June 20, 2011
TO:
PARTIES INTERESTED IN DECK HARNESSES FOR
RESIDENTIAL DECKS
SUBJECT:
New Acceptance Criteria for Deck Harnesses for Residential
Decks, Subject AC430-0611-R2 (MO/JS).
Dear Colleague:
We are enclosing the new ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Deck Harnesses
for Residential Decks (AC430), which was approved by the Evaluation
Committee during the June hearings. The committee made the following
revisions to the document that the ICC-ES staff presented:
1. Revisions noted in the staff memo to the committee dated June 3, 2011.
2. Section 6.3.3 was revised to allow reference to the deck harness
evaluation report in proprietary I-joist evaluation reports with installation
details included.
The new criteria covers proprietary deck harnesses for residential decks (lateral
load capacity). Residential decks supported by attachment to an exterior wall are
required to be positively anchored to the primary structure to resist lateral load
under Section R502.2.2 of the 2009 International Residential Code® (IRC).
Section R502.2.2.3 of the IRC prescribes the use of a minimum of two hold-down
tension devices with an allowable stress design (ASD) tension capacity of not less
than 1500 pounds (6672 N) for each device, to resist lateral loads perpendicular to
the plane of the wall. The proprietary deck harness is evaluated as an alternative
to the hold-down tension devices prescribed by the IRC.
The ICC-ES staff is of the opinion that the devices specified in IRC Section
R502.2.2.3 are prescriptively required, in lieu of engineered connections to the
primary structure. Regardless of whether the hold-down tension devices specified
in IRC Section R502.2.2.3 are to be considered components within the primary
structural support system, or as safety devices within a backup system, the
devices clearly serve a structural purpose, as indicated by the minimum required
ASD capacity of 1500 pounds (6672 N).
The product test and performance requirements are noted in Section 3.0 of the
new criteria, with appropriate test methods and procedures noted in Section 4.0.
The minimum performance requirements are specified in Section 4.5, and analysis
of test data is specified in Section 4.6.
AC430-0611-R2
2
Thank you for your interest. If you have any questions, please contact
Michael O’Reardon, Regional Manager, at (800) 423-6587, extension 5685,
or by e-mail at mo’reardon@icc-es.org .
Yours very truly,
Gary G. Nichols, P.E., SECB
Vice President
GGN/raf
Enclosure
cc: Evaluation Committee
www.icc-es.org | (800) 423-6587 | (562) 699-0543
A Subsidiary of the International Code Council ®
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR
DECK HARNESSES FOR RESIDENTIAL DECKS
AC430
Approved June 2011
PREFACE
Evaluation reports issued by ICC Evaluation Service, LLC (ICC-ES), are based upon performance features of
the International family of codes. (Some reports may also reference older code families such as the BOCA
®
National Codes, the Standard Codes, and the Uniform Codes.) Section 104.11 of the International Building Code
reads as follows:
The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any materials or to
prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code,
provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or
method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed
design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the
material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that
prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.
This acceptance criteria has been issued to provide interested parties with guidelines for demonstrating
compliance with performance features of the codes referenced in the criteria. The criteria was developed through
a transparent process involving public hearings of the ICC-ES Evaluation Committee, and/or on-line postings
where public comment was solicited.
New acceptance criteria will only have an “approved” date, which is the date the document was approved by
the Evaluation Committee. When existing acceptance criteria are revised, the Evaluation Committee will decide
whether the revised document should carry only an “approved” date, or an “approved” date combined with a
“compliance” date. The compliance date is the date by which relevant evaluation reports must comply with the
requirements of the criteria. See the ICC-ES web site for more information on compliance dates.
If this criteria is a revised edition, a solid vertical line (│) in the margin within the criteria indicates a technical
change from the previous edition. A deletion indicator (→) is provided in the margin where wording has been
deleted if the deletion involved a technical change.
ICC-ES may consider alternate criteria for report approval, provided the report applicant submits data
demonstrating that the alternate criteria are at least equivalent to the criteria set forth in this document, and
otherwise demonstrate compliance with the performance features of the codes. ICC-ES retains the right to refuse
to issue or renew any evaluation report, if the applicable product, material, or method of construction is such that
either unusual care with its installation or use must be exercised for satisfactory performance, or if
malfunctioning is apt to cause injury or unreasonable damage.
NOTE: The Preface for ICC-ES acceptance criteria was revised in July 2011 to reflect changes in policy.
Acceptance criteria are developed for use solely by ICC-ES for purposes of issuing ICC-ES evaluation reports
Copyright © 2011
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR DECK HARNESSES FOR
RESIDENTIAL DECKS (AC430)
1.0
INTRODUCTION
and Internally Threaded Fasteners, Washers, Direct
Tension Indicators, and Rivets.
1.1 Purpose: The purpose of this criteria is to
establish requirements for deck harnesses, for residential
decks, to be recognized in an ICC Evaluation Service, LLC
(ICC-ES), evaluation report under the 2009 International
Residential Code® (IRC). The basis of recognition is IRC
Section R104.11. Applicable code elements are IRC
Sections R502.2.2 (Decks) and R502.2.2.3 (Deck Lateral
Load Connection), and Figure 502.2.2.3 (Deck Attachment
for Lateral Loads).
1.3.2.12 ASTM F 1575-03(2008), Standard Test
Method for Determining Bending Yield Moment of Nails.
1.3.2.13 ASTM F 1667-05, Specification for Driven
Fasteners, Nails, Spikes and Staples.
1.3.3 ANSI/AFPA
NDS-05,
National
Design
Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction—with 2005
Supplement, American Forest and Paper Association.
1.3.4 ANSI/MSS SP-58-09, Pipe Hangers and
Supports—Materials, Design, Manufacture, Selection,
Application
and
Installation,
Manufacturers
Standardization Society.
The reason for the development of this criteria is to
allow evaluation of proprietary deck harnesses, since the
IRC and associated reference standards do not specify
installation, test methods and quality requirements for
these products.
1.3.5 ASCE 19-96, Standard for Structural
Applications of Steel Cables for Buildings, American
Society of Civil Engineers.
1.2 Scope: The deck harnesses are used as
alternatives to hold-down tension devices prescribed in
IRC Section R502.2.2.3 and shown in IRC Figure
502.2.2.3. Attachment is by means of mechanical
fastenings (deck harness, wire or chain).
1.3
1.4
1.4.1 Deck Harness: For purposes of this criteria, a
deck harness consists of one or more pieces or units so
arranged as to transfer loads that are perpendicular to the
wall, from an exterior deck joist to interior floor framing.
The deck harness shall be as described in the approved
quality documentation complying with the ICC-ES
Acceptance Criteria for Quality Documentation (AC10), as
submitted by the evaluation report applicant.
Codes and Referenced Standards:
1.3.1
Codes:
1.3.1.1 2009 International
(IRC), International Code Council.
1.3.2
Residential
Code®
ASTM International Standards:
1.4.2 Deck Harness Connector (Fastener): For
purposes of this criteria, a deck harness connector
consists of the hardware used to attach the deck harness
to the exterior deck joist; and hardware used to attach the
deck harness to the interior floor framing. Hardware
materials consist of fasteners, bolts, U-bolts, nails and
screws.
1.3.2.1 ASTM A 90/A 90M-09, Standard Test
Method for Weight [Mass] of Coating on Iron and Steel
Article with Zinc or Zinc-Alloy Coatings.
1.3.2.2 ASTM A 123-A 123M-09, Standard
Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on
Iron and Steel Products.
1.3.2.3 ASTM A 413/A 413M-07,
Specification for Carbon Steel Chain.
Definitions:
Standard
2.0
BASIC INFORMATION AND TEST REPORTS
2.1 General: The following information shall be
submitted:
1.3.2.4 ASTM A 924/A 924M-07, Standard
Specification for General Requirements for Steel Sheet
Metallic-Coated by Hot-Dip Process.
2.1.1 Product Description: Complete information
pertaining to components, material specifications, and
manufacturing processes for the deck harness and the
deck harness connector. Materials shall comply with
appropriate recognized national standards.
1.3.2.5 ASTM A 931-08, Standard Test Method for
Tension Testing of Wire Ropes and Strand.
1.3.2.6 ASTM D 2395-07ae1, Standard Test
Methods for Specific Gravity of Wood and Wood-Based
Materials.
2.1.2 Installation Instructions: Installation details
and drawings, noting installation requirements and/or
limitations.
1.3.2.7 ASTM D 4442-07, Standard Test Methods
for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and
Wood-Base Materials.
2.1.3 Identification: Description of the method of
identifying the product in the field. Each deck harness
shall bear an imprint which clearly identifies the
manufacturer. A registered trademark or logo may serve
as such identity, provided a facsimile of the registered
trademark or logo is included in the evaluation report.
Labeling shall also include the model number and the ICCES evaluation report number.
1.3.2.8 ASTM D 4444-08, Standard Test Methods
for Laboratory Standardization and Calibration of HandHeld Moisture Meters.
1.3.2.9 ASTM D 7032-08, Standard Specification
for Establishing Performance Ratings for Wood-Plastic
Composite Deck Boards and Guardrail Systems (Guards
or Handrails).
1.3.2.10 ASTM E 4-10, Standard Practices for
Force Verification of Testing Machines.
2.2 Testing Laboratories: Testing laboratories shall
comply with Section 2.0 of the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria
for Test Reports (AC85) and Section 4.2 of the ICC-ES
Rules of Procedure for Evaluation Reports.
1.3.2.11 ASTM F 606-10, Standard Test Methods
for Determining the Mechanical Properties of Externally
2.2.1 Test Reports: Test reports shall comply with
AC85. All test reports shall be prepared by an independent
2
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR DECK HARNESSES
FOR RESIDENTIAL DECKS (AC430)
3.2.2 Deck Harness Connector: The deck harness
connector shall be tested for tension capacity such that
the connector mounted on to the deck/floor joists and/or
blocking shall represent the worst-case application to be
permitted. The test report shall include an explanation of
why the tested condition represents the worst case
application. Refer to Section 4.3.2 and Figures 2 and 3.
testing laboratory in accordance with Section 4.2 of the
ICC-ES Rules of Procedure for Evaluation Reports. Test
reports shall include the following:
2.2.2 A description of the tested deck harness,
including a drawing detailing all pertinent dimensions of the
deck harness. The description shall also include
information concerning each component of the tested deck
harness (refer to Section 1.4.2 of this criteria)
3.3 Test Materials: Materials used to construct test
specimens shall be of uniform quality and shall comply
with the provisions of the IRC and this criteria.
2.2.3 Actual dimensions, species, specific gravity,
and moisture content for each wood component of each
tested deck harness assembly.
3.3.1 Deck Harness Materials: The wire and chain
properties of the tested deck harness, including tensile
strength and uncoated base-metal wire or chain thickness,
shall be determined. Standard tensile tests of the wire or
chain from which the deck harness was produced shall be
conducted in accordance with ASTM A 931. The uncoated
base-metal thickness of the wire or chain from which the
tested deck harness is formed shall be measured or
calculated. When the base-metal thickness is calculated
by converting the coating weight to a coating thickness
and subtracting it from the overall measured thickness
coating weight, tests shall be performed on the wire or
chain of the tested deck harness in accordance with the
requirements of ASTM A 90, ASTM A 924 or ASTM A 123.
The following relationship is permitted to be used to
estimate the coating thickness from the coating weight
2
(mass): 1 oz/ft coating weight = 1.7 mills coating
thickness (7:14 g/m2 coating mass = 1 μm coating and
thickness).
2.2.4 A description of any modifications made to the
wood members in deck harness assembly testing.
2.2.5 The measured steel physical properties of the
deck harness, including yield strength, tensile strength, and
base-metal thickness.
2.2.6 A description of the fasteners used for
installation.
2.2.7 A detailed drawing of the test setup, depicting
location and direction of load application, location of
displacement instrumentation and its point of reference,
and details of any deviations from the test requirements as
outlined in Section 4.0 of this acceptance criteria.
Additionally, photographs shall supplement the detailed
drawings of the test setup and failure modes
2.2.8 Individual
and
average
load-versusdeformation curves, as plotted directly, or as reprinted from
data acquisition systems.
3.3.1.1 Minimum wire gauge shall be No. 10
gauge, U.S. Steel Wire Gauge. The wire shall be stainless
steel, or shall be corrosion-resistant in accordance with
ASCE 19-96 or protected by galvanizing or electroplating,
or shall be protected with approved steel primer (refer to
Section 3.4 for corrosion).
2.2.9 Individual and average maximum test load
values observed. Description of the nature, type and
location of failure exhibited by each deck harness tested,
and a description of the general behavior of the harness
during load application.
3.3.1.2 Chains
shall
comply
with
ASTM
A413/A413M. Chains shall be protected by galvanizing or
electroplating, or approved steel primer (refer to Section
3.4 for corrosion).
2.3 Sampling: Test specimens shall be sampled in
accordance with Section 3.1 of AC85.
3.0
TEST AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
3.1 General: Deck harness shall be tested for
structural performance in accordance with Section 3.2.
3.3.2
joists):
Joist Materials (Solid-sawn Lumber and I-
3.1.1 Load Capacity: Deck harness allowable
stress design capacity shall be in accordance with Section
R502.2.2.3 of the IRC, and this criteria.
3.3.2.1 All joist materials shall be of structural
quality, with allowable values substantiated by accepted
procedures, such as those referenced in the IRC.
3.1.2 Displacement Limit: The deck harness shall
have a displacement limit of 0.179 inch (4.5 mm) at the
allowable stress design capacity. The displacement shall
be measured from the top edge of the deck ledger (midthickness along the deck ledger edge) to a point on the top
edge of the deck joist (mid-thickness along the deck joist
edge) measured 6 inches (152.4 mm) from the interface
between the deck ledger and the deck joist (see Figures 2
and 3 for location).
3.3.2.2 The joist materials used in the deck
harness connector testing shall have a tested specific
gravity, determined in accordance with ASTM D 2395.
Specific gravity measurements taken at moisture contents
other than oven-dry condition shall be adjusted to the
oven-dry moisture content in accordance with Appendix
X1 of ASTM D 2395.
3.3.2.3 The moisture content of the joist members
shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D 4442 or
D 4444.
3.2 Tension Testing for Deck Harness and Deck
Harness Connector
3.3.2.4 Testing shall be conducted using both solid
sawn lumber framing and assemblies constructed with
prefabricated wood I-joists (refer to Section 6.3) as floor
joists.
3.2.1 Deck Harness: The deck harness shall be
tested such that a tension load is applied in reference to
the intended application of the deck harness. Refer to
Section 4.3.1 and Figure 1.
3
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR DECK HARNESSES
FOR RESIDENTIAL DECKS (AC430)
3.3.3 Other Wood Materials (Rim Board and
Ledger Board):
4.1.1
4.1.2 Drawings and details of exterior deck and
interior floor framing and components.
3.3.3.1 All wood materials, other than those
described in Section 3.3.2, shall be solid-sawn lumber
(ledger board) of structural quality with allowable values
substantiated by accepted procedures, such as those
referenced in Section 2302 of the IBC; or laminated
structural members (rim board) with allowable values
substantiated by accepted procedures.
4.1.3 Drawings and details showing attachment of
the deck harnass to the test frame.
4.1.4 Details of analytical methods used to develop
allowable load capacities for the deck harness.
4.2
3.3.3.2 The specific gravity of the wood members
used in the deck harness connector testing shall be
determined in accordance with ASTM D 2395. Specific
gravity measurements taken at moisture contents other
than oven-dry condition shall be adjusted to the oven-dry
moisture content in accordance with Appendix X1 of
ASTM D 2395.
4.2.2 Displacement Gauge: All tests shall use dial
gauges or displacement transducers having a test reading
of 0.001 inch (0.025 mm).
4.3 Deck Harness and Deck Harness Connector
Testing
3.3.4 Joist Hangers: The joist hangers used in the
deck harness connector testing shall be recognized in a
current ICC-ES evaluation report.
4.3.1
3.3.5.1 U-bolts shall comply with ANSI/MSS SP-58
Bolt tensile strength shall be derived using the procedures
of ASTM F 606.
4.3.1.2 If the maximum test load for the deck
harness varies by more than 20 percent from the average,
testing shall be conducted on three additional deck
harnesses.
3.3.5.2 Anchor bolts/rods shall comply with a
code-referenced standard specification.
3.3.5.3 Nails shall comply with ASTM F 1667. Nail
bending yield strength, Fyb, shall be derived using the
procedures of ASTM F 1575 or the ICC-ES Acceptance
Criteria for Nails and Spikes (AC116), as applicable.
4.3.2
Deck Harness Connector Testing:
4.3.2.1 A minimum of three deck harness
connectors shall be tested on each configuration of
variables (e.g., solid sawn lumber joists or prefabricated
wood I-joists) affecting the deck harness connector
performance.
3.3.5.4 Wood screws shall comply with either
ANSI/ASME B18.6.1 or the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria
for Alternate Dowel-type Threaded Fasteners (AC233).
Bending yield strength of the screws shall be derived
using the procedures of Section 4.4 of AC233. Predrilled
holes shall be a field requirement when, for testing, wood
screws are installed into predrilled holes.
4.3.2.1.1 A deck harness connector test
specimen shall consist of deck harness, floor joists, deck
ledger, rim board, deck joists, and fasteners of appropriate
size fastened/assembled together. The connector shall be
tested with each grade and species of the floor and deck
joists used or the lowest grade material. The deck joist
shall not be connected (fastened) to the deck ledger. A
joist guide shall be used in place of fastening. The
assembly shall be tested as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.
3.4 Corrosion: The corrosion resistance of the deck
harness materials listed in Section 3.3.1, and the deck
harness connector materials listed in Section 3.3.5, shall
be documented by material specifications and mill order
certificates demonstrating compliance with Section
R317.3.1 of the IRC. Electroplating and approved steel
primer shall be evaluated for corrosion resistance in
accordance with AC257.
4.3.2.1.2 The floor joists and deck joist material
shall both be a minimum of 3 feet (914 mm) in length.
4.3.2.1.3 The wood material (deck ledger and
rim board) shall be a minimum of 4 feet (1219 mm) in
length.
3.5 Non-Metal Components: Non-metal components
used in the deck harness shall be tension-tested as noted
in Section 3.2.
4.4
be
Test Setup
4.4.1
General
4.4.1.1 Deck harness and deck harness connector
shall be tested individually in such a manner as to
simulate the essential function of the deck harness and
deck harness connector on the test assembly. Test loads
shall be applied with reference to the intended end-use
application of the deck harness. Low-friction rollers are
permitted to be used in the test setup to prevent lateral
movement of the test equipment due to eccentricity.
3.5.2 The non-metal components shall be subjected
to freeze-thaw testing in accordance with Section 4.7 of
ASTM D 7032 or another applicable test procedure.
4.0
Deck Harness Testing:
4.3.1.1 A minimum of three deck harnesses for
each type (size, configuration, and material specification)
shall be tested on a testing machine. The deck harnesses
shall be tested as illustrated in Figure 1.
Deck Harness Connector:
3.5.1 The non-metal components shall
documented by applicable material specifications.
Apparatus
4.2.1 Testing Machine: A testing machine that is
capable of operation at a constant rate of motion of the
movable crosshead or a constant rate of loading, and a
force measuring device that is calibrated in accordance
with Method ASTM E 4, shall be used.
3.3.3.3 The moisture content of the wood materials
shall be determined in accordance with ASTM D 4442 or
D 4444.
3.3.5
Drawings and details of the deck.
TEST METHODS
4.1 General: The test program shall be submitted for
approval by ICC-ES prior to commencement of any
testing. The test plan shall include:
4
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR DECK HARNESSES
FOR RESIDENTIAL DECKS (AC430)
4.4.1.2 The connector material which is attached
to the end of the deck harness shall be fastened to the
assembly material (floor joists, deck joists and/or blocking)
in such a manner that the connection to the test
equipment does not affect the test results. Additionally, the
connector shall be fastened in accordance with the enduse application (manufacturer’s installation instructions).
4.6.4 The allowable load for the deck harness shall
be the lowest value determined in accordance with
Section 4.6.4.1 and shall not be less than the allowable
stress design capacity of 1,500 pounds (6672 N) in
accordance with Section 4.6.1.
4.6.4.1 The allowable load shall be determined for
each test configuration, and the lowest value of each of
the tested configurations shall be used. The allowable load
shall be determined as follows:
4.4.1.3 If nuts are used with the bolts, they shall be
at most finger-tight, to remove the effects of clamping
when testing the deck harness and the deck harness
connector to the assembly material (floor and deck joists).
4.6.4.1.1 The lowest ultimate load for a single
test divided by 3 (where three tests are conducted for
each configuration and no ultimate load varies by more
than 20 percent from the average ultimate load).
4.4.1.4 An initial load or preload shall not be
applied to the deck harness.
4.6.4.1.2 The average of the ultimate loads for
the tested configuration divided by 3 (where six or more
tests are conducted).
4.4.2 Deck Harness Connector Testing: The deck
harness shall be tested on assemblies simulating critical
field-installed conditions. Tension or slack and alignment
of the cable shall simulate field installations that will be
permitted in application. This information shall be
described in the test report and repeated as the maximum
permitted slack and horizontal/vertical misalignment
tolerances in the Conditions of Use section of the
evaluation report.
4.6.4.1.3 The average from all tests for a
configuration that produces a displacement of 0.179 inch
(4.50 mm) at the allowable stress design capacity.
4.6.4.1.4 The calculated ASD capacity for
required construction details transferring load into and out
of the deck harness device shall be in accordance with the
NDS, assuming a load duration factor of 1.6 for an
assumed 10-minute duration.
4.4.2.1 Wood test members shall be conditioned to
reach equilibrium with a moisture content of 10 to 14
percent when tested for dry in-service conditions, except
the deck joist members shall be conditioned for wet
service conditions (> 19%). When the assemblies are
tested for wet in-service conditions, wood test members
shall be conditioned to an equilibrium moisture content
greater than 19 percent.
4.6.4.2 The tested allowable load as determined
under this section shall be used in Section 4.7 (Analysis of
Test Data) for determining the capacity of the deck
harness for compliance with the IRC. Allowable load
determined from the tests shall be adjusted downward if
tested strengths and physical dimensions of components
(refer to Section 3.3.1) exceed specified values.
4.4.2.2 Installation of the deck harness to the
wood members shall maintain fastener end and edge
distances as expected in field conditions, with minimum
distances complying with the NDS, where applicable.
4.5
4.7
4.7.1 Independent Third-party Analysis: An
independent third-party analysis shall be provided
evaluating the test data generated in accordance with
Sections 4.1 through 4.5, to determine that the allowable
load design stress capacity for the deck harness is in
accordance with the IRC. The analysis shall include
engineering calculations evaluating the conditions of
acceptance listed in Sections 4.6.1 through 4.6.4, and
shall be based on installation details in the manufacturer's
installation instructions. The calculations shall be signed,
sealed and dated by the responsible design professional.
Test Procedure
4.5.1 Deck Harness Test: The deck harness shall
be mounted in a tension machine such that the deck
harness is subject to a direct tension load.
4.5.1.1 The deck harness plug shall be fitted on to
a 12-inch (305 mm) block simulating field-installed rim
board and deck ledger assembly (Figure 1).
4.5.1.2 A displacement transducer shall be
mounted to monitor displacement of the deck harness
from the connector to the ledger. The displacement shall
be recorded to the nearest 0.001 inch (0.025 mm), and a
sufficient number of readings shall be taken.
4.7.2 Fastener Values: When the transfer of loads
on the deck harness is accomplished primarily by means
of fasteners in wood, the allowable strength of fasteners
specified in the NDS shall not be exceeded.
4.5.2 Deck Harness Connector Test: The deck
harness connector shall be tested in tension with the
connector mounted on the floor or deck joist simulating the
worst-case condition.
4.6
Analysis of Test Data
4.7.3 Provision for Shrinkage: Dimensions of the
deck harness, or methods of installation, shall make
appropriate provisions for shrinkage of deck ledger, rim
board, floor joist or deck joist relative to the deck harness.
Conditions of Acceptance
4.7.4 Design Value Modifications for the Deck:
Allowable loads of the deck harness shall not exceed the
allowable load allowed by the code or applicable material
standard. Allowable design values for the deck harness or
similar devices that are determined by calculation shall be
permitted to be modified by the appropriate duration of
loading factors as specified in the NDS, except when
limited by a test-based design value. All other applicable
adjustment factors as specified in the NDS shall apply.
4.6.1 Deck harness shall have an allowable stress
design capacity of not less than 1,500 pounds (6672 N).
4.6.2 The deck harness shall have a displacement
at the load level allowed of no greater than 0.179 inch (4.5
mm).
4.6.3 Test results may be presented in tabular form
or by means of a graph.
5
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR DECK HARNESSES
FOR RESIDENTIAL DECKS (AC430)
Allowable design values determined by test results shall
not be modified by duration of load factors.
conflict between this report and the manufacturer’s
published installation instructions, this report governs.
4.7.5 Stresses in Framing Members: The
determination of the allowable design value for the deck
harness and deck harness connector shall take into
consideration the stresses imposed on the framing
members (wood joists, prefabricated wood I-joists,
blocking maternal, and decking). Details of installation
shall be provided documenting the method for transferring
loads from the deck harness and deck harness connector
into the floor diaphragms.
6.3.2 The required number and spacing of the deck
harnesses used to resist lateral loads must be determined
in accordance with the IRC. A minimum of two deck
harnesses are required for each deck.
5.0
6.3.3 Calculations showing compliance with this
report must be submitted to the code official. The
calculations must determine the number of deck
harnesses required for the deck design and details for the
load transfer from the deck harness to the diaphragm. The
calculations must be prepared by a registered design
professional where required by the statutes of the
jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.
(Where recognition is sought for use in floor systems
having prefabricated wood I-joists, the deck harness
evaluation report shall be specific to the individual
prefabricated wood I-joist evaluated, and shall include,
with the I-joist manufacturer’s permission, the evaluation
report number for the applicable I-joist products. As an
alternative, the prefabricated wood I-joist evaluation report
may include a reference to the deck harness report and
include applicable details for installation. The following is
additional wording for the conditions of use when the deck
harness is tested with prefabricated wood I-joists: When
using the deck harness with prefabricated wood I-joists,
calculations shall be submitted for the specified I-joist
product, with installation details for reinforcing the wood Ijoists and methods for transferring loads to floor
diaphragms as shown in the evaluation report.)
QUALITY CONTROL
5.1 Documentation complying with the ICC-ES
Acceptance Criteria for Quality Documentation (AC10)
shall be submitted.
5.2 Deck harness shall be manufactured under an
approved quality control program with inspections by an
inspection agency accredited by the International
Accreditation Service (IAS) or otherwise acceptable to
ICC-ES.
5.3 The quality documentation shall provide the
material specifications for all metal and non-metal
components of the deck harness as manufactured by the
report holder. The documentation shall include procedures
for splicing or crimping of wire rope cables.
6.0
EVALUATION REPORT
The following information shall be included in the
evaluation report:
6.1
Information described in Section 2.1.
6.3.4 Connected wood members and fasteners must
comply with Sections [The evaluation report must include
information noted in Sections 3.3.2 through 3.3.5 of this
criteria, including framing details and reinforcement
installation instructions where necessary to transfer loads
into the floor diaphragm].
6.2 Illustrations of the deck harness as installed, and
all required fastening schedules (plywood flooring to joists
and blocking).
6.3 The evaluation report shall include the following
conditions of use:
6.3.5 No further duration of load increase for wind or
seismic loading is allowed.
6.3.1 The deck harness described in this report must
be manufactured, identified and installed in accordance
with this report and the manufacturer’s published
installation instructions. A copy of the manufacturer’s
published installation instructions must be available at the
jobsite at all times during installation. In the event of a
6.3.6 The deck harness shall be used only in new
construction, except when it is determined by the local
code official that an inspection can be conducted. ■
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ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR DECK HARNESSES
FOR RESIDENTIAL DECKS (AC430)
FIGURE 1—DECK HARNESS TENSION TEST
FIGURE 2—DECK HARNESS CONNECTOR WITH FLOOR AND DECK JOISTS
PERPENDCIULAR TO RIMBOARD
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ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR DECK HARNESSES
FOR RESIDENTIAL DECKS (AC430)
FIGURE 3—DECK HARNESS CONNECTOR WITH
FLOOR JOISTS PARALLEL TO RIM BOARD 16 INCHES O.C.
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