Garage Wall Returns Using Simpson Steel Strong Wall

[pmoney5223]

Hello,

First time posting after looking through the forum to find an answer. I am a computer engineer but have been dabbling into structural engineering a little with our first house project. Our first house project we had 3' wall returns on each side.

With the new build, we would like to minimize the garage wall returns for a more affordable construction since it will be saving on foundation, some framing, trusses, etc. I have been looking at 2019 CRC section R602.10.6 to create a braced wall but then found Simpson Steel Strong Wall which allows the wall to be 12" on each side.

https://www.strongtie.com/products/...ls/steel-strong-wall/shearwalls/garage-portal

I would like to use the single side brace using SSW12x7 and the other side just using the STHD10 holdown as picture above.

Questions:
[ol 1]
[li]Do you see any problems with using a 12" steel strong wall holding down a 15' header opening or just using the steel strong wall on just one side?[/li]
[li]If you have done this kind of setup, any issues with plan submittals or reviews?[/li]
[/ol]

Thank you!

 

[Harbringer]

1. You need a structural engineer to determine what length of Strongwall your garage will require (not sure how you determined that a single 12" is adequate).
2. See all of those notes on the Simpson details that say "by designer", that's the structural engineer.

You are unlikely to save money doing this.

 

[phamENG]

I agree with Harbringer. Those are VERY expensive products. Besides, you'll regret "saving the money" when you pull the car in and can't open the door far enough with the bike leaned up against the wall. They're also a bit beyond Simpson's typical pick-a-connector-from-a-book level of product selection (and let's face it....if you really read all of the notes, exceptions, limitations, etc....most of the things in that book should probably be specified by a structural engineer).

To do a braced wall system properly, you need a pretty good understanding of that section of the code. To understand how you can substitute proprietary replacements for braced walls, you need an even better knowledge of the code and, in some cases, you'll need to treat it like an engineered shear wall system. Then there's connection detailing at the foundation and at the diaphragm above, etc.

I write my own code from time to time - for simple calculations, for tax estimations and budgeting, etc. But when it comes to consequential stuff, I pay a software developer for their 3d analysis program, and I pay for an accounting program. It's awesome that you're getting involved in understanding the design of your house. I applaud you for doing so. But this is consequential. Hire a professional who specializes in this field.

 

[pmoney5223]

Thanks for the response Harbringer and phamENG. We went to a construction site nearby with builder homes and saw a 2 story home with an 18" steel strong wall so I thought a 12" should be good enough for a single story. But good enough definitely should not be used as a judgment call. Good point on the door opening problem, 12" is very small. If anything we would consider 18". Good call on the engineering professional point, I will probably get in touch with a few of my engineering buddies to confirm if what I am doing will work and if they can assist with some of the detailed drawings.