As a truss manufacturer, how can I incorporate structural composite lumber (SCL) into my truss designs?
In theory, any type of lumber product can be used in wood trusses as long as the lumber and plate design values for that product are available. In reality, you should check first with your software provider to see if they have values for the product you are considering and talk with your engineer to see if this is something that can be readily incorporated into the design process. We are aware of several products that have been tested and evaluated by software suppliers. Check with your software provider to find out which products have been incorporated into their truss design process and then they can be specified in the truss design and plated just like any other standard lumber species and grade. Because these engineered products can have significantly higher strength properties than standard lumber grades, it makes them a good choice for girders, attic frame bottom chords or tail-bearing top chords. Some other advantages to higher strength structural lumber products are that longer
