Wind Load tables for aluminum ceiling panels
Wind Load tables for aluminum ceiling panels
(OP)
Does anyone know a source of wind load-span tables for aluminum linear ceiling panels that gives also all the data about the ceiling panels (geometry and thickness of material) as well as the supporting members?






RE: Wind Load tables for aluminum ceiling panels
If they are rolled from coil stock, then you'll have to get the info that most closely approximates the section properties, such as roofing sheets or similar. Most rolled sections are similar, with one or two stiffener crimps and a seaming profile.
Manufacturers are not noted for providing a lot of information like what you're looking for, so you might end up just having to calculate everything from the section properties.
I have also had to make my own measurements of the sheets to get the properties.
The alloy for the sheets is probably 3003.
RE: Wind Load tables for aluminum ceiling panels
RE: Wind Load tables for aluminum ceiling panels
I just wondered if the capacity of this type of system might have been established by the manufacturers by load testing rather than calculation.
The panels are dislodging in high winds. I suspect one of the problems is that the 1/8" lip is too narrow and when the panel flexes in the direction tansverse to its span, the lip disengages from the tabs of the carrier channel above.
I wondered what wind suctions and pressures ceiling panels are nomally designed for. I would think it should be in the 20 to 30 psf range; I wondered what the details of the usual carrier channel might be.
RE: Wind Load tables for aluminum ceiling panels
RE: Wind Load tables for aluminum ceiling panels
RE: Wind Load tables for aluminum ceiling panels
RE: Wind Load tables for aluminum ceiling panels
RE: Wind Load tables for aluminum ceiling panels
For "C" shaped, rolled panels you'll have to compute the section properties but that's fairly straightforward. Don't worry too much about getting the radius computed exactly...it won't make that much difference. If you are concerned about bending then you can use the properties...if you just want to consider that you don't care too much about deflection (there are no criteria anyway that I know of) and you just want to make sure they stay attached, ignore the properties, though you might want to check pullover at the fastener heads.
You can consider whether to use side lap fasteners at the legs or mechanical crimping. The more side lap fasteners you use, the more resistant to bending the section will be.
RE: Wind Load tables for aluminum ceiling panels
Although it is elementary how to calculate the strength, I am more interested in what range of wind loads the manufacturers are marketing their deck and girts for, and the EXACT DETAILS OF HOW THEY FASTEN THEM TOGETHER. I don't know how familiar you are with linear ceiling systems, but normally in linear ceiling systems neither crimping nor screws are used to fasten the ceiling deck to the girts. It is doen by mechanical tabs and tongur and groove type interconnection. Note that the whole system, girts and ceiling panels are marketed as a system.
RE: Wind Load tables for aluminum ceiling panels
Aluminum Ceiling Panels
No, I am not that familiar with these systems...I am very familiar with extruded aluminum panels, roof panels and attachment systems for those.
Good luck.
RE: Wind Load tables for aluminum ceiling panels
Thanks for your help.