Monitoring and inspection technology
SENSR offers two new technologies: CX1, a portable inspection and monitoring solution, and SENSRnet, a new remote monitoring system. The CX1 is can be installed on a variety of structures for both indoor and outdoor environments, and can measure the sway of a high-rise building, the vibration caused by construction or the angle of a bridge pier during a flood. This versatile, all-in-one sensor for monitoring many conditions uses industrial-rated components and can operate over extended temperature ranges with high reliability. Designed with engineers in mind, SENSRnet continuously watches a structure, looking for early warning signs of a hazard. SENSRnet combines three critical elements for managing a remote structure: inspection and maintenance, real-time management, and early detection. Unique sensors can detect more than 16 different hazardous states and conditions, which provides advanced detection capabilities aiding in avoiding disasters and triggers the early responses that can minimize property and casualty losses.
SENSR,
www.sensr.com
Four concrete publications
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) recently released four new publications to educate and inform industry professionals on the newest concrete-related information and technology. The titles include: Report on High-Strength Concrete; Design Guide for Tilt-Up Concrete Panels; Fiber-Reinforced Concrete in Practice CD-ROM; and Concrete: The Sustainable Material Choice CD-ROM.
American Concrete Institute,
www.concrete.org
Structural wood screws
Simpson Strong-Tie has launched a series of structural wood screws for fastening multi-ply truss and engineered-wood assemblies. The new Strong-Drive SDW screws install from one side, firmly cinching plies together while eliminating the need to flip heavy girders. The bold thread design of the SDW allows installers to fasten 2-, 3-, and 4-ply trusses or 1 3/4-inch engineered lumber from one side, which saves time. Unlike typical hex-style screws, the SDW features a large, flush head which makes applying drywall to structural composite lumber much simpler since the head doesn’t protrude from the girder. The flush head also causes less interference when handling trusses and installing connectors. In addition, the screw’s deep head recess reduces bit pop-out, making installation faster and easier while the high shear strength of the SDW cuts down the number of fasteners required, reducing material and labor cost.
Simpson Strong-Tie,
www.strongtie.com
Pneumatic fasteners
International Code Council Evaluation Services (ICC-ES) recently issued report ESR 2398 “Panelfast Pneumatic Fasteners Used to attach Sheathing to Metal Studs.” This report recognizes pins manufactured by ET&F Fastening Systems, Inc., for use in attaching gypsum sheathing, DensGlass Gold brand sheathing, and fiber reinforced gypsum panels to cold formed steel framing. The report shows compliance with the 2006 International Building Code and the 2006 International Residential Code, in accordance with the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Pneumatic-or Gas-power-driven Pin Fasteners Used to Attach Gypsum Panels to cold-formed Steel Framing (AC259). Allowable transverse loads for the assemblies are provided. According to ET&F, pneumatic fastening of sheathing is three to five times faster than conventional screw fastening.
International Code Council Evaluation Services (ICC-ES),
www.icc-es.org
