LMF stud wall slip connection

[red22]

I am working on a three story composite steel frame building. The exterior walls are balloon framed light gage metal studs(studs run by the edge of slab). If the slabs are cast prior to assembling the exterior walls, is it really necessary to provide a slip connection between the studs and the edge of slab? This assumes that the metal studs can take the axial load imposed on them by the live load deflection of the floor/roof beams.

 

[UcfSE]

Are the studs also taking the moment from the live load due to the eccentricity of the connection?

 

[red22]

Good point.

My intent was to use a clip angle to attach the stud to the edge of slab.

 

[UcfSE]

If they are sized to take all the load they would "see" by not having a slip connection, I don't see a problem with it. It seems like a waste though since all the headers, jambs and connections now have to be sized for the live load when you've already got red iron there to do the job.

I guess the plus side is the contractor gets to use cheaper clips and the architect doesn't have to provide an expansion joint at the slab and all the detailing that requires. What gave you the idea to not provide slip?

 

[red22]

My intent was to avoid the costly slip connectors and eliminate the expansion joints at each floor as you mentioned. The further I have looked into this, the more it seems to be a fruitless effort.