To the top

New Zealand International

Modern design and construction practices use structural connectors to form a continuous load path that can enable structures to effectively resist wind and seismic forces as a result of being reinforced from the roof to the foundation.

Simpson Strong-Tie connectors are designed to enable structures to resist the movement, stress and loading that results from natural events such as earthquakes and high- velocity winds. When properly installed our connectors will perform in accordance with the specifications set forth in this section of the website, given the correct fastener is used in the provided holes into the recommended base material.

 

What is a continuous load path and why is it important for a building?

A continuous load path is a method of construction that uses a system of timber, metal connectors, fasteners (like nails and screws) and shearwalls to connect the structural frame of the house together. It ties the house together from the roof to the foundation. A continuous load path is important because it helps redistribute outside pressures or forces caused by earthquakes and high winds, transferring these external forces from the frame to the foundation, which is securely anchored into the ground. A building with a continuous load path is much better equipped to withstand the strong forces caused by high winds, tornadoes, cyclones and earthquakes. Note: Shearwalls are reinforced walls within a building that have been engineered to help resist the shear (racking) forces caused by high winds or the lateral forces caused by earthquakes. Shearwalls are typically constructed by attaching timber bracing and holdown connectors to a section of the timber framing along a wall.

In cold-formed steel framing, connectors such as holdowns, straps, angles and hurricane ties are often fabricated in the field. Unlike Simpson Strong-Tie connectors, these field-fabricated connectors generally are not designed and tested for ultimate and allowable load capacities, and they typically are not code-listed. Moreover, field-fabricated connectors consume valuable man-hours on the jobsite. And because they typically do not have pre-punched holes, the installer may not be locating the fasteners properly to achieve the intended design load.

Simpson Strong-Tie connectors are the most thoroughly tested and evaluated products in the industry. They are value-engineered for the lowest installed costs at the highest-rated performance levels. Because our connector save the contractor time in the field, when properly specified they provide an easier installation at a lower installed cost. They are also warranted for accuracy of design.

Structural Connections

 

Unmatched Quality from the Truss to the Foundation

With nearly 60 years of field and R&D experience, Simpson Strong-Tie® timber connectors are manufactured to the industry's highest standards. From framing angles to straps to heavy-duty joist hangers, we offer the most diverse product line so that you have the right product for the job.

Simpson Strong-Tie® connectors offer unmatched quality with laboratory and field testing, and are backed by our uncompromising commitment to customer service. As the company that built the connector industry, you can count on Simpson Strong-Tie® to work closely with builders, engineers and building officials to deliver innovative, building code-compliant solutions to help build safer, stronger structures economically. Download the Timber Connectors NZS 3604 Catalogue.

Timber Connectors

From testing to service to availability, everything we do is engineered to ensure your project's success. With every product, you know you are getting the quality, value, service and on-time delivery that we have built our reputation on for the past 60 years.

From straps and ties to joist hangers and much more, Simpson Strong-Tie® structural connectors increase the strength and safety of timber-frame structures. Each connector is unique to Simpson Strong-Tie and is designed for specific applications without the need to adapt metal plating to suit a connection. Download the Timber Construction Connectors Catalogue (2016-2018).

Steel Frame Connectors

From fully tested and engineered connectors and clips Simpson Strong-Tie® provides comprehensive structural solutions for cold-formed steel construction. From steel-to-steel connections to full-scale lateral solutions and curtain wall connectors, we remain committed to developing new technology that helps to advance the cold-formed steel industry.

Find out how Simpson Strong-Tie timber connectors can help you build the right way every day. Download the Cold-Fromed Steel Construction Connectors Catalogue.

 

    

A continuous load transfer path from the
trusses to the foundation is depicted
above. To achieve full design load values,
a qualified Designer should ensure that the
correct type and number of fasteners,and
proper installation methods are used.