Traditional Steel Frame with Light Gage Tension Straps
Traditional Steel Frame with Light Gage Tension Straps
(OP)
Has anyone done this before? I have a frame with 6x6 HSS columns with a W16x45 beam spanning between them. I have infill non-load bearing light gage in the frame.
Is there any issue with specifying light gage straps to take the bracing forces if I design as tension only? The force is fairly small, under 6kips (3k ea. strap, one each side of the wall face). I want to anchor the straps to the walls of the HSS with self tapping screws at the top and the bottom. There will be some eccentricity involved at the base plate, however, with the magnitude of the loads it shouldn't be an issue.
Everything that I have searched for has suggested that I use load bearing walls with the straps, however, in my case, load bearing light gage was prohibited by the client. I understand that this is probably not typical, but what else can be done?
I guess my question is two fold, is there any real issue with my "hybrid" brace, and what other options are there for keeping the brace in the wall as economically as possible?
Load bearing masonry was also prohibited.
Your help is appreciated.
Is there any issue with specifying light gage straps to take the bracing forces if I design as tension only? The force is fairly small, under 6kips (3k ea. strap, one each side of the wall face). I want to anchor the straps to the walls of the HSS with self tapping screws at the top and the bottom. There will be some eccentricity involved at the base plate, however, with the magnitude of the loads it shouldn't be an issue.
Everything that I have searched for has suggested that I use load bearing walls with the straps, however, in my case, load bearing light gage was prohibited by the client. I understand that this is probably not typical, but what else can be done?
I guess my question is two fold, is there any real issue with my "hybrid" brace, and what other options are there for keeping the brace in the wall as economically as possible?
Load bearing masonry was also prohibited.
Your help is appreciated.






RE: Traditional Steel Frame with Light Gage Tension Straps
However, what you are proposing will involve straps crossing each other, which pushes the gypsum wallboard out (not a good detail). I recommend you use only one strap to take tension in each direction--one on each side of the wall.
DaveAtkins
RE: Traditional Steel Frame with Light Gage Tension Straps
Is it not an issue for the single strap to protrude from the wall, or is it so minor that most contractors don't have any issues with it?
RE: Traditional Steel Frame with Light Gage Tension Straps
I am in Wisconsin, and yes, our company works with the Corps.
DaveAtkins
RE: Traditional Steel Frame with Light Gage Tension Straps
However, I don't consider this a framing member and was debating whether I should discuss this with the PM or just let it go. All in all, not a huge deal, but I was wondering how common this was so I could go into a discussion well informed.
Thanks again.
RE: Traditional Steel Frame with Light Gage Tension Straps
RE: Traditional Steel Frame with Light Gage Tension Straps
I guess I wouldn't fight them on this. Put in a diagonal tube and be done with it. Of course, the light gauge steel studs must frame above and below the diagonal, which is a little messy.
DaveAtkins
RE: Traditional Steel Frame with Light Gage Tension Straps
Thanks to all who have replied.