MARCH 1989

EXTERIOR WALL CONNECTIONS TO STEEL FRAMING

The connections of various suspended walls
to structural steel framing can be a major
source of problems resulting in extra costs
and delays in construction.
It is important that consideration of these
connections be given early in the design proc-
ess rather than as an afterthought when con-
struction is under way. Substantial impact on
the structure is possible through poor connec-
tion design. The shedding of wall panels dur-
ing earthquakes is a major part of damage and
loss of life.
COMMON WALL TYPES
The most common types of walls or wall-
panels for steel framed buildings are:
1. Pre-cast concrete or Glass Fiber Rein-
forced Concrete (G.F.R.C.) panels.
2. Marble or granite panels.
3. Stucco on steel studs, "Dri-vit" walls, or
veneers.
4. Light weight curtain walls with vertical
mullions.
REVISED SECTION
It should be noted that Section 2312(g) of the
U.B.C. has been revised for the 1988 edition.
These changes will normally result in increases in
the design forces required.
These panels quite often require block-outs in the
slab to expose the steel supporting beam. Block-
outs require cutting of the steel decking, forming
the block-outs, reforming after the panels are
erected, and pouring the block-outs (see Detail #1
on page 2).
If a proper connection can be utilized that allows
the connection to be made on top of the slab, all of
these problems would probably be eliminated. Of
course, then architectural consideration must be
made in covering these connections as they occur
along the junction of the floor to the wall.

HEAVIER WALLS
With the heavier walls such as Types #1
and #2, the possibility of torsion on the span-
drels members and/or moment in the perime-
ter columns become major considerations,
along with the additional requirement of
stronger connections and the necessity to
accommodate the difference in tolerances
associated with pre-casting.
 Architectural
Cover

PLAN

OPTIONAL

Blockout
Blockout
Adjustment Bolt
Or Shim

SECTION SECTION

PRE-CAST OR G.F.R.C. PANEL

LATERAL CONNECTION

DETAIL #1
MORE BUT LIGHTER CONNECTIONS
With Type #3, there are more connections but they
are lighter. Quite often, a continuous slab edge
form of angle or bent plate can be used with the wall
framing welded on directly. Due consideration
must be given to the difference in possible straight-
ness tolerance of the slab edge form and the
exterior wall. Use of a clip connection between the
wall framing and the slab edge form can minimize
this problem (see Detail #2, below, and #3, right).

PLAN
Space for Adjustment

DETAIL #3
SECTION

STUCCO ON STEEL STUDS

OR 'DRI-VIT' WALLS

DETAIL #2
TYPICAL SECTION AT METAL STUD
SUPPORTED WALLS
BOLTED CONNECTIONS
The connections of Type #4 usually occur at
spacings of 3 to 6 feet and have bolted connec-
tions. Quite often, a simple formed slab edge
form is used, horizontal slotted holes are cut and
a "Unistrut" welded to the back of the form at the
hole. Optionally, it may be necessary to weld
reinforcing steel to the "Unistrut" to increase the
connection capacity (see Detail #4).

Depending on the complexity of the layout,

length of re-bar, etc., it may be practical to do the
cutting of the holes, welding the "Unistrut" and
re-bar in the shop.

This detail allows the bolt head to be inserted in

the slot and adjusted horizontally for vertical
alignment.

Since most wall subcontractors have their par-

ticular preferences and requirements, input
should be obtained from the trade involved.

DETAIL #4
SECTION

DETAILS WITH CURTAIN WALLS

THE STEEL COMMITTEE OF CALIFORNIA

Ace & Stewart Detailing, Inc.
Allied Steel Co., Inc.
Artimex Iron Co., Inc.
Bannister Steel, Inc.
Baresel Corporation
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
C. A. Buchen Corporation
Butler Manufacturing Co.
Central Industrial Engineering
Co., Inc.
Cochran-lzant & Co., Inc. Nelson Stud Welding Co.
Dovell Engineering, Inc. Palm Iron & Bridge Works
The Herrick Corporation PDM Strocal, Inc.
Hoertig Iron Works Reno Iron Works
Hogan Mfg. Inc. Riverside Steel Construction
Inland Steel Company H. H. Robertson Co.
Junior Steel Co. Schrader Iron Works, Inc.
Lee & Daniel Stott Erection, Inc.
McLean Steel, Inc. Verco Manufacturing, Inc.
Martin Iron Works, Inc.

Northern California Southern California

43 Quail Court, # 206 9420 Telstar Ave.
Walnut Creek, CA 94596 El Monte, CA 91731
(415)932-0909 (818) 444-4519

Funding for this publication provided by the California Field Iron Workers Administrative Trust.