Standard designation for Light Gage Metal Studs/Joists
Standard designation for Light Gage Metal Studs/Joists
(OP)
Is there a designation that is commonly used to call out light gage metal studs/joists? I realize that there a no standard sizes (every manufacturer has his own). I currently call out Detrich designations. Is there a more generic way to call out the sizes?






RE: Standard designation for Light Gage Metal Studs/Joists
What we do is specify, on the plans, usually in a schedule of some sort, the following parameters:
1. Joist depth
2. Joist gage
3. Minimum joist width (flange width)
4. Minimum joist moment of inertia - strong axis
5. Any required web stiffeners
6. Minimum length of bearing.
7. The finish (galvanized or painted)- this is usually in a general note.
RE: Standard designation for Light Gage Metal Studs/Joists
You also have the proprietary joists, like Dietrich's trade ready, which have openings in the webs. With those types of joists, you would be stuck with their designations.
I don't know how prevalent the SSMA designations are for the east coast locations, but they have a website if you do a search.
RE: Standard designation for Light Gage Metal Studs/Joists
RE: Standard designation for Light Gage Metal Studs/Joists
Recently, I reviewed another engineers wall stud design, and he called for 6SW18 studs. Some manufacturers indicated a 2" flange for that stud. I get to the site, and they are installing 1 5/8" flange studs all over the place. Needless to say, I immediately brought this to the attention of the project manager, and after many phone calls and antacids later, the engineer of record certified that he designed 1 5/8" flange studs, and not 2". He was using a different catalog.
SO, if we all adopt the standard as mentioned above, this confusion can be eliminated.