Non-Load Bearing Drywall Studs

[EIT2]

I have conflicting tables for limiting heights of non-load bearing drywall studs.

I realize there are several criteria for the table results, to include non-composite action, composite action, and deflection.

The tables I have offer deflection criteria of L/120, 240 and 360. I have always used L/360 for drywall products in both horizontal and vertical applications. Why do these tables offer L/240 and 120? Does the drywall and plaster finish have a theoretically greater resistance to cracking in vertical versus horizontal applications?

I have tables from Dietrich Industries which do not include all available flange widths. I have tables from contractors that only specify, to their benefit, great heights, with no supporting physical properties.

Does anyone have a complete, thorough and comprehensive table for Limiting Heights of Non-Load Bearing Drywall Studs to include 26, 25, 22 and 20 gage studs with varying flange and lip dimensions?

Can anyone offer formulae or physical and structural properties for composite walls with 1/2 and/or 5/8" drywall?

Any other comments or suggestions?

Thank you!

 

[DriveThru]

L/120 and L/240 are used for the UBC requirements for flexible finish and brittle finish - see UBC Section 1611.5 page 2-4

 

[deejay]

If you have MathCAD, you can download a set of worksheet from AISI web site. You can calculate the section properties for the desired section with these worksheets. Programs are also available for designing the sections for bending, compression, combined stresses etc.

MathSoft previously used to provide free readers. However, they have withdrawn this freeware. So these worksheets now work only with a full version of MathCAD (unless you have a older version of the reader tucked away someplace)