The Connector Lab

Summary

The Connector Laboratory in Pleasanton focuses on developing innovative wood-to-wood connection products. This video showcases tests on the ITS hanger and HDU hold down, emphasizing the rigorous data-driven approach in product development. Key highlights include load testing for structural integrity and durability under extreme conditions, including simulated hurricane forces and corrosion tests in a salt spray booth. The lab maintains high standards for safety and effectiveness, showcasing the commitment to creating reliable construction solutions that significantly enhance building safety.

Takeaways

• 🔬 The Connector Laboratory in Pleasanton specializes in developing products for wood-to-wood connections.
• 🛠️ Significant effort goes into creating small steel components for construction, ensuring quality data for effective product development.
• 📊 The I TS hanger is a top flange hanger tested for its load capacity when attached to a wood header.
• ⚖️ During testing, an actuator applies load to determine the ultimate capacity and measures deflection at each stage.
• 💥 The test showed no damage at 3,000 pounds, but ultimate failure caused the wood to split and the part to slip off.
• 🌀 The HD U hold down is tested for overturning restraint in shear walls, simulating uplift forces.
• 🔄 The testing setup was inverted to push down on the hold down to evaluate its capacity under hurricane conditions.
• 🌡️ Pressure-treated wood samples are tested at 120°F and 90% humidity for several days to assess performance.
• 💧 A salt spray booth evaluates different coatings on products, exposing them to 100% humidity and a saline mist.
• 🌍 Simpson's product development efforts aim to enhance safety, support customers, and contribute to global safety improvements.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the Connector Laboratory?

The Connector Laboratory specializes in developing products for wood-to-wood connections, specifically testing steel components used in construction.

What is the purpose of the ITS hanger being tested?

The ITS hanger is a top flange hanger designed to connect to a wood header and is tested to evaluate its load-bearing capacity.

How is the load applied during the ITS hanger test?

An actuator applies a load to the ITS hanger until it reaches its ultimate capacity, while recording the deflection throughout the process.

What happens to the wood during the ITS hanger test?

During the test, the wood eventually splits and fails, demonstrating the ultimate failure point of the connection.

What is the function of the HDU hold down being tested?

The HDU hold down is used in shear walls to provide overturning restraint, ensuring stability against uplift forces.

How is the hold down test set up?

The hold down is anchored to a test bed with a large steel plate, and the test involves applying uplift forces by pulling on a wood post attached to the hold down.

What environmental conditions are maintained during the pressure-treated wood test?

The test maintains a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit and 90% humidity for several days to simulate real-world conditions.

What is the purpose of the salt spray booth mentioned in the transcript?

The salt spray booth is used to evaluate different coatings on products by exposing them to a 5% salt concentration in high humidity to assess rust resistance.

What does Simpson aim to achieve through its product development and testing?

Simpson aims to make the world a safer place by developing reliable products and supporting customers with training and education.

Why is it important to measure deflection during the tests?

Measuring deflection helps determine the structural integrity and performance of the connectors under load, ensuring they meet safety standards.