| PLEASANTON, CA -- Simpson Strong-Tie's new Foundation Wall Angle (FWAZ) fulfills a new code requirement for basement applications by providing a solution for attaching a home's floor system to the top of its foundation in order to brace basement walls.
Simpson developed the Foundation Wall Angle in response to new provisions added to the 2006 International Residential Code (IRC), which prescribe additional connection requirements at the top of foundation where there exists an unbalanced backfill condition. This condition occurs when the basement floor is four feet or more below ground level. The soil can push the foundation walls inward, causing lateral pressure on the walls, so the floor system must be connected to the top of the foundation walls for proper support.
Since basement floors are almost always below ground level, new homes built in areas which have adopted the new IRC provisions are required to have a large number of closely spaced connections along their basement and foundation walls. This can add significant cost to the construction of the home.
Simpson's Foundation Wall Angle is designed so it can be spaced wider across foundation walls, which reduces the number of anchors and connectors needed. "Builders have asked Simpson for a solution that meets the new code requirements and provides a strong connection," said Shane Vilasineekul, an engineer for Simpson Strong-Tie. "The FWAZ allows the builder to support the required load with fewer connectors that are easier to install, which helps decrease installation costs."
The FWAZ can be installed by framers after the foundation is poured and the floor joist location is known, making it easier to accurately place the connector. It's compatible with solid sawn joists, I-joists and floor trusses, and is available in a ZMAX® finish, which provides additional corrosion resistance when using preservative-treated lumber.
For more information about Simpson Strong-Tie, visit the company's Web site at www.strongtie.com
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