Glossary & Terminology
Apex
Same as
Peak
Bearing
A structural
support, usually a beam or wall that is designed by
the building designer to carry the truss reaction
loads to the foundation.
Birdsmouth
Cut
A long notch
at the ends of a member to allow for an overhang with
an “over the wall height” less than the width of the
member.
Blocking
Wood or metal
members that are placed between trusses and joists in
an angled position intended to spread the
loads.
Bobtail
Same as
Stub
Truss
Bottom
Chord
An inclined or
horizontal member that establishes the bottom member
of a truss. An example of an inclined bottom chord
member is the bottom chord of a scissor truss or a
truss positioned between supports at different
elevations.
Bottom
Chord Bearing
Term usually
used to describe the bearing condition of a parallel
chord truss that bears on its bottom
chord.
Bottom
Plate
The bottom
framing member of a stud wall.
Bridging
Same
as Blocking
Butt
Cut
Slight
vertical cut at outside edge of truss bottom chord to
ensure uniform nominal span and tight joints –
usually ¼ inch.
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