Home > Building Materials   +   Events

Simpson Strong-Tie to Participate in Mass Timber Live Build at the 2023 International Mass Timber Conference

<strong>Simpson Strong-Tie to Participate in Mass Timber Live Build at the 2023 International Mass Timber Conference</strong>

Pleasanton, Calif. — Simpson Strong-Tie, the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, is partnering with the WoodWorks Wood Products Council on a live mass timber build during the first day of the 2023 International Mass Timber Conference, which runs from March 27–29 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.

For the first time, attendees to the conference will be able to watch live construction of mass timber structures during show hours, and the day one live demonstration will feature various Simpson Strong-Tie hardware across a build-out by WoodWorks, Seagate Mass Timber, and the USDA Forest Service.

Simpson Strong-Tie will also host a live demo of its LDSS light diaphragm spline strap at its booth #900. The LDSS is designed to replace traditional plywood splines for joining mass timber diaphragm panels. Unlike plywood splines, which require routing of the panel surface, the LDSS is placed directly on top of panels, providing significant time and cost savings. Tested for in-plane shear values, the LDSS is also less susceptible than traditional plywood spline straps to damage from moisture during construction.

In addition to the LDSS, the Simpson Strong-Tie booth will feature an array of mass timber construction solutions for the North American market. New products include the ACBH and soon-to-be-released HSKP concealed beam connectors, as well as structural fasteners like the new Strong-Drive® SDCP (partially threaded) and SDCF (fully threaded) Timber screws. These fasteners feature robust 10 mm shafts to provide additional strength for demanding mass timber applications.

“As interest in mass timber construction continues to grow across North America, Simpson Strong-Tie has established a focused expertise on products designed and produced for the unique construction practices of mass timber structures,” says Randy Daudet, director for offsite construction and new business at Simpson Strong Tie. “Our advanced products, expert service, and local inventory are helping to drive growth in the mass timber market as projects proliferate, and we’re looking forward to connecting and collaborating with our partners and customers at this year’s conference.”

As part of the conference festivities, Simpson Strong-Tie will host a happy hour from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on March 27 at the Hyatt Regency hotel adjacent to the Oregon Convention Center. All conference-goers are welcome to attend the event, which will feature representatives from a local craft brewery to pour and talk about their beers. Happy hour attendees will also receive a complimentary Simpson Strong-Tie pint glass.

In addition, attendees of the International Mass Timber Conference are eligible to enter a contest to win a trip for two to the San Francisco Bay Area for a tour of the Simpson Strong-Tie Tyrell Gilb Research Lab and the Simpson Strong-Tie Stockton plant, followed by local wine tasting.