Sandwiched steel plates probably provide the most versatile method of jointing timber trusses-

• Varying number and angles of chords and webs are easily accommodated.
• The steel or the timber can be the 'meat' in the sandwich.
• Viable with softwood, hardwood, glulam, LVL etc.
• Hex head M12, M16 or M20 bolts cover most spans.

Twin members give designers more scope - effectively doubling the thickness to sizes which would otherwise be of limited availability.

Single members can also be used with slots cut centrally at joints. Suitable for modest spans with solid timber or larger spans with glulam. Joint capacity is limited, however, since shear plates can not be introduced to cope with any high forces which may be encountered.

Bright zinc plated bolts and washers are standard. Options include stainless steel and powder coating in a wide range of colours.

Joints at support points normally have integral fixing plates for masonry anchors (Resin bonded or expanding) or for connecting to other timber or steelwork.
Joints with high loads can be strengthened by addition of 67mm or 102mm dia. shear plates (normally with M20 bolts).
Fixings for purlins, bracing or members acting in three dimensions in pyramids etc. are easily incorporated.

10500 span x 35° pitch @ 3825 centres. Whitewood glulam with Sadolin 'Mais' finish.

7250 span x 22.5° pitch @ 1900 centres. SC4 Whitewood stained Sadolin 'Red'.

9600 span x 35° pitch with cantilevered support. Honduras Pitch Pine with washers counterbored below surface.

6950 span x 22.5° pitch @ 3400 centres. SC4 Whitewood. Sadolin 'Clear' tinted with 'Teak' and 'Redwood'.