Light Gage Metals Design

[jike]

It seems like there are a couple different ways we design buildings with light gage framing. For small one and two story buildings with only a few details, we will generally go ahead and design all the light gage wall studs and soffit framing including connections and details. For larger, much more complicated multi-story buildings, we use a performance spec and require the design and the detailing to come from the light gage supplier.

Clients come in all different forms and types: Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Developers, etc. Some types of clients (Architects and Engineers) clearly understand this approach while others, (Contractors and Developers) may expect the EOR to design and detail everything and not have to pay someone else to design the light gage metal studs.

Obviously, this can become a point of contention.

What is the best approach to explain to a Contractor or a Developer that we would require the light gage manufacturer to design the metal studs and detail the connections for a multi-story project? If they would like the option of the EOR doing this design, should this be listed as an additional service in the AIA B141 contract?

 

[LeoSC]

I would be inclined to treat cold formed metal similar to structural steel: design the layout, member sizes, vertical supports (in this case studs), provide design loads (DL and LL, unfactored) and let the supplier design the details of connections, detailed stud layout, joists, etc.

I still check joists for moment and shear, deflection, and specify the size, gauge, and spacing. Similarly for studs.

 

[AlohaBob]

Yes you should be specific about what the design fee includes. If light gage steel is a part of the lateral system or carry vertical loads, it is the main framing system. I would expect to see it included in the contract for engineering services EOR. I cover non-structural work by specs and shop drawing review.

 

[unclesyd]

Here is a website you might find useful.

http://www.aegismetalframing.com/

 

[jike]

This is a typical multi-story structural steel commercial building where the light gage metal stud wall framing is neither load bearing nor part of the MWFRS lateral system. It simply carries wind load. from above and below the strip windows.