Masonry Elevator - Wood Frame Structure

[RFreund]

I have a 3 story wood framed building that is approximately 55'x125' with an elevator shaft located close to the middle of the building. The perimeter walls of the structure are capable of providing lateral resistance without using the masonry elevator walls. I am wondering if it is possible to keep the elevator masonry completely separate from the wood diaphragm to avoid any cracking issues and allow for differential movement. This may be more of an architectural question, however I wanted to know if any one has encountered this before or if I'm asking for problems one way or another.

I actually do have a design to attached to the walls and use them as shear walls but the arch would prefer not to.

EIT

 

[hokie66]

I don't see any reason why you can't isolate the walls from the rest of the building. I would only do this if the walls don't support the floors and roof.

 

[RFreund]

You mean the framed walls around the elevator shaft or the masonry walls?
If you mean masonry walls then no they would not support any floor or roof.
Also I would header off the trusses around the masonry and frame walls around the elevator and not connect to the elevator at all.

EIT

 

[msquared48]

My only concern would be the architectural detailing to prevent roof leaks.

But, I'm not the architect, so I guess I won't worry about that...

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask