Spandrel Wall Vertical Deflection

[Galambos]

I have a steel building with spandrel wall framing that is braced by a diagonal at 48" o.c. similar to the detail "Spandrel Curtain Wall Diagonal Brace" on page 36 in the attached link.

I wonder if anyone knows how the vertical live load deflection of my steel beam is taken out using this configuration.

Also, if I space my braces at 48" o.c., does a horizontal light gage member (not shown) used to distribute the load to the braces @48" at the base of the wall complicate the deflection issue?

Thanks for the help

 

[hokie66]

The steel beam will deflect with the live load, and the spandrel wall will deflect with it. The spandrel wall has to accommodate this movement with deflection heads or some other means of preventing vertical load being transmitted to the non-structural facade.

 

[Galambos]

yes, thank you, i understand that portion.

I did, however, come across the answer and it's so simple i should have thought of it. The window head connection itself has to accommodate the live load deflection of the steel spandrel beam.

 

[hokie66]

That's what I meant by "deflection head".