Smoke Curtain Design Loading

[waytsh]

I need to design a short 5' tall smoke screen curtain that will run along the ceiling of a warehouse. The screen will be constructed of light gauge framing, will be hung from the roof framing, and will cantilever about 2' below the roof joists. Does anyone know if the code specifies a loading for something like this? I was planning to use the traditional 5 psf but maybe this would qualify as an interior partition and should be 10 psf? I appreciate your thoughts.

 

[r13]

I think you should consider wind load (for uplift), and seismic effect (for lateral stability/connectivity).

 

[waytsh]

I should clarify that this smoke curtain is inside of a fully enclosed building and would not be exposed to any external wind loads. Also the curtain is vertically oriented. Thanks.

 

[r13]

If the screen is not close to openings, then wind is not a concern. But since it is hanging from the roof framing, unless you are outside of seismic zone, then you need to consider seismic effect. Another reminder, are you sure your roof framing is adequate to support the wall weight, given joist was usually designed to the bare bone with very little extra strength.

 

[waytsh]

Thank you for the comments. It is in a low seismic area and the curtain is not near any openings. I am also coordinating the weight of the curtain with the joist supplier. Do you think a 5 psf or a 10 psf minimum wind loading would be more appropriate?

 

[r13]

I would go for 10, as there are many unknowns in the manufacture setting. Be conservative within reasonable means, the stake can be tall.