FRAMING
PROCEDURES
The sequence of construction for a building
that is framed entirely with light gauge steel members is essentially the
same as that described in Chapter 5 for a building framed with nominal 2-inch
wood members (Figure 12.3). Framing is usually constructed platform fashion:
The ground floor is framed with steel joists. Mastic adhesive is applied
to the upper edges of the joists. Wood panel subflooring is laid down and
fastened to the upper flanges of the joists with screws. Steel studs are
laid flat on the subfloor and joined to make wall frames. The wall frames
are sheathed either with wood panels or with gypsum sheathing panels,
which are similar to gypsum wallboard but with water-resistant paper faces
and a water-resistant core formulation. The wall frames are tilted up and
screwed to the floor frame. The upper-floor platform is framed, then the
upper-floor walls. Finally, the ceiling and roof are framed, all in much
the same way as in a wood-framed house. Prefabricated trusses of light gauge
steel members that are screwed or welded together are often used to frame
ceilings and roofs (Figures 12.14, 12.15). It is possible, in fact, to frame
any building with light gauge steel members that can be framed with nominal
2-inch wood members. For additional fire resistance to achieve a higher
construction type under the building code, floors of corrugated steel decking
with a concrete topping are sometimes substituted for wood panel subflooring.
Openings in floors and walls are framed
analogously to openings in Wood Light Frame construction, with doubled members
around each opening and strong headers over doors and windows (Figures 12.4–12.8).
Joist hangers and right-angle clips of sheet steel are used to join members
around openings. Light gauge members are designed to |