INSPECTION DETAILS
As per ANSI/TPI 1-2014, Chapter 3, plants are to inspect a minimum of three trusses per set-up location per shift per week. These inspections should include a Preliminary Truss Inspection and Detailed Joint/Critical Joint Inspection(s) as outlined below. Plants should maintain a weekly inspection log or its equivalent to document that this provision has been met.
Preliminary Truss Inspection
Perform a preliminary inspection of the truss comparing the built truss to the truss design as shown on the truss drawing or engineering drawing. Check both sides of the truss. Items to check include:
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Dimensions
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Lumber grade
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Member-to-member gaps
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General plate embedment
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General member defects
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General plate rotation
Record all of your inspection observations on the truss or engineering drawing. Check off each item as you inspect them and make note of any variances.
Detailed Joint / Critical Joint Inspection
Perform a minimum of one detailed joint/critical joint inspection on average per truss inspected. Inspect both sides of the joint. Items to check include:
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Plate placement (plate mid-point location)
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Member defects
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Member gaps
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Perimeter plate embedment
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Plate rotation
As with the Preliminary Truss Inspection, record all of your inspection observations but instead of recording them on the truss or engineering drawing, record them on the full scale joint detail, locating the actual plate mid-point. Record each member defect including flattened teeth, plate rotation, and tooth count if required. Check off each item as you inspect them and make note of any variances.
Digital QC
In-plant QC inspectors and 3rd Party QA inspectors are starting to make use of the SBCA Digital QC program. The program allows the inspection process to use a tablet instead of paper to perform truss inspections and then upload the inspection report and data to a website where both the plant and 3rd Party inspector can review inspections and run reports. Sign up today to get started. The future is here!
