Trusscore: An innovative wall system for the construction industry
Date
1996
Authors
Dedolph, Carter Turnbull
Major Professor
Advisor
Jaselskis, Ed
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Abstract
Trusscore© is an innovative wall system developed to be reusable, use less solid sawn lumber, and is faster to assemble and install. The wall system is composed of components fabricated from 2"x2" (nominal dimension) nailing strips and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) fins located in the midsection of the nailing strip. The components are connected to one another by hinges allowing the system to be collapsible. When the components are opened up, a locking plate slides into place to stiffen the wall system. The wall is then attached to upper and lower tracks with prespaced slots for the components.
The final design ofTrusscore© evolved after four phases of design refinement. There were 75 structural tests performed during the four different phases. Each phase represented an evolution in the design of the wall system incorporating input from the previous phase's structural testing. Both the Trusscore© wall system and the stud wall system were tested in axial, bending, and racking load conditions. It was found that Trusscore© had an advantage in racking capability compared to the stud wall. Additionally, a Trusscore© component was modeled using finite element analysis with results similar to those from the structural tests.
A focus group interview, comprised of members from the construction industry, was conducted to determine the applicability and acceptance of Trusscore© as an alternative wall system in the construction industry. The wall system received favorable comments and constructive ideas for improvement and acceptance. An analysis was conducted for the cost of materials, time for assembly and installation, and manufacturing for the Trusscore© wall system. Trusscore© uses materials that are less expensive than a traditional stud wall system. An assembly and installation time study determined that Trusscore© wall system was significantly faster to install compared to a stud wall system. A preliminary plan was also developed for manufacturing the Trusscore© wall system.
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