New DBC Drywall Bridging Connector

The DBC drywall bridging connector is the latest innovation for cold-formed steel construction from Simpson Strong-Tie. The patent-pending design of the new DBC connector enables one- or two-screw installation, significantly reducing labor and material costs.

The DBC is the first and only connector load-rated for smaller 3/4" u-channel bridging. The DBC has been extensively lab-tested as a system, ensuring that tabulated design values reflect stud web depth and thickness. The connector has been tested in accordance with ICC-ES AC261. Designed to fit smaller web knockouts common to drywall studs, the DBC connector is compatible with conventional and proprietary drywall studs ranging from 15-33 mil thickness, and with stud depths of 3 5/8" and 6". For more information about our cold-formed steel product line, visit www.strongtie.com/cfs.

Genuine Simpson Strong-Tie® Connectors Contest Winners

Congratulations to the Grand Prize winners of our Genuine Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors contest. The winners were chosen based on their online responses to the question, "Why do you choose Genuine Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors?" The winners, who will receive an all-expense paid trip to the San Francisco Bay Area, and the opportunity to tour our state-of-the-art lab facilities as well as a meet and greet with our senior managers, are (in no particular order):

• 1. P. Austin, Builder
• 2. P. Lum, Code Official
• 3. T. Gould, Contractor
• 4. L. Holmes, Dealer
• T5. M. Stroupe, Distributor
• T5. P. Giessel, Engineer

Twenty additional winners will receive a Simpson Strong-Tie Prize Pack. The full winners list can be found at www.strongtie.com/genuine.

Simpson Strong-Tie Canada Named TIM-BR MART Group's Vendor of the Year

TIM-BR MART Group, a $2 billion-plus member-owned corporation serving building supply retailers, commercial dealers and home manufacturers across Canada, has honored the Canadian branch of Simpson Strong-Tie with the 2013 "Gold Hardware Vendor of The Year" award. TIM-BR MART Group represents more than 750 independently owned lumberyard locations across Canada under the TIMBER MART and/or Ace Hardware brands.

The Gold Hardware Vendor of the Year award was presented in Toronto at the TIM-BR MART Buying Show awards dinner on March 22.

Rebuilding Better After Hurricane Sandy

Simpson Strong-Tie partnered with Seaside Heights, New Jersey on rebuilding their iconic boardwalk, an integral part of the town's economy, after its destruction following Superstorm Sandy. Our Columbus, OH branch worked closely with the town's borough officials, the project's engineering firm and the contractor to rebuild the boardwalk to better address future storms. For the full story, see the July issue of our Structural Report newsletter.

Simpson Strong-Tie is continually developing resources to help customers build stronger and safer structures. Our engineering team visits and evaluates the effect of natural disasters on homes and other buildings, and has developed a flier with tips to help build better to resist flooding and high winds. The new Flood-Resistant Construction Guide: Installing Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors in Flood-Prone Regions focuses on connections between the foundation and the first floor studs and illustrates connections for raised foundations, solid foundations, decks, porches and boardwalks. To download the flier, click here.

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