Floor Trusses

Question: 

While building a new 2-story home, I found the need to use floor trusses between the 1st and 2nd floors. Is it true that I must also use roof trusses?

Question: 

What does KD-HT mean?

Question: 

Is it common practice for the supplier/distributor of a truss to provide a publication regarding temporary bracing with the delivery of the material?

Question: 

What do you mean by the term “trusses”? Are there different kinds of trusses? What are their uses?

Question: 

I have been told that the high temperatures and low humidity present in attics can cause deterioration of wood, leading to truss failure. Is this true? If so, what length of time are we looking at and can we see the deterioration in the wood by visual inspection?

Question: 

Are there any trusses that are supported strictly by the wood itself without any mechanical connections such as brackets?

Question: 

What tolerances are allowed for metal plate connectors in wood trusses? How do you take into account the possible presence of splits, waves and knots?

Question: 

How much OSB can be stacked on a floor deck without damaging the trusses?

Question: 

How often are trusses repaired?

Question: 

As a forensic engineer who has investigated numerous collapses of wood truss systems, I find your web site an excellent resource on the proper erection of wood trusses. What are your opinions on steel trusses, particularly with regards to installation and bracing? Do you feel that the installation and bracing techniques utilized for wood trusses are applicable to steel trusses? Do you know if that is the general industry standard or are there specific requirements and guidelines for steel trusses? Is there a particular guideline/commentary available for metal trusses?