Something Similar to Gypsteel Roof panels

[SteveGregory]

I have a 1951 building with 15" wide x 2"(?) thick roof panels spanning 7 feet. The layup is staggered. The drawings call for 2" Gypsteel Panels, but I found an article that said those panels were 24" wide.

I am planning to make some small openings for some 4x4 tube steel supports and I am concerned about the integrity of the panels and how to support the edges of the holes. I am planning to support some new AHU's on an independent braced-steel frame above the roof so that the roof is not supporting the AHU's. The longspan roof joists can also deflect independently of the steel frame.

In another part of the building, they used the same panels for 12" bar joists @24"O.C. I will have similar holes for more steel frames.

I am also designing screenwalls that will be directly supported by the roof steel joists with 4x4 steel tubes penetrating the gypsum panels.

Any suggestions on the hole edges?

 

[KootK]

Unless there are a lot of holes close together, I'd be tempted to not worry about them except, perhaps, aesthetically.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[jike]

It looks like they may have metal edges and with the staggered joints I suspect that they may have tongue and groove joints. Is there a way that this can be confirmed by cutting a small hole before beginning construction?

If they are metal edge T & G, I would have a tendency not to worry about it, because of the potential to share and redistribute load between panels.