Traditional Steel Frame with Light Gage Tension Straps

[Rhoadies]

Has anyone done this before? I have a frame with 6x6 HSS columns with a W16x45 beam spanning between them. I have infill non-load bearing light gage in the frame.

Is there any issue with specifying light gage straps to take the bracing forces if I design as tension only? The force is fairly small, under 6kips (3k ea. strap, one each side of the wall face). I want to anchor the straps to the walls of the HSS with self tapping screws at the top and the bottom. There will be some eccentricity involved at the base plate, however, with the magnitude of the loads it shouldn't be an issue.

Everything that I have searched for has suggested that I use load bearing walls with the straps, however, in my case, load bearing light gage was prohibited by the client. I understand that this is probably not typical, but what else can be done?

I guess my question is two fold, is there any real issue with my "hybrid" brace, and what other options are there for keeping the brace in the wall as economically as possible?

Load bearing masonry was also prohibited.

Your help is appreciated.

 

[DaveAtkins]

I have done this on more than one occasion.

However, what you are proposing will involve straps crossing each other, which pushes the gypsum wallboard out (not a good detail). I recommend you use only one strap to take tension in each direction--one on each side of the wall.

DaveAtkins

 

[Rhoadies]

Great! thanks for the assistance. What part of the country are you in and do you do any work for the Corps of Engineers?

Is it not an issue for the single strap to protrude from the wall, or is it so minor that most contractors don't have any issues with it?

 

[DaveAtkins]

If you don't get too thick with the strap (say, limit it to 12 GA), the GWB can lay over the strap without much of a "bump."

I am in Wisconsin, and yes, our company works with the Corps.

DaveAtkins

 

[Rhoadies]

I only ask because in my RFP they stated that light gage framing members were prohibited and it got flagged on a Dr. Checks comment.

However, I don't consider this a framing member and was debating whether I should discuss this with the PM or just let it go. All in all, not a huge deal, but I was wondering how common this was so I could go into a discussion well informed.

Thanks again.

 

[hokie66]

A brace should be considered as a load bearing member and a framing member, so I would consider that your RFP prohibits your proposed solution.

 

[DaveAtkins]

I have only done coastal engineering projects with the Corps.

I guess I wouldn't fight them on this. Put in a diagonal tube and be done with it. Of course, the light gauge steel studs must frame above and below the diagonal, which is a little messy.

DaveAtkins

 

[Rhoadies]

Thanks again guys, I'm not going to argue on this one. I will have to add a column, but it won't be a huge deal.

Thanks to all who have replied.