Compression Ring: Wednesday’s Word(s) Of The Week

In the descriptions of Arches and Tied Rafters, it was noted that part of their structural action is leaning against each other in pairs. Arches and tied rafters can also be used in multi-sided or round structures, in which case numerous members all lean against each other at the building peak. The steel assembly used to connect all of these parts together is called a Compression Ring, because it is being compressed on all sides by arches or rafters. 


Connections from the arches or rafters to the compression ring also need to be designed to resist the effects of wind uplift and unbalanced snow loads.


*Wednesday’s Word Of The Week is a feature on Unalam’s Wood Times Blog. Each Wednesday our structural engineer, Rik Vandermeulen, will discuss a new term associated with glulam manufacturing. He will do this until we run out of words. If there is a timber or glulam term that you have heard of and want to know more about, let us know in the comments.