Wind Effect on the Exterior Stud walls in Corpus Christi

[Mazhar Amin]

Dear Engineers,

Are metal stud walls appropriate for exterior use in Corpus Christi, where wind speeds can reach 160 mph? I am considering using sheetrock insulation with vinyl siding for a 36-foot-high wall on the second floor of a residential building. The existing wall was constructed with 16" o.c. stud spacing using conventional methods, but I am concerned about its ability to withstand wind pressure at this height and wind speed.

Would this configuration effectively resist 160 mph winds, or should additional reinforcements be considered? I’ve calculated the wind pressures, and they were quite severe.

I would appreciate your insights and any recommended solutions. Thank you!

 

[Mazhar Amin]

It's been awhile since I've done light gage design, but I'm with XR250 that this seems doable, perhaps with a heavier gage stud. If that fails, then provide thicker walls (8" stud depth).

If you're the structural engineer for this project what does your analysis of the wall studs tell you?

I'll share with you. Today, I got to know about the site conditions. Actually the purpose of wall is changing from interior to exterior wall and my job is to check the stability of wall.

 

[XR250]

Very strange connection. What is keeping the beam from rotating due to the stud out-of-plane load.? Also, the studs are carrying the live load of whatever the beam is supposed to be carrying due to a lack of a slide connection.

 

[phamENG]

Yikes. And nothing restraining the flanges - doesn't that throw out most of the standard design assumptions for light gauge studs?