How to Install MTC’s Beam Hanger System – MEGANT

This blog post offers designers and installers several tips on properly installing the MEGANT beam hanger connector that uses ICC-ESR-approved ASSY VG CSK self-tapping screws. The blog post is also accompanied by a step-by-step installation video demonstrating the installation of a MEGANT 430×100.

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
• Self-tapping screws should be installed with low RPM high torque drills. In our video example, we used a commonly available cordless drill with a 18V Battery Pack. The use of impact drills must be avoided as mentioned in our blog post “How to Install ASSY Self-tapping Screws”
• MEGANT beam hangers are installed with ASSY VG CSK 5/16” x 6-1/4” [8×160 mm]. An optional pilot hole may be used to facilitate the installation of the inclined screw. In the video, a common 3/16” x 12” multi purpose drill bit was used
• A measuring tape, framing square, and a marker to mark the layout

It is suggested to consult the Beam Hanger Design Guide prior to the installation of any MTC Beam Hanger System. The video demonstrates good practice for the installation of the MEGANT connectors.

Step 1, Connection geometry verification

The installer is responsible for installation plan verification with respect to all geometry requirements prior to installation. The connection geometry requirement should be determined and specified by a licensed professional. Refer to MTC Solutions’ Beam Hanger Design Guide for  geometry guidelines, beam size requirements and limits on end and edge distances for connector 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 the MEGANT 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 in our blog post titled “Concealed Fire Rated Beam Hanger Systems”.

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 MEGANT connector plates based on the installation plan provided by a licenced 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.

For proper installation, the MEGANT connector plates must be installed with the inclined fasteners pointing upwards in the primary (supporting) member, and downwards in the secondary member (exceptions may apply).

Simply:

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

Next, the connector plate is secured using two locator screws at each end of the MEGANT plate (In the video ASSY Ecofast 1/4” x 3-1/8” [6×60 mm] were used). The locator screws will assist in the proper alignment of the plate during the installation of the inclined screws. Note that the two locator screws will need to be removed from the connector plates to install all the load carrying ASSY VG CSK 5/16” x 6-1/4” [8×160 mm] screws.

The installation of the locator screws is as follows:

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

Step 4, Hardware Installation, and assembly

The MEGANT connector is composed of several pieces that must be installed in the correct sequence to ensure connection capacity. The following summarizes this assembly:

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. For more details on the geometry requirements, refer to our design provision on Installation Requirements of The Beam Hanger Systems.

Even with pre-drilling and optional reinforcing screws, the MEGANT beam hanger system can be installed in just 25 minutes. Installation times can be reduced if all geometry requirements presented in the design guide are followed. We hope that this explanation will help in future installations of MTC Solutions MEGANT beam hanger systems.