could be based on simple beam stiffness, although a more On the use of steel joists or purlins, experience again
refined analysis could be used. shows that each case must be studied. Standard steel joist
The designer should also consult with the plumbing specifications (SJI, 2002) are based upon distributed loads
designer to establish whether or not a controlled flow (water only. Modifications for concentrated loads should be done
retention) drain scheme is being used. Such an approach in accordance with the SJI Code Of Standard Practice. Hot-
allows the selection of smaller pipes because the water is rolled framing members should support significant concen-
impounded on the roof and slowly drained away. This trated loads. However, in the absence of large concentrated
intentional impoundment does not meet the AISC criterion loads, joist framing can generally be more economical than
of “drains to prevent the accumulation of rainwater...” and hot rolled framing.
requires a ponding analysis. Cold-formed C and Z purlin shapes provide another
A situation that is not addressed by building code alternative to rolled W sections. The provisions contained
drainage design is shown in Figure 4.5.1. The author has in the American Iron and Steel Institute’s Specification for
investigated several roof ponding collapses where the accu- the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members
mulation of water is greater than would be predicted by (AISI, 2001) should be used for the design of cold-formed
drainage analysis for the area shown in Figure 4.5.1. As the purlins. Additional economy can be achieved with C and Z
water drains towards the eave it finds the least resistance to sections because they can be designed and constructed as
flow along the parapet to the aperture of the roof. Design- continuous members. However, progressive failure should
ers are encouraged to pay close attention these situations, be considered if there is a possibility for a loss in continu-
and to provide a conservative design for ponding in the ity after installation.
aperture area. Other aspects of the use of C and Z sections include:
Besides rainwater accumulation, the designer should give 1. Z sections ship economically due to the fact that they
consideration to excessive build-up of material on roof sur-
can be “nested.”
faces (fly ash, and other air borne material) from industrial
operations. Enclosed valleys, parallel high- and low-aisle 2. Z sections can be loaded through the shear center; C
roofs and normal wind flows can cause unexpected build- sections cannot.
ups and possibly roof overload.
3. On roofs with appropriate slope a Z section will have
4.6 Joists and Purlins one principal axis vertical, while a C section provides
A decision must be made whether to span the long direction this condition only for flat roofs.
of bays with the main beams, trusses, or joist girders which
4. Many erectors indicate that lap bolted connections for
support short span joists or purlins, or to span the short
C or Z sections (bolted) are more expensive than the
direction of bays with main framing members which sup-
simple welded down connections for joist ends.
port longer span joists or purlins. Experience in this regard
is that spanning the shorter bay dimension with primary 5. At approximately a 30-ft span length C and Z sections
members will provide the most economical system. How- may cost about the same as a joist for the same load
ever, this decision may not be based solely on economics per foot. For shorter spans C and Z sections are nor-
but rather on such factors as ease of erection, future expan- mally less expensive than joists.
sion, direction of crane runs, location of overhead doors,
etc.
5. ROOF TRUSSES
Primary roof framing for conventionally designed industrial
buildings generally consists of wide flange beams, steel
joist girders, or fabricated trusses. For relatively short spans
of 30- to 40-ft steel beams provide an economical solution,
particularly if a multitude of hanging loads are present. For
Slope spans greater than 40 ft but less than 80-ft steel joist girders
Typical
Water Drain are often used to support roof loads. Fabricated steel roof
Flow
trusses are often used for spans greater than 80 ft. In recent
years little has been written about the design of steel roof
Parapet trusses. Most textbooks addressing the design of trusses
were written when riveted connections were used. Today
Fig. 4.5.1 Aperture Drainage welded trusses and field bolted trusses are used exclusively.
DESIGN GUIDE 7 / INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS—ROOFS TO ANCHOR RODS, 2ND EDITION / 9
