How to Install MTC’s Beam Hanger System – MEGANT

This blog post offers designers and installers a step-by-step procedure along side several tips to successfully achieve the installation of the MEGANT beam hanger systems, also featuring a video showcasing the installation of a MEGANT 430×100. A MEGANT system can be fully installed in about 30 minutes.

Approximately 12-minute read.

 

The first step in installing any MTC Solutions beam hanger connectors is to use the proper tools:

• It is advised to use appropriate personal protective equipment throughout the process
• A measuring tape, framing square, and a marker to mark the layout.
• Self-Tapping Screws (STSs) should be installed with low RPM high torque drills, E.g; a commonly available cordless drill with a 18V Battery Pack. The use of impact drills must be avoided. Learn more on STSs’ installation best practices here. For more information on this recommendation, check out our blog post, “The Right Mass Timber Tools—Why Impact Guns May Not Be the Best Choice.”
• MEGANT beam hangers are installed using ASSY STSs VG CSK 5/16” x 6-1/4” [8×160 mm]. Pilot holes are recommended to facilitate the precise installation of the inclined screws. In the video, a 3/16” x 12” multi purpose drill bit was used. Our 5/16” [8 mm] diameter Pre-Drilling Jig may be used for rapid alignment, improved efficiency, and more consistent fasteners’ installation.

The following video showcases good practices for the installation of the MEGANT connectors.

Consult our Beam Hanger Design Guide prior to the installation of any beam hanger system.

 
Step 1, Connection geometry verification

The installer is responsible for installation plan verification with respect to all geometry requirements, determined and specified by a licenced professional, prior to installation. Refer to MTC Solutions’ Beam Hanger Design Guide for  geometry guidelines, beam size requirements and limits on end and edge distances for connector installation.

Geometry requirements for MEGANT 430×100 installation
 
Step 2, Routing

The MEGANT can be installed exposed on the face of the timber or fully concealed in the wood elements by routing either the primary or secondary member. Fully concealing it will provide a Fire Resistance Rating [FRR] system and a nice seamless wood-to-wood connection aesthetic. For FRR, the MEGANT has been tested in full scale fully loaded fire tests in North America, complying with the American Wood Council Technical Report #10. Additional, information about the fire rating and concealment of MTC Solutions beam hanger systems can be found here. The connector seen in the video has been left fully exposed for demonstration purposes.

 
Step 3, Preparation stage

It is recommended to measure and mark out the placement of the connector plates based on the installation plan provided by a licensed professional. As shown in the video, an installation template can be made from a piece of wood to ensure proper plumb and level position of the beam hanger during installation. the MEGANT connector plates must be installed with the inclined fasteners pointing upwards in the primary (supporting) member, and downwards in the secondary (supported) member [exceptions may apply].

Simply:

• In the primary (supporting) member the engraved “A” must be facing upward.
• In the secondary (supported) member the engraved “B” must be facing upward.

MEGANT are secured using two positioning screws at each end of the plate (In the video, partially threaded Ecofast 1/4” x 3-1/8” [6×60 mm] were used). The positioning screws will assist in the proper alignment of the plate during the installation of the inclined screws. Note that these two screws will need to be removed from the connector plates to install all the load carrying STS. Alternatively, positioning screws matching the specification of the load carrying screws may be used and left in place. Install them as follow.

1. Partially install the first positioning screw on one end of the MEGANT plate [it is suggested to leave the screw about a 1/4” proud to allow for later adjustments if necessary].
2. Once the connector plate is verified in its final location, a second positioning screw can be fully installed at the opposite end of the first one.
3. The first locator screw may then be tightened to fix the plate in position.

 

Step 4, Hardware Installation, and assembly

The MEGANT product kit is composed of several pieces that must be installed in the correct sequence.

Step 4.1, Connector Plates [pre-installation]

The two connector plates are fastened to the timber elements using a combination of perpendicular and inclined STS. It is recommended to install the perpendicular screws first, followed by the 45-degree inclined screws.

Pre-drilling is generally not required with STS, however pilot holes are recommended to support proper screw alignment. Deeper pre-drilling may be considered to accelerate screw installation and reduce installation effort. The torque applied on ASSY VG CSK 5/16” [8 mm] diameter shall not exceed 12.3lb.ft [16.7 N.m] during installation and screws shall be seated to snug tight and such that their heads bear uniformly in their receiving holes

Step 4.2, Threaded clamping jaws [pre-installation]

Two different clamping jaws are part of the MEGANT system. One clamping jaw has threaded holes while the other one has smooth, non threaded holes. Pending the design specifications of a licensed professional, either clamping jaws may be positioned at the top or at the bottom of the connection. However, in most applications, the threaded clamping jaw will be installed below the plate of the primary member. Once in position, the clamping jaw is fastened to the desired wood member.

Step 4.3, Unthreaded clamping jaws [pre-installation]

The unthreaded clamping jaw is designed to allow the threaded rod(s) to slide smoothly through the connection. It will be installed on the opposite end of the connector where the threaded clamping jaw is placed. In most applications, the unthreaded clamping jaw will be installed above the plate of the secondary member. Once in position, the unthreaded clamping jaw is fastened to the desired wood member.

Step 4.4, Threaded rod(s) [on-site assembly]

Depending on the connector placement on the wood elements, there may be multiple ways to install the threaded rod(s). The most common scenario is sliding in the rod(s) through the unthreaded clamping jaws in the connector plate. An SW8 Allen key may be used to facilitate the fastening process of the rod(s) in the threaded jaw.

The rods must be flush with the bottom of the threaded clamping jaw and fully engage all threads of it. This setting will result in approximately 1″ [25.4 mm] of threaded rod sticking out above the surface of the non threaded clamping jaw, allowing for the installation of the nut and washer.

Step 4.5, Washers & Hexagonal nuts [on-site assembly]

The washers and hexagonal nuts are the final pieces of hardware to install in the MEGANT system and will secure the threaded rod, tightening the connector parts together. Place the washer and nut on the protruding threaded rod and tighten the nut to the recommend installation torque of 29.5 lbs.ft.

 

Step 5, Reinforcement [Optional]

Where geometry requirements presented in the Beam Hanger Design Guide cannot be followed, reinforcing screws may be required either in the primary or secondary member.

 

Complementary information on how to design mass timber connections with MTC structural fasteners—with the above considerations in mind—are regrouped in our latest edition of the Structural Screw Catalog.

We hope that this guide will help with your installation processes, until then, feel free to browse our resources and reach out to our Technical Service Team with your connection questions 🙂