Truss to reduce the laterally unsupported length of the Bot- terials on an unfinished structure, for example, when build-
tom Chord. BCPLR stays in place for the life of the Struc- ers stack bundles of panel sheathing or gypsum board on
ture. Trusses during the construction process.
Bracing: Providing stability against unintended movement or mo- Continuous Lateral Restraint (CLR): A line of continuous struc-
tion. See also Diagonal Bracing and Structural Sheathing. tural members (typically metal) installed at right angles to
Building: Structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering a chord or web member of a Truss to reduce the laterally
any use or occupancy. unsupported length of the Truss member. The CLR must be
properly braced to prevent the simultaneous lateral deforma-
Building Designer: Owner of the Building or the person that con-
tion and/or buckling of the series of Truss members to which
tracts with the Owner for the design of the Framing Structural
it is attached due to laterally imposed Loads on, and/or the
System and/or who is responsible for the preparation of the
accumulation of buckling forces within, the Truss members,
Construction Documents. When mandated by the Legal Re-
respectively. See also Lateral Restraint.
quirements, the Building Designer shall be a Registered Design
Professional.

63
Glossary of Terms
Contract: Legally recognized agreement between two parties. Framing Structural System: Completed combination of struc-
Contractor: Owner of a Building, or the person who contracts tural elements, Trusses, Connections and other systems,
with the Owner, who constructs the Building in accordance which serve to support the Building's self-weight and the
with the Construction Documents and the Truss Submittal specified Loads.
Package. The term “Contractor” shall include those subcon- Gable End Frame: A component manufactured to complete the
tractors who have a direct Contract with the Contractor to end wall of a Building. The Bottom Chord of the Gable End
construct all or a portion of the construction. Frame has continuous vertical support provided by the end
Conventional Framing: Framing with conventional joists, rafters wall or beam. Vertical members between the Top and Bottom
and wall studs. Chords are typically spaced at 24" on-center. The vertical
members function as Load carrying members and as attach-
Cover/Truss Index Sheet: Sheet that is signed and sealed, where ment members for sheathing or other end wall coverings.
required by the Legal Requirements, by the Truss design en- The Gable End Frame must be incorporated into the end wall
gineer, and depending on the Legal Requirements shall be by the Building Designer.
permitted to contain the following information: (1) identifica-
tion of the Building, including Building name and address, Girder Truss: Truss designed to carry heavy Loads from other
lot, block, subdivision, and city or county; (2) identification structural members framing into it. Usually a Multiple-Ply
of Construction Documents by drawing number(s) with revi- Truss.
sion date; (3) specified Building code; (4) computer program Ground Bracing: Used to provide stability for the first Truss or
used; (5) roof dead and Live Loads; (6) floor dead and Live group of Trusses installed. It is composed of vertical and
Loads; (7) Wind Load criteria from a specifically defined code diagonal members providing support for the installed Truss-
(e.g., ASCE 7) and any other design Loads (such as pond- es from the earth, floor, foundation or slab. Ground Bracing
ing, mechanical Loads, etc.); (8) name, address and license should be located in line with the Top Chord Lateral Restraint.
number of Registered Design Professional for the Building, if Proper Ground Bracing also requires lateral and strut Bracing
known; (9) a listing of the individual identification numbers to ensure stability and support (see Figures CFSB2-3 and 4,
and dates of each Truss Design Drawing referenced by the page 19).
Cover/Truss Index Sheet; and (10) name, address, date of Hip Set: Series of Trusses of the same span and Overhang that
drawing and license number of Truss design engineer. decrease in height to form the end slope of a hip roof sys-
Cross Bracing: A type of Diagonal Bracing in which the Brac- tem. Also called a step-down Truss System.
ing members are crossed to form an “X.” Cross Bracing is Hip Truss: Trusses used in a hip set roof system. Each Hip Truss
installed in the Web Member Plane of Trusses to transfer has the same span and Overhang as the adjacent standard
lateral Loads out of the Truss System to the roof and/or ceil- Trusses but decreases in height with the Top and Bottom
ing Diaphragm(s). Also referred to as “sway Bracing” or “X Chords of its center portion parallel to each other and hori-
Bracing.” See also Diagonal Bracing. zontal. Also referred to as a step-down Truss.
Diagonal Bracing: Structural member installed at an angle to a Interior Ground Brace: See Ground Bracing and Figure CFSB2-
Truss chord or web member and intended to temporarily and/ 4, page 19.
or permanently stabilize Truss member(s) and/or Truss(es)
(see CFSBCSI-B1, CFSBCSI-B2 and CFSBCSI-B3). Installation Lateral Restraint: Lateral Restraint that is attached
to Truss members during installation of the Trusses and is
Diaphragm: The horizontal or sloped system defined by the ceil- intended to be temporary. See Lateral Restraint.
ing floor or roof plane acting to transmit lateral forces to the
vertical lateral force resisting elements (e.g., walls). Installation Restraint/Bracing: Lateral Restraint and Diagonal
Bracing installed during construction for the purpose of
Exterior Ground Brace: See Ground Bracing and Figure CFSB2- holding Trusses in their proper location, plumb and in plane,
3, page 19. until Permanent Individual Truss Member Restraint, Diagonal
Fall Protection Plan: A written plan prepared for the prevention of Bracing and Permanent Building Stability Bracing are com-
injuries associated with falls. A Fall Protection Plan must be pletely installed.
developed and evaluated on a site-by-site basis. Jurisdiction: Governmental unit that is responsible for adopting
Fall Protection System: Any means used to protect a worker and enforcing the Building code.
from a fall or minimize the risk of falling. Options include: Lateral Bending: Bending out of the plane of the Truss.
guards or railings; Personal Fall Arrest System; safety net;
control zone; safety monitor with a control zone; and other Lateral Restraint: Also known as Continuous Lateral Brace (CLB).
procedures acceptable to OSHA. See Personal Fall Arrest A structural member installed at right angles to a chord or
System. Web member of a Truss to reduce the laterally unsupported
length of the Truss member (see CFSBCSI-B1, CFSBCSI-B2
Floating Connection: A connection between Trusses or other and CFSBCSI-B3).
Structural Elements and non-load bearing interior walls that
allows for movement. Legal Requirements: Any applicable provisions of all statutes,
laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes or orders of the
governing Jurisdiction.
64
Glossary of Terms
Live Load: Loads produced by the use and occupancy of the Purlins: Structural horizontal members attached perpendicular to
Building that do not include construction or environmental the Truss Top Chord used to provide Lateral Restraint to the
Loads such as Wind Load, snow Load, rain Load, earth- Top Chord and to support and transfer the roof Loads to the
quake Load, flood Load or dead Load. Trusses.
Load: Forces or other actions that arise on structural systems Rafting: The procedure of building the entire roof system, or por-
from the weight of all permanent construction, occupants tions thereof, on the ground and lifting it into place.
and their possessions, environmental effects, differential Registered Design Professional (RDP): Architect or engineer
settlement and restrained dimensional changes. who is licensed to practice their respective design profes-
Long Span Trusses: Trusses with a clear span of 60' or greater. sion as defined by the Legal Requirements of the Jurisdiction
Mean Roof Height: The elevation of the roof mid-way between in which the Building is to be constructed.
the eave and the ridge (see Figure CFSB3-23, page 46). Reinforcement: A piece of steel section attached along the length
Mono Truss: Truss that has a single Top Chord, and a slope great- of a Truss member as reinforcement against buckling insta-
er than 1.5/12 (see Figure CFSB2-16, page 23). bility.

Multi-Ply Truss: A Truss designed to be installed as an assembly Repair Detail: A written, graphic or pictorial depiction of the re-
of two or more individual Trusses fastened together to act as quired fix to an altered or damaged Truss or part.
one. Ply-to-ply Connections of Multi-Ply Trusses are speci- Scissors Truss: Dual pitch, triangular Truss with dual pitched Bot-
fied on the Truss Design Drawing. tom Chords (see Figure CFSB2-17, page 23).
Overhang: Extension of the Top Chord of a Truss past the Bottom Seismic Load: Assumed Load acting in any direction on the
Chord to form the eave/soffit framing of the roof. Building and its Structural Elements due to the dynamic ac-
Owner: Person having a legal or equitable interest in the property tion of earthquakes.
upon which a Building is to be constructed, and: (1) either Self-Drilling Tapping Screw (SDS): A screw meeting the me-
prepares or retains the Building Designer or Registered De- chanical and performance requirements of SAE International
sign Professional to prepare the Construction Documents; Standard J78 that can drill a hole and form or cut mating
and (2) either constructs or retains the Contractor to con- threads in materials into which it is driven.
struct the Building. Short Member Installation Lateral Restraint: Short, structural
Panel Point: Location on a Truss where the web members and members fastened at right angles to the Truss chords during
Top or Bottom Chords intersect. installation of the Trusses for the purpose of reducing the
Parallel Chord Truss: Truss with Top and Bottom Chords with laterally unsupported length of the Truss member.
equal slopes (see Figure CFSB2-18, page 23). Spreader Bar: A specifically designed lifting device that enables
Permanent Building Stability Bracing (PBSB): Lateral force resist- the lifting cables to hang straight or toe-in to their points of
ing system for the Building that resists forces from gravity, connection so as not to induce buckling forces in the Truss
wind, seismic and/or other Loads. being lifted.

Permanent Individual Truss Member Restraint (PITMR): Re- Stacked Web Reinforcement: Reinforcement member attached to
straint that is used to prevent local buckling of an individual the Web at the Truss plant to avoid the need for field-installed
Truss chord or Web member due to the axial forces in the reinforcement or Lateral Restraint and Bracing.
individual Truss member. Stiffback: The Spreader Bar when it is brought down alongside,
Personal Fall Arrest System: An individual worker’s Fall Protec- and attached directly to the Truss being lifted to provide suf-
tion System, composed of a safety belt or full body harness, ficient rigidity to adequately resist out-of-plane bending of
and lanyard, lifeline, and any other connecting equipment the Truss. See Spreader Bar.
that is used to secure the worker to an individual anchor or Structural Building Components: Specialized structural Build-
to a horizontal lifeline system. Such systems are designed ing products designed, engineered and manufactured under
to stop a worker’s fall before the worker hits the surface controlled conditions for a specific application. They are
below. incorporated into the overall Building structural system by
Piggyback Truss: Truss made and shipped to the jobsite in two the Building Designer. Examples include roof Trusses, floor
pieces consisting of a supporting Truss with a triangular Trusses, floor panels, wall panels, I-joists, beams, headers,
supported (i.e., “cap”) Truss. The supporting Truss and cap lintels, Structural Sheathing, columns, etc.
Truss are attached to one another at the jobsite. Piggyback Structural Element: Single structural member (other than a
Trusses are used when shipping or manufacturing restric- Truss) that is specified in the Construction Documents.
tions limit the overall Truss height.
Proprietary Metal Restraint/Bracing Products: Metal products
used as Diagonal Bracing, Lateral Restraint, bridging and
Web Reinforcement, which are available from a number of
manufacturers.

65
Glossary of Terms
Structural Sheathing: The structural covering used directly over Truss Span: The horizontal distance between outside edges of
the roof, floor or wall framing members that transfers perpen- exterior bearings.
dicular Loads to the framing members. Structural Sheathing Truss Submittal Package: Package consisting of each individual
commonly used with Trusses includes plywood, oriented Truss Design Drawing, and as applicable, the Truss Place-
strand board (OSB), and certain types of metal decking. ment Diagram, the Cover/Truss Index Sheet, Lateral Restraint
Properly sized and installed Structural Sheathing provides and Diagonal Bracing details designed in accordance with
both Lateral Restraint and stability to the Truss members. generally accepted engineering practice, applicable CFSBCSI
Submittal Documents: Construction Documents, special inspec- defined Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing details, and
tion and structural observation programs, data, guides, re- any other structural details germane to the Trusses.
ports, and manufacturer’s installation instructions submitted Truss System: An assemblage of Trusses and Girder Trusses,
for approval with each permit application or available at the together with all Bracing, Connections, and other Structural
jobsite at the time of inspection. Elements and all spacing and location criteria, that in com-
Top Chord: Inclined or horizontal member that establishes the top bination, function to support the dead, Live and Wind Loads
edge of a Truss, usually carrying combined compression applicable to the roof of a structure with respect to a Truss
and bending stresses. System for the roof, and the floor of a structure with respect
Top Chord Bearing: Bearing condition of a Truss that bears on its to a Truss System for the floor. A Truss System does not
Top Chord extension (see Figure CFSB2-58, page 35). include walls, foundations or any other structural support
systems.
Top Chord Installation Lateral Restraint (TCILR): Structural
members installed at right angles to the Top Chord of a Truss Truss System Engineer: A licensed engineer who designs a
during construction to reduce the laterally unsupported Truss System.
length of the Top Chord. Valley Set: Set of triangular components used to frame the shape
Top Chord Plane: The two-dimensional area formed by the top of dormers and to complete the roof framing where Trusses
or bottom edge of adjacent similar Top Chords allowing for intersect at perpendicular corners.
the connection of a roof Diaphragm or Bracing members in Web Member Plane: The two-dimensional area formed by the
a linear fashion. top or bottom edge of adjacent similar web members al-
Triangulation: The act of forming rigid triangles with objects ad- lowing for the connection of Lateral Restraint and Bracing
equately fastened together (see Figure CFSB2-29, page 25). members.

Truss: Individual cold-formed steel component manufactured for Web Reinforcement: A piece of structural material such as hat
the construction of a Building. channel or stud section attached to a Web as reinforcement
against buckling instability.
Truss Design Drawing (TDD): Written, graphic and pictorial de-
piction of an individual Truss. Webs: Members that join the Top and Bottom Chords to form the
triangular patterns typical of Trusses. These members typi-
Truss Designer: Person responsible for the preparation of the cally carry axial forces.
Truss Design Drawings.
Wind Load: The Load created by the wind as determined for de-
Truss Heel Height: The vertical depth of the Truss at the outside sign purposes, usually described in pounds per square foot
face of bearing. of the area being affected.
Truss Manufacturer: Person engaged in the fabrication of Wind Speed: The design Wind Speed for the structure. The value
Trusses. is determined by the Building Designer, with the minimum
Truss Orientation: The Truss position or alignment within a struc- determined by the building code in effect in the Jurisdiction
ture relative to bearing walls. where the structure is built.
Truss Placement Diagram (TPD): Illustration identifying the as- Worker Lift: A machine intended to mechanically hoist a worker.
sumed location of each Truss.
Truss Profile: A side view representation or outline of a Truss.
Truss Spacing: The distance or void between two adjacent Truss-
es in a row of Trusses. Typically dimensioned/measured
center to center.

66
Cold-Formed Steel Building Component Safety Information

REFERENCE

Industry Associations & INDUSTRY STANDARDS, GUIDELINES


Governmental Agencies & RECOMMENDATIONS
American Institute of Architects (AIA) AISI S100-07, North American Specification for the Design of
1735 New York Ave NW • Washington, DC 20006-5292 Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members, American Iron and Steel
202/626-7300 • 202/626-7547 fax Institute, Washington, DC.
www.aia.org
AISI S200-07, North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel
American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Framing–General Provisions, American Iron and Steel Institute,
1140 Connecticut Ave NW • Suite 705 • Washington, DC 20036 Washington, DC.
202/452-7100
AISI S214-07, North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel
www.steel.org
Framing–Truss Design, American Iron and Steel Institute, Wash-
ington, DC.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
25 West 43rd Street, 4 floor • New York, NY 10036 AISI S214-07/S2-08, Supplement 2 to the North American Stan-
212/642-4900 • 212/398-0023 fax dard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing–Truss Design, American Iron
www.ansi.org and Steel Institute, Washington, DC.

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) AISI CFO6-1, Code of Standard Practice for Cold-Formed
1801 Alexander Bell Dr • Reston, VA 20191 Steel Structural Framing. American Iron and Steel Institute,
800/548-2723 • 703/295-6222 fax Washington, DC.
www.asce.org
Technical Note - 551d, Design Guide: Construction Bracing of
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Cold-Formed Steel Trusses. Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Insti-
Three Park Avenue • New York, NY 10016-5990 tute, Washington, D.C.
800/843-2763
Technical Note - 551e, Design Guide: Permanent Bracing
www.asme.org
of Cold-Formed Steel Trusses. Cold-Formed Steel Engineers
Institute, Washington, DC.
Association of Crane & Rigging Professionals
PO Box 87907 • Vancouver, WA 98687-7907
800/690-3921 or 360/834-3805 • 360/834-3507 fax
www.acrp.net • admin@acrp.net

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)


1201 15th St NW • Washington, DC 20005
202/266-8200, ext. 0 • 202/266-8400 fax
www.nahb.org

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)


US Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave NW • Washington, DC 20210
800/321-6742
www.osha.gov

WTCA – Representing the Structural Building Components Industry


6300 Enterprise Lane • Madison, WI 53719
608/274-4849 • 608/274-3329 fax
www.sbcindustry.com

67
Reference

EXAMPLES OF Supplemental Information Tags

bearing location CFSBL-T: BEARING LOCATION


See TruSS DeSign Drawing for
Specific informaTion Place this tag at points where additional or interior bearing supports should be located under the
Truss.

Vea DiBujo De DiSeño


De TruSS para
información eSpecífica

lUgar De coJinete
#
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DO NOT USE DAMAGED COMPONENTS CFSDC-T: DO NOT USE DAMAGED COMPONENTS


DO NOT USE CUT, BENT OR OTHERWISE DAMAGED COMPONENTS
This tag warns against using components that are damaged or altered.

NO USE LOS COMPONENTES CORTADOS, DOBLADOS


O DE OTRA MANERA DAÑADOS

NO USE LOS COMPONENTES DAÑADOS


#
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CFSJOBSITE-T: JOBSITE WARNING


WARNING! ¡ADVERTENCIA! This tag warns to refer to instructional material for proper handling, storing, installing, restraining
before handling,
storing or installing
Antes de mover,
guardar o instalar los and Bracing information.
components refer to componentes, vea la(s)
CfsbCsi summary Hoja(s) sumaria(s)
sheet(s) and del CfsbCsi y los
materials provided materiales incluidos
in the component en el pAQUete De
manufacturer’s obrA del fabricante de
JOBSITE PACKAGE. componentes.

#
www.sbcindustry.com WTCA – Representing the Structural Building Components Industry Copyright © 2007 All Rights Reserved www.cfsc.sbcindustry.com

PERMANENT LATERAL RESTRAINT AND DIAGONAL CFSPLRB-T: PERMANENT LATERAL RESTRAINT AND DIAGONAL BRACING
BRACING REQUIRED This tag indicates tagged member requires Lateral Restraint and Diagonal Bracing and instructs
SEE TRUSS DESIGN DRAWING FOR LATERAL RESTRAINT; CONSULT
BUILDING DESIGNER AND/OR CFSBCSI-B3 FOR DIAGONAL BRACING
LATERAL
the installer to look for more information on the Truss Design Drawing, CFSBCSI-B3 and from
the Building Designer.
RESTRAINT

DIAGONAL
BRACING

VEA EL DIBUJO DE DISEÑO DE TRUSS PARA RESTRICCIÓN LATERAL; CONSULTE


AL DISEÑADOR DE EDIFICIO Y/O CFSBCSI-B3 PARA ARRIOSTRE DIAGONAL

RESTRICCIÓN LATERAL PERMANENTE Y ARRIOSTRE


DIAGONAL ES REQUERIDO
#
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CFSINSTBRACE-T: INSTALLATION RESTRAINT & BRACING


WARNING! TRUSSES ARE UNSTABLE UNTIL PROPERLY
RESTRAINED & DIAGONALLY BRACED
See CFSBCSI-B1 or CFSBCSI-B2 for Installation Restraint & Diagonal Bracing Information.
Consult Building Designer and/or CFSBCSI-B3 for Permanent Restraint & Diagonal Bracing
Information. For Trusses 60' or Greater in Length, Consult a Professional Engineer.
This tag complements the CFSBCSI-B1 and CFSBCSI-B2 Summary Sheets. Place this tag on
Trusses to indicate the need for Installation Restraint/Bracing. This tag assists in providing safety
information to your customers, and draws attention to the summary sheets, which give detailed
information on how to use Installation Restraint/Bracing.
¡ADVERTENCIA!
LOS TRUSSES SON INESTABLES HASTA
QUE SEAN RETRINGIDOS Y ARRIOSTRADOS
DIAGONALMENTE APROPIADAMENTE
Vea CFSBCSI-B1 o CFSBCSI-B2 para Información Sobre la Restricción de Instalación y Arriostre Diagonal.
Consulte al Diseñador del Edificio y/o CFSBCSI-B3 para Información Sobre la Restricción Permanente y el
Arriostre Diagonal. Para Trusses de Más de 60 Pies de Largo, Consulte a un Ingeniero Profesional.

#
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68
Reference

69
I M P O R TA N T S A F E T Y I N F O R M AT I O N

Quick Reference Guide to


CFSBCSI-B Series Summary Sheets

CFSBCSI-B1 Guide for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Trusses


CFSBCSI-B2 Setting Trusses & Installation Restraint/Bracing
CFSBCSI-B3 Permanent Restraint/Bracing of Chords & Web Members
CFSBCSI-B4 Construction Loading
CFSBCSI-B5 Truss Damage, Jobsite Modifications & Installation Errors
CFSBCSI-B11 Fall Protection & Trusses

Cold-Formed Steel Council


6300 Enterprise Lane • Madison, WI 53719
608/274-4849 • 608/274-3329 fax • www.cfsc.sbcindustry.com

WTCA – Representing the Structural Building Components Industry


6300 Enterprise Lane • Madison, WI 53719
608/274-4849 • 608/274-3329 fax • www.sbcindustry.com
Disclaimer
This copyrighted document is a secure PDF, and while it can be opened, saved and
emailed, it cannot be printed. To order copies, contact the WTCA at 608/274-4849.

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