Connection Guide · Framing, rails & extrusion

Simpson BVLZ Compression-Strut Receiver

A proprietary keyhole aperture stamped into the Simpson Strong-Tie BVLZ ledger plate that receives and interlocks with a notched, tubular compression strut to resist horizontal compressive loads against the building framing.

Illustration of a Simpson BVLZ Compression-Strut Receiver
Stands for
BVLZ = Brick Veneer Ledger ZMAX.
Gender
female
Connects by
insertion, snap-fit
Standards
ICC-ES AC13; ICC-ES AC233; IRC (2018/2021/2024 Section R507.9); IAPMO UES ER-280
Regions
North America

How it connects

The tubular steel strut passes through the keyed collar aperture; keyed notches along the strut align and lock within the aperture tab to transfer compression directly into the structural rim joist.

Male and female halves

Female stamped keyed aperture on the ledger connector plate mating with a male notched steel compression tube.

Usually connects to

  • Matching BVLZ keyed steel tubular compression strut

Common sizes

  • BVLZ descriptions give both 1-1/8–1-3/8 in compression-strut OD and a 31/32 in (24.6 mm) aperture in a 12-gauge ledger plate. Confirm the exact kit drawing rather than treating these as the same dimension.

Where it is used

residential deck constructionexterior brick veneer framingdeck ledger attachment over brick veneer

Variations

  • BVLZ-KT1
  • BVLZ-KT4

How to recognise it

Recognized by a raised, stamped circular collar with a radial notch or key tab located centrally on a heavy-gauge (12-gauge) galvanized Simpson Strong-Tie BVLZ ledger plate.

Often confused with

Confused withHow to tell them apart
standard circular pipe sleeve / unistrut openingThe BVLZ aperture features a specific circular opening with an integral alignment keyway/notch designed exclusively for the notched BVLZ strut.
Unistrut / channel strut openingChannel strut uses continuous open roll-formed metal channels and spring nuts; BVLZ is a stamped circular keyed socket in a flat ledger bracket for a tubular strut.

Also called

BVLZ compression strut socketBVLZ compression tube collarBVLZ strut receiverBVLZ plate strut apertureBVLZ keyed collar opening

Good to know

Part of the Simpson Strong-Tie BVLZ brick veneer deck ledger connection system, which allows decks to attach over brick veneer by transferring compression into the framing via the strut while tension screws carry the gravity/tension load.

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