CFS (Cold-Formed Steel) Header Shoulder Studs

[BSVBD]

For CFS headers, can shoulder studs be doubled and be effective?

Will the majority of the header reaction bear primarily and ONLY on the web of the first shoulder and virtually no reaction imposed / transferred to the second shoulder?

Will tying the 2-ply shoulders together with track each side create a composite-enough unity for the 2-ply shoulders to act as one?

Thank you!

 

[XR250]

The answer is "probably". Better to use one heavy gage stud as there is less labor and material involved.

 

[DaveAtkins]

A CFS header actually bears on the flanges of the shoulder studs, not the webs (since the webs are like a "knife" support).

I don't use shoulder studs anymore--I use side plates which connect the header directly to the king studs (like the Dietrich H Series Universal Header Hanger).

DaveAtkins

 

[XR250]

If he needs two jack studs then a header hanger may not have enough capacity.

 

[CBSE]

XR250 is correct, it depends on your loads. You may look at SCAFCO as well, they have a priceless header and Kwik jamb system that works pretty well for most applications. Sometimes it is easier to just throw in some tube steel though.