Truss Jacks

Truss jacks are designed building components that can speed up construction time. Instead of using cranes to lift trusses, these hydraulic jacks can do so safely.

EFCO’s system eliminates the need for ironworkers during critical lifts by operating autonomously to raise trusses inch by inch.

Early Life and Education

Jack trusses are often used as filler trusses at “T” roof junctions to support standard or valley trusses that cannot clear span the spans in question, providing additional support in their construction. Typically constructed from small monopitch trusses featuring chords and webs assembled in one plane, they often serve as filler pieces between standard or valley trusses for greater stability during assembly of other trusses.

Hip roof trusses are frequently supported by hip girder trusses to frame the end of a hip roof system and maximize attic space, providing more usable attic space than using only one type of truss alone. Jack trusses often serve as lateral restraints and structural supports between gable end walls and roof wythes; assembly of this type can be accomplished quickly via special jigging systems that enable an operator to quickly assemble multiple hip, saddle, and jack truss types simultaneously.

Professional Career

Assembly and packaging of trusses for construction projects with precise measurements using instructions from supervisors in handling customer requests while adhering to safety procedures were completed successfully.

Power tools were used to cut and build floor and roof trusses according to blueprints, while using a jig as a quality check to ensure accurate construction of each truss. Pneumatic air tools and saws were also utilized.

Cooperated with a crew in building trusses and assisting the sawyer. Used a jig to mark and cut out trusses; also built decks and joists for houses and barns with good safety practices in mind, using multiple power tools, hammers and pneumatic staple guns; learned shop math concepts while following all safety procedures; experienced welding through ladders lifts and overhead cranes.

Achievement and Honors

Mike Bugbee of Simpson Strong-Tie received the inaugural Dick Bowman Industry Enthusiast Award at BCMC, in recognition of his enthusiasm, integrity, and positive attitudes toward both WTCA and BCMC. At BCMC was introduced the first computer controlled jigging system (AutoSet).

ANSI/TPI 1-93 National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses was completed, as was ASTM E-119 fire endurance test for parallel chord floor/ceiling trusses.

WoodWORDS changed to Structural Building Components (SBC) Magazine. Four new TTB’s were issued: How to Read a Truss Design Drawing, Repairing Trusses, Crane Use & Proper Truss Handling and Always Diagonally Brace for Safety. Furthermore, BCMC took place for the first time ever in Phoenix AZ; marking its farthest west trip as well as being completely sponsored by WTCA for this event.

Personal Life

A truss set consists of many parts and can be quite heavy, making handling it carefully crucial for those without strong grip on it. People whose fingers can fit all around a soda can or who can devour a sandwich in one bite should not attempt to lift these massive structures themselves.

Truss jacks, sometimes called roof jacks or pylon trusses, are placed at the top end of girder trusses in hip roof applications and serve to support other trusses’ weight.

Truss jacks are constructed from metal and may require additional support in order to support the load of other trusses or decks. When used as steel deck supports, they require extra bracing as well. The THJM2-5-SDS3 hanger was designed specifically to hold five of these jacks with tabs for placement assistance and round holes designed to accept optional 0.148″x1 1/2″ nails when increased uplift is necessary.

Net Worth

Compare to Hanging Basket preloading test, Jack loading method only requires increasing small quantities of power transmission distribution beam, reaction frame and steel strand – these structure member processes simplify installation while saving on labor cost, material weight and mechanical hoisting cost as well as space expenses.

Truss jacks are specialized platen presses designed specifically to accommodate roof trusses. These flexible yet powerful machines speed up the production of roof trusses significantly.