May 7, 2018
It's been nearly 20 years since hardware started being installed at column tops and bases. Some builders take the attitude of "high-rated hardware is available — just slap it on." It's not technically a violation, which makes it tricky, but as a structural designer, I want this part done right. Recent corner hardware can be rated to 20 kN — but the sill-plate anchors that need to transfer that uplift to the foundation often lack enough capacity.
The uplift force calculated by the N-value method or allowable stress design already considers the weight of the building itself, so without the hardware, the column really does pull out. Carpenters who don't quite get it tend to think "the building weight holds it down, so the hardware doesn't matter much." Don't leave this to the carpenter's experience — instruct properly on site.
As for sill-anchor pitch: roughly, 2 m pitch is acceptable in general practice. In addition to that, don't forget to place an anchor near every column where corner hardware is attached.