Ledger to Wall Stud Connection

[csways]

Hi,

I've been tasked with designing a ledger to wall stud connection for an exterior stair landing. The landing spans from the ledger to a post-supported beam. I can get the numbers to work with 1/4" lag screws, but I am hesitant to proceed as the only literature I have on a similar connection is from Simpson and I am unable to meet their spacing and end distance limitations.

Does anyone have any guidance or suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[jayrod12]

Is it possible to reduce the depth of the ledger slightly to fit above your wall bottom plate and then cut it into the studs so that the vertical load is taken in direct bearing and all you need to worry about is stopping if from pulling away?

 

[csways]

Unfortunately, no. Doing so introduces reductions in lag screw capacity due to proximity to stud end. I can't move the ledger up any, either.

 

[Shu Jiang PEng SE]

Why not put the exterior landing supporting member on the top surface of the "Bot plate" as shown in the picture?

 

[mmarlow]

Maybe:

Put another ledger below this ledger?
Block between the studs with vertical studs and you can get more fasteners in the "with grain" direction.

-MMARLOW EIT

 

[Ron247]

Solid vertical blocking on top of 1x bottom plate and between gable studs. Also fasten ledger to this solid vertical blocking.

Out of curiosity, what laterally braces these top plates? Is this new or existing construction?

 

[csways]

New construction. Please see the sketch showing the attic truss bottom chords and floor sheathing.

 

[jayrod12]

Is there a reason you couldn't just notch the stair joists to sit on top of the wall plates?

 

[csways]

There is no desire to flash around the landing joists.

This is a case of 'the other engineer didn't have a problem with it'. The other engineer never provided a connection detail and it was built with the ledger screwing into horizontal blocking toe-nailed between the wall studs.

 

[mmarlow]

Csways,

Im not sure how you feel about any of the proposed solutions?

Also, maybe you add a post, and just wrap it with the siding.

-MMARLOW EIT

 

[nackra]

It may be fine now, but don't forget to seal off water (mmarlow suggestion)

https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=389528

 

[Ron247]

Can't you just put posts under it for vertical and lag it for lateral? You have a flashing headache with any direct attachment.

 

[csways]

Ledger will be installed over the wall sheathing. Sorry, I wasn't clear.

 

[mmarlow]

Most of the proposed solutions can be installed over sheathing.

-MMARLOW EIT

 

[KootK]

This is a case of 'the other engineer didn't have a problem with it'. The other engineer never provided a connection detail and it was built with the ledger screwing into horizontal blocking toe-nailed between the wall studs

With the right attention to detail, I feel as though the previous engineer's detail could be made to work and is, to an extent, the natural solution to this. What about it puts you off?

 

[csways]

Attaching the ledger to the toe-nailed blocking.

 

[mmarlow]

If the blocking is on top of the plates, Id imagine its not big issue.

-MMARLOW EIT

 

[KootK]

Attaching the ledger to the toe-nailed blocking.

And just what about that bothers you? To me, it looks like a straight up shear connection between ledger and blocking with a little eccentricity ironed out by the toe nails or some kind of hardware. I can't imagine that your loads here are enormous.

 

[csways]

I thought there was a code reference prohibiting attaching a ledger to something toe-nailed, but I may be incorrect.

 

[Tmoose]

"exterior stair landing"

exterior = exposed to the elements ?

https://monkshomeimprovements.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Before-Back-Steps.jpg

Or, " enclosed exterior stair landing."

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/33/57/86/335786b730c54ba5840dd7a4473b585f.jpg