Multiple Member Connection Engineering

Methodology for U.S. and Canada

Methodology applies to beam members in Residential and Commercial applications.

Process:

• Side loads hanging off of each face of the multiple member assembly are examined (front and back). Top loads are not considered.¹
• Side loads within each one-foot segment of the beam are combined and converted to a series of PLF loads, one segment at a time.
• For each one-foot segment, the controlling PLF load is chosen out of all load combinations and from either face of the beam assembly.
• Only one controlling PLF load is chosen out of all of the segments for the purpose of assigning the multiple member connection pattern for the entire member (or span by span, if selected by the user). This PLF load is used to enter the table found in the Beams, Headers, and Columns Specifier’s Guide (Detail 17 in the Multiple Member Connections section).
• Concentrated side loads of 1000 lbs. or greater are not included in the PLF process described above. These point loads each receive a special connection detail (Table in Detail L18 and connection Details L19, L20 or L21 of the above mentioned guide).

 

¹ Top loaded multiple member assemblies utilize Detail L6 in the Beams, Headers, and Columns Specifier’s Guide (Multiple Member Connections section).