The Wood Truss Council of America has released the second
edition of its Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Handbook
($49.95 from WTCA, 6425 Normandy Lane, Madison, WI
53719; 608/274-4849). This
hefty publication covers
wood truss construction
from manufacturing and
design to material handling
and installation. If you have
questions about floor or roof
trusses, the answers are probably
in one of the book's 125
sections, which are organized
into 20 chapters. Contractors
will be more interested in the
second half of this handbook.
Chapters 14 through
16, which focus on handling, storage, transportation, installation,
bracing, and connection systems, are essential reading.
The final chapters present troubleshooting strategies for
repairing damaged trusses, avoiding common installation
errors, and accommodating special situations. The appendices
cover