Metal Stud Bearing Wall 1

[jike]

When using a metal stud bearing wall with light gage metal trusses, I understand it is common practice to use a structural angle or tube to span across the studs at 16" oc when trusses are spaced at 24" oc.

If I require the studs to be at 24" oc and to be positioned directly under each truss, can I eliminate the need for a structural angle or tube? In this case I would require a heavy gage track, like 12 or 14 ga. minimum.

What truss setting tolerance can I expect?

 

[bjb]

I think it is preferable to use the distribution angle on top of the wall. That way you minimze the coordination that has to happen between the wall studs and the trusses. If you did get the trusses and the studs to line up you could eliminate the distribution angle, you just have to make sure the top track and its splices are ok for diaphragm chord forces. I would also make sure it's well inspected to make sure everything lines up.