MTC Solutions beam hangers are tested, pre-engineered connectors designed to meet the diverse needs of modern mass timber construction projects. These systems can all be preinstalled in a controlled shop environment, improving on-site assembly efficiency, reducing installation errors, and optimizing labor time and overall project costs.
This blog post introduces the MTC APEX beam hangers’ performance, key features, and usage, as the new state-of-the-art for high-capacity mass timber connections. APEX is a high-capacity, pre-engineered mass timber beam hanger system designed to simplify installation while delivering reliable structural performance.
This new product represents a commitment from MTC Solutions to the industry: to provide North American manufactured mass timber hardware. This approach changes the game by improving project costs, enhancing supply chain reliability, and reducing environmental impact. This article provides a high-level overview of APEX. For more detailed guidance on installation, fire performance, and design considerations, explore the related resources linked throughout.
Approximately 8-minute reading time.
Performances Through Testing and Validation
MTC beam hangers are all proven through rigorous testing programs so engineers can specify them with confidence.
The APEX beam hanger series is not an exception to that rule; it was designed to deliver high-performance connections with improved installation efficiency—making it a strong solution for modern mass timber construction.
When designing wood structures, connection performance is everything, and the APEX has been extensively tested to validate all required performances, including:
2-hr FRR in accordance with CAN/ULC-S101 and ASTM E119
Drift performance exceeding 6% while fully loaded in full-frame testing
Axial resistance ranging from 3.7 to 7 kips (ASD) or 17 to 34 kN (LSD)
Available in four models with download capacities ranging from 23.4 to ≈40 kips (ASD) / 181 to 316 kN (LSD) — it is the highest capacity mass timber beam hanger manufactured in North America for a single connection system.
The North American Supply Chain
Driven by curiosity and the desire to push the structural limits of mass timber beam hangers, the APEX development also aims to improve cost competitiveness and accelerate the adoption of mass timber in commercial and residential construction across North America.
Proudly engineered and manufactured in Canada and the USA from high-grade aluminum, APEX offers your North American projects a decisive advantage by solving critical supply chain challenges and reducing logistics complexity; while aligning with both the Canada First initiatives and the Build America Buy America (BABA) Act.
Made With Installers and Manufacturers in Mind
While structural performance is critical, real-world success also depends on how efficiently a system can be installed on site. Each of our beam hanger systems are designed for fast and repeatable drop-in installation and enable a streamlined and efficient workflow.
The APEX shares many of the standard benefits of off-the-shelf beam hanger systems, such as pre-installation and the flexibility to be exposed or fully concealed for aesthetic preferences, but it stands out when it comes to the installation process and practicality.
Installation difficulties can be underestimated, even though they have a direct impact on project timeline, cost, and quality. That’s why the APEX is intentionally designed to simplify the process through key advantages, including:
Figure 1. APEX installation tolerances
Figure 2. Installation of a wood block on the APEX
If you want to know how to install the APEX like a pro, read this blog post. A single person can typically install a complete APEX connection in 13 to 23 minutes, depending on the model. Not bad for ≈40 kips of capacity! 😉
Commonly Used Configurations
APEX supports a wide range of connection geometries, making it adaptable to both typical and complex mass timber layouts. The APEX is commonly used in squared or perpendicular connections, such as beam-to-girder and beam-to-column connections, as well as sloped and skewed configurations. These connections are often concealed by routing the connector into either the primary or secondary member, resulting in a clean, architecturally pleasing finish.
Where it further distinguishes itself from comparable products in concealed configurations is that these hangers achieve a 2-hr fire-resistance rating in a fully loaded, full-frame configuration with an optimized beam-to-column gap up to 1/8 in. [3.2 mm], with no intumescent tape or fire caulking and optimized wood cover!
Figure 3. Common APEX configurations
Figure 4. Alternative APEX configurations
For North American mass timber projects where performance, installation efficiency, and reliability are critical, the APEX provides the most cost-effective solution by far. So, if you’d like to learn more about MTC’s North American-manufactured APEX beam hangers for your projects, download your version of the Beam Hanger Design Guide, or explore our installation, fire, and design resources to learn more.
And as usual, if you have doubts, questions, or want to learn more, we cannot recommend enough getting in touch with the mass timber hardware specialist. Tap into our Resource Hub or contact our support team.
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