open steel joist and attachment of wall to bottom cord

[Rjeffery]

Is it acceptable to use self-tapping screws or power actuated fasteners to attach light gauge steel framing along the bottom of a bar joist (long span) to form the top of a sheetrock wall? The joist will not support the wall other than for lateral stability until the end wall is completed. The question really is “Is there a prohibition to using fasteners that penetrate the bottom cord of a joist?”
Thanks,
RJeffery


The best way to test something is to squeeze it, slowly, until it breaks!

 

[msquared48]

In general, YES. Don't do it unless upou have an OK from the manufacturer. Sometimes they have a detail to use for exactly the situation you describe.

Instead, run diagonal struts from the top of the wall to the underside of the floor or roof diaphragm, installing extra horizontal members under the diaphragm as needed to accept the diagonals.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering