steel stud framing

[bslarch]

I have an interior wall that will be directly under a structural beam. In the case of deflection in the beam, I need to somehow loosely connect the wall with the beam. Otherwise, if deflection occurs, the wall may buckle, crack, and look unprofessional. The interior (non-loadbearing) walls are made of steel studs. The contractor has suggested using a butterfly system cut in the track. Does anyone know what that means? And is it an efficient system to prevent buckling due to deflection? Does anyone have any other suggestions?

 

[haynewp]

There are slotted or slip clips that will allow for deflection. This may be what he means. See Dale Incor manual.

 

[Taro]

Alternately, you can use a deep leg track at the top that will allow vertical movement and also provide lateral restraint. Tracks are commonly available with leg heights up to 2", which should provide plenty of room for beam deflection.

 

[haynewp]

See page 10 of:

http://www.daleincor.com/Catalogs 02/Structural_final.pdf

There is both slip clip and slip tracks shown.

 

[bslarch]

Thanks haynewp. I think that is it.