metal stud limiting height - what is it?

[syarn]

if I am building a demising partition wall with 6" metal studs from concrete slab to bottom of metal deck.

the bottom of the deck is approx. 19' AFF.

what is the typical load one should use - 5, 7.5 or 10 psf?

what is the typical min. allowable deflection - l/120, l/240 or l/360?

does limiting height effect what gauge, size & spacing of metal stud I can use?

e.g. is a 6" metal stud 20 gauge (.033) at 24" oc is OK only for the all load levels at l/120 but begins to fall short at stiffer deflections;

steve yarnall

http://svyarchitect.blogspot.com/

 

[structSU10]

This is a simple situation, but it should be investigated by an engineer familiar with the exact configuration, and I doubt anyone on this forum will feel comfortable giving you a specific answer to what your limits will be.

However, some guidance:

Allowable deflection depends on the type of finish on the wall. There are many publications on the web that can be found to help you figure out what is appropriate.

The minimum lateral load should be defined in whatever code you must design to.

 

[BAretired]

I presume AFF means "Above Finished Floor". It depends which code you are using. In Canada, the minimum lateral pressure on an interior partition is 5 psf but it can be more depending on the location of exterior wall openings.

Deflection is perhaps dependent on how you are finishing the partition. If it is to be finished with drywall, the deflection should be limited to L/360 to guard against cracking.

BA

 

[msquared48]

A reputable metal stud supplier / manufacturer should be able to furnish you cookbook tables to answer your questions. There are many out there, but the results can be product sensitive due to dissmilarities in the section properties.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Typically, according to UBC - minimum of 5 psf wind and I think L/240 for drywall. BUT if you don't know where to find this or understand it - PLEASE get some help!!

It is right in the book!!1

 

[RacingAZ]

I think he is looking at an SSMA technical catalog or some other stud mfr’s. load table. Just give your local SE a call and he should be able to tell you over the phone.

 

[abusementpark]

Order the Clark Dietrich technical catalog. It is free and they have some nifty design tables in there.