MTC Solutions beam hanger systems are complete pre-engineered solutions available in a variety of capacities to meet the needs of any building project. These beam hanger systems are commonly used in beam-to-column and beam-to-girder connections to support gravity loads. However, in some applications, these connections may be required to resist uplift forces.
This blog post will outline the different solutions that exist to resist uplift forces when using the MEGANT hangers.
Approximately 5-minute read.
The MEGANT Beam Hanger System
The MTC Solutions MEGANT beam hangers are a pre-engineered connection system designed primarily to resist gravity loads. Preferably pre-installed in a controlled shop environment, these connectors allow a simple drop-in assembly on-site and an efficient workflow. To learn more about MTC beam hangers, their different applications, and configuration possibilities, read our related blog post on the subject.
Figure 1. MEGANT Beam Hanger System (Drop-in Installation)
MEGANT beam hangers, beyond a different capacity range coverage and the possibility to be installed from several directions, distinguish themselves from the RICON S VS and the GIGANT with their innate capacity to resist uplift loads. This built-in uplift resistance is due to the MEGANT’s mechanical principal and its composition (see figure 2 below).
In most building connection applications, uplift forces are counteracted by the weight of the gravity loads, but in some cases, like during construction, for roofs subjected to high wind loads, or for cantilevered beams, uplift resistance may be necessary.
MEGANT Built-in Uplift Resistance
Figure 2. MEGANT Uplift Force Transfer Principle
Where:
Fully Threaded Inclined Screws
If the design demand exceeds the built-un uplift resistance of the MEGANT hanger, additional uplift capacity can be achieved by installing fully threaded self-tapping screws to fasten beams directly to their supports, installed at a 45° angle to the axis of the secondary beam. These inclined fasteners can resist uplift loads through their withdrawal capacity.
The ASSY VG CYL screws excel in this application due to their easily concealable head, high capacity in withdrawal, and simple installation. For Canadian projects, the VG CYL screw complies with all relevant requirements of CSA O86:24 for self-tapping screws. In the US, the VG CYL screw complies with NDS 2024 through ICC ESR-3178.
After installing the MEGANT beam hanger, a minimum of two VG CYL inclined screws are installed, penetrating from the secondary member into the primary member (see figure 2 below). If higher uplift capacity is required, more than two screws can be used. You can find the tabulated geometry requirements and capacities for VG CYL inclined screws in the Beam Hanger Design Guide.
Figure 3. Installation of fully threaded VG CYL inclined screws at a 45° angle for uplift resistance
Solution Combination?
Due to a difference in stiffness, the built-in uplift resistance of the MEGANT hanger is not additive with that of fully threaded inclined screws for uplift. As such, inclined screws intended for resisting uplift loads should be designed to support the entire uplift load if that is the required solution selected by the designing engineer.
MTC Solutions offers a series of simple options to solve uplift design challenges when using beam hanger systems. In addition to the MEGANT system, the RICON S VS and GIGANT beam hangers can also support uplift loads with the use of a simple clip lock accessory. Read this blog to learn more about it.
For more information on these products, download our Beam Hanger Design Guide, which provides further detailed instructions and considerations for designing with MTC Solutions beam hangers and provides additional details on the content mentioned in this blog post.
If you have any questions, contact our Technical Support Team. 🙂
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