October 22, 2014

Re: Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive SDWC TRUSS Screw

Pre-Engineered Top-of-Wall Assemblies for Continuous Uplift Load Path for SPF or Better Wood Framing

The Strong-Drive SDWC TRUSS Screw is designed to fasten roof rafters/trusses to wall plates and wall plates to studs.
When used to connect rafters/trusses to top plates, a second connection from top plates to the studs below is necessary in
order to maintain a continuous load path (as would be required for any connection method). Table 1 of this letter provides
allowable uplift loads for the five pre-engineered top-of-wall assemblies shown in Figure 1. These assemblies have been
designed and tested to provide a continuous load path from the rafter/truss to the studs in the wall below and account for
any reductions that may result from top plate rotation due to eccentric loading.
Table 1: Uplift Loads for Top-of-Wall Assemblies Using the 6" Strong-Drive SDWC TRUSS Screw (SDWC15600)1
Top Plate
Allowable Rafter/Truss Uplift Load (lbs.)(160) 2
Rafter/Truss
Wall
Connection to
2x4 Walls
2x6 Walls
Connection to
Assembly
Studs at 16" On
Rafter/Truss Spacing
Rafter/Truss Spacing
Top Plates
Center
12'' O.C. 16'' O.C. 24'' O.C. 12'' O.C. 16'' O.C. 24'' O.C.

1 - SDWC15600

385

485

485

385

485

485

2 - SDWC15600

485

485

485

485

485

485

1 - SDWC15600

305

410

485

305

410

485

1 - SDWC15600

120

160

240

120

160

240

WSP per Designer3

145

195

290

105

140

210

1 - SDWC15600

1. Allowable loads apply to SPF (G=0.42) or better wood framing.

2. Uplift loads have been increased for wind loading (CD=1.6) with no further increases allowed; reduce where other loads govern.
3. Wood structural panel (WSP) sheathing used in Wall Type E must be designed & constructed to resist uplift in accordance with the American Wood Councils
2008 Special Design Provisions for Wind and Seismic standard.

Refer to SDWC installation instructions for installation steps and tolerances. The continuous load path from the bottom of
the stud to the supporting structure is by others. Refer to our current Wood Construction Connectors catalog for
information about making this connection with screws or connectors.
The information in this letter is valid until 12/31/16 when it will be re-evaluated by Simpson Strong-Tie. Please visit
www.strongtie.com for additional pertinent information. If you have questions or need further assistance regarding this
matter, please contact the Simpson Strong-Tie Engineering Department at 800.999.5099.
Sincerely,
SIMPSON STRONG-TIE COMPANY INC.

Encl.: Figure 1: Pre-Engineered Wall Assemblies

Page_1_of_2
SimpsonStrong-TieCompanyInc.

L-F-SDWCCLP14
5956WestLasPositasBoulevard

Pleasanton,CA94588

Phone:925.560.9000

Fax:925.847.1605

www.strongtie.com

Figure 1: Pre-Engineered Wall Assemblies

Truss or
Rafter
One 6"
SDWC
Each Stud

Truss or
Rafter

6" SDWC Each

Rafter/Truss

Two 6"
SDWC
Each Stud

3"

Stud at 16" O.C.

(not reqd. to align
with truss/rafter)

"-1"

6" SDWC Each

Rafter/Truss
Stud at 16" O.C.
(not reqd. to align
with truss/rafters)

"-1"
Typ.

Wall Assembly A

Wall Assembly B

One SDWC as Angled Stud Screw

Two SDWC as Angled Stud Screws

Truss or
Rafter
One 6"
SDWC
Each Stud

Truss or
Rafter
One 6"
SDWC
Each Stud

6" SDWC Each

Rafter/Truss
Stud at 16" O.C.
(not reqd. to align
with truss/rafter)

1"-2"

3"

6" SDWC Each

Rafter/Truss
Stud at 16" O.C.
(not reqd. to align
with truss/rafter)

1"-2"

Wall Assembly C

Wall Assembly D

One SDWC as Vertical Stud Screw Through Both Plates

One SDWC as Vertical Stud Screw Through Lower Plate

Truss or Rafter
WSP Sheathing Must Extend
to Top of Double Top Plates
per AWCs 2008 SDPWS

6" SDWC Each

Rafter/Truss

WSP Nailing Pattern per

Designer in Accordance
with 2008 SDPWS
Wood Structural Panel (WSP)
Sheathing, 7/16" min, Designed
and Constructed to Resist Uplift
in Accordance with the AWC
2008 Special Design Provisions
for Wind and Seismic (SDPWS)

Plate/Stud Nailing
Per Code
1/2" Gypsum Board
on Interior Side
Stud at 16" O.C.

Wall Assembly E

"-1"
6" SDWC Each Rafter/Truss Installed as
Shown Here or Installed Into Corner of
Plates as Shown in Assembly A-E Drawings
Plate-to-Stud Connection Not Shown
Refer to Assembly A-E Drawings for
Connection Requirements

Rafter/Truss Offset from Stud

WSP Designed for Uplift

Page_2_of_2
SimpsonStrong-TieCompanyInc.

L-F-SDWCCLP14
5956WestLasPositasBoulevard

Pleasanton,CA94588

Phone:925.560.9000

Fax:925.847.1605

www.strongtie.com