Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
(OP)
I am designing a 3 story project that utilizes Hollow Core Plank for the floor and roof system and light gauge steel stud walls for the bearing system. The lateral system is to be comprised of sheet steel shear walls.
I have no issue with the connection of the shear walls floor-to-floor, and the diaphragm to wall connection where the plank is bearing (span perpendicular to) on the walls. However, I am just not sure how to make the connection between all of the elements where the plank is non bearing (span parallel to) on the walls. If my floor was flat, then I would just tie the diaphragm in to the plates with shot pins, however, with estimated cambers up to 1.25" I just am not sure how to make this connection work economically.
I am trying to stay away from proprietary lateral systems here, so my intent is to make this work with standard SSMA sections.
Can anyone provide advice/details on how they have made this connection in the past and felt comfortable with?
Thank you
I have no issue with the connection of the shear walls floor-to-floor, and the diaphragm to wall connection where the plank is bearing (span perpendicular to) on the walls. However, I am just not sure how to make the connection between all of the elements where the plank is non bearing (span parallel to) on the walls. If my floor was flat, then I would just tie the diaphragm in to the plates with shot pins, however, with estimated cambers up to 1.25" I just am not sure how to make this connection work economically.
I am trying to stay away from proprietary lateral systems here, so my intent is to make this work with standard SSMA sections.
Can anyone provide advice/details on how they have made this connection in the past and felt comfortable with?
Thank you






RE: Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
I do agree with Mike that the system is unusual, but as long as the "light gauge" stud walls are not too light, i.e. designed properly, it would work.
RE: Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
RE: Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
Thanks. AS.
RE: Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
BA
RE: Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
FWIW, my 2 cents: I would beg, borrow or steal a set of plans from a project that has used this system. To correctly work out all the required design and details of an unfamiliar system, from scratch, just seems like a very difficult thing to do and get it all right the first time.
Call steel stud suppliers and see if they have plan sets and/or standard details they are willing to share.
JMHO
RE: Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
RE: Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
Since then, if they use a wood wall to support hollowcore, they use a steel stud track plate on the top and bottom and pick the thickest gauge you can still nail thru. In this case you have to make sure the hollowcore can support the load when a stud is right under a void. Wood never made a whole lot of sense to me for fire reasons (see picture)
Lastly, connecting the hollowcore diaphragm into light gauge steel studs (or wood) seems challenging as you ususally have very small bearing lengths and if you try to shoot something into the edge of a slab, it can pop off.
RE: Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
Interesting. It just doesn't seem like a sensible combination of materials.
BA
RE: Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
RE: Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
Download the construction guide at the below link. It shows some of the connection and camber issues you might have to address when using hollow core with light gage.
ht
RE: Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
I think I will try to connect a light gauge angle to the underside of the deck and the top track of the shear wall. Also, I figure these "non-bearing" shear walls should just be stick framed so the studs can be cut to the lengths required for the as built camber of the plank.
Thanks again for all your help. If ANYONE else reads this that has experience with these systems, please feel free to post anything.
Thanks. AS.
RE: Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
RE: Hollow Core Plank to Shear Wall Connection
I really recommend you contact one or two local precasters and get their opinion. Many are willing to help out, and no one knows their system better than they do.