steel distribution header for light gauge framing
steel distribution header for light gauge framing
(OP)
I'm looking for the best way to attach a structural steel distribution angle to the top of a load bearing light gauge steel stud wall. The vertical leg of the angle is pointing downwards towards the floor, and can't be pointing up because roof trusses are extending over top of the wall. I would like to weld it, but my concern is that the fillet of the angle prohibits the vertical leg of the angle from being against the studs. Welding the horizontal leg to the top track is no problem. I am considering using a steel shim, but I wonder if there is a better way. half inch shims would be required becuase the angle is 3/8" thick, and the k dimension is 7/8".
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This is my crude sketch of the orientation of the header.
Thanks.
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This is my crude sketch of the orientation of the header.
Thanks.






RE: steel distribution header for light gauge framing
RE: steel distribution header for light gauge framing
RE: steel distribution header for light gauge framing
RE: steel distribution header for light gauge framing
RE: steel distribution header for light gauge framing
JC, you are correct. If there was more room, I would have used a tube.
I have seen drawings for several other projects where this detail has been used, but unfortunately I don't think they were drawn correctly because they show the vertical and horizontal leg of the angle flush with the stud and the top track. The distribution angle was just "cartooned in there". Unless I hear of a better way, I am going to specify that a shim be shop welded to the vertical leg of the angle so I can weld both the vertical and horizontal legs of the angle to the light gauge framing.
RE: steel distribution header for light gauge framing
RE: steel distribution header for light gauge framing
How about grinding away the top of the stud(s)to clear the fillet radius of the angle, thereby allowing the downward pointing leg of the angle to lay against the stud, without the need for a packing plate.
Regards,
Neilmo
RE: steel distribution header for light gauge framing
Your suggestion is way too labor intensive and expensive. Actually, the times I have seen the angle used, the horizontal leg was just tack welded in place to the top lightgage track and the space between the stud and the down leg of the angle ignored. Once the roof weight from above is in place the angle isn't going anywhere. The angle is just to distribute the vertical loads to the studs. But, if the space is a concern, use a plate instead.
RE: steel distribution header for light gauge framing
Les McGrath
National President
National Association of Steel House Framing(Australia)
RE: steel distribution header for light gauge framing
It would obviously depend on how many studs there are, but point taken.
Regards,
Neilmo
RE: steel distribution header for light gauge framing
RE: steel distribution header for light gauge framing
Here is a web site that I ran across that might help. Looks like some pretty good information.
http://www.ssma.com/technical_library.htm