General
SST Connector Selector: General Notes

Tool Tips pop up on many input fields when the cursor hovers over it.

DBL means two plys, TPL is three plys, and QUAD is four plys. For example, a 2x6TPL would be 1.5x3 = 4.5 inches wide.

The most common problem is "No Results". This is almost always due to inputs that the program doesn't recognize, or that there are no solutions for. Check the bottom of the screen for help notes regarding blank results screens. Often it's a supporting member,

such as the Header, that's too small, or of a species not extensively covered by our publications. See individual tab selections for specific suggestions. Sometimes, the lack or results indicates a product use not recommended by Simpson.

For Multiple Load Directions, the program considers combined loading. The sum of the 'percentage of used capacity' for each load direction must not exceed 100. For example, a connector with uplift and lateral loads would not show if the combined direction usage percentage exceeds 100, even though the individual loads are less than individual direction capacities. Also see the  "Instructions to Designers" section in the catalog.

ICOST - The last column in the list of solutions is typically the installed cost index. It is a way of assigning hangers a relative installed cost (combined hanger cost and installation cost), so the user can see which hangers are the most cost effective to specify. When the program starts, this is the default sort order.

SORT - When a list of solutions is displayed, they are automatically sorted by the installed cost index (far right column). The list may be sorted by any of the column headings by clicking the button at the top of the column. An asterisk(*) will appear along side the heading indicating the sort currently in use.

MEMBER ID, CONN ID - Are optional available fields for user text input. These can be used to identify the members and connectors in the job list printout for later reference.

SHOW CATALOG PAGE - Will present highlighted result row's catalog page, using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

ADD TO JOB LIST - Will add the selected row and its corresponding input data to the Job List. Use this to build a list of connectors and fasteners for a project.

UPDATE JOB LIST - Similar to the ADD button, use this to change the specification of an already existing connection.

Information on HGUS hangers with carried members lass than the "H" dimension is currently being developed and will appear in future releases.

When HGLT is offset only (i.e. not skewed) a capacity of 3500 pounds is incorrectly enforced on the allowable load. When this hanger is not skewed, the reduction factor should be 0.5 X catalog load. See Wood Construction Connectors catalog.


Joist
SST Connector Selector: Joist Hangers

For no results:

Try setting all loads to zero, and making the header a large Sawn DF such as 8x16. Almost every hanger will attach to that, and load limitations will not be preventing results. When you get results, switch headers, and add loads to see what caused the hangers to disappear.

-Is the “style” set to only Face or TF? Example, No face hanger attaches to a nailer. Almost no TF hangers attach to single 2x’s etc.

-Top Flange Options: Selecting any of these precludes Face Mount hangers, and any hangers that don’t offer that option. For example, B series don’t offer TF open, so they’ll be precluded if it’s specified.

Skews over 45 may block results. Most skewable series are limited to 45.

Connection ID, Member ID, & Quantity have no effect on results.

Unusual combinations of header & joist may not be represented by program data. For example, an SPF I-Joist header with a 5.125x27 Glulam joist will not get results.


Truss
SST Connector Selector: Truss Hangers

For No Results:

See Joist notes above since most also apply to truss hangers.

Girder and Truss input must be standard “S4S” lumber dimensions as recognized by NDS. For example, a 2x8 is 1.5 wide x 7.25 high. The program will not recognize a height of 7.5. (Notice not all dressed lumber dimensions are ½” less than Nominal as commonly assumed.) Heel does not have to match NDS dimensions since it could be cut a variable heights.

Don’t select ‘Top Flange’ style. Almost no TF applications apply to truss connections.

Try turning ANSI/TPI off to see if it’s blocking results.

-Check your plys.  Width is per member.  So a 3ply roof truss would usually be 1.5width , then plys set to 3.

-Vert Width, Tot Height - These are asking for width of a vertical web member (or King post) and the overall height of the truss at that point including top & bottom chord.  You can leave both blank for light connections.  Fill both for heavy connections where attachment to the vertical member may be necessary.  The program will not give results if only one is filled and the other left blank.

For Beam headers such as Glulams or PSL, select the Type and enter the dimensions under BC Width and Height.

Heel height must be minimum of 3/8” taller than the highest joist nail for a hanger to qualify.  (Simpson is developing data for short heels in tall hangers for future Connector Selector revisions.)


Multi Truss
SST Connector Selector: Multi Truss Hangers

LOAD - This column indicates the Total Download of the connector.

For No Results:

See Truss comments above

Skew Set to 45?  Default starts at 1 and won’t get anything.

Multi seat products require specific Load Distributions.  Typically, 75,25% for two member hip-jack hangers, and 40,20,40% for hip-jack-hip terminal hangers and 50,50% for hip-hip hangers.  Variations of more than 10% from these distributions will prevent solutions.   Try leaving all loads blank to allow hanger presentation without regard to load distribution.


Column Base
SST Connector Selector: Column Base

For No Results

Try increasing concrete Width, Depth & Strength

Try giving larger Edge and End distances

Definition of Column Orientation and Concrete Edge & End distance are still under development.  For example, the difference between a 4x6 post and a 6x4 post is not well addressed at this time.

Wood species other than Sawn DF have limited solutions for Columns at this time.

-Consult the catalog for valid Column Base solutions that this program may not be presenting


Column Cap
SST Connector Selector: Column Cap

For No Results

Catalog requirements state that Post sides must lie in the same vertical plane as Beam sides.  We have to make this assumption in order to calculate a bearing area and thus an allowable load.  Because of this, the program will not give results for posts that aren’t at least as wide as the beam above.  For example, a 6x10 beam atop a 4x4 post will not get results.  This does not necessarily mean the application is invalid, just that the capacity must still be calculated.

Post location of  “Outside Corner” simply results in a note at the bottom of screen referring to the ECCLL option in the catalog.   Actual automation of this connector would create more complexity to the input screen than is justified by it’s benefit.

Definition of Column Orientation is still under development.  For example, the difference between a 4x6 post and a 6x4 post is not well addressed at this time.

Wood species other than Sawn DF have limited solutions for Columns at this time.

Other

-Lateral load is axial to the beam, as shown in the catalog for PC’s


Holdown
SST Connector Selector: Holdown

For No Results

Try increasing concrete Width, Depth & Strength

Try giving larger End distance

Definition of Column Orientation is still under development.  For example, the difference between a 4x6 post and a 6x4 post is not well addressed at this time.

Wood species other than Sawn DF have limited solutions for Columns at this time.

Other

-Holdowns are assumed attached to the wide face of rectangular Columns.  For example, a holdown on a 4x6 would have 3-1/2” of bolt penetration.

-HD’s and PHD’s assume an SSTB anchor bolt.  Concrete requirements are based on that.  Larger HD’s where SSTB’s aren’t available have minimum concrete based on largest SSTB’s and minimum post dimensions.

-Raised Floor assumes mudsill, floor joists, floor sheathing and bottom plate between column and concrete.   Maximum space is 17” for STHD series.  HD’s and PHD’s may require coupler nut & threaded rod extension.


Mudsill
SST Connector Selector: Mudsill

Mudsill anchors are specified in terms of per-lineal-foot loading and on-center placement.   You must have calculated per-lineal-foot loads in order to select them.  Output is in terms of on-center spacing.  It considers combined loading.

-F1 is along the sill, F2 is perpendicular to the sill


Hurricane Tie
SST Connector Selector: Hurricane Tie

For No Results

Leave “Load” blank. This is for downloads that must be taken by the connector.  Any value in here precludes the majority of ties since they don’t have download ratings.

Multiple loads may be exceeding the combined usage of 100%.  See general section above.

Heel height can be any number & decimal.  Too short, such as less than 3.5, will preclude many connectors.  Too tall, such as 15”, will preclude some strap connectors such as H15 etc.

Bottom slope cannot be greater than top slope.

Other

Wall type of “Stud” is for plate(s) with studs underneath

Wall type of “plate” is for plates with steel or concrete underneath.

Stud Alignment asks if the studs are aligned with the rafters or trusses.  Usually, studs are 16 on center and roof framing is 24 on center so the answer is No.  But for heavy load points such as a 2 ply girder truss,  studs are often added directly under the truss.  If the same number of studs as truss plies is added, they probably line up.   The question has no meaning for Plates or Masonry.

45 degree hip will only return HCP connectors

Flexure = Yes  is for scissor trusses which tend to flex during loading.  The TC connector accommodates this movement.


Ply Join
SST Connector Selector: Ply Join

This gives a size and spacing pattern for SDS screws when joining multiple plys of trusses or beams together.

You must have a distributed load in terms of per-lineal-foot applied to one face of the truss/beam.  It does not specify patterns for point loads.

Enter overall Length (in feet) if you want a total screw quantity.  Otherwise it can be left blank & you’ll just get the pattern.

Results will list anywhere from 0 to 5 possible row quantities with associated spacings.  They’ll all use roughly the same quantity of screws.

It’s your choice on which to choose.

Loading and row quantitys that require screw spacing less than 12”oc will not show.

Maximum spacing is 24” o.c. regardless of loading.  Only the smallest row quantity resulting in this maximum spacing will be presented.   Listing others is unnecessary.


Job List
SST Connector Selector: Job List

This lists the connectors you’ve chosen with information such as quantities, ID’s,  fasteners etc.

It has a summary of individual fasteners and a summary of overall pieces.   -You can input job information such as names address etc..

Print it and use it when purchasing materials and when sorting materials at the job site.

Name and Save the file for recall & adjustment at a later time.

Double clicking a listing will return you to the input screen originally used for that selection.

Export will write the file to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.


Stock List
SST Connector Selector: Stock List

This is a simple list of all Models available in the program.  Clicking  on models, flags them as stock connectors by making them bold.  When those models appear in a results list, they will be bold, allowing easy identification of preferred connectors.