Partition wall deflection criteria

[Galambos]

We have always designed our partition support beams to meet the strict deflection requirements for the wall, using the wall and floor live loads. Ive been using panelfold's criteria forever, but noticed the other day these two lines which has me confused.

Can anyone shed any light on this? do the support beams only need to be designed to meet the deflection criteria for the weight of the wall and NOT the floor/roof live load, too?

the document reads:

"IT SHOULD BE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE LIMITS ABOVE RELATE ONLY TO DEFLECTION CAUSED BY LIVE LOADS RESULTING FROM THE WEIGHT OF THE PANELS AND THEIR POSITION IN THE OPENING."

which is seemingly contradicted by:

"OUR TRACK SYSTEMS ARE DESIGNED TO HAVE NEAR ZERO DEFLECTION DUE TO PANEL POSITIONING AND THEREFORE THE LIMITS SHOWN ABOVE ARE FOR THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE EXCLUSIVELY."

 

[Galambos]

well, thats embarrassing.

Here is the correct pdf.

http://www.panelfold.com/Resources/Instructions/Pd DEFLECTION -pdf.pdf

 

[ishvaaag]

As I read it this is more an installation control requirement than a structural requirement. It, effectively, refers to the deflection at the installed track (or if you want its direct backup member), due to the "LOADS RESULTING FROM THE WEIGHT OF THE PANELS AND THEIR POSITION IN THE OPENING"

So it has little to do with structural deflection controls, that says can be overridden by hangers etc.

 

[hokie66]

As I read it, the manufacturer is ignorant of the fact that the structure will deflect due to other loading than his partition. He may be assuming that a beam carrying the partition serves no other purpose, and if that is the case, you may have to provide a dedicated frame for the partition. I'd ask for clarification.

 

[msquared48]

And if it is truly "dedicated", that beam would have to attach to two columns that go directly to the foundation. Otherwise, additional deflection will play into the mix.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[hokie66]

Mike,not necessarily, and perhaps not desirable. The partition wants to follow the floor down, and the end columns should go down with the floor. Assuming that floor deflects, or course.