1. Methodology for the Inspection of
Engineered Wood Products at the Pre-
Drywall Stage of Residential Construction
by
John Bouldin, Ph.D. Candidate
Joseph R. Loferski, Ph.D.
Daniel P. Hindman, Ph.D.
Virginia Tech
Department of Wood Science and Forest Products
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2. Outline
• The Problem
• Goal
• Methods
• Software Application
• Summary
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3. The Problem
• Engineered wood products and
hanger hardware
• Proprietary
• Installation rules are not in the
International Residential Code
• Manufacturer literature
• Code violations
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4. The Problem
“…we need to refocus our development
effort of engineered wood structures to
their installation and maintenance, instead
of continuing to develop newer, more
exotic products the long-term
performances of which are not yet
understood”.
Bodig, J. (2005). Wood Engineering Mechanics – Some Personal
Observations. Wood and Fiber Science Journal of the Society of Wood
Science and Technology. Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 1-2.
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5. Doubled I-Joist Beam
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6. Doubled I-Joist Beam
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7. Cut I-Joist Beam
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8. Truss Bearing
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9. I-Joist Flange Cut
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10. Notched LVL Beams
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11. Goal
• Develop:
• Inspection methodology
• Engineered wood and hangers
• Prescriptive non-compliance
• Software Application
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12. Scope
• Types of EWP components
• High-risk problem areas
• Authoritative references
• Inspection techniques
• Computer software
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13. Methods
• Qualitative Research Approach
• Modified Delphi Method
• Iterative Process
• High Face Validity
• Subject Matter Experts
• Obtain information
• Revise methodology, software
• Expert approval of revisions
• Validation
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14. Software
• Features:
• Engineered wood products (EWPs)
• High-risk aspects of EWPs
• Authoritative reference sources
• Inspection methodology & techniques
• Generate the inspection report
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15. Features
Techniques
Problem
Selections
Illustrations
Component
Selected Pre-Written Comments
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16. Components
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17. Problems
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18. Comments
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19. Illustrations
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20. Techniques
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21. Summary
• Manufactured Products: • Authoritative Standards:
• MPCWT • No Single Source
• I-Joists • Difficult to Understand
• OSB Sheathing
• SCL Beams, Columns • Inspection Techniques:
• Rim Joists • No Standard Methods
• Hanger Hardware • Component-Specific
• Zone-Specific
• High-Risk Problems: • Software Application:
• Component-Specific • Inspection Resource
• Zone-Specific • Training Tool
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22. Questions?
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