APEX MASS TIMBER HANGER

APEX

Pre-engineered Connection System

APEX

  • Canadian and US Engineered

  • Canadian and US Manufactured

  • Inter Story Drift Tested

  • MTC Solutions Owned

  • Capacity Tested Shear and Axial

  • Installation Tolerances up to 1/8"

Beam Hanger Comparison

  • APEX

  • MEGANT

  • RICON SVS

Download Capacity Range 22 - 38kips
98 - 290kn		 9.8 - 32.6kips
43.5 - 145kn		 3.78 - 15kips
16.8 - 66.7kn
Uplift Capacity Range Designed
with Toe Screws		 xx - xxkips
xx - xxkn		 xx - xxkips
with Clip Lock
Axial Capacity Range Up to 5% of its download capacity
while fully loading in shear		 Up to 5% of its download capacity
while fully loading in shear		 Up to 5% of its download capacity
while fully loading in shear
Manufactured in US & Canada Austria Austria
Material Aluminum Aluminum Mild Steel
Connection Type Wood-to-Wood Wood-to-Wood Wood-to-Wood
Wood-to-Steel
Installation Time 13 to 25 mins 17 to 53 mins 9 to 10 mins
Installation Tolerances Axial 1/8" (3.2mm) 1/25" (1mm) 1/25" (1mm)
Horizontal 1/8" (3.2mm) 1/25" (1mm) 1/25" (1mm)
Rotational 0.5° - -
Code & Standard Certifications CSA O86:24 CSA O86:24
ETA-15/0667 2019		 CSA O86:24
ICC-ESR-4300
ETA-10/0189 2019
Seismic Compatibility 4% interstory drift 4% interstory drift 4% interstory drift
Tested Fire Resistance Rating Coming Soon - 1 Hour

Notes:

  1. This table is intended as a pre-selection tool only. Refer to each respective connector for full design guidelines.
  2. The EOR is responsible for verifying all aspects of the connection design.
Download Capacity Range 22 - 38kips
98 - 290kn 		xx - xxkips
xx - xxkn 		xx - xxkips
xx - xxkn
Uplift Capacity Range Designed
with Toe Screws 		xx - xxkips
xx - xxkn 		xx - xxkips
with Clip Lock
Axial Capacity Range Up to 5% of its download
capacity while fully loading
in shear 		Up to 5% of its download
capacity while fully loading
in shear		 Up to 5% of its download
capacity while fully loading
in shear
Manufactured in US & Canada Austria Austria
Material Aluminum Aluminum Mild Steel
Connection Type Wood-to-Wood Wood-to-Wood Wood-to-Wood
Wood-to-Steel
Installation Time 13 to 25 mins 17 to 53 mins 9 to 10 mins
Installation Tolerances Axial 1/8" (3.2mm) xx" (xxmm) xx" (xxmm)
Horizontal 1/8" (3.2mm) xx" (xxmm) xx" (xxmm)
Rotational 0.5° - -
Standards and Certifications NDS 2024 NDS 2024
ETA-15/0667 2019		 NDS 2024
ICC-ESR-4300

ETA-10/0189 2019
Seismic Compatibility 4% interstory drift 4% interstory drift 4% interstory drift
Tested Fire Resistance Rating Coming Soon - 1 Hour
Wood-to-Wood Design Values

Wood-to-Wood Design Values

MTC Tech Support DL Design Guide

Access certified wood-to-wood connection values for LCBH 20, 25, 30, and 40 series—tested under Canadian code requirements. Includes allowable loads, species adjustments, and FRR-specific configurations.

Minimum Secondary Beam Section Requirements [ mm ]
Model Configuration No FRR 45-min FRR 1-hr FRR 2-hr FRR Relative Density [G] Factored Resistance [kN] Download Factored Resistance [kN] Axial
APEX S Single 113 x 504 174 x 533 194x 549 272 x 617 ≥ 0.42 193 13
≥ 0.44 198 13
≥ 0.46 171 15
≥ 0.49 171 16
Double 196 x 504 282 x 533 301 x 549 379 x 617 ≥ 0.42 261 21
≥ 0.44 296 23
≥ 0.46 291 25
≥ 0.49 291 28
APEX M Single 113 x 564 174 x 593 194 x 609 272 x 677 ≥ 0.42 184 13
≥ 0.44 201 4
≥ 0.46 211 15
≥ 0.49 211 17
Double 196 x 564 282 x 593 301 x 609 379 x 677 ≥ 0.42 312 22
≥ 0.44 342 23
≥ 0.46 358 25
≥ 0.49 358 29
APEX L Single 166 x 444 225 x 479 244 x 495 322 x 563 ≥ 0.42 232 24
≥ 0.44 254 26
≥ 0.46 278 28
≥ 0.49 280 32
Double 302 x 444 383 x 479 403 x 495 481 x 563 ≥ 0.42 394 41
≥ 0.44 432 44
≥ 0.46 473 48
≥ 0.49 476 54
APEX XL Coming soon

Notes:

  1. Connection design must meet all relevant requirements of the General Notes to Designer and General Notes to Installer sections, as well as all minimum geometry requirements. Download a copy of the Beam Hanger Design Guide
  2. Tabulated values apply to wood-to-wood connections only.
  3. Tabulated values assume the specified fastener type, number, and installation pattern shown in the Beam Hanger Design Guide.
  4. Tabulated values assume members are positioned at beam depths that do not require reinforcement. It is the responsibility of the EOR to ensure the primary and secondary members have adequate capacity to resist connection forces.
  5. Tabulated values provided do not account for combined loading in multiple directions. Refer to the Beam Hanger Design Guide for guidance on interaction of combined loading.
  6. Minimum beam dimensions are based on the more stringent of minimum end and edge distances and fire cover requirements.
  7. Factored resistances provided do not account for combined loading in multiple directions. Combined gravity and axial loading must be verified Combined shear and axial loading must be verified per equation below

Secondary Member Requirements

Secondary Member Geometry Requirements

Unhoused

  • Ip
  • Sd
  • eside
  • eside
  • etop
  • ebot
  • Ip

Housed

  • Ip
  • dh
  • Sd
  • eside
  • eside
  • etop
  • ebot
  • Ip

Geometry Requirements [ mm ]
Model Configuration lp etop No FRR 45-min FRR 1-hr FRR 2-hr FRR dh sd
eside ebot eside ebot eside ebot eside ebot
APEX
S		 Single 175.6 7.3 5.7 33.3 36.25 62.25 46 78 85 146 49.8 N/A
Double 175.6 7.3 5.7 33.3 36.25 62.25 46 78 85 146 49.8 6
APEX
M		 Single 175.6 7.3 5.7 33.3 36.25 62.25 46 78 85 146 49.8 N/A
Double 175.6 7.3 5.7 33.3 36.25 62.25 46 78 85 146 49.8 6
APEX
L		 Single 175.6 0.9 6.8 20.9 36.25 56.25 46 72 85 140 49.8 N/A
Double 175.6 0.9 6.8 20.9 36.25 56.25 46 72 85 140 49.8 6
APEX
XL		 Coming soon

Notes:

  1. Connection design must meet all relevant requirements of the General Notes to Designer and General Notes to Installer sections, as well as all minimum geometry requirements. Download a copy of the Beam Hanger Design Guide
  2. Screw installation must follow the patterns presented in the Installation section of the Beam Hanger Design Guide.
  3. Tabulated values presented are the minimum required unless noted otherwise. Tabulated values for lp are fixed. Tabulated values for dh are maximum values based on a gap between primary and secondary member of 1 mm [ 0.039 ] in. Larger gaps (such as a typical gap of 3.2 mm [ 1/8 in. ] will reduce dh accordingly.
  4. Minimum dimensions for beams with an FRR are based on minimum wood cover requirements and appropriate joint detailing. Refer to Beam Hanger Design Guide for further information.
  5. Minimum dimensions for beams with an FRR assume a maximum gap of 3.2 mm [ 1/8 in. ] between members and that any void below the connector in the routing has been sealed with a wood plug.

Primary Column Requirement

Primary Member Geometry Requirements - Beam/Girder

Unhoused

  • eback
  • Ip
  • Sd
  • etop
  • ebot
  • Ip
  • eback

Primary Member Geometry Requirements - Beam/Girder

Housed

  • eback
  • Ip
  • dh
  • Sd
  • etop
  • ebot
  • dh
  • Ip
  • eback

Primary Member Geometry Requirements - Beam/Girder

Geometry Requirements [ mm ]
Model Configuration lp etop No FRR 45-min FRR 1-hr FRR 2-hr FRR dh sd
ebot eback ebot eback ebot eback ebot eback
APEX
S		 Single 175.6 33.3 7.3 10 36.25 36.25 52 46 120 85 49.8 N/A
Double 175.6 33.3 7.3 10 36.25 36.25 52 46 120 85 49.8 6
APEX
M		 Single 175.6 33.3 7.3 10 36.25 36.25 52 46 120 85 49.8 N/A
Double 175.6 33.3 7.3 10 36.25 36.25 52 46 120 85 49.8 6
APEX
L		 Single 175.6 20.9 0.9 10 36.25 36.25 52 46 120 85 49.8 N/A
Double 175.6 20.9 0.9 10 36.25 36.25 52 46 120 85 49.8 6
APEX
XL		 Coming soon

Notes:

  1. Connection design must meet all relevant requirements of the General Notes to Designer and General Notes to Installer sections, as well as all minimum geometry requirements. Download a copy of the Beam Hanger Design Guide
  2. Screw installation must follow the patterns presented in the Installation section of the Beam Hanger Design Guide.
  3. Tabulated values presented are the minimum required unless noted otherwise. Tabulated values for lp are fixed. Tabulated values for dh are maximum values based on a gap between primary and secondary member of 1 mm [ 0.039 ] in. Larger gaps (such as a typical gap of 3.2 mm [ 1/8 in. ] will reduce dh accordingly.
  4. Minimum dimensions for beams with an FRR are based on minimum wood cover requirements and appropriate joint detailing. Refer to Beam Hanger Design Guide for further information.
  5. Minimum dimensions for beams with an FRR assume a maximum gap of 3.2 mm [ 1/8 in. ] between members and that any void below the connector in the routing has been sealed with a wood plug.

Primary Beam Requirement

Primary Member Geometry Requirements - Post

Unhoused

  • eback
  • Ip
  • Sd
  • eside
  • eside
  • etop
  • Ip
  • eback

Primary Member Geometry Requirements - Post

Housed

  • eback
  • Ip
  • dh
  • Sd
  • eside
  • eside
  • etop
  • dh
  • Ip
  • eback

Primary Member Geometry Requirements - Post

Geometry Requirements [ mm ]
Model Configuration lp etop No FRR 45-min FRR 1-hr FRR 2-hr FRR dh sd
eside eback eside eback eside eback eside eback
APEX
S		 Single 175.6 33.3 5.7 10 36.25 36.25 46 46 85 85 49.8 N/A
Double 175.6 33.3 5.7 10 36.25 36.25 46 46 85 85 49.8 6
APEX
M		 Single 175.6 33.3 5.7 10 36.25 36.25 46 46 85 85 49.8 N/A
Double 175.6 33.3 5.7 10 36.25 36.25 46 46 85 85 49.8 6
APEX
L		 Single 175.6 20.9 6.8 10 36.25 36.25 46 46 85 85 49.8 N/A
Double 175.6 20.9 6.8 10 36.25 36.25 46 46 85 85 49.8 6
APEX
XL		 Coming soon

Notes:

  1. Connection design must meet all relevant requirements of the General Notes to Designer and General Notes to Installer sections, as well as all minimum geometry requirements. Download a copy of the Beam Hanger Design Guide
  2. Screw installation must follow the patterns presented in the Installation section of the Beam Hanger Design Guide.
  3. Tabulated values presented are the minimum required unless noted otherwise. Tabulated values for lp are fixed. Tabulated values for dh are maximum values based on a gap between primary and secondary member of 1 mm [ 0.039 ] in. Larger gaps (such as a typical gap of 3.2 mm [ 1/8 in. ] will reduce dh accordingly.
  4. Minimum dimensions for beams with an FRR are based on minimum wood cover requirements and appropriate joint detailing. Refer to Beam Hanger Design Guide for further information.
  5. Minimum dimensions for beams with an FRR assume a maximum gap of 3.2 mm [ 1/8 in. ] between members and that any void below the connector in the routing has been sealed with a wood plug.

2D & 3D Geometry

2D & 3D Geometry

Access certified wood-to-wood connection files and geometry for APEX, download 2D (.DXF, .DWG) and 3D (.IFC, .STEP, .RFA) models instantly.

Connector
Geometry		 Model
APEX
S		 APEX
M		 APEX
L		 APEX
XL
[ mm ]
H1 463.53 523.53 422.33 Coming
soon
H2 489.53 549.53 549.53
W 101.6 101.6 152.4
T 50.8 50.8 50.8

Model .DXF .DWG .IFC .STEP
APEX
S
APEX
M
APEX
L
APEX
XL		Coming soon
ALL ABOVE

Notes:

  1. Connection design must meet all relevant requirements of the General Notes to Designer and General Notes to Installer sections, as well as all minimum geometry requirements.Download a copy of the Beam Hanger Design Guide
  2. Minor manufacturing tolerances may apply; actual product dimensions may vary slightly.
Design Guides

Design Guides

Beam Hanger Design Guide

Beam Hanger Design Guide

A detailed selection tool ideal to design post and beam mass timber structures, providing out-of-the-shelves pre-engineered beam hanger solutions.

Installation Steps

INSTALLATION STEPS

DOWNLOAD THE STEPS MTC Tech Support

Precision-crafted from premium materials and expertly engineered, the LCBH strikes the perfect balance between form Precision-crafted from premium materials and expertly engineered

Play Video
Tools - Use the Correct Drill
Tools - Use the Correct Drill

MTC Solutions fasteners should only be driven using RW bits, or appropriately sized star bits. This ensures good centering and positioning with optimal torque transmission. For the APEX, use an RW 50 bit for the10 mm [ 3/8 in. ] screws.

Tools - Use the Correct Drill
Tools - Use the Correct Drill

Use low-RPM, high-torque drills equipped with a feather (variable speed) trigger to install fasteners. Avoid excessive acceleration and deceleration during the drive-in process. Do not overtorque fasteners. Although impact guns are not expressly prohibited, their use is discouraged – particularly for beam hanger systems – due to an increased risk of overtorquing. Use the appropriate drill chuck size according to the fastener.

Estimated Installation Time
Estimated Installation Time

This process includes the following steps:
1. Layout (~10%)
2. Positioning (~10%–15%)
3. Pilot Holes (~20%–25%)
4. Screw Installation (~50%–60%)
5. Optional Measures (not included in the time installation % breakdown)

The estimated installation time can be improved upon with efficient fabrication and site practices such as:
1.Drilling pilot holes for the nonstructural positioning screws at the time of fabrication
2.Utilizing templates to drill pilot holes for structural screws
3.Optimizing beam positioning to reduce worker fatigue

Layout - Reference Points
Layout - Reference Points

Begin by laying out the installation locations in the primary and secondary members using a pencil and square.

The connector’s point of reference is the top of the beam. The lower nonstructural positioning screwshould be measured from that point of reference.

The collar bolt should be at the
bottomon the primary member and on the top on the secondary member.

Layout - Split Lamination Considerations
Layout - Split Lamination Considerations

It is recommended that vertical joints in split lamination glulam beams be tight at the time of manufacturing. Gaps between adjacent plies may occur due to wood shrinkage. Gaps up to 10 mm [ 3/8 in. ] are acceptable for typical APEX installation.

If vertical gaps between plies greater than 10 mm [ 3/8 in. ] exist in the beam-end, it is recommended to reposition the APEX hanger or contact MTC Technical Support for further guidance.

Positioning - Nonstructural Positioning Screw Installation
Positioning - Nonstructural Positioning Screw Installation

Positioning screws ensure accurate placement of the APEX connector. To improve accuracy and reduce time, it is recommended to predrill the nonstructural positioning screw locations during member fabrication. Install one nonstructural positioning screw into the hole highlighted at the top of the plate. Check to ensure alignment is maintained and then install the second nonstructural positioning screw into the hole highlighted at the bottom of the plate.

Pilot Holes - Recommendations
Pilot Holes - Recommendations

Pilot holes are optional; however, they facilitate screw thread engagement, help reduce splitting risks, ensure a proper penetration path which reduces screw wandering, and reduce insertion torque. For the structural fasteners used with the APEX series, pilot holes 6.4 mm [ 1/4 in. ] in diameter and 25 mm [ 1 in. ] in length are recommended. The use of MTC Predrilling Jig for the inclined screws of the APEX is recommended to ensure proper hole placement.

Screw Installation - Align Drill Bit Axis
Screw Installation - Align Drill Bit Axis

Align the driver bit axis parallel to the fastener axis during installation to allow proper torque transmission and to avoid stripping.

Screw Installation - Decrease RPM
Screw Installation - Decrease RPM

To avoid overtorquing the screw, decrease the rotation speed about 12.7 mm [ 1/2 in. ] away from the final installed position. This is crucial to prevent wood crushing due to overtorquing, which can impact beam hanger tolerances, potentially impeding overall connection assembly. This is especially important when using an impact drill.

Screw Installation - Drill Pressure
Screw Installation - Drill Pressure

Do not apply excessive pressure on the drill while driving the fastener to prevent fastener buckling or deviation during installation. Only apply the required force or use the recommended holder case to eliminate cam-out effects.

Screw Installation - One-Step Process
Screw Installation - One-Step Process

To avoid increased torque peaks caused by stopping and restarting the drive-in process, install the screw in one run until the head is lightly seated against the side member. If necessary, a torque wrench may be used to complete installation immediately after the screw has been driven.

Screw Installation - Structural Screws
Screw Installation - Structural Screws

Install the 10 x 200 mm [ 3/8 x 7-7/8 in. ] MTC FTC screws in all perpendicular holes first. Once all perpendicular screws are installed, install the 10 mm x 200 mm [ 3/8 x 7-7/8 in. ] MTC FTC screws in all inclined holes.

Optional Measures - Pre-Install Wood Plug
Optional Measures - Pre-Install Wood Plug

Where connectors are housed in the secondary beam, it is recommended to seal the void in the routing below the connector for aesthetics and fire protection. The APEX system is equipped with diagonal holes so that a wood plug may be pre-installed on the non-routed member in the shop or on site before the secondary beam is lifted into place.

Installation Instructions Overall
Installation Instructions Overall

Estimated installation times include layout and positioning, installation of positioning screws, drilling 25mm. [ 1 in ] pilot holes, and structural screw installation for each plate.

Refer to the General Notes to Installer in the Beam Hanger Design Guide for further information.

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