Conceptual Model for Temporary Bracing of MPC Wood Trusses

The responsibility for determining and installing temporary bracing for metal-plate-connected (MPC) wood trusses is reviewed. According to industry standards accepted by the model building codes, the contractor or truss installer is responsible for the determination and installation of temporary truss bracing and for installing the permanent bracing as designed and specified by the building designer. A conceptual explanation is given as to how temporary truss bracing works to stabilize truss compression chords when a series of lateral and diagonal braces are used to resist the buckling action of members. Four documents to aid bracing designers and contractors involved with MPC wood truss installation are available from the Truss Plate Institute and the scope of each document is summarized. Temporary bracing ideas and suggestions not covered in the current Truss Plate Institute temporary bracing literature were presented. A temporary bracing video is available from the Wood Truss Council of America (WTCA).