Beam hangers provide versatile options for connecting mass timber elements. This white paper provides information on priorities for designing and detailing beam hanger connections. Placement of the beam hanger merits careful consideration, as it can influence the need for additional reinforcement in connections as well as their fire resistance and other structural properties. Techniques to minimize supplemental reinforcement, relevant brittle wood failure modes to consider, and tips for efficient design are included.

It is preferable to minimize the need for supplemental reinforcement around beam hangers to simplify connection detailing; however, project demands sometimes make reinforcement necessary. For such instances, best practice recommendations for the location of self-tapping screws (STSs) are included. Guidance on installing reinforcing screws, preventing fastener collision, and maximizing fastener efficiency is also provided.