Program Highlights
Get an overview of the presentations in the Wood Truss Construction and Fire Performance educational program.

Introduction - History and Use of Wood Trusses
This presentation provides a brief introduction to wood trusses within the building industry, their history and their use.

Introduction - Wood Truss Terminology and Fabrication
Learn the terminology of wood trusses by taking an inside look at the fabrication process.

Introduction to Metal Connector Plates
This presentation provides a brief introduction to metal connector plates, a.k.a. truss plates.

Truss Configurations
View examples representing some of the possible variations on the basic types of trusses.

Truss Plant Virtual Tour
See the process a project goes through from initial sales contact to finished product.

Truss Truce Preview
Gain insight into truss construction in this article by career firefighter Mark Emery.

Close Look at a Fire Test of Wood Truss Construction
Track the effects of fire on a wood truss assembly as it is subjected to a test burn.

Fire Performance of Metal Connector Plates
Learn about the performance of metal connector plates, which are critical components to the overall performance of a truss when it is subjected to fire conditions.

Wood Trusses After a Church Fire
This presentation takes a close look at roof trusses in the aftermath of a church fire, and demonstrates the strength wood trusses retain even after being damaged by a fire.

Office Building Fire and Roof Construction
Take a close look at an office building fire and the effects of fire on roof construction.

Phoenix Fire Test and Roof Construction
Conducted by the Phoenix Fire Department and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, these fire tests simulate the performance of typical southwest US residential roof systems.

Wood Truss Installation and Stability
Learn more about proper truss installation practices and their importance to truss stability in fire.

Ad Hoc Demonstration Fire – Sheathed Unprotected Floor System
A burn demonstration of a sheathed, unprotected floor assembly was conducted in Colonie, NY at the request of the New York State Building Officials Conference. This presentation provides complete coverage of the demonstration, including design and setup, video and photos of two burns, and analysis of the results.

HFD on Pre-fire Planning, Tactics, and Local Safety Issues
This segment presents the Houston Fire Department video on pre-fire planning, tactics, and local safety issues.

Labeling Buildings That Use Truss Construction
The labeling of buildings containing truss construction has been periodically proposed. This presentation provides concepts to consider regarding the value of building labeling to firefighters on the fireground.

Pre-fire Planning and Identifying Wood Truss Construction
Learn more about the specific recommendations of the 2005 NIOSH Report on truss construction and firefighting operations.

Truss Truce Preview
Gain insight into truss construction in this article by career firefighter Mark Emery.

Wood Truss Construction Details
This presentation describes some of the key construction details used in wood truss construction.

Wood Truss Installation and Stability
Learn more about proper truss installation practices and their importance to truss stability in fire.

NIOSH Alert Highlights
This presentation covers the 2005 report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH Alert.