Steel stud wall construction requires lateral bracing to effectively transfer wind and seismic loads to the studs – and from there, to the primary structural components of the building. A system of effectively braced studs also resists twisting motion from the applied load according to the engineered design.

International Building Code (IBC) Chapter 22, covering the use of steel in commercial construction, requires that the lateral bracing design follow the recommended design practice provided by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Out-of-plane (or suction/transverse) loads must also be considered.

The AISI All-Steel Method is the recommended bracing practice for the THERMAXâ„¢ Wall System based on both structural and building sequencing factors. By using all-steel bracing, foam plastic insulation can be placed outboard of the studs. This continuous thermal break provides a great energy benefit.

All-steel method designs ignore bracing contributions from the rigid sheathing and stand alone to provide lateral bracing strength to the structure. This technique allows greater flexibility in the types of sheathing products that can be used in a steel stud wall design. It also allows for greater flexibility in determining when interior drywall is installed - a benefit that buys time for other trades to complete work in the stud cavity before it is enclosed.

Transverse Loading

The IBC Chapter 14 (Exterior Walls) requires that the veneer (brick or other material) be connected directly to the stud on a regular grid horizontally or vertically. This helps prevent transverse loading that would tend to pull the veneer away from the primary framing unless anchored properly. See recommended fasteners and veneer ties. The manufacturer can provide further information on required spacing. Alternate veneers should be designed with attachment points to meet these requirements.

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