siesmic bracing

[cwbound]

I'm out of my territory and doing some architectural work for a food process plant in california. I'm looking for some info on seismic bracing for a 20' high partition wall.
The wall is 144' long. constructed of 6" x 20 GA. stl channel studs w/ 5/8" gypsum both sides to the full height.
I was thinking hinged unistrut bracing angled to purlins 7' above the top of the wall and 8' from the cntrline of the wall on each side. My questions are; Is this a desireable method? What type of spacing would be req'd?

Any input on this or where I could find this info would be great help.

Thanks

 

[JAE]

Just guessing but I wonder if the local code reviewer will require you to have a structural engineer (California PE) do this design?

 

[cwbound]

A Cali. PE will review it and stamp it (if approved), but for now it's up to me to do the work. I'm thinking maybe he's looking for a freebie. I went with the unistrut it should do the job? Gears give me gears! My kingdom for moving parts!

 

[whyun]

JAE is right about the "building design authority" issues with the local building official. In general, per California code, licensed civil may design any building except schools and hospitals while licensed architects can design any building except structural portion of a hospital. Local building departments may have further restriction as to height of the building or maximum number of stories (i.e. licensed SE is required for structures over --- ft, etc)

As for bracing for a tall metal stud wall, a more common approach is to provide a diagonal stud bracing. Typically studs are at 16" on center thus bracing can be at 32" or 48" o.c. Bottom of the brace is lapped back to back with the web of the vertical stud using 3 or 4 screws. Top of the bracing is connected such that the brace force can effectively transfer to the horizontal diaphragm.