Continuous load path

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.