4

Guidance for
Building Design
Using Steel Joists
SETTING STANDARDS.
TECHNICAL DIGEST FOUR ADVANCING DESIGNS.
This publication is produced in accordance with recognized engineering principles and is for
general information only. The SJI and its committees have made a concerted effort to present
accurate, reliable, and useful information on steel joists and joist girders. The publication of
the material contained in this Technical Digest is not intended as a representation or warranty
on the part of the Steel Joist Institute. Any person making use of this information does so at
one’s own risk and assumes all liability arising from such use.

Federal Regulations Governing Erection of Joist Products

Steel joists and joist girders must be erected in accordance with the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor - 29 CFR Part 1926 Safety Standards
for Steel Erection. The erection of open web steel joists is governed by Section 1926.757 of
this Federal Regulation.

Copyright © 2023

by

Steel Joist Institute

All rights reserved. This Technical Digest or any part thereof must not be reproduced
in any form without the written permission of the Steel Joist Institute.

Printed in the United States of America

First Edition
First Printing – December 2023
 TECHNICAL DIGEST 4
GUIDANCE FOR BUILDING
DESIGN USING STEEL JOISTS

James M. Fisher, Ph.D., P.E.

Consulting Engineer, Steel Joist Institute
Estero, FL

STEEL JOIST INSTITUTE

140 WEST EVANS STREET, SUITE 203
FLORENCE, SC 29501
WWW.STEELJOIST.ORG
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The development of this and other Steel Joist Institute Technical Digests is the result of the
combined effort of numerous people and organizations. In addition to the efforts of the SJI
Engineering Practice and Research Committees, the contributions of Dr. James M. Fisher,
Consulting Engineer, to the SJI are gratefully acknowledged. Thanks are also given to Vulcraft/
NUCOR for contributing figures, photos, and text suggestions.

FOREWORD
Technical Digest 4 is another addition to the series of Steel Joist Institute publications designed
to give the reader information regarding the application and usage of open web steel joists
and joist girders.

This and other SJI Technical Digests serve to highlight specific areas of design and/or application
for the benefit of architects, building inspectors, building officials, designers, engineers, erectors,
students, and others.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.............................................................................................................................. i

FOREWARD................................................................................................................................................... i

TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................................................ ii

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................... v

GLOSSARY................................................................................................................................................. vi

CHAPTER 1 SINGLE STORY BUILDINGS................................................................................................. 1

INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................. 1
PRELIMINARY DESIGN.................................................................................................................. 3
BAY DIMENSIONS........................................................................................................................... 3
SJI ROOF BAY ANALYSIS TOOL.................................................................................................... 5
DIRECTION OF JOIST SPAN........................................................................................................ 12
JOIST SPACING............................................................................................................................ 12
JOIST AND JOIST GIRDER DEPTH.............................................................................................. 13
LOAD/LOAD JOISTS..................................................................................................................... 14
COLUMN SELECTION: HSS COLUMNS VS W SHAPES............................................................ 14
FRAMING SYSTEMS (WIND AND SEISMIC) ............................................................................... 15
Braced Frames.................................................................................................................. 15
Ordinary Moment Frames ................................................................................................. 16
Ordinary Moment Frames in Seismic Areas...................................................................... 17
Shear Walls....................................................................................................................... 18
ROOF DIAPHRAGMS.................................................................................................................... 18
Diaphragm Chords............................................................................................................ 18
Diaphragm Shear Transfer Details.................................................................................... 18
Collectors (Drag Struts) .................................................................................................... 20
WALL BRACING............................................................................................................................. 24
Continuous Ties................................................................................................................. 26
EXPANSION JOINTS..................................................................................................................... 30
WIND LOADS................................................................................................................................. 31
Wind Uplift Pressures........................................................................................................ 31
Downward Wind Pressures............................................................................................... 32
Calculating Wind Pressures.............................................................................................. 32
JOIST AND JOIST GIRDER BRIDGING AND BRACING.............................................................. 33
Types of Bridging............................................................................................................... 33
Joist Girder Bracing........................................................................................................... 33
Contract Documents.......................................................................................................... 33
Responsibility of the Specifying Professional for Bridging Anchorage.............................. 35

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 MOMENT CONNECTIONS............................................................................................................ 37
VERTICAL BRACING CONNECTIONS......................................................................................... 49
ROOF OPENINGS......................................................................................................................... 50
MISCELLANEOUS DETAILS......................................................................................................... 52
SPRINKLERS................................................................................................................................. 53
SERVICEABILITY CONSIDERATIONS......................................................................................... 55
Roof Slope and Drainage.................................................................................................. 56
Roof Deflection.................................................................................................................. 57
Wall Support...................................................................................................................... 58
Horizontal Deflection and Frame Drift............................................................................... 58
Metal Walls........................................................................................................................ 59
Tilt-up Walls....................................................................................................................... 59
Masonry Walls................................................................................................................... 59
ROOF PONDING........................................................................................................................... 62
SJI Roof Bay Analysis with Ponding Tool.......................................................................... 62
LOAD DIAGRAMS AND SCHEDULES.......................................................................................... 68

CHAPTER 2 MULTI-STORY BUILDINGS................................................................................................. 73

INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................ 73
ARCHITECTURAL REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................... 73
BAY DIMENSIONS......................................................................................................................... 73
FLOOR JOISTS.............................................................................................................................. 73
COMPOSITE JOISTS (CJ-SERIES) ............................................................................................. 74
CONNECTIONS............................................................................................................................. 74
Flush-Frame Connections................................................................................................. 74
Specifying Flush-Frame Connections................................................................................ 78
JOIST GIRDER TYPES.................................................................................................................. 79
SJI FLOOR BAY ANALYSIS TOOL................................................................................................ 80
VIERENDEEL OPENINGS............................................................................................................. 88
LATERAL LOAD FRAMING............................................................................................................ 88
COLUMN LENGTHS AND SPLICES............................................................................................. 90
SJI MOMENT CONNECTION SPREADSHEETS.......................................................................... 92
FLOOR DIAPHRAGMS.................................................................................................................. 93
FLOOR DECKS.............................................................................................................................. 93
Non-Composite Decks....................................................................................................... 93
Composite Decks.............................................................................................................. 93
Cellular Decks .................................................................................................................. 93
Acoustical Decks............................................................................................................... 93
SDI Floor Deck Design Manual......................................................................................... 94
FIRE REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................................. 94
SERVICEABILITY CONSIDERATIONS......................................................................................... 95
Design of Cladding-Structure Interaction........................................................................... 95
Foundation-Supported Cladding for Gravity Loads........................................................... 96
Tilt-up Concrete Support.................................................................................................... 96
Frame-Supported Cladding at Columns............................................................................ 96
Frame-Supported Cladding for Gravity Loads Along Spandrels........................................ 97

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 Heavy Cladding................................................................................................................. 97
Masonry and Stud Walls.................................................................................................... 98
Considerations Relative to Interior Partitions and Ceilings................................................ 98
FLOOR VIBRATION....................................................................................................................... 99
SCHEDULES................................................................................................................................ 103

CHAPTER 3 DESIGN TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE DESIGN......................................................................... 105

INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................... 105
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS................................................................................................... 105
CONNECTIONS........................................................................................................................... 107
WELDING..................................................................................................................................... 109
BOLTING...................................................................................................................................... 110
MEMBER DESIGN....................................................................................................................... 110
ERECTION................................................................................................................................... 112
SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................................ 112

CHAPTER 4 TECHNICAL DIGESTS AND TOOLS................................................................................. 113

AVAILABLE TECHNICAL DIGESTS............................................................................................. 113
AVAILABLE TOOLS...................................................................................................................... 114
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...................................................................................................... 115

CHAPTER 5 REFERENCES.................................................................................................................... 116

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BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
Designing buildings using joists and joist girders is no more difficult than designing buildings with WF-Beams
and WF-Girders. To obtain a cost-effective design the engineer must be aware of the inter-relationships between
framing elements, i.e., joists, joist girders, columns, bracing members, and connections. The most economical
design is one which minimizes manufacturing, detailing, fabrication, and erection costs.

For single story structures, the optimum framing system generally consists of braced frames in both directions
and the use of a roof diaphragm system to transfer wind and seismic loads to the vertical bracing elements.
This system should always be evaluated by the Engineer of Record (EOR) as a first option. Only if the building
footprint or other bracing restrictions prevent the use of this system, should moment frames be considered. As
a “rule of thumb”, when the length to width ratio of the building exceeds 4 to 1, roof diaphragm forces become
large, so the use of roof diaphragms to transfer lateral loads to perimeter bracing may not be practicable. In
addition, the forces in struts, vertical bracing, and foundation uplift forces may become excessively large.

The purpose of this digest is to present information to the specifying professional and the joist manufacturer for
the design of single story and mid-rise buildings. Design considerations for both wind and seismic lateral loads
are presented.

For seismic design, ordinary moment frames have been limited to single story buildings in this digest based on
current requirements for seismic design. In particular, the use of strong beam weak column systems are typically
necessary when using truss construction in lieu of beams and girders. This is because the flexural strength and
stiffness of the trusses is usually significantly larger than the most reasonable column sections. More importantly,
joist girders exhibit poor hysteresis behavior under inelastic cyclic loading.

v
GLOSSARY
ASD (Allowable Strength Design). Method of proportioning structural components such that the
allowable strength equals or exceeds the required strength of the component under the action of
the ASD load combinations.

Allowable Strength. Nominal strength divided by the safety factor, Rn /Ω.

Available Strength. Design strength or allowable strength as appropriate.

Applicable Building Code (ABC). Building code under which the structure is designed.

Amplified Seismic Load. Horizontal component of the seismic load E multiplied by Ωo, where E
and the horizontal component of E are specified in the applicable building code.

Bay Width. The distance between the main structural frames or walls of a building.

Bearing. The distance that the bearing shoe or seat of a joist or joist girder extends over its masonry,
concrete, or steel support.

Bearing Plate. The steel plate used for a joist or joist girder to bear on when it is supported by
masonry or concrete supports. The plate is designed by the specifying professional to transfer the
joist reaction to the supporting structure.

Bridging. In general, a member connected to a joist to brace it from lateral movement.

Buckling. Limit state of sudden change in the geometry of a structure or any of its elements under
a critical loading condition.

Buckling Strength. Nominal strength for buckling or instability limit states.

Buyer. The entity that has agreed to terms of sale to purchase material from the manufacturer.

Camber. An upward curvature of the chords of a joist or joist girder induced during shop fabrication.
Note, this is in addition to the pitch of the top chord.

Chords. The top and bottom members of a joist or joist girder. When a chord is comprised of two
angles, there is usually a gap between the members.

Clear Span. The actual clear distance or opening between supports for a joist is the distance
between walls or the distance between the edges of flanges of beams.

Collateral Load. All additional dead loads other than the weight of the building, such as sprinklers,
pipes, ceilings, floor covering, and mechanical or electrical components.

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Composite. Condition in which steel and concrete elements and members work as a unit in the
distribution of internal forces.

Composite Steel Joist. Open web, parallel chord, load-carrying member suitable for direct support
of one-way floor or roof systems. Members may consist of hot-rolled or cold-formed steel, including
cold-formed steel whose yield strength has been attained by cold working. The shear connection
between the joist top chord and the overlying concrete slab allows the steel joist and slab to act
together as an integral unit after the concrete has adequately cured.

Connection. Combination of structural elements and joints used to transmit forces between two or
more members. See also splice.

Deck. A floor or roof covering made from galvanized, painted, or unpainted gage metal attached by
welding or mechanical means to joists, beams, purlins, or other structural members.

Design Load. Applied load determined in accordance with either LRFD load combinations or ASD
load combinations, whichever is applicable.

Design Strength. Resistance factor multiplied by the nominal strength, fRn.

Diaphragm. Roof, floor, or other membrane or bracing system that transfers in-plane forces to the
lateral force resisting system.

End Diagonal or Web. The first web member on either end of a joist or joist girder which begins at
the top chord at the seat and ends at the first bottom chord panel point. For an underslung joist, the
end diagonal begins at the seat.

Filler. A short piece of round bar, plate, channel, or angle welded between a double angle chord
member or a double angle web member to tie them together, usually located at the midpoint of the
member between joints.

Flush-Frame Connection. Flush-frame connections allow placement of the joist’s top chord flush
with the supporting girder’s top flange. This requires bolting the joist plate to a shear tab on the girder.

Instability. Limit state reached in the loading of a structural component, frame, or structure in which
a slight disturbance in the loads or geometry produces large displacements.

Joint. Area where two or more ends, surfaces, or edges are attached. Joints are categorized by the
type of fastener or weld used and the method of force transfer.

Joist. A structural load-carrying member with an open web system which supports floors and roofs
utilizing hot-rolled or cold-formed steel and is designed as a simple span member. Currently, the
SJI has the following joist designations: K-Series including KCS, LH-Series and DLH-Series, and
CJ-Series.

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Joist Girder. A primary structural load-carrying member with an open web system designed as a
simple span supporting concentrated loads of a floor or roof system acting at the panel points of the
member and utilizing hot-rolled or cold-formed steel.

Joist Plate. A vertical plate shop connected to the end of a joist.

Load. Force or other action that results from the weight of building materials, occupants and their
possessions, environmental effects, differential movement, or restrained dimensional changes.

LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design). Method of proportioning structural components
such that the design strength equals or exceeds the required strength of the component under the
action of the LRFD load combinations.

Material. Joists, joist girders, and accessories as provided by the seller.

Nominal Strength. Strength of a structure or component (without the resistance factor or safety factor
applied) to resist the load effects, as determined in accordance with the Standard Specifications.

Ordinary Moment Frame (OMF). Moment frame system that meets the requirements of the AISC
Seismic Provisions, Section 11.

Provisions. Refers to the AISC Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings (ANSI/AISC 341).

Required Strength. Forces, stresses, and deformations produced in a structural component,

determined by either structural analysis, for the LRFD or ASD load combinations, as appropriate, or
as specified by the Standard Specifications.

Resistance Factor, f. Factor used with LRFD that accounts for deviations of the actual strength
from the nominal strength, deviations of the actual load from the nominal load, uncertainties in the
analysis that transforms the load into a load effect, and for the manner and consequences of failure.

Safety Factor, Ω. Factor used with ASD that accounts for deviations of the actual strength from the
nominal strength, deviations of the actual load from the nominal load, uncertainties in the analysis
that transforms the load into a load effect, and for the manner and consequences of failure.

Seismic Design Category. Classification assigned to a building by the applicable building code
based upon its seismic use group and the design spectral response acceleration coefficients.

Seismic Force Resisting System (SFRS). That part of the structural system that has been
considered in the design to provide the required resistance to the seismic forces prescribed in the
applicable building code.

Seismic Response Modification Coefficient, R. Factor that reduces seismic load effects to
strength level as specified by the applicable building code.

viii
Seismic Use Group. Classification assigned to a structure based on its use as specified by the
applicable building code.

Serviceability Limit State. Limiting condition affecting the ability of a structure to preserve its
appearance, maintainability, durability, comfort of its occupants, or function of machinery, under
normal usage.

Slenderness Ratio. The ratio of the effective length of a column to the radius of gyration of the
column about the same axis of bending.

Span. The centerline-to-centerline distance between structural steel supports such as a beam,
column, or joist girder, or the clear span distance plus the standard clear bearing length on each
masonry or concrete wall support.

Special Moment Frame (SMF). Moment frame system that meets the requirements of the AISC
Seismic Provisions, Section 9.

Special Truss Moment Frame (STMF). Truss moment frame system that meets the requirements
of the AISC Seismic Provisions, Section 12.

Specifying Professional. The licensed professional who is responsible for sealing the building
contract documents, which indicates that he or she has performed or supervised the analysis, design,
and document preparation for the structure and has knowledge of the load-carrying structural system.

Splice. Connection between two structural members joined at their ends by either bolting or welding
to form a single, longer member.

Stability. Condition reached in the loading of a structural component, frame, or structure in which a
slight disturbance in the loads or geometry does not produce large displacements.

Standard Specification. Documents developed and maintained by the Steel Joist Institute for the
design and manufacture of open web steel joists and joist girders. The term “SJI Specification”
encompasses by reference the following:
ANSI/SJI 100 - 2020 Standard Specification for K-Series, LH-Series, and DLH-Series
Open Web Steel Joists and for Joist Girders.
ANSI/SJI 200 - 2015 Standard Specification for CJ-Series Composite Steel Joists.

Structural Analysis. Determination of load effects on members and connections based on principles
of structural mechanics.

Webs. The vertical or diagonal members joined at the top and bottom chords of a joist or joist girder
to form triangular patterns.

Yield Strength. Stress at which a material exhibits a specified limiting deviation from the
proportionality of stress to strain as defined by ASTM.

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 1
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 1
SINGLE STORY BUILDINGS
SINGLE STORY BUILDINGS

INTRODUCTION
To obtain a successful design using joists, the specifying professional and the joist
manufacturer must communicate design data and information to each other. The specifying
professional must specify the necessary loading and stiffness requirements to the joist
manufacturer. In addition, the specifying professional must indicate the type of joist to
column connections being designed so that the joist manufacturer can provide joists with a
geometry that suits the design intent. If it is not possible for the joist manufacturer to provide
the intended geometry, a dialogue then must occur between all involved parties prior to
final pricing and design.

The joist manufacturer must design the joists in conformance with the Steel Joist Institute
Standard Specification for K-Series, LH-Series, and DLH-Series Open Web Steel Joists
and for Joist Girders (SJI, 2020a); hereafter referred to as the SJI Specification, and other
contract requirements delineated by the specifying professional. It is recommended that
the specifying professional contact a joist manufacturer to obtain information and
recommendations to effectively use their product, since joists and joist girders used in this
type of application may not be considered as “standard”.

An open dialogue with the specifying professional is helpful for many reasons but is most
effective to get the correct information on the contract drawings prior to the project being
bid on. When this happens, the approval process is faster since the joist manufacturer
may not need to submit alternate details or request additional information for something
that may not work or will be costly to manufacture. The specifying professional can obtain
the latest copy of the SJI Specifications as well as the SJI Code of Standard Practice for
Steel Joists and Joist Girders, (SJI, 2020b); hereafter referred to as the SJI COSP directly
from the Steel Joist Institute website (www.steeljoist.org). There are several sections
within these documents referenced here, particularly Section 5.7 in the SJI Specification
and Section 2.4 in the SJI COSP, among others as noted below.

The following is taken from a portion of the SJI COSP:

6.1 PLANS FURNISHED BY BUYER

The Buyer shall furnish the Seller plans and specifications as prepared by the
specifying professional showing all Material requirements and steel joist and/or
steel Joist Girder designations, the layout of walls, columns, beams, girders and
other supports, as well as floor and roof openings and partitions correctly
dimensioned. The elevation of finished floors, roofs, and bearings shall be shown.

1
1
 (a) Loads
The specifying professional shall clearly provide all design loads as described
in Section 2.4 This includes the live loads to be used, the wind uplift if any, the
weights of partitions and the location and amount of any special loads, such as
monorails, fans, blowers, tanks, etc.

(b) Connections
Minimum end anchorage for simple span gravity loading shall be in accordance
with Steel Joist Institute Standard Specifications of latest adoption, Section 5.7.
The end anchorage of a steel joist or joist girder is the connection of the joist
or joist girder bearing seat to the support of the joist or joist girder.

The adequacy of the end anchorage connection (bolted or welded) between

the joist or joist girder bearing seat and the supporting structure is the
responsibility of the specifying professional. The contract documents shall
clearly illustrate the end anchorage connection.

The joist manufacturer is responsible for the design of the bearing seats of
joists or joist girders for the loads designated by the specifying professional in
the contract documents.

The specifying professional is responsible for bridging termination connections.

The contract documents shall clearly illustrate these termination connections.

(c) Special Considerations

The specifying professional shall indicate on the construction documents
special considerations including:
1) Profiles for non-standard joist and joist girder configurations (Standard
joist and joist girder configurations are as indicated in the Steel Joist
Institute Standard Specifications of latest adoption).
2) Oversized or other non-standard web openings.
3) Extended Ends.
4) Deflection criteria for live and total loads for non-SJI standard joists.
5) Non-SJI standard bridging.

In addition to the above, details shall clearly illustrate the intended load path for
transferring forces between the joist or joist girder and supporting structure.

It sometimes can be difficult to determine if a joist should be specified as a K- or LH-

Series. Gravity loads and geometry may allow for a K-Series joist to be used; however,
axial loads from wind or seismic may increase some of the joist component sizes to those
more commonly used in LH-Series joists. If there is a question regarding which series to
select, contact a joist manufacturer for advice or specify a LH-Series joist. In many cases,
the LH-Series joist that has a standard 5 inch bearing depth will be less expensive than
a K-Series joist which must be modified.

2
2
End moments on joists due to frame action can result in increased shear forces in the joists,
possibly resulting in the need to increase end diagonal webs to double angle members. In
this instance, the bearing seat depth may need to be increased from that used for K-Series
joists to accommodate the connection for the end diagonal web. Unless the specifying
professional can be confident in the chord sizes, it is better to call out an LH-Series joist
that has a standard 5-inch bearing depth.

PRELIMINARY DESIGN
Preliminary design is the most important aspect of designing a structural system. Starting
with the wrong concept will lead to problems. Think about the big picture. This means that
you must listen to and think about your client’s needs. Do not be too hasty to start the
design until you have thought through the design problems and their solutions.

The following steps are recommended for preliminary design. The list consists of significant
design parameters, over and above the minimum requirements of the building code, which
will influence the design. Some of the influences may be noticeable, and identifying them
early in the design process is important. Design time is minimized if these parameters are
considered in the order in which they are presented.
1. Select the serviceability criteria for the horizontal framing members.
2. Select the lateral drift criteria.
3. Determine the fire protection criteria.
4. Determine any loss prevention requirements such as FM Global requirements.
5. Select the direction of roof drainage.
6. Select the structural system, i.e., braced frames, moment frames, or shear walls.
7. Determine the loads on the structure.
8. Determine the type of connections to use.

BAY DIMENSIONS
The designer may or may not have the opportunity to select the bay size for a proposed
project. Owner requirements and functional requirements often dictate a certain bay size.
Each building is planned and constructed to requirements relating to building usage, the
process involved, specific owner requirements and preferences, site constraints, cost,
and building regulations. The design process must balance all these factors. The owner,
or the owner’s representative, must play an active role in informing the specifying
professional of all requirements specific to the building such as:
1. Area, bay size, plan layout, aisle location, future expansion provisions.
2. Clear heights.
3. Relationships between functional areas, production flow, acoustical considerations.
4. Exterior appearance.
5. Materials and finishes, etc.
6. Machinery, equipment, and storage method.
7. Loads.

3
3
The building footprint, which is often dictated by the building site, also has an impact upon
the bay size selected. In general, for single story buildings without overhead cranes, bay
sizes ranging from 30x30 to 60x60 have proven to be economical. Square bays have been
shown to provide greater economy than rectangular bays. Gravity loads have the greatest
impact on the optimum bay size. Lighter roof loads allow larger bays without cost penalty.

When the structure has a high length-to-width ratio, e.g., a long narrow building, then a
30x40 or a 30x50 bay where the 30 dimension is parallel to the long building dimension
often proves to be the most economical. This is because with long narrow buildings, the
economy is heavily influenced by the wall system. For example, if a metal wall system is to
be used, then the most economical girt system is one in which light gage cold-formed steel
girts are used. These are typically C or Z girts. The maximum span of such girts is
approximately 30 feet. If a bay spacing larger than 30 feet is required, then wind columns
are required to laterally support the C or Z girts in mid-bay. The wind columns and their
attachment to the structural steel at the roof have a significant impact on the cost of the
framing system. For metal wall structures with bays larger than 30 feet, the specifying
professional is encouraged to investigate the use of steel joists for the girt system as an
alternative to wind columns and cold formed purlins. If the owner wishes to use cold formed
purlins, then a 30x40 or 30x50 bay size may prove to be the most economical system.

For structures with a low length-to-width ratio, e.g., square buildings of significant size
(200x200), the percentage of steel that would be contained in the wall framing is less of
a cost factor, and thus a 40x40 bay often proves to be the most economical system.
Larger bays of 40x50, 50x50 or 40x60 are also economical.

Soil conditions will not have a major impact on the selection of the bay size when shallow
foundations can be used. However, if poor soils exist and deep foundations are required,
larger bays will tend to be more economical because of the reduced number of deep
foundations. This assumes that the floor slab can be placed on grade and a structural floor
system is not required.

Similar judgments for bay sizes are required when overhead top-running cranes are to be
contained in the structure. Typically, bay sizes should be limited to approximately 30 feet
for these structures. This is because the crane runway beams will have a significant impact
on the cost of the structure. A 30- foot runway girder is significantly less expensive than a
40-foot runway girder. In addition, the American Institute of Steel Construction, ANSI/AISC
360-22, Specification for Structural Steel Buildings (hereafter referred to as AISC
Specification, (AISC, 2022a) requirements for tension flange bracing also begin to dictate
costs with runways spanning 40 feet. This adds structural steel and expensive
miscellaneous details. The reader is referred to the AISC Design Guide 7, Industrial
Buildings, Roofs to Anchor Rods, (Fisher, 2019), for additional information regarding
buildings with overhead cranes.

4
4
SJI ROOF BAY ANALYSIS TOOL
The SJI provides a design tool to assist the specifying professional with optimizing the
roof bay size. The tool is entitled “Roof Bay Analysis Tool with Ponding”. The tool can be
downloaded free of charge from the SJI website, www.steeljoist.org, under the tab Design
Tools. The user can input various scenarios to arrive at the least weight or the least cost
bay size. The user can input cost data along with other design data. Bays can be
evaluated using either ASD or LRFD. Pull down menus allow for easy selection of steel
deck, joist (K, LH, DLH-Series), and joist girder selections.

In addition, the bay can be evaluated for roof ponding stability, using an iterative analysis.
Roof ponding is discussed later in this digest.

The tool contains ten tabs that can be used in the analysis.

1. Tab 1, “General Information”. Contains notes which explain information about the
tool and references.
2. Tab 2, “Format”. Provides information for the user to alter page printout. This tab
is the same for all the SJI spreadsheets discussed in this digest.
3. Tab 3, “Cost”. Allows the input of costs for materials and erection. It is not
necessary to provide costs if only weight summaries of the designs are desired.
4. Tabs 4-6, “Joists & Joist Girders”, “Joists & WF Girders”, and “Beams & WF
Girders”. Each one can be selected to represent the type of framing to be analyzed,
i.e., the secondary members and primary members.
5. Tab 7, “Comparison”. Used to compare weights and costs of each framing type
side by side for ease of evaluation.
6. Tab 8, “Ponding Instructions”. Provides instructions and notes relative to the
ponding analysis. The information in this tab is discussed in the ponding section of
this digest.
7. Tab 9, “Ponding Analysis”. As the name implies, the spreadsheet in this tab is used
for the analysis.
8. Tab 10, “Ponding Load Results” The tables in this spreadsheet are identical to those
on the Ponding Analysis spreadsheet. They are repeated for printing purposes.

Figures 1.1 through 1.8 are annotated screen shots of the SJI Roof Bay Analysis Tool.

The reader is referred to SJI Technical Digest 3, Structural Design of Steel Joist Roofs
to Resist Ponding Loads (SJI, 2018) and to AISC/SJI Design Guide 40, Rain Loads
and Ponding Design Guide (Fisher and Denavit, 2024) for detailed information on
ponding analysis.

5
5
General
GeneralInformation
Informationfor
forRoof
RoofFraming
FramingAnalysis
AnalysisTool
Tool
Steel
SteelJoist
JoistInstitute
Institute
140
140W.W.Evans
EvansSt. St.Suite
Suite203
203
Florence,
Florence,SC SC29501
29501
Phone:
Phone:(843)
(843)407-4091
407-4091
www.steeljoist.org
www.steeljoist.org

Purpose:
Purpose:
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workbookprovides
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ANSI/SJI
ANSI/SJI100
100- 2020
- 2020
STANDARD
STANDARDSPECIFICATION
SPECIFICATIONFOR
FORK-SERIES,
K-SERIES,LH-SERIES,
LH-SERIES,AND
ANDDLH-SERIES
DLH-SERIESOPEN
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4.4.Design
DesignBasisBasis
4.2.1
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DesignUsingUsingLoad
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6
6
6
Notes:
Notes:
1. Minimum
1. Minimum designdesign loads loads andand loadload
combinations
combinations areare in accordance
in accordance withwith
ASCEASCE 7-167-16
or ASCE
or ASCE7-227-22
2. Bay
2. Baysizessizesarearelimitedlimited to Joist
to Joistandand Joist Joist
Girder
Girder Load LoadTables
Tables
3. Deck
3. Deck sizesizeis based
is based on strength
on strength andand deflection
deflection limitslimits
for for
a minimum
a minimum of two
of two
spans,
spans,
fromfrom
SDISDI
Tables
Tables
4. Deck
4. Deck deflection
deflection is based
is based on minimum
on minimum of IpoforIp Inor
, per
In, per
direction
direction of SDI
of SDI
5. SDI
5. SDIminimum
minimum bearingbearing lengths
lengths areare assumed
assumed
6. Joist
6. Joist
sizesizeis selected
is selected by minimum
by minimum weightweightandand deflection
deflection limitslimits
from from
SJISJI
Load Load
Tables
Tables
7. Actual
7. Actual joistjoist
span span is rounded
is rounded up toupnext
to nextavailable
available span span
in SJI
in SJI
Load LoadTables
Tables
8. DLH
8. DLH joistjoist
data data
is limited
is limited to spans
to spans greater
greaterthan than thethe"safe"safe
load"load"
spans spans
in SJI
in SJI
Load Load
Tables
Tables
9. Joist
9. Joist
girder
girderdepth depth is selected
is selected by minimum
by minimum weightweight andand deflection
deflection limits,
limits,
from from
SJISJI
Joist
Joist
Girder
Girder
Weight
WeightTables
Tables
10.10.
Joist
Joist
girder
girderseatseat depth depth is not
is not
included
included
11.11.
Actual
Actual joistjoist
girder
girder span spanis rounded
is rounded up to upnext
to nextavailable
available span span
in Weight
in Weight Tables
Tables
12.12.
Actual
Actual number
number of joist
of joist spaces
spaces is rounded
is rounded up toupnext to nextavailable
available number
number of joist
of joist
spaces
spaces
in Weight
in Weight
Tables
Tables
13.13.
Joist,
Joist,
joistjoist
girder,
girder, WFWF beam beam & WF& WF girder girder
designs
designs areare basedbased on aon50 a ksi
50 ksi
yieldyield
stress
stress
14.14.
Channel
Channel (C and(C and MC)MC) designs
designs areare basedbased on a on36 a ksi
36 ksiyield
yield
stress
stress
15.15.
Joist
Joist
girder
girderandand WFWF girder girder
deflections
deflections areare
conservatively
conservatively calculated
calculated withwith
uniformly
uniformlydistributed
distributed
loads
loads
16.16.
Sample
Sample bridging
bridging sizes sizeslimitlimit
joistjoist
spacing
spacing to maximum
to maximum of 19'-6"
of 19'-6"
17.17.
Cost
Costdata datais the
is theresponsibility
responsibility of the
of theuseruser
18.18.
User
User must mustcheckcheck if FM if FM
Global
Global requirements
requirements exist exist
19.19.
Maximum
Maximum joistjoist
pitch pitch
is 1/2 is 1/2
inchinchperper footfoot
20.20.
Columns
Columns areare notnot included
included
21.21.
Standing
Standing seam seam roofs roofs arearenotnot included
included
22.22.
Uplift
Uplift
loading
loading is not is notconsidered
considered
23.23.
A red
A redtriangle
triangle in the in theupper upperrightright
corner
corner of aofcell
a cellindicates
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24.24.
Beam
Beam andand WFWF girder girder properties
properties areare basedbasedon the on the 15th 15th
version
versionof the
of the
AISC AISC
database
database
25.25.
ForForWFWF girders,
girders, thethe unbraced
unbraced length
length is taken
is taken as theas thejoistjoist
or beam
or beam spacing
spacing
26.26.
ForForWFWF girders,
girders, Cb Cb is based
is based on AISC
on AISC Specification
Specification Equation
Equation F1-1 F1-1
27.27.
Beams
Beams areare considered
considered laterally
laterallybraced
braced by the
by the deck deck
28.28.
Snow
Snow loadsloadsandand combinations
combinations arearedifferent
different
between between ASCE ASCE 7-16 7-16
andandASCEASCE 7-227-22
29.29.
VisitVisit
https://asce7hazardtool.online/
https://asce7hazardtool.online/ for for
minimum
minimum design
design loadsloads

References:
References:
1. SJI
1. SJI
45th
45th
Edition,
Edition,
Standard
Standard
Specifications
Specifications- Load
- Load
Tables
Tables
andand
Weight
Weight
Tables
Tablesfor for
Steel
Steel
Joists
Joists
andand
Joist
Joist
Girders,
Girders,
Copyright
Copyright
20202020
by Steel
by Steel
Joist
Joist
Institute
Institute
2. Vulcraft
2. Vulcraft
Steel
Steel
Joists
Joists
& Joists
& Joists
Girders,
Girders,
Copyright
Copyright2017
2017
by Vulcraft
by Vulcraft
3. Roof
3. Roof
Deck
Deck
Design
Design
Manual
Manual
- No.
- No.
RDDM,
RDDM, Copyright
Copyright
20122012
by Steel
by Steel
DeckDeck
Institute
Institute
4. Floor
4. Floor
DeckDeck
Design
Design
Manual
Manual
- No.- No.
FDDM,
FDDM,Copyright
Copyright
20142014
by Steel
by Steel
Deck
Deck
Institute
Institute
5. ANSI/AISC
5. ANSI/AISC360-16
360-16
Specification
Specification
for for
Structural
Structural
Steel
Steel
Buildings,
Buildings,
JulyJuly
7, 2016
7, 2016

Figure
Figure
1.21.2
(Tab
(Tab
1) General
1) General
Information
Information
about
about
thethe
Tool
Tool
(Continued)
(Continued)

7
7
7
 Figure 1.3
Figure
(Tab 1.3
2) Format
(Tab 2) Format
Figure 1.3
(Tab 2) Format

Figure 1.4
Figure
(Tab 1.4
3) Costs
(Tab 3) Costs
Figure 1.4
(Tab 3) Costs

8
8
8
8
 Roof Bay Analysis with Joists and Joist Girders
(SJI Load Tables / SDI Specification)

Project Name: TD 4
Project Number: 2022xyz
Engineer: XYZ Date: 6/30/2023

Design Methodology ASD ('LRFD' - Load and Resistance Factor Design, 'ASD' - Allowable Strength Design)
Minimum Design Loads ASCE 7-22
Pull down menu to select ASD or LRFD
TYPICAL INTERIOR BAY LAYOUT
Bay Width / Joist Span 40.0 ft. Pull down menu to select ASCE 7-16 or 7-22
Bay Length / Joist Girder (JG) Span 40.0 ft.

ROOF NOMINAL LOADS CLEAR INPUT

Dead Load, D
Roofing Material 8.00 psf Live Load Lr 20.00 psf
Deck 2.00 psf Live Load Reduction (Per Code) N (Y or N)
Joists & Bridging 3.00 psf Snow Load * S 24.00 psf
Joist Girders (JG) 2.00 psf Wind Downward Load W 0.00 psf
Collateral 3.00 psf * Or "Rain on Snow" Load

ROOF DECK PROFILE, GAGE & JOIST SPACES

Deck Profile & Gage WR22 'IR' - Intermediate Rib (F deck), 'WR' - Wide Rib (B deck), 'DR' - Deep Rib (N deck)
Joist Spaces 8

ROOF DECK CHECK

Deck Deck Max Deck Deck Moment
Profile Span Span * Moment Interaction
& Gage ft. ft. inch-lb Check
WR22 5.00 6.92 1125 0.32 OK
* Maximum Deck Construction Span (two or more) per SDI

Figure 1.5
(Tab 4) Joists & Joist Girders

9
9
 Used for ponding analysis revisions.

Update buttons allow the

user to use the actual weight.

Figure 1.6
(Tab 4) Joists & Joist Girders (Continued)

10
10
 Used to compare different solutions
for joists with joist girders.

Figure 1.7
(Tab 4) Joists & Joist Girders (Continued)

11
11
 Roof Bay Analysis Comparison
(SJI Load Tables / SDI Specification / 15th Edition AISC Manual)

Project Name: xyz

Project Number: 2022xyz
Engineer: XYZ Date: 6/30/2023

ANALYSIS TYPES TO INCLUDE IN COMPARISON

Joists & Joist Girders Current Used to compare different
Joists & WF Girders Current solutions.
Beams & WF Girders Current

Joists & Joist Girders Joists & WF Girders Beams & WF Girders
Design Methodology ASD ASD ASD
Joist/Beam Span, ft. 40.0 40.0 50.0
Girder Span, ft. 40.0 42.0 42.0
Deck Profile & Gage WR22 WR20 WR20
Deck Span, ft. 5.00 7.00 7.00
X-Bridging Rows 0 0 -
H-Bridging Rows 3 3 -
Joist/Beam Size 24K 7 24K 7 W18X35
Joist Seat Depth, in. 2.5 2.5 -
Girder Size 36G8N7.6K W27X84 W27X84
Weight, psf 4.59 5.63 8.82
Cost, $ / sf $6.36 $4.88 $2.52

Figure 1.8
(Tab 7) Comparison

DIRECTION OF JOIST SPAN

One question that often occurs is whether it is best to span the joists in the long direction
or the short direction when a rectangular bay has been selected. The specifying
professional is encouraged to examine alternate framing schemes for a given project
using the SJI Roof Bay Analysis Tool mentioned previously. Prices can vary for joists and
joist girders depending upon plant workload and market conditions. Typically, spanning
the joists in the long direction, and the joist girders in the short direction provide the most
economical solution.

JOIST SPACING
Joist spacing should be maximized depending on the type of deck being used. The fewer
number of pieces which need to be erected will reduce the cost of the erected steel. Longer
joists should be spaced further apart since each one requires significant shop labor. The
joists should be spaced to maximum value of the deck, but with spaces no greater than
those recommended for construction practice as contained in the Steel Deck Institute
Specification (SDI, 2022).

12
12
The SDI does not address standing seam roofs. Standing seam roof systems were first
introduced in the late 1960’s and today many manufacturers produce standing seam
panels. The seam between two panels is made in the field with a tool that makes a cold
formed weather-tight joint. (Note: some panels can be seamed without special tools.) The
joint is made at the top of the panel. The standing seam roof is also unique in the way it
is attached to the joists. The attachment is made with a clip concealed inside the seam.
This clip secures the panel to the joist and allows the panel to move when experiencing
thermal expansion or contraction. The elevated seam and single skin member provide a
watertight system. Thermal spacer blocks are often placed between the panels and joists
to insure a consistent thermal barrier.

It should be noted that most suppliers of standing seam panels limit the span to five feet
for gravity loads and wind uplift, thus joists cannot be spaced more than five feet apart.

The specifying professional should contact suppliers for the following ASTM and FM
Global approval ratings:
• ASTM E1592 Test Method for Wind Uplift Performance of Sheet Metal
Roofing Systems
• FM Global Data Sheet 1-28 (Wind Design) and 1-29 (Roof Deck Securement
and Above-Deck Roof Components)

Because of the ability of standing seam roofs to move on sliding clips, they possess only
minimal diaphragm strength and stiffness. The specifying professional should assume
that the standing seam roof has no diaphragm capability and specify sufficient bridging to
laterally brace the joists.

JOIST AND JOIST GIRDER DEPTH

The optimum joist girder depth in inches is approximately equal to the span of the girder
in feet. The specifying professional should generally follow this rule of thumb. However,
for expensive wall systems, such as tilt up and precast systems, a one-foot savings in
height of structure may prove more economical as compared to the extra cost of shallower
joists and joist girders.

Joist depth should be selected based on the Economical Joist Guide contained in the SJI
Catalog (SJI, 2020c). The specifying professional should also examine bridging
requirements for the selected joist. It may be that by selecting a slightly heavier joist, a
line of bridging can be eliminated thus resulting in a substantial decrease in the total cost
of erected steel. If possible, joist selections should also be made so that diagonal bolted
bridging is not required.

13
13
LOAD/LOAD JOISTS
Uniform load-per-foot designated joists (load/load joists) are an alternative to the standard
SJI K, LH, and DLH-Series joists. They are used when the specifying professional wants
to optimize the joist cost.

The load/load designation has an additional benefit for LH and DLH-Series joists.
Additional joist depths can be specified when the load/load designation is used. These
are depths in between the standard designation depths. It is preferred that the depth is in
full inch increments. If a fractional depth is desired, contact a joist manufacturer for
limitations. To illustrate, instead of standard designations such as 28LH06 or 32LH06, a
load/load designation of 29LH, 30LH, or 31LH can be specified along with the appropriate
loads. The additional depth options can be beneficial on projects where the specifying
professional wants to maximize the joist depth based on the project limitations.

Using the load/load designation provides the breakdown of loading for the required
building code load combinations. The designation takes the following form:

When a load/load designation is used, the specifying professional must provide the
deflection criteria on the construction documents. For example, in the joist notes in the
structural plans, the following could be specified: “Joists to be designed for a snow or live
load deflection < L/240”.

COLUMN SELECTION: HSS COLUMNS VS W SHAPES

The design of columns in single story buildings includes considerations that do not apply
to multi-story buildings. Interior columns can normally be braced only at the top and
bottom, thus square HSS columns are desirable due to their equal stiffness about both
principal axes. The author has also determined that when the building height is greater
than 28 feet, HSS columns are less expensive than W shapes again due to their equal
stiffness about both axes.

Other advantages of HSS columns include the fact that they require less paint than
equivalent W shapes, and they are aesthetically pleasing. W shapes may be more
economical than HSS for exterior columns for the following reasons:
1. The wall system (girts) may be used to brace the weak axis of the column. It
should be noted that a stiffener or brace may be required for the column if the
inside column flange is in compression and the girt connection is assumed to
provide a brace point.
2. Bending moments due to wind loads predominate about one axis.
3. It is easier to frame girt connections to a W shape than to a HSS section,
because extra clip angles are required to connect girts.

14
14
FRAMING SYSTEMS (WIND AND SEISMIC)
The selection of the best framing scheme for a single-story building is dependent on
numerous considerations and often depends on the owner’s requirements. It may not be
possible to give a list of rules by which the best such scheme can be assured. If best means
low initial cost, then the owner may face major expenses in the future for operational
expenses. Extra dollars invested at the outset reduce potential future costs. This section
expands on the selection of the main framing system. No attempt has been made to
evaluate foundation costs. Consideration of bay sizes must include not only foundation
requirements, roof and frame factors, but as mentioned, the cost of the wall system.

The first consideration relative to the lateral force resisting system is to determine if
moment frames are required. For single story structures, the optimum framing system
generally consists of braced frames or shear walls in both directions in conjunction with
a roof diaphragm to transfer wind and seismic loads to the vertical bracing elements. This
system should always be evaluated by the engineer of record (EOR) as a first option.
Only if the building footprint or other bracing restrictions prevent the use of this system,
should moment frames be considered.

As a rule of thumb, when the length to width ratio of the building exceeds 4 to 1, roof
diaphragm forces become so large that the use of roof diaphragms to transfer lateral
loads to perimeter bracing may not be practical. In addition, for braced frame systems,
the vertical bracing and foundation uplift forces can become large.

Interior bracing frequently interferes with plant operations. Exterior wall bracing and shear
walls interfere with future expansion. If either consideration is important, moment frames
may be a better alternative.

The design of moment frames is explained in numerous textbooks and professional

journals and will not be covered here; however, a few concepts will be presented
concerning the selection of a braced frame versus a moment frame structural system.
There are several situations for which a moment frame system is likely to be superior.
If moment frames are used, it is generally best to provide the moment connections only
on the perimeter columns. Perimeter columns can be laterally braced by the wall system
where the interior columns cannot. This allows the perimeter columns to be W shapes
which are effective to resist the lateral moments due to wind or seismic forces.

Braced Frames
Braced frames can be used as the only lateral system, or they can be used in conjunction
with other systems, such as moment frames or shear walls.

There are multiple options for how the bracing can be configured. These include chevron
configuration, inverted chevron, eccentric braces, single x-bracing, and K configuration.
The configuration, number of bays, and detailing requirements will vary based on the
building geometry, height, and building code requirements and restrictions. The horizontal
members of braced frames are typically wide flange beams. Joists and joist girders can
be used as the horizontal members, except in eccentric braced frames. This is typically

15
15
only done on frames up to two or three stories in height. For taller frames or heavily loaded
frames, it is typically simpler and more economical to use a wide flange beam as the
horizontal member. When a joist or joist girder is used in a braced frame, it may only
qualify as an Ordinary Braced Frame, which may limit the uses as well.

Unlike multi-story buildings, single story braced frames are often located at the perimeter
of the structure. Generally, fewer windows exist, and their locations can be avoided. Only
overhead doors and exits must be avoided. All the braced frame configurations mentioned
earlier can be used for single story braced frames. The x-bracing configuration, either
with rods or angles, is very common to resist wind loads.

The most economical layout and the number of braced frame bays depends greatly on
the building geometry. When the length-to-width ratio between braced frame lines
exceeds about 4 to 1, lateral forces become quite large. The drag strut loads that must
be transferred to the frames also become large. When the lateral loads become large, it
is often necessary to have multiple braced frame bays in each frame line. This helps
reduce the size of the members in the braced frames. It also reduces the column uplift
forces due to overturning which also reduces foundation costs.

To reduce uplift forces, it is recommended that braced frames be placed in adjacent bays
rather than separated. This allows the downward forces of one frame to be used to resist
the uplift forces of the adjacent frame, hence minimizing uplift, and reducing foundation
costs. As mentioned earlier, when the length to width ratio of the building exceeds 4 to 1,
the specifying professional should discuss the cost advantages of interior braced frame
bays with the client. The client’s first reaction is often negative, so it is often helpful to
have sketches of the proposed braced frame configuration for the discussion. Sketches
should include the clearances under the diagonals for forklift trucks or pedestrian traffic
for the client’s consideration. If additional clearances are desired, it may be possible to
use moment frames for the interior frame bays. Moment frames are significantly more
expensive than braced frames, so the owner will want to consider the cost-benefit ratio
when deciding with the design team what is best for the project.

The need for interior braced frame lines often occurs in large structures that are quartered
by expansion joints.

Ordinary Moment Frames

Ordinary Moment Frames (OMF) can be designed utilizing a joist or joist girder as the beam
member of the frame. These frames are also referred to as Ordinary Truss Moment Frames
(OTMF). To obtain a cost-effective design, the specifying professional must be aware of
the relationships between the framing elements such as joists, joist girders, columns, and
connections. In general, the most economical design is one which minimizes fabrication
and erection costs of the connections, and one which reduces the special requirements
(seat stiffeners, chord reinforcement, etc.) for the joists and joist girders. In high seismic
zones, there are significant restrictions on the use of OMF. In these areas, a different type
of moment frame may be required.

16
16
The first design consideration is to determine if moment frames are required in both
framing directions. When moment frames are required in only one direction, the framing
scheme should be such that the joist girders are part of the moment frames. If moment
frames are required in both directions, the framing scheme that creates the smallest end
moments in the joists should be examined first.

Ordinary Moment Frames in Seismic Areas

Current requirements for seismic design address the use of strong beam - weak column
systems which are typically necessary when using truss or joist girder construction in lieu of
beams and wide-flange girders. This is because the flexural strength and stiffness of the
trusses and joist girders is usually significantly larger than most reasonable column sections.

The American Institute of Steel Construction, ANSI/AISC 341-22, Seismic Provisions for
Structural Steel Buildings (AISC, 2022b) (hereafter referred to as the AISC Seismic
Provisions) applies when the seismic response modification coefficient, R, as specified in
the applicable building code, is greater than 3. For buildings in Seismic Design Category
A, design for seismic loads is not required. For buildings in Seismic Design Category B
and C, the specifying professional has the option of using R equal to 3, consistent with
ASCE/SEI 7-22, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and other Structures (ASCE, 2022)
(hereafter referred to as ASCE 7) requirements for “Steel Systems Not Specifically
Detailed for Seismic Resistance” and designing using the AISC Seismic Provisions or
using a higher R value and designing the structure per the provisions. It is generally
recognized that it is more cost efficient to use R equal to 3 when considering additional
costs associated with quality control and quality assurance requirements invoked by the
AISC Seismic Provisions. For buildings in Seismic Design Category D, E or F, the Building
Code and ASCE 7 require that the design complies with the requirements of the AISC
Seismic Provisions.

When designing per the AISC Seismic Provisions, the joist and joist girder moment frame
structures are categorized as an OMF with design and detailing requirements specific to
an OMF outlined in Section E.1 of these provisions. The R value for an OMF system is
3.5. The predominant requirement for an OMF frame is that the beam to column moment
connection be designed for a moment equal to 1.1RyFyZ/s of the beam, or the maximum
moment that can be developed by the system (see AISC Seismic Provisions, Section
E.1.6b(b). The limit associated with the maximum expected flexural capacity of the beam
assumes that the columns have more flexural capacity than the beams (i.e., strong
column - weak beam). In this system, where the joists or joist girders typically have more
flexural strength than the columns, the fuse in the system would be the column (strong
beam - weak column system). The maximum force that can be developed by the system
is that force which generates the maximum expected moment (Mpe) in the column. This
moment is equal to 1.1RyFyZ/s of the column. The maximum moment in the column will
be developed at the connection of the column to the bottom chord of the joist or joist
girder. The maximum force developed by the system could also be governed by the
maximum expected shear capacity of the column. The maximum expected shear capacity
of the column is equal to 0.6RyFydtw/s for the column. The associated bending moment
in the connection is equal to this shear force multiplied by the depth between the top and

17
17
bottom chord connections. The governing moment at this connection is equal to the
smaller of these two moments.

The SJI has taken the position that these elevated end moments shall be applied to the
joist or joist girder. This procedure ensures that the joist and its members will remain
elastic and that buckling will not occur.

The reader is directed to SJI Technical Digest 11 (SJI, 2007), Design of Lateral Load
Resisting Frames Using Steel Joists and Joist Girders for additional discussion and
examples for seismic frames.

Shear Walls
Shear walls are frequently used rather than braced frames. Common situations are tilt-
up, precast, or masonry surrounding the exterior of the building. Masonry walls are often
used as shear walls on the interior of the building. The design of shear walls is not treated
in this digest.

ROOF DIAPHRAGMS
The reader is referred to the Steel Deck Institute (SDI) Diaphragm Design Manual
(DDM04), Fourth Edition, (SDI, 2019) for guidance for the design of diaphragms. Because
roof diaphragms play an important role in the design of lateral load systems, a few
comments relative to their participation in the load path is justified.

In addition to providing lateral support to the roof joists and joist girders for each of the
foregoing lateral load systems, loads are transferred into and out of the roof diaphragm to
other structural elements. Typically, the shear force in the diaphragm is transferred to a
collector member which drags the force to a horizontal beam or joist. The force is then
transferred to the vertical bracing where it is transferred to the foundation system.

Diaphragm Chords
Joists and joist girders often act as chord members for diaphragms. The chord axial forces
vary along the joist or joist girder line according to the location along the length of the
chord. They may act as a chord in one orthogonal direction and act as a continuous tie or
collector in the other orthogonal direction.

The joist manufacturer has limited insight into the overall building design, thus clarity in
presenting the loads and axial transfer details is essential.

Diaphragm Shear Transfer Details

Illustrated in Figures 1.9, 1.10, and 1.11 are examples of diaphragm shear transfer details.
Figures 1.10 and 1.11 illustrate shear transfer from the diaphragm to an edge member with
minimal vertical load transfer.

18
18
 Figure 1.9
Transfer of Diaphragm Shear to Edge Angle

Figure 1.10
Diaphragm Shear Transfer to Precast Wall (T-Strap)

19
19
 Figure 1.11
Diaphragm Shear Transfer
Figure 1.11to Masonry Wall
Diaphragm Shear Transfer to Masonry Wall

Collectors (Drag Struts)

Open web steel
Collectors (Dragjoists and joist girders are often used to collect or drag loads to interior
Struts)
shear
Open walls or to joists
web steel walls such as those
and joist at re-entrant
girders are often usedcorners. The loads
to collect mustloads
or drag be determined
to interior
by thewalls
shear specifying professional
or to walls and are
such as those typically corners.
at re-entrant shown as Thewind
loads or must
seismic loads in a
be determined
schedule.
by The magnitude
the specifying of load
professional andatare
each distinctshown
typically joist end or joist
as wind or girder
seismicend in a in
loads linea
should be The
schedule. shown on the plan
magnitude so at
of load that each
each joist can
distinct joistbeendcorrectly
or joist designed.
girder end Itinisa also
line
important
should betoshown
determine
on thetheplan
appropriate
so that bearing
each joist depth
canrequired for each
be correctly memberIt at
designed. is each
also
location. Ittoisdetermine
important common for thea appropriate
deeper bearing seatdepth
bearing to be required
required for at the
each shear wall location
member at each
as compared
location. to the other
It is common for end of thebearing
a deeper joist or seat
girder. to be required at the shear wall location
as compared to the other end of the joist or girder.
For example, if the drag load necessitates 3.5-inch leg top chord angles, and the typical
seatexample,
For depth is ifshown as load
the drag 2.5 inches, either 3.5-inch
necessitates all the seat depths
leg top chord ofangles,
the joistsandwill
thehave
typicalto
increase
seat depthto 3.5 inchesas
is shown or expensive
2.5 inches,coping
eitherofallthe chord
the seatangle
depthsmay of be
therequired. If the
joists will have dragto
line is at atocolumn
increase line,orconsideration
3.5 inches should
expensive coping ofbe
thegiven
chordtoangle
having maythebe joist bear atIfthe
required. thesame
drag
elevation
line is at aas the joist
column girders.
line, consideration should be given to having the joist bear at the same
elevation as the joist girders.
To accommodate high collector loads, large chord angle sizes may be required. With large
angle
To sizes, deeper
accommodate highseat depthsloads,
collector may large
be required.
chord angle Howsizes
the force
may is betransferred
required. With between
large
all members
angle must be
sizes, deeper seatcarefully
depths determined and detailed
may be required. How theappropriately. The specifying
force is transferred between
professional
all members shouldmust be work closely determined
carefully with the joistand manufacturer to obtain the chord
detailed appropriately. sizes and
The specifying
bearing depths
professional needed
should workso the transfer
closely with thedetails and bearing to
joist manufacturer details
obtaincan thebe done
chord priorand
sizes to
bidding. The specifying professional should call out the minimum
bearing depths needed so the transfer details and bearing details can be done prior to top chord sizes
consistentThe
bidding. withspecifying
details provided, both forshould
professional the transfer
call outdetails
the and the bearing
minimum seats. sizes
top chord
consistent with details provided, both for the transfer details and the bearing seats.

20
20
20
Shown in Figures 1.12 and 1.13 are shear collectors commonly used to transfer the shear
from thein diaphragm
Shown Figures 1.12 toand
the 1.13
joist are
girder.
shearShear collectors
collectors are necessary
commonly when the
used to transfer the shear
cannot be transferred with the joist seats (rollover strength). For wind
from the diaphragm to the joist girder. Shear collectors are necessary when the shear loads, conservative
rolloverbe
cannot values for 2.5-inch-deep
transferred with the joistseats
seatsare 1.8 kips
(rollover ASD andFor
strength). 2.6wind
kipsloads,
LRFDconservative
based on 3-
inch longvalues
rollover 1/8-inch
for fillet welds on each
2.5-inch-deep seatsseat angle
are 1.8 toe.
kips ASD Forand
seismic loads,
2.6 kips using
LRFD the seats
based on 3-
to transfer
inch shear isfillet
long 1/8-inch generally
welds not permitted.
on each The specifying
seat angle professional
toe. For seismic loads,should
using contact
the seatsa
joist
to supplier
transfer to confirm
shear the available
is generally rolloverThe
not permitted. strength of joist
specifying seats.
professional should contact a
joist supplier to confirm the available rollover strength of joist seats.
For K-Series joist construction, a 2-1/2” x 2-1/2” length of HSS is ideal for a shear
collector.
For The specifying
K-Series professional
joist construction, must xdetermine
a 2-1/2” the HSS
2-1/2” length wall thickness,
of HSS is ideal forthealength,
shear
and the welding
collector. requirements
The specifying for themust
professional collector. Weld the
determine strength can thickness,
HSS wall be determined using
the length,
equations in the AISI Specification (AISI, 2020) or AWS 1.3 (AWS, 2018).
and the welding requirements for the collector. Weld strength can be determined using
equations in the AISI Specification (AISI, 2020) or AWS 1.3 (AWS, 2018).
Note: OSHA regulations do not allow for shop installation of shear collector members as
they are
Note: a tripping
OSHA hazarddofornot
regulations theallow
walking or working
for shop surface.
installation of shear collector members as
they are a tripping hazard for the walking or working surface.
For LH-Series joists, an HSS, an angle with a 5” leg length, or a 5” deep channel section
can LH-Series
For be used asjoists,
a shear collector.
an HSS, The flange
an angle with aof5”the
leg channel
length, or must
a 5”be located
deep suchsection
channel that it
falls at a location where 5/8” arc spot welds can be made.
can be used as a shear collector. The flange of the channel must be located such that it
falls at a location where 5/8” arc spot welds can be made.

Figure 1.12
Shear Transfer Member with K-Series Joist
Figure 1.12
Shear Transfer Member with K-Series Joist

21
21
21
 Figure 1.13 1.13
Figure
Shear Transfer Figure 1.13
Member with with
LH-Series JoistJoist
Shear Transfer Member LH-Series
Shear Transfer Member with LH-Series Joist
Figure 1.13
Shown in Figure
Shown 1.141.14
in Figure is Shear
aisdetail of the
aTransfer
detail vertical
of the
Member brace
vertical
with to
brace
LH-Series atojoist
Joist girder.
a joist ThisThis
girder. typetype
of detail
of detail
Shown
cancan in Figure
be used 1.14 is the
to transfer a detail of thediaphragm
collected vertical brace
force totoathe
joistvertical
girder.bracing.
This type of brace
The detail
be used to transfer the collected diaphragm force to the vertical bracing. The brace
can be used
is connected to transfer
to the joist the collected diaphragm force to the vertical bracing. The brace
Shown in Figure
is connected 1.14
to the agirder
is joist
detail bottom
of the
girder chord
vertical
bottom to avoid
brace
chord topossible
a joist
to avoid interference
girder.
possible with
This type
interference the
ofwith bottom
detail
the bottom
is
can connected
chord
be or
usedweb to the
members
toweb joist
transfer girder bottom
if connected
the collected chord
at the
diaphragm to avoid
topforce
of thepossible
column.
tothe
thecolumn.interference with the
vertical bracing. The brace bottom
chord or members if connected at the top of
ischord or web
connected to members if connected
the joist girder at the
bottom chord top ofpossible
to avoid the column.interference with the bottom
chord or web members if connected at the top of the column.

Figure 1.14 1.14

Figure
Figure
Figure 1.14
Brace 1.14
Detail
Brace Detail
Brace Detail
Brace Detail

22 22
22 22
22
Since
Sincethetheforce
forceininthe
thetop
topchord
chordmust
mustbe
betransferred
transferredtotothe
thebottom
bottomchord,
chord,aadiagram
diagramsuch
such
asthe
as theone
oneshown
shownininFigure
Figure1.15
1.15must
mustbe
beshown
shownon onthe
thestructural
structuraldrawings
drawingssosothat
thatthe
the
joistmanufacturer
joist manufacturercan candesign
designthe
theweb
websystem
systemtototransfer
transferthe
theforce
forcetotothe
thebottom
bottomchord.
chord.

AAnote
noteindicating
indicatingthat
thatthe
thejoist
joistmanufacturer
manufacturerisistotodesign
designthe
theweb
websystem
systemtototransfer
transferthe
the
force FF from
force from top
top chord
chord toto the
the bottom
bottom chord
chord should
should be
be provided
provided by by the
the specifying
specifying
professional.Shown
professional. ShownininFigure
Figure1.16
1.16isisaaphoto
photoofofaabracing
bracingcondition
conditionififthe
theforce
forcetransfer
transferisis
directlythrough
directly throughaajoist
joistrather
ratherthan
thanthrough
throughaajoist
joistgirder.
girder.

Figure
Figure1.15
1.15
ForceTransfer
Force TransfertotoBottom
BottomChord
Chord

Figure
Figure1.16
1.16
Vertical
VerticalBrace
BracetotoJoist
JoistBottom
BottomChord
Chord

23
23
23
WALL BRACING
The details shown in Figures 1.17 and 1.18 can be used for wall bracing. When the steel
deck is spanning perpendicular to a wall, the deck must be checked for combined axial
and bending, and the number of arc welds must be determined. Design tools are available
from some deck manufacturers to check the steel deck.

Figure 1.17
Joist used as a Wall Brace

Figure 1.18
Deck used as a Wall Brace

24
24
The use of steel deck as wall anchorage (brace) eliminates individual steel shapes such
as channels or angles being used as wall anchorage which may have to be spliced and
detailed correctly when crossing over the steel joists. Such details have proven to be
costly to provide and install, thus the steel deck option should be explored first before
using steel shapes to anchor walls.

Wall anchorage for seismic loads must be designed in accordance with ASCE 7, Section
12.11 “Structural Walls And Their Anchorage”, and must include the 1.4 factor for steel
elements as required for Seismic Design Categories C, D, E, and F. The governing upper
value for the anchorage force must be multiplied by the joist spacing and tributary wall
height and 1.4 to arrive at the final wall anchorage force. The force is normally expressed
in kips, rounded up to the nearest 0.1 kips. This value is normally expressed as E in a
joist designation table or shown in the detail showing the joist at the wall.

Brace forces can be transferred into the diaphragm through the joist seats and then into
the top chord, which in turn transmits the forces into the diaphragm. The bottom of the
joist seat is vertically offset from the chord centroid and the diaphragm. This vertical offset
(eccentricity) must be considered when transferring forces from the bottom of the seat to
the top chord (refer to Figure 1.19).

Chord Moment

Figure 1.19
Bending in Chord due to Eccentricity

Joist manufacturers have different methods of reinforcement to handle the vertical offset.
There are upper limits to the force based on the type and extent of reinforcement.
Alternatively, a plate can be utilized to transfer the force directly from the wall into the joist
top chord. Figure 1.20 illustrates such a detail.

25
25
 FigureFigure
1.20 1.20
Transfer Plate from
Transfer Plate Wall
fromto Joist
Wall to or Girder
Joist Top Chord
or Girder Top Chord

Continuous
Continuous TiesTies
Continuous
Continuous ties are
ties required
are required
between
between
diaphragm
diaphragm
chordschords
if theif walls
the walls
are concrete,
are concrete, pre- pre-
cast,cast,
or CMUor CMUper ASCE
per ASCE
7 Section
7 Section
12.11.2.2.1.
12.11.2.2.1.
The The
load load
path path
to constitute
to constitute
a continuous
a continuous
tie between
tie betweentwo joists
two joists
over over
a joist
a girder
joist girder
or a steel
or a steel
beam beam
shouldshould
be shown
be shown
on the onstructural
the structural
details
details
alongalong
with with
the magnitude
the magnitude of theof force.
the force.
The The
load load
path path
as shown
as shownin Figure
in Figure
1.21 1.21
is is
not recommended.
not recommended. To transfer
To transfer
the force
the force
in one
in one
joist joist
to the
to adjacent
the adjacentjoist,joist,
the topthe chord
top chord
forceforce
mustmust
passpassthru the
thrujoist
the joist
seat,seat,
thru the
thruconnection
the connectionof theofseat
the seat
to thetotop
thechord
top chord
of the of the
joist joist
girder,girder,
thru the
thrugap
the between
gap between the joist
the joist
girder
girder
top chord
top chord
angles,
angles,
and upandtoup thetotop
thechord
top chord
of theofadjacent
the adjacentjoist joist
in a similar
in a similar
manner.
manner.Specifying
Specifying
a topaplate
top plate
as shown
as shownin Figure
in Figure
1.22 1.22
or tieorangles as shown
tie angles in Figure
as shown 1.23 1.23
in Figure provides a better
provides load load
a better path.path.

26 26
26
 Figure
Figure 1.21
1.21
Figure 1.21
Poor
Poor Load
Load
Poor Path
Path
Load for
forfor
Path Chord
Chord Axial
Axial
Chord Force
Force
Axial Force

Figure 1.22
Figure
Figure1.22
1.22
Joist with Tie Plate
Joist
Joistwith
withTie
TiePlate
Plate
27
27
27
27
 Figure 1.23 1.23
Figure
Figure
JoistJoist 1.23
with with
Tie Angles
Tie Angles
Joist with Tie Angles

When Whenall the joists

all the bearing
joists on aonwall
bearing are are
a wall designed
designed for the wallwall
for the anchorage
anchorage forces, the the
forces,
When
anchorageall the joists
forces bearing on
can be transferred a wall are
fromfrom designed
the joists for
into into the
the roof wall anchorage
diaphragm. Whenforces, the
onlyonly
the
anchorage
anchorage forcesforces
can can be transferred
be ties
transferred from the joists
the joists into the the roof
roof diaphragm.
diaphragm. When Whenonly the the
joists forming
joists continuous
forming continuous are at the column lines, the joists, and ties between joist ends,
joists forming
mustmust
be designedcontinuous
to ties ties
accommodate
arethe
are at at column
tie
the column
forces. lines,
At
lines,
column
the joists,
the joists,
lines, and and ties
tiesand
joists
between
between
joist joistjoist
girders ends,
can
ends,
must be designed
be designed to accommodate
to accommodate tie forces.
tie forces. At column
At column lines,lines, joists
joists and and joist girders can
be detailed
be detailed to bear
to at the
bear at same
the sameelevation.
elevation.When When the the
joist girders
joist arejoist
girders alsogirders
are acting
also
can
as as
acting
be detailedties
continuous to inbear
the at the same elevation.
perpendicular direction, itWhen
takes the joist
careful girdersofare
detailing the also
tie acting as
connections
continuous
continuous ties
tiesboth
in thein the perpendicular direction, it takes careful detailing of the tie connections
to ensure
to ensurethat that tieperpendicular
both directions
tie do direction,
directions not
do not
it takes
interfere
interfere
careful
or cause
or cause
detailing of
installation the tie connections
problems.
installation problems.
to ensure that both tie directions do not interfere or cause installation problems.
WhenWhensteelsteel
deckdeck
is used as wall
is used anchorage,
as wall anchorage,it is itadvisable to avoid
is advisable butting
to avoid the deck
butting sheets
the deck sheets
When
to steelcontinuity.
provide deck is used as wall
Instead, anchorage,
lapped deck it is advisable
connections torecommended.
are avoid butting the deck
This is sheets
due to to
to to provide
provide continuity.
continuity. Instead,
Instead, lappedlapped
deck deck connections
connections are are recommended.
recommended. ThisThis
is is
due due
to
the the
typical joistjoist
typical manufacturing practice
manufacturing of maintaining
practice of maintaininga gap
a between
gap the the
between chord angles
chord of
the joist.
the typical joist manufacturing
Figures 1.24a and practice
1.24b of maintaining
illustrate the lapped a gap between
condition verses thebutted
the angles of of
angles
chord condition.
the joist.
the joist. Figures
Figures 1.24a1.24a
andand 1.24b
1.24b illustrate
illustrate the lapped
the lapped condition
condition verses
verses the butted
the butted condition.
condition.

28 28
28
28
 Figure
Figure
Figure 1.24a
1.24a
Figure
1.24a1.24a Figure
Figure
Figure 1.24b
1.24b
Figure
1.24b1.24b

Joist
Joist
Joist girders
girders
Joist asas
girders
girders
as continuous
continuous
continuoustietie
as continuous
tie lines
lines
lines
tieareare
lines
are normally
normally
are
normally interconnected
normally
interconnected
interconnected at at
interconnected thethe
at the
at column
column
column
the columnlines
lines
lines
by by
lines
by by
knife
knife
knife plates
plates
knife
plates which
plates
which
which are
which
areare welded
welded
welded
are weldedto
to to both
both
both angles
toangles
both
angles on
angles
onon both
both
both joist
onjoist
both
joist girders
girders
joist
girders as
girders
asas shown
shown
shown
as shownin Figure
in Figure
in Figure 1.25.
in Figure
1.25.
1.25.1.25.

Figure
Figure
Figure 1.25
1.25
Figure
1.25 1.25
Knife
Knife
Knife Plate
Plate
Knife
Plate Connecting
Connecting
Plate
Connecting Joist
Connecting
Joist
Joist Girders
Girders
Joist
Girders
Girders

2929
29
29 29
 EXPANSION JOINTS
Several situations
EXPANSION
EXPANSION JOINTS
JOINTS arise with respect to expansion joints. Obviously, bridging cannot be
extended
Several
Severalsituationsthrough
situationsarise an expansion
arise with
withrespect joint.toAt
respect expansionjoints.
toexpansion joint locations,
joints. Obviously,
Obviously, it is recommended
bridging
bridging cannot
cannotbe that
be
a row of through
extended
extended diagonal
throughan bridging
anexpansion be placed
expansion joint. on
joint.At each
Atexpansion side joint
expansion ofjoint
thelocations,
expansion
locations, it itisjoint so that the forces
isrecommended
recommended that
that
aawhich
row
rowofofaccumulate
diagonal
diagonalbridging in the bottom
bridging bebeplaced bridging
placed ononeach lineside
each can
sideofbe ofthetransferred
theexpansion
expansion upjoint to the
joint top
sosothat
thatchord
the of the
theforces
forces
joistsaccumulate
which
which and into the
accumulate ininroof
the or
thebottom floorbridging
bottom diaphragm
bridging line orcan
linecan into another
bebetransferred
transferredbracing
upuptotothe system
thetop that
topchord
chord may
ofofthebe
the
present
joists
joists and
andatinto
thethe
into top chord.
theroofroofororfloorfloordiaphragm
diaphragmororinto intoanother
anotherbracing
bracingsystem systemthat thatmay maybebe
present
presentatatthe thetoptopchord.
chord.
Another situation that arises is how to allow the joists to slide on the joist girders at an
expansion
Another
Another joint. Some
situation
situation that specifying
thatarises
arises isishow professionals
how totoallow
allowthe thespecify
joists
joiststoto the useonon
slide
slide ofthe Teflon
thejoist pads
joistgirders placed
girders atatanon
an
the joist seats
expansion
expansion joint.to
joint. Some facilitate
Some the sliding
specifying
specifying of these specify
professionals
professionals joists.
specify Holes
the
theuseareofoften
use ofTeflon
Teflonspecified
pads in theon
padsplaced
placed top
on
chord
the
the joist ofseats
joist the joist
seats girder
totofacilitate
facilitatesothe that
the boltsof
sliding
sliding can be placed
ofthese
these joists. connecting
joists.Holes Holesare the
areoften
often joists
specifiedto theinin
specified top
the chord
the top
top
and preventing
chord
chord ofofthe joistthe
thejoist girder joists
girder from
sosothat sliding
thatbolts
boltscan offbe
can the top chord
beplaced
placed of the joist
connecting
connecting the girder.
thejoistsjoiststoto One
the
thetopside of the
topchord
chord
joistpreventing
and
and girder must
preventing the be
the stabilized
joists
joistsfrom by firmly
fromsliding
sliding bolting
offoffthe
thetop or
topchord welding
chord ofofthe the
thejoistjoists
joistgirder.
girder. to One
theOnetop
side chord.
side ofofthe In
the
addition,
joist
joist girder
girder uplift
must
mustbraces can be by
bebestabilized
stabilized extended
byfirmly from
firmlybolting the
bolting ororjoists
welding
weldingonlytheon one
thejoists
joists side
tototheof
thethe
top
top joist
chord.girder.
chord. InIn
In lieu of
addition,
addition, providing
uplift
uplift braces
braces holes,
cancanbebe aextended
separate
extendedfrom plate
fromthe has
thejoistsbeen
joists used
only
only toone
ononone allow
side sidethe expansion
ofofthe
thejoist and
joistgirder.
girder.
contraction
InInlieu to occur.
lieuofofproviding
providing The adetails
holes,
holes, aseparateof such
separate plate a plate
plate has
hasbeenisbeen
shown used
usedintoFigure
toallow
allow 1.26.
thetheexpansion
expansionand and
contraction
contractiontotooccur. occur.The Thedetails
detailsofofsuch sucha aplateplateisisshown
shownininFigure Figure1.26. 1.26.

Figure 1.26
Expansion
Figure
Figure
1.26Joint
1.26
Expansion
Expansion Joint
Joint

30
30
3030
WIND LOADS

Wind Uplift Pressures

Roofs are subjected to uplift forces induced by wind blowing on and over the building.
These forces vary in intensity depending on building exposure, building geometry, and wind
velocity. The force also varies in intensity over the roof surface. The intensity at roof edges
and corners is the greatest.

Building codes provide minimum wind forces on main wind force resisting systems as well
as components and cladding. For example, Chapters 26 to 30 of ASCE 7 provide multiple
approaches for the determination of wind loads on the various elements of a structure.

In ASCE 7 Chapter 30, components and cladding are identified as structural elements
within the building envelope that are not considered part of the primary wind force resisting
system. Components encompass roof joists, roof purlins, and wall studs. Examples of
cladding are wall and roof sheathing. These components receive wind loads from the
cladding and subsequently transmit these loads to the main wind force resisting system.
Components and cladding are designed to withstand elevated wind pressures compared
to the main wind force resisting system. This is attributed to the potential presence of
localized wind turbulence which can arise at building ridges and corners. The effective wind
area, as defined in ASCE, Chapter 30, is used to calculate the external pressure
coefficients. The specifying professional is responsible for providing the pressure zone
locations and the net pressures that act on components and cladding. These pressures
depend on the effective area of the components and cladding.

Should the project require FM Global insurance underwriting, the specifying professional
for the project should consult with the FM Global regional engineer to determine any
provisions that he or she may require to be met as part of the design of the structural
system. The specifying professional remains responsible for the interpretation of these
requirements on the job.

The uplift resistance of the joist seat itself, along with the capacity of the welds or bolts
which connect the seat to the supporting structure, are vital links in the load path when
considering wind uplift in a roof system. The specifying professional must specify net uplift
loads required for the joist manufacturer to incorporate in the joist design.

In the 45th Edition of the SJI Specification and Load and Weight Tables for Steel Joists and
Joist Girders Catalog (SJI, 2020c), in the section on end anchorage for uplift, it states that
“The adequacy of the end anchorage connection (bolted or welded) between the joist or
joist girder bearing seat and the supporting structure is the responsibility of the specifying
professional.” The joist manufacturer is responsible for the design of the bearing seats of
the joists and joist girders for the loads designated by the specifying professional on the
contract documents. See Section 6.1(b) of the SJI COSP.

31
31
For additional information on welded and bolted end anchorage uplift capacities and
design examples, refer to SJI Technical Digest 6, Structural Design of Steel Joist Roofs
to Resist Uplift Loads (SJI, 2012).

Also see the load diagrams and schedules in this digest for properly specifying wind uplift
criteria to the joist supplier.

Downward Wind Pressures

While roofs are commonly associated with resisting upward wind forces, the consideration
of downward wind pressures is equally crucial for a comprehensive structural design.
These pressures are influenced by factors such as building geometry, wind speed,
exposure, and the local terrain. The correct determination of downward wind pressures
ensures the stability and safety of the entire structure.

Calculating Wind Pressures

Determining wind pressures involves evaluating the wind load acting on the roof surface
and its components. Building codes, such as ASCE 7, provide methods and coefficients
for calculating these pressures accurately. Steel joists are most commonly used in low-
rise buildings. The steps for determining wind pressures can be found by following the
guidance provided by ASCE 7 Chapter 30 and briefly summarized as:
1. Determine the building’s risk category.
2. Determine the basic wind speed, V, for the applicable risk category.
3. Determine the wind load parameters:
a. Wind directionality factor, Kd
b. Exposure Category B, C, or D
c. Topographic factor, Kzt
d. Ground elevation factor, Ke
e. Enclosure classification
f. Internal pressure coefficient, GCpi
4. Determine velocity pressure exposure coefficient, Kh
5. Determine velocity pressure, qh
6. Determine external pressure coefficient GCp
7. Calculate wind pressure, p

Be sure to reference the appropriate building codes for the most up to date information
as well as for any applications that do not meet the low-rise building definition.

32
32
JOIST AND JOIST GIRDER BRIDGING AND BRACING

Types of Bridging
Bridging is supplied horizontal or diagonal. Horizontal bridging is installed by welding the
bridging directly to the top and bottom chords of the joists. Diagonal bridging can also be
installed by welding but is most often installed by bolting since the SJI Specification and
OSHA often require bolting as the connection method.

Bridging is an integral component of the open web steel joist system that braces joists
against unanticipated horizontal movement during erection and while placing construction
loads and to permanently restrain the joist chords from out-of-plane or lateral movement
when other means are not present. See Figures 1.27 and 1.28.

Refer to SJI Technical Digest 2, Bridging and Bracing of Steel Joists and Joist Girders,
(SJI, 2023), for detailed discussion relative to bridging.

Joist Girder Bracing

Joist girders do not have bridging in the same sense as typical open web steel joists.
However, the same three objectives must be achieved: erection stability, construction
bracing, and permanent bracing. See Figure 1.29.

Contract Documents
It is acceptable for the contract documents supplied to the joist manufacturer to show only
the standard joist designations or designation load requirements and none of the bridging
requirements. In such cases, the contract documents shall include a note: “Bridging
requirements shall be determined by joist supplier.”

However, it is not an uncommon practice for the contract documents to include the bridging
requirements. In such cases, other trades bidding work on the project can see more of the
extent of the joist bridging. If bridging sizes or amount of bridging shown on the contract
documents exceeds the bridging required per SJI Specifications, the joist manufacturer will
supply the specified bridging unless the specified size and/or quantity is revised through
coordination between the joist supplier and the specifying professional. It is important to
remember that the joist supplier may increase the specified bridging to meet either SJI
Specifications or joist design requirements.

33
33
 Figure 1.27
Bolted Diagonal Figure 1.27
Bridging Termination at Wall
Figure 1.27 1.27
Figure
Bolted Diagonal Bridging Termination at Wall
Bolted Diagonal
Bolted Figure
Bridging
Diagonal 1.27
Termination
Figure
Bridging 1.27 at Wall
Termination at Wall
Bolted Diagonal Bridging Termination
Bolted Diagonal at Wall at Wall
Bridging Termination

Figure 1.28
FigureTermination
Horizontal Bridging 1.28 at Beam
Figure 1.28 1.28
Figure
Horizontal Bridging Termination at Beam
Horizontal
Horizontal Figure
Bridging 1.28
Termination
Bridging Figure at Beam
1.28
Termination at Beam
HorizontalHorizontal
Bridging Termination at Beam at Beam
Bridging Termination

Figure 1.29
Figure
Joist 1.29
Girder Brace
Figure 1.29 1.29
Figure
Joist Girder Brace
Figure
Joist Girder
Joist 1.29
Brace
Figure
Girder 1.29
Brace
Joist Girder
34 Brace
Joist Girder Brace
34
34 34
34
34 34
For
For additional
additional details and information
details and information on
on bridging,
bridging, refer
refer to
to SJI
SJI Technical
Technical Digest
Digest 2,
2, Bridging
Bridging
and Bracing of Steel Joists and Joist Girders, (SJI 2023).
and Bracing of Steel Joists and Joist Girders, (SJI 2023).

Responsibility of
Responsibility of the
the Specifying
Specifying Professional
Professional for for Bridging
Bridging Anchorage
Anchorage
There are many different methods to adequately anchor or terminate
There are many different methods to adequately anchor or terminate bridging. bridging. Most
Most ofof
these methods
these methods involve
involve other
other components
components of of the
the building
building design.
design. Thus,
Thus, the
the design
design ofof this
this
anchorage is to be determined by the specifying professional. Per Section 6.1(b)
anchorage is to be determined by the specifying professional. Per Section 6.1(b) of the SJI of the SJI
COSP, “The specifying professional is responsible for bridging termination
COSP, “The specifying professional is responsible for bridging termination connections. connections.
The contract
The contract documents
documents shall
shall clearly
clearly illustrate
illustrate these
these termination
termination connections.”
connections.” Table
Table 2.7-1
2.7-1
provides the minimum bridging force for standard designation joists. Table
provides the minimum bridging force for standard designation joists. Table 2.7-2 of the 2.7-2 of the
COSP can
COSP can also
also bebe used
used to
to conservatively
conservatively determine
determine thethe maximum
maximum bridging
bridging force
force for
for aa
given joist spacing.
given joist spacing.

35
35
35
See
See SJI Technical Digest
SJI Technical Digest 2
2 for
for additional
additional information
information on
on bridging.
bridging.
If
If the
the contract
contract documents
documents indicates
indicates angle
angle bracing
bracing in
in the
the joist
joist space
space adjacent
adjacent to to beam
beam
framing, these angles are considered other miscellaneous steel and will not
framing, these angles are considered other miscellaneous steel and will not be supplied be supplied
by
by the
the joist
joist manufacturer.
manufacturer. If If these
these braces
braces apply
apply any
any additional
additional loads
loads toto the
the joists,
joists, itit is
is
imperative that the contract drawings clearly note the load location, magnitude,
imperative that the contract drawings clearly note the load location, magnitude, direction, direction,
and
and load
load type
type so
so that
that the
the joist
joist manufacturer
manufacturer can
can properly
properly design
design the
the joists
joists for
for the
the loads.
loads.
Loads perpendicular to joists cannot be resisted by joists and must
Loads perpendicular to joists cannot be resisted by joists and must be resisted by be resisted by
alternate means.
alternate means.

It is
It is good
good practice
practice to to eliminate
eliminate diagonal
diagonal bridging between the
bridging between the last
last joist
joist and
and anan end
end wallwall
and substitute with horizontal bridging at this location. This will allow the joist
and substitute with horizontal bridging at this location. This will allow the joist and the end and the end
wall to deflect independently. This situation occurs with hard wall systems
wall to deflect independently. This situation occurs with hard wall systems where the joist where the joist
deflects and
deflects and the
the end
end wall
wall does
does not.
not. In
In these
these situations,
situations, the
the diagonal
diagonal bridging
bridging may
may tear
tear out
out
of the wall or its attachment to the wall may fail because the diagonal bridging
of the wall or its attachment to the wall may fail because the diagonal bridging will act like will act like
a vertical
a vertical support
support and and will
will attempt
attempt toto carry
carry the
the joist
joist vertical
vertical load.
load. If
If damage
damage occurs,
occurs, thethe
bridging will no longer be effective.
bridging will no longer be effective.

36
36
36
MOMENT
MOMENTCONNECTIONS
CONNECTIONS
The purpose
The purpose
of this of section
this section
is to is
inform
to inform
and to andassist
to assist
specifying
specifying
professionals
professionals
with the
with the
MOMENT
MOMENT
proper
properCONNECTIONS
designCONNECTIONS
design
of joistof girder
joist girder
moment momentconnections.
connections.
The purpose
The purposeof of
thisthis
section
sectionis is
to to
inform
informandandto to
assist specifying
assist specifying professionals
professionals with thethe
with
proper design
proper
The basicdesign
The basic of joist
of
connection
connectiongirder
joist moment
girder
used used moment
by allbyjoist connections.
connections.
all girder
joist girder
manufacturers
manufacturers
for simple
for simple
spansspans
is shown
is shown
in in
Figure
Figure
1.30.1.30.
The manufacturer
The manufacturer designsdesigns
the joist
the joist
girdergirder
seat seat
for the for imposed
the imposed
vertical
vertical
The basic
The connection
basic
concentrated connection
concentrated
loads.loads. used
usedbybyall all
joist girder
joist manufacturers
girder manufacturers forfor
simple
simplespans is shown
spans is shown in in
Figure 1.30.
Figure The
1.30. The manufacturer
manufacturer designs
designs thethejoist girder
joist seat
girder forfor
seat thetheimposed
imposed vertical
vertical
concentrated
concentratedloads.
loads.

FigureFigure
1.30 1.30
The Basic
The Connection
Basic Connection
Figure 1.301.30
Figure
TheThe
Basic Connection
Basic Connection

The basic
The basic
connection
connection becomes
becomes
a moment
a moment
connection
connection
whenwhen
the bottom
the bottom
chordchord
of theofjoist
the joist
girdergirder
is welded
is welded
to thetostabilizer
the stabilizer
plate.plate.
This connection
This connection
has very
has limited
very limited
moment
moment
capacity.
capacity.
The
ItsThebasic
Itsbasic
strength connection
connection
strength
is limited becomes
is limited
by by abending
becomes
bendingmoment
a moment connection
stresses connection
stresses
induced when
inwhen
induced the
the bottom
in the
top
the top chord
bottom
chord by of
chord
chord thethe
of
load
by joist
loadjoist
path path
girder
girderis welded
is
eccentricities welded
eccentricities to
as shownthe
to stabilizer
the plate.
stabilizer
as shown
in Figure This
plate.
in Figure connection
This
1.31.1.31. connectionhas very
has verylimited moment
limited momentcapacity.
capacity.
ItsIts
strength
strength is is
limited
limitedbybybending
bending stresses
stressesinduced
inducedin in
thethe toptopchord
chordbyby
load
load path
path
eccentricities as shown in Figure
eccentricities as shown in Figure 1.31. 1.31.
ChordChordMoment Moment
Chord Moment
Chord Moment
e e
e e
FigureFigure
1.31 1.31
Chord Chord
Bending
Bending
Figure 1.31
Figure 1.31
Chord Bending
Chord Bending

37 37
37
37 37
The purpose of this section is to discuss SJI moment connection design tools that are
available to engineers and detailers. These tools can assist the specifying professional by
making the design process more timely and complete. SJI provides six different
spreadsheets to assist in the design of moment connections. Each can be used to calculate
The purpose
connection of this based
strength sectiononis the
to discuss
necessarySJIlimit
moment
states.connection design tools
Each spreadsheet that are
provides for
The
available purpose of this section is to discuss SJI moment connection design tools that are by
the designtoof engineers and detailers.
a joist girder framing intoTheseonetools
sidecan assist
or both the specifying
sides of a column.professional
A reference
available
making to engineers and detailers.
more These
timelytools
andcan assist the specifying professional by
manual isthe design
provided process
with each spreadsheet, complete.
explaining SJI provides
the calculations.
making the design process more timely and complete. SJI provides six different
Shownsix indifferent
Figure
spreadsheets
1.32 is an to assist
example in the design of moment connections. Each can be used to calculate
cover.
spreadsheets to assist in the design of moment connections. Each can be used to calculate
connection strength
connection based
strength basedononthethenecessary limit states.
necessary limit states.Each
Each spreadsheet
spreadsheet provides
provides for for
the design of aofjoist
the design girder
a joist framing
girder framinginto
into one side or
one side orboth
bothsides
sides
of of a column.
a column. A reference
A reference
manual is provided with each
eachspreadsheet,
spreadsheet, explaining thecalculations.
calculations. Shown in Figure
manual
1.32 1.32
is anisexample
an exampleREFERENCE MANUAL
is provided with
cover.
cover.
explaining the Shown in Figure

AND
REFERENCE MANUAL
REFERENCE
SPREADSHEET MANUAL
USERS
AND
AND
GUIDE
SPREADSHEET USERS
SPREADSHEET USERS
GUIDE
GUIDE
Joist Girder Moment Connections to
HSS Columns - Top Plate
Joist Girder Moment Connections to
HSS Columns
Joist Girder Moment- Top Plate
Connections to
HSS Columns - Top Plate
Version 4.0
Version 4.0

Version 4.0

Steel Joist Institute

Steel
140 W. JoistSt.
Evans Institute
Suite 203
140 W. EvansSC
Florence, St. 29501
Suite 203
Florence, SC 29501
Phone: (843) 407-4091
Phone: (843) 407-4091
www.steeljoist.org
www.steeljoist.org
Steel Joist Institute
140 W. Evans St. Suite 203
Florence,
FigureSC
Figure 29501
1.32
1.32
Reference
Reference ManualPhone:
Manual for (843)
forJoist
Joist 407-4091
Girder
Girder Moment
MomentConnections
Connections
www.steeljoist.org

Figure 1.32
Reference Manual for Joist38
Girder Moment Connections
38

38
38
The sixThe
connection
six connection
spreadsheets
spreadsheets
are: are:
1. Connection
1. Connection
to the Strong
to the Strong
Axis ofAxis
WideofFlange
Wide Flange
Columns.
Columns.
2. Connection
2. Connection
to the Strong
to the Strong
Axis ofAxis
WideofFlange
Wide Flange
ColumnsColumns
- Intermediate
- Intermediate
Levels.Levels.
3. Connection
3. Connection
to the Weak
to the Axis
WeakofAxis
WideofFlange
Wide Flange
Columns.
Columns.
4. Connection
4. Connection
to HSStoColumns
HSS Columns
- Top Plate.
- Top Plate.
5. Connection
5. Connection
to HSStoColumns
HSS Columns
- Knife -Plate.
Knife Plate.
6. Connection
6. Connection
to WidetoFlange
Wide Flange
Columns Columns
- Knife -Plate.
Knife Plate.

Although
Although
the spreadsheets
the spreadsheets
are specifically
are specifically
writtenwritten
for the for
design
the design
of moment
of moment
connections,
connections,
they can
they
also
can
bealso
usedbefor
used
cases
for where
cases a
where
joist girder
a joisttop
girder
andtop
bottom
and bottom
chord axial
chordload
axial
transfer
load transfer
is required.
is required.

Consider
Consider
the Joist the Girder
Joist Girder
Moment Moment
Connection
Connection
to the to Strong
the Strong
Axis ofAxis a Wide
of a Flange
Wide Flange
Column Column
(Figures (Figures
1.33 and1.331.34).
and 1.34).
In theseIn details,
these details,
the joistthegirder
joist girder
verticalvertical
reaction reaction
is is
supported
supported
by a stiffened
by a stiffened
seat welded
seat welded
to the column
to the column
flange.flange.
If the joist
If thegirder
joist is
girder
modeledis modeled
as a truss,
as a thetruss,
chordthe forces
chord forces
are obtained
are obtained
directlydirectly
from the from
model;
the model;
however, however,
if joist girders
if joist girders
are modeled
are modeled
as beam as elements,
beam elements,
chord forces
chord forces
are determined
are determinedby resolving
by resolving
end moments
end moments
into force
intocouples.
force couples.
The top Thechord
top force
chordisforce
transferred
is transferred
to the tocolumn
the column
by a top by plate
a topfield
plate field
weldedwelded
to the chord
to the and
chordto and
the column
to the column
cap plate.
cap For
plate.
joist
Forgirders
joist girders
framingframing
to bothtosidesboth sides
of the column,
of the column,
the toptheplate
topisplate
also is
used
alsotoused
transfer
to transfer
continuity
continuity
forces forces
from one from joist
one girder
joist girder
to the other.
to the Bottom
other. Bottom
chord force
chordisforce
transferred
is transferred
to the column
to the column
via theviastabilizer
the stabilizer
plates.plates.
The The
numerous
numerous
limit states,
limit states,
which must
whichbe must
examined,
be examined,
are calculated
are calculated
in the spreadsheet.
in the spreadsheet.

Figure 1.33
Figure 1.33
Joist Girder
JoistMoment
Girder Moment
Connection
Connection
to the Strong
to theAxis
Strong
of aAxis
W Column
of a W Column

39 39
39
Shown in Figure 1.34 is the top plate prior to welding.

Photo
Photo Courtesy
Courtesy of
of Johnson
Johnson &
& Burkholder,
Burkholder, Engineers
Engineers

Figure
Figure 1.34
1.34
Top
Top Plate Prior to
Plate Prior to Welding
Welding

The reader is directed to the SJI website, www.steeljoist.org, for the spreadsheets.

Shown in Figures 1.35 through 1.42 are annotated screen shots of the Joist Girder
Moment Connection to W Column Strong Axis - Top Plate.

Once the user is satisfied with the design, a detail as shown in Figure 1.42 can be viewed
and/or printed out.

The tool contains the following nine tabs that can be used:
1. Tab 1, “Gen Info”. Contains general information about the tool and references.
2. Tab 2, “Format”. Provides information for the user to alter page printout.
3. Tab 3, “Side W Col Diag Variables”. Illustrates the variables used in the design
of a sidewall W column connection.
4. Tab 4, “Moment - Side W Col”. Contains the spreadsheet for the moment
connection design of a sidewall W column.
5. Tab 5, “Side W Col Diag Numbers”. Illustrates the results of the design shown
on a diagram of the sidewall W column connection.
6. Tab 6, “Int W Col Diag Variables”. Illustrates the variables used in the design
of an interior W column connection.
7. Tab 7, “Moment - Int W Col”. Contains the spreadsheet for the moment
connection design of an interior W column.
8. Tab 8, “Int W Col Diag Numbers”. Illustrates the results of the design shown on
a diagram of the interior W column connection.
9. Tab 9, “AISC Database v15”. The AISC database version 15 which is used for
the design is displayed.

40
40
JOIST
JOIST
GIRDER
GIRDER
MOMENT
MOMENT
CONX
CONX
TO TO
W COLUMN
W COLUMN
STRONG
STRONG
AXIS
AXIS
- TOP
- TOP
PLATE
PLATE

SteelSteel
JoistJoist
Institute
Institute
140 W.
140Evans
W. Evans
St. Suite
St. Suite
203 203
Florence,
Florence,
SC 29501
SC 29501
www.steeljoist.org
www.steeljoist.org

TECHNICAL
REF:REF: TECHNICAL
DIGEST
DIGEST
11 11
DESIGN
DESIGN
OF LATERAL
OF LATERAL
LOAD
LOAD
RESISTING
RESISTING
FRAMES
FRAMES
USING
USING
STEEL
STEEL
JOISTS
JOISTS
ANDAND
JOIST
JOIST
GIRDERS
GIRDERS
Copyright
Copyright
© 2020
© 2020
by Steel
by Steel
Joist Joist
Institute
Institute

Chapter
Chapter
5 - 5
CONNECTION
- CONNECTION DESIGN
DESIGNANDAND
DETAILS
DETAILS
Design
Design
of the
offollowing
the following
components
components
of theofconnections
the connections
between
between
JoistJoist
Girders
Girders
and and
W Columns
W Columnsusedused
for seismic
for seismic
Ordinary
Ordinary
MomentMoment
Frames
Frames
and heavily
and heavily
loaded
loaded
windwind
moment
moment
frames
frames
in accordance
in accordance
with with
the SJI
theStandard
SJI Standard
Specifications
Specifications
for Joist
for Joist
Girders
Girders
and the
andAISC
the AISC
15th 15th
Edition
Edition
LRFD LRFD
/ ASD/ ASD
Specification.
Specification.
Connection
Connection
DesignDesign
Components:
Components:
1. All-Welded
1. All-Welded
Stiffened
Stiffened
Seated
Seated
Connections
Connections
2. Fully
2. Fully
Restrained
Restrained
(FR)(FR)
ChordChord
to Column
to Column
Connections
Connections
3. Column
3. Column
Continuity
Continuity
Plates
Plates

TECHNICAL
REF:REF: TECHNICAL
DIGEST
DIGEST
6 6
DESIGN
DESIGN
OF STEEL
OF STEEL
JOIST
JOIST
ROOFS
ROOFS
TO RESIST
TO RESIST
UPLIFT
UPLIFT
LOADS
LOADS
Copyright
Copyright
© 2012
© 2012
by Steel
by Steel
Joist Joist
Institute
Institute

Chapter
Chapter
5 - 5END- END
ANCHORAGE
ANCHORAGE FORFOR
UPLIFT
UPLIFT
LOADS
LOADS
Design
Design
of the
ofJoist
the Joist
Girders
Girders
with with
bolted
bolted
end anchorage
end anchorage
- bolted
- bolted
bearing
bearing
seatsseats
for uplift
for uplift
anchorage.
anchorage.

PURPOSE
PURPOSE
The The
purpose
purpose
of this
of workbook
this workbook
is to is
provide
to provide
a design
a design
aid for
aidthe
fordesign
the design
of moment
of moment
end connections
end connections
for single
for single
storystory
momentmoment
resisting
resisting
joist joist
girder
girder
frames.
frames.

The The
design
design
worksheets
worksheets
in this
in workbook
this workbook
are arranged
are arranged
suchsuch
that "USER"
that "USER"
inputinput
is asisshown
as shown
below.
below.

LRFD
LRFD INPUT
INPUT
values
values
are inare
boxed
in boxed
cells cells
with with
blue blue
font and
font highlighted
and highlighted
light light
yellowyellow
background.
background.

ASDASD INPUT
INPUT
values
values
are inare
boxed
in boxed
cells cells
with with
greengreen
font and
font highlighted
and highlighted
light light
yellowyellow
background.
background.

The The
"USER"
"USER"
mustmust
be familiar
be familiar
with with
the analysis
the analysis
and design
and design
procedures
procedures
of the
ofAISC
the AISC
Specification.
Specification.

Note: Note:
It is It
theis responsibility
the responsibility
of the
of Engineer
the Engineer
of Record
of Record
(EOR)
(EOR)
/ Specifying
/ Specifying
Professional
Professional
to ensure
to ensure
a a
safesafe
design,design,
including
including
the Joist
the Joist
Girder
Girder
Moment
Moment
Connection
Connection
to WtoColumn,
W Column,
in accordance
in accordance
withwith
the Applicable
the ApplicableBuilding
Building
Code.Code.

ANSI/AISC
ANSI/AISC
360-16
360-16
SPECIFICATION
SPECIFICATION
FORFOR
STRUCTURAL
STRUCTURAL
STEEL
STEEL
BUILDINGS
BUILDINGS
JulyJuly
7, 2016
7, 2016

Chapter
Chapter
B Design
B DesignRequirements
Requirements
B3. B3.
Design
Design
BasisBasis
3. Design
3. Design
for Strength
for Strength
Using
Using
LoadLoad
and and
Resistance
Resistance
Factor
Factor
Design
Design
(LRFD)
(LRFD)
Ru ≤Ru
ϕRn≤ ϕRn (Eq. (Eq.
B3-1)B3-1)
Required
Required
Strength
Strength Ru Ru
Nominal
Nominal
Strength
Strength Rn Rn
Resistance
Resistance
FactorFactor ϕ ϕ
Design
Design
Strength
Strength ϕRn ϕRn
4. Design
4. Design
for Strength
for Strength
Using
Using
Allowable
Allowable
Strength
Strength
Design
Design
(ASD)
(ASD)
Ra ≤Ra
Rn≤/ Rn
Ω /Ω (Eq. (Eq.
B3-2)B3-2)
Required
Required
Strength
Strength Ra Ra
Nominal
Nominal
Strength
Strength Rn Rn
Safety
Safety
Factor
Factor Ω Ω
Allowable
Allowable
Strength
Strength Rn / Rn
Ω /Ω

Figure
Figure
1.351.35
(Tab(Tab
1) General
1) General
Information
Information

41
41
41
Tab 2Tab
on 2
format
on format
is notisshown
not shown
as it is
asidentical
it is identical
to Tabto 2Tab
provided
2 provided
in theinSJI
theRoof
SJI Roof
Bay Tool
Bay Tool
section.
section.

FigureFigure
1.36 1.36
(Tab
(Tab 3) 3)W
Side Side
ColW Col Variables
Diag Diag Variables

42
42
42
 Pull Down to
select from the
AISC database.

Figure 1.37
(Tab 4) Moment - Side W Col

43
43
 Press to clear load data.

Figure 1.38
(Tab 4) Moment - Side W Col (Continued)

44
44
 Figure 1.39
(Tab 4) Moment - Side W Col (Continued)

45

45
 Figure 1.40
(Tab 4) Moment - Side W Col (Continued)

46
46
 Figure 1.41
(Tab 4) MomentFigure
- Side1.41
W Col (Continued)
(Tab 4) Moment - Side W Col (Continued)
47
47
47
 Figure
Figure
1.42 1.42
(Tab (Tab
5) Side
5) Side
W ColWDiag
Col Diag
Numbers
Numbers

48 48
48
VERTICAL BRACING CONNECTIONS
VERTICAL BRACING
In Figure 1.43, the plateCONNECTIONS
at the joist top chord is for force transfer from one joist to another
In
to Figure
prevent1.43, the plate
top chord at theatjoist
bending thetop
joistchord
seat.is for force transfer from one joist to another
to prevent top chord bending at the joist seat.

Figure 1.43
FigureChord
Brace to Bottom 1.43 of a Joist
Brace to Bottom Chord of a Joist
Shown in Figure 1.44 is a photograph of a vertical brace to joist bottom chord, and Figure
Shown
1.45 is ainvertical
Figure 1.44
braceisto
a the
photograph of a vertical
bottom chord brace
of a joist to joist bottom chord, and Figure
girder.
1.45 is a vertical brace to the bottom chord of a joist girder.

Figure 1.44
Vertical Brace to Joist
Figure 1.44Bottom Chord
Vertical Brace to Joist Bottom Chord

49
49
49
 Figure1.45
Figure 1.45
VerticalBrace
Vertical BraceFigure
to Figure
1.45
toFigure
Joist
Joist 1.45 Bottom
1.45
Girder
Girder BottomChord
Chord
Vertical
Vertical
Brace
Vertical Brace
to Joist
Brace toJoist
to Joist
Girder
Girder
Bottom
Girder Bottom
Chord
Bottom Chord
Chord
ROOFOPENINGS
ROOF OPENINGS
ROOF
ROOF
ROOF OPENINGS
Theframe OPENINGS
OPENINGS
frame reactionsshown
shownin inFigures
Figures1.46,
1.46,1.47,
1.47,and
and1.48
1.48maymayrequire
requirethe
theinstallation
installationof
of
The reactions
The
The
a frame
The frame
strut reactions
frame
to reactions
prevent shown
reactions shown
shown
joist topinchord
Figures
in 1.46,
inFigures
Figures 1.47,
1.46,
1.46,
bending. See and
1.47,
1.47, 1.48
and
and
Figure 1.48
1.49may
1.48 may
forrequire
maya the
require
require
strut installation
the
the
detail. of of
installation
installation of
a strut to prevent joist top chord bending. See Figure 1.49 for a strut detail.
a strut
a to
strut prevent
to joist
prevent top
joist chord
top bending.
chord See
bending. SeeFigure 1.49
Figure for
1.49 a
forstrut
a
a strut to prevent joist top chord bending. See Figure 1.49 for a strut detail.detail.
strut detail.

Figure1.46
Figure 1.46
Figure
Figure
Typical
Typical 1.46
Figure
Roof
Roof 1.46
1.46
Opening
Opening
Typical
Typical
Roof
Typical Roof
Opening
Roof Opening
Opening
50
50
5050
50
50
 Figure 1.47 1.47
Figure
Double FrameFrame
Double with Angle SeatsSeats
with Angle

The The
extended angle
extended seatsseats
angle in Fig
in1.48 are designed
Fig 1.48 to transfer
are designed the frame
to transfer reactions
the frame to joist
reactions to joist
panel points.
panel points.

Figure 1.48 1.48

Figure
Double FrameFrame
Double with Extended AngleAngle
with Extended SeatsSeats

51 51
51
 Figure 1.49
Figure 1.49
Figure 1.49
Strut for Concentrated Loads
Figure 1.49Between Panel Points
Strut for Concentrated Loads Between Panel
Strut for Concentrated Loads Between Panel Points
Points
Strut for Concentrated Loads Between Panel Points

MISCELLANEOUSDETAILS
MISCELLANEOUS DETAILS
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
IllustratedininFiguresDETAILS
DETAILS
Figures1.50,
1.50,1.51,
1.51,and
and1.52
1.52are
aredetails
detailsthat
thatfrequently
frequentlyappear
appearon
onroofs.
roofs.
Illustrated
Illustrated
Illustrated in
in Figures
Figures 1.50, 1.51, and
1.50, 1.51, and 1.52
1.52 are
are details
details that
that frequently
frequently appear
appear on
on roofs.
roofs.

Figure 1.50
Figure 1.50
Guy Wire orFigure
Screen1.50
Post Attachment
Figure 1.50
Guy
Guy Wire
Wire or
or Screen
Screen Post
Post Attachment
Attachment
Guy Wire or Screen Post Attachment

52
52
52
52
52
 FigureFigure
1.51 1.51
Beam Beam
to Joist Figure
Figure
1.51
1.51
toGirder Connection
Joist Girder Connection
Beam
Beamtoto
Joist
JoistGirder
GirderConnection
Connection

FigureFigure
1.52 1.52
Figure
Figure1.52
Joist Alternate 1.52
Joist Alternate
Joist
JoistAlternate
Alternate

SPRINKLERS
SPRINKLERS
SPRINKLERS
SPRINKLERS
The support
The of sprinkler systems requires that the specifying professional accommodate the
Thesupport
The supportof
support ofofsprinkler
sprinklersystems
sprinkler systemsrequires
systems requiresthat
requires thatthe
that thethespecifying
specifyingprofessional
specifying professionalaccommodate
professional accommodatethe
accommodate the
the
load from
load from
the sprinkler
the sprinkler
systemssystems
and provide
and provide
for the forhanger
the hanger
attachment
attachment
for the forsprinkler
the sprinkler
load
loadfrom
fromthethesprinkler
sprinklersystems
systemsand andprovide
providefor forthe
thehanger
hangerattachment
attachmentfor forthe
thesprinkler
sprinkler
systems. The support
systems. of process piping, smallsmallducts,ducts,and cable
and cable
trays trays
requiresrequires
similarsimilar
systems.The
systems. Thesupport
The supportof
support ofofprocess
processpiping,
process piping,
piping,small
smallducts,
ducts,and
andcable
cabletraystraysrequires
requiressimilar
similar
considerations.
considerations.
The The suppliers
suppliers
for these
for these
products
productsshould should
be consulted
be consulted aboutaboutsupportsupport
considerations.
considerations.The Thesuppliers
suppliersfor forthese
theseproducts
productsshouldshouldbe beconsulted
consultedabout aboutsupport
support
requirements and loads.loads.
requirements The support of sprinkler systems is a common common
issueissue
and standards
requirementsand
requirements and loads.The
andloads. Thesupport
The supportof
support ofofsprinkler
sprinklersystems
sprinkler systemsis
systems isisa
aacommon
commonissue issueandandstandards
and standards
standards
are available
are available
to aidtotheaidspecifying
the specifying
professional
professional
in designing
in designing
support
support
for these
for these
systems.systems.
are
areavailable
availabletotoaid aidthe
thespecifying
specifyingprofessional
professionalinindesigning
designingsupport
supportforforthese
thesesystems.
systems.
If theIfsprinkler
the sprinkler
pipespipes
pass pass
throughthrough
the webs
the webs
of theofjoists,
the joists,
the joist
the manufacturer
joist manufacturer
will align
will align
IfIfthethesprinkler
sprinklerpipes
pipespasspassthrough
throughthe thewebs
websofofthe thejoists,
joists,the
thejoist
joistmanufacturer
manufacturerwill
willalign
align
the web
the panels
web panels
in a bay
in atobayaccommodate
to accommodate the specified
the specified
spacing.
spacing.
The pipe
The spacing
pipe spacing
must must
thethewebwebpanels
panelsininaabaybaytotoaccommodate
accommodatethe thespecified
specifiedspacing.
spacing.The Thepipe
pipespacing
spacingmustmust
be uniform
be uniform sincesince
the joist
the web
joist configuration
web configurationis typically
is typically
uniform.
uniform.
The typical
The typical
maximum
maximum
be beuniform
uniformsince
sincethethejoist
joistweb
webconfiguration
configurationisistypically
typicallyuniform.
uniform.TheThetypical
typicalmaximum
maximum
branchbranch
line spacing
line spacing
is 10 is
feet,
10 thus,
feet, thus,
whenwhen
possible,
possible,
a 10-foot
a 10-foot
spacing spacing
should
should
be used.
be used.
branch
branchline linespacing
spacingisis10 10feet,
feet,thus,
thus,when
whenpossible,
possible,aa10-foot
10-footspacing
spacingshould
shouldbe beused.
used.
The sprinkler
The sprinkler
mainsmains
are larger
are larger
pipes,pipes,
and the
and loads
the loads
must must
be noted
be noted
on the
on contract
the contract
The
Thesprinkler
sprinklermains
mainsarearelarger
largerpipes,
pipes,and
andthetheloads
loadsmust
mustbe benoted
notedon
onthethecontract
contract
documents
documents
as they
as are
theyconsiderably
are considerably
heavier
heavier
than the
thanbranch
the branch
lines.lines.
documents
documentsasastheytheyare
areconsiderably
considerablyheavier
heavierthan
thanthe
thebranch
branchlines.
lines.
53 53
53
53
53
Loads for sprinkler systems are usually provided by the specifying professional using a
uniform collateral load of enough magnitude to account for the loads induced by the piping
system. This collateral load is added to the other loadings. Although the loads are
delivered to the joists at discrete locations, this method is used almost universally and
has proven to be reasonable and economical. Cable trays and duct systems are treated
in the same fashion. Large sprinkler pipes should be considered a special case.

The National Fire Protection Association provides guidelines for the support of sprinkler
systems in their publication Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, (NFPA, 2022).

The specifying professional and the joist manufacturer should be aware of the
requirements for Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) fire sprinkler systems. ESFR
sprinkler systems are often used in large open areas, typically warehouses, and can
present some challenges for both the joist manufacturer and the sprinkler manufacturer
as coordination of the two systems is required to insure optimal performance of both
systems. The typical obstruction criteria specified for an ESFR sprinkler system prohibits
installation of bottom chord horizontal bridging or diagonal bridging within the proximity of
the sprinkler heads. As a result, the joist manufacturer must know where each branch line
will be located prior to fabrication of the joists as the location of the bottom chord bridging
may need to be adjusted which may affect chord design. Often, the joist manufacturer will
need to move the bottom chord bridging away from the desired or optimal locations to
avoid any conflicts. As a result, additional bridging will occasionally be added, especially
for projects where uplift loads are relatively high, which translates to a heavier joist and
bridging system and higher erection cost due to the additional bridging required. Early
coordination of the two systems is highly recommended as it has proven to help minimize
additional fabrication and erection costs for both the joist and sprinkler systems. This will
also help avoid possible field conflicts which would lead to an even greater overall project
cost increase.

Sprinkler systems in areas subject to earthquakes require sway bracing to resist lateral,
longitudinal, and vertical movement resulting from seismic loading. Sway bracing must be
designed and specified by the specifying professional and must be anchored at locations
that provide a reasonable load path to the lateral load system of the structure.

Building codes may have criteria more stringent than the NFPA criteria. Also, FM Global
(FM Global, 2018) or other insurance criteria should be consulted, if appropriate.

54
54
SERVICEABILITY CONSIDERATIONS
Two categories of limit states are recognized in building codes: strength limit states and
serviceability limit states. Strength limit states control the safety of the structure and must
be met. Serviceability limit states define the functional performance of the structure and
should be met. Whether or not a structure or element has passed a limit state is a matter
of judgment. In the case of strength limits, the judgment is technical, and the rules are
established by building codes and design specifications. In the case of serviceability
limits, the judgments are frequently non-technical. They involve the perceptions and
expectations of building owners and occupants. Serviceability limits have, in general, not
been codified, in part because the appropriate or desirable limits often vary from
application to application. As such, they are more a part of the contractual agreements
with the owner than life-safety related. Thus, it is proper that they remain a matter of
contractual agreement and not specified in the building codes.

Serviceability problems cost more money to correct than would be spent preventing the
problem in the design phase. Perhaps serviceability discussions with the owner should
address the trade-off between the initial cost of the potential level of design versus the
potential mitigation costs associated with a more relaxed design. Such a comparison is
only possible because serviceability events are not safety related.

Storage and warehouse facilities and modern manufacturing facilities are generally large
single-story structures. The most significant serviceability design considerations for this
occupancy type are the following:
• roof slope and drainage
• ponding stability
• roof deflection
• wall support
• horizontal deflection and frame drift
• suspended equipment
• crane operation
• corrosion
• equipment vibration

Each of these design considerations are discussed in AISC Design Guide 3, Serviceability
Design Considerations for Steel Buildings, (West and Fisher, 2019).

Only roof slope, roof deflection, wall support, girt deflection, horizontal deflection, and
frame drift are discussed in this section.

Expansion joints were discussed earlier in the digest.

Ponding stability is discussed in the section on roof ponding.

55
55
Roof Slope and Drainage
To ensure adequate drainage, the roofing industry conventionally called for roof slopes on
the order of 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch per foot. The National Roofing Contractors Association,
(NRCA) acknowledges that building codes set limits on the minimum slope for various
membrane types (see Table 1.1). The NRCA cautions that a strict adherence to a minimum
slope such as 1/4 inch per foot may not result in positive drainage due to camber or varying
roof deflections.

The IBC (IBC, 2021) and Building Construction and Safety Codes, NFPA 5000 (NFPA,
2021) provide the following minimum slopes for standing seam and membrane roofs:
1. Standing seam metal roofs systems: 1/4 inch per foot.
2. Built-up roofing: 1/4 inch per foot., except coal tar, which requires 1/8 inch per foot.
3. Modified bitumen roofing: 1/4 inch per foot.
4. Thermoset single-ply roofing: 1/4 inch per foot.
5. Thermoplastic single-ply roofing: 1/4 inch per foot.
6. Sprayed polyurethane foam roofing: 1/4 inch per foot.
7. Liquid applied coatings: 1/4 inch per foot.

Roof slopes can be directed to drains by sloping the structure, using tapered insulation,
sloping fill, or by using a combination of these methods. Roof drains, gutters, or scuppers
are located at the low points. As the NRCA notes, from time to time, roof drainage points
do not occur at roof low points and can cause problems for the structure. It at first seems
logical that roof drains should be located at mid-span or mid-bay to take advantage of the
low point created by deflection. The elevation of this low point is, however, very difficult
to control and can easily be negated by camber (such as member curvature not requested
but naturally occurring nonetheless) or upward deflection due to patterned loading in
continuous designs.

If, on the other hand, drain points are located at columns, more control is possible. Within
the limits of fabrication and erection tolerances, columns are known points of relative
elevation. To ensure proper drainage to a low point at a column, the maximum deflection
in the zone around the column must result in elevations that remain higher than the drain.
This criterion must be used to set elevations of supports radiating from the low point.

56
56
Roof Deflection
The integrity of the roofing field is affected by the underlying structure. The Factory Mutual
System in its Approval Guide gives maximum spans for various deck types and gages.

However, the Steel Deck Institute (SDI) provides the following different criteria:
1. A maximum deflection of span divided by 240 for uniform design live load.
2. A limit of span divided by 240 with a 200-pound concentrated load at midspan
on a 1’-0” wide section of deck.

The SDI also gives maximum recommended spans for decks subjected to maintenance
and construction loads. These are repeated in the NRCA Manual (NRCA, 2022).

These standards recognize that the localized and differential deflections induced by
concentrated loads are in general more important to the proper performance of the roof
than the uniform load capacity.

The Steel Joist Institute limits the maximum live load deflection for roof joists and joist
girders to span divided by 240. It is not typically necessary to specify a total load deflection
limit for joists or joist girders. K-Series, LH-Series, and DLH-Series joists and joist girders
are fabricated with camber per SJI Specifications Section 4.6, which tends to offset the
non-live-load deflection of any total load deflection requirements. In addition, since these
are steel structural members, IBC Table 1604.3 note g states “For steel structural
members, the deflection due to creep component of long-term dead load shall be
permitted to be taken as zero.”

The National Roofing Contractors Association Manual (NRCA, 2022) recommends a limit
on the deflection of the roof deck of span divided by 240 for total load.

Shown in Table 1.1 are deflection limits, adapted from IBC Table 1604.3, and AISC
Design Guide 3.
Table 1.1
Deflection Limits, adapted from IBC Table 1604.3
Construction Live Snow or Wind Dead + Live
Roof members:
Supporting plaster ceiling L/360 L/360 L/240
Supporting nonplaster ceiling L/240 L/240 L/180
Not supporting ceiling L/180 L/180 L/120
Roof members supporting metal
roofing: L/150 - L/60
Exterior walls and interior
partitions:
With plaster finishes - L/360 -
With other brittle finishes - L/240 -
With flexible finishes - L/120 -
Secondary wall members
Supporting metal siding - L/90 -
g. For steel structural members, the deflection due to creep component of long-term dead
load shall be permitted to be taken as zero.

57
57
Wall Support
The primary means of controlling the interaction between cladding and structure is
isolation. Isolation prevents the inadvertent loading of the cladding by movements in the
primary and secondary structure and is achieved by subdividing the cladding with joints
and by attaching the cladding to the structure in a manner that is statically determinate.
Using a statically indeterminate attachment would require a compatibility analysis of both
cladding and structure as a composite structure.

In addition to proper connections, the other key design element is joint behavior. Joints
are filled with sealants and gaskets. Movements must be controlled so that these
materials function as intended in their design.

The cladding for a building can be either sole source, such as from a metal curtain wall
manufacturer or can be built up from several disparate elements such as masonry and
window units. Each type of cladding has unique design concerns beyond those related to
cladding in general. Vertical support of cladding can be accomplished in three ways. For
single story buildings, it is often feasible to support the cladding on the foundation with
the only ties to the frame being those connections required for stability and for lateral
loads. The second method of support is for those cladding systems that require support
along the perimeter horizontal framing. For the third method of support, when vertical
support along the foundation supports the cladding, there is no connection between the
frame and cladding for vertical loads, and the limits on vertical deflection are:
1. Roof joists must have deflections compatible with the type of vertical slip
connections detailed to laterally support the cladding.
2. Roof joists must have deflections compatible with the perimeter termination of
the roofing membrane to cladding.

In addition to the deformations of the structural frame due to dead and live loads, the
primary load affecting the performance of cladding is wind load. For the evaluation of
frame drift, ten-year recurrence interval winds are recommended due to the non-
catastrophic nature of serviceability issues. In Appendix C of ASCE 7, 10-year MRI 3s
gust wind speed maps are provided. The 10-year wind speeds can be estimated by taking
75 percent of 50-year wind pressure as an approximation of the 10-year wind pressures.

Horizontal Deflection and Frame Drift

Horizontal deflection of the superstructure frame and its effect on the cladding is of a more
serious concern in this first method of support. The two modes of frame movement are:
1. Those perpendicular to the plane of cladding.
2. Those parallel to the plane of cladding.
The concern for horizontal frame deflection varies depending on whether the cladding
lateral support is statically determinate or statically indeterminate. If the cladding has only
a single tieback connection to the roof, lateral deflection perpendicular to the plane of the
cladding is:
a. Of little concern in the case of metal panel systems.
b. Of moderate concern for tilt-up concrete and full height precast systems.
c. Of great concern in masonry systems.

58
58
Metal Walls
In metal wall systems, the limitation is the behavior of the joints at the building corners.
The wall parallel to the direction of movement does not move whereas the wall
perpendicular to the movement is dragged along by the frame deflection. The allowance
for movement at corners is generally a function of the corner trim and its inherent
flexibility. Corner trim flexibility generally explains why metal clad buildings designed to a
drift limit of height divided by 60 to height divided by 100 with 10-year wind loads have
performed successfully in the past.

Tilt-up Walls
The case of tilt-up concrete and full-height precast is of only moderate concern because
the steel frame can drift, and the simple-span behavior of the panels is preserved. Again,
the critical detail remains the corner. Thus, drift limits in the range of height divided by
100 are appropriate with 10-year wind loads. It should be noted that, in some cases,
precast panel walls and tilt-up walls are buried in lieu of a foundation wall. In these cases,
drift must be limited to control cracking since these panels are now rotationally restrained
at their bases.

Masonry Walls
Perimeter masonry walls require a more detailed presentation because of the unique
nature of masonry, which has flexural stiffness with little flexural strength. One can
improve the flexural strength of masonry with reinforcement. A 12-inch wall in this
example can have its strength increased by a factor of ten to fifteen times with vertical
reinforcement. In unreinforced masonry, a crack at a critical cross section is a strength
failure. In reinforced masonry, a crack means the reinforcement is functioning, and thus,
cracking is only a serviceability concern. The increased strength and ductility of reinforced
masonry clearly makes it a superior choice over unreinforced masonry. Masonry design
issues are a concern for the specifying professionals of steel building frames because
masonry walls are in almost all cases supported by the steel frames for lateral stability.

The design of masonry exterior walls must consider the nature and arrangements of
supports. In general, perimeter walls are supported along their bottom edges at the
foundation. They are additionally supported by some combination of girts, the roof edge,
columns, and wind columns. All these elements, except for the foundation, are elements
of the structural frame and will deflect under load.

There are several methods for properly accounting for support conditions in the design of
masonry on steel. They include the following:
1. Make no allowance in the steel design and force the design of the masonry to
account for the deflecting behavior of the steel.
2. Limit the deflection of the steel so that it is sufficiently rigid, nearly achieving the
idealized state of non-yielding supports.
3. Provide some measure of deflection control in the steel and design the masonry
accordingly.

59
59
The first and second solutions are possible, but not practical. The first requires analysis
beyond the scope of normal building design - a three-dimensional analysis of the structure
and the masonry acting together. The second is also nearly impossible in that it requires
near-infinite amounts of steel to provide near-infinite stiffness. The third approach is a
compromise between the two other solutions, which involves reasonable limits for frame
drift and component deflections (girts, columns, wind columns, etc.) and recognizes that
the design of the masonry must conform to these deformations. The aspect of the
masonry design at issue is an analysis to determine the magnitude and distribution of
shears and moments. The model commonly used is that of a plate with one-way or two-
way action having certain boundary conditions. It is these boundary conditions that must
be examined.

The first boundary condition to be examined is the base of the wall. Although it may be a
specifying professional’s goal that the base of the wall should not crack, the author has
concluded that this is an unrealistic and unachievable goal due to the relatively low
strength of unreinforced masonry. A more realistic approach is to limit frame drift to control
crack width and to provide a detail to ensure that the crack occurs at a predictable
location, presumably at the floor line. The detail itself requires careful consideration (see
Figure 1.53). One must also inform the owner of the anticipated behavior.

It is recommended that the frame drift under the loads associated with 10-year wind be
controlled to limit crack width to 1/8 inch when a detail such as that of Figure 1.54 is used,
and 1/16 inch when no special detail is used. This cracked base then becomes the first
boundary condition in the design of the masonry panel. The model for the panel must show
a hinged base rather than a fixed base. The foregoing limits are applicable to non-reinforced
walls. Where vertical reinforcing is required for strength reasons, it is recommended that
the drift limit be changed to height divided by 200. A limit of height divided by 100 can be
used if a hinge type base (see Figure 1.54) can be employed.

60
60
 Figure 1.53
Masonry Horizontal Control Joint

Figure 1.54
Reinforced Masonry Horizontal Control Joint

61
61
ROOF PONDING
Ponding is a process where water, gravitating to low points in the deflected surface of a
roof system, causes progressively increasing deflection and load. When sufficient
strength and stiffness are provided, the result of ponding is equilibrium, albeit with loads
greater and in a different distribution than would be expected based on the undeformed
roof. When either the strength or stiffness is insufficient, the result of ponding is collapse.

Ponding is a potential problem in northern as well as southern climates. Water can come
from rain, snowmelt, or both. Heat from within a building can thaw areas of snow on a
roof to produce melt water. The effect can be exacerbated with repetitive freeze-thaw
cycles. Furthermore, primary drains may become blocked, and water may accumulate
faster than it can be discharged by secondary drains.

Noting the limitations of the traditional methods of design for ponding, a more general
method of design for ponding that is compliant with current standards is presented in this
section. The reader is directed to SJI Technical Digest 3, Structural Design of Steel Joist
Roofs to Resist Ponding Loads (SJI, 2018), and to AISC/SJI Design Guide Rain Loads
and Ponding Design Guide (Fisher and Denavit, 2024), and to the SJI “Roof Bay Analysis
with Ponding Tool” for additional information on ponding.

SJI Roof Bay Analysis with Ponding Tool

The SJI Roof Bay Analysis with Ponding Tool is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that can
be used as a design aid for estimating purposes and the selection of roof framing. It also
has the capability to perform the recommended method of design for ponding. It is
applicable only to rectangular bays with equally spaced secondary members, but it
explicitly accounts for roof slope (as defined by the elevation of the four columns), camber,
and rigid perimeter supports. The tool is available on the SJI website (www.steeljoist.org).

Within the tool, general bay design (not considering the effects of ponding) is performed
in the “Joists & Joist Girders”, “Joists & WF Girders”, or “Beams & WF Girders” sheets
depending on selected member types (wide flange is abbreviated as WF in the tool).
Ponding analyses are performed in the “Ponding Analysis” sheet regardless of selected
member type. The tabs shown below are from the previous discussion on the Roof Bay
Analysis spreadsheet.
1. Tab 8, “Ponding Instructions”. Provides instructions and notes relative to the
ponding analysis. The information in this tab is discussed in the ponding section
of the digest.
2. Tab 9, “Ponding Analysis”. As the name implies, the spreadsheet in this tab is
used for the analysis.
3. Tab 10, “Ponding Load Results”. The tables in this spreadsheet are identical to those
on the Ponding Analysis spreadsheet. They are repeated for printing purposes.

Figures 1.55 through 1.60 are annotated screen shots from the ponding spreadsheet.

62
62
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RUNNING PONDING ANALYSIS

1. Conduct a preliminary design using the Joist & Joist Girders, Joists & WF Girders, or Beams & WF Girders
spreadsheet.
2. Identify the secondary drainage system for structural loading. See the requirements in Section 8.2 of
ASCE 7-22.
3. Determine the hydraulic head based on the flow rate, Q, and the characteristics of the secondary drainage
system for structural loading.
a. The flow rate can be determined using ASCE 7-22 Equation C8.2-1.
b. The hydraulic head can be determined based on ASCE 7-22 Tables C8.2-1, C8.2-3, and C8.2-5.
4. Determine the water level as the hydraulic head above the inlet to the secondary drainage system for
structural loading.
5. Input the required data into the ponding analysis spreadsheet. Data from the Joist & Joist Girders, Joists &
WF Girders, and Beams & WF Girders spreadsheet is automatically transferred to the ponding analysis.
6. Run the ponding analysis.
a. If stability is achieved, the analysis is complete. Ponding stability is achieved when the strength ratio
for all members is less than or equal to 1.0. For joists and Joist Girders, note the potential for local load
effects described below.
b. If stability is not achieved, return to the Joist & Joist Girders, Joists & WF Girders, or Beams & WF Girders
spreadsheet and select stiffer or stronger primary and/or secondary members by inputting larger loads
in the “optional increased load data” section. Rerun the ponding analysis until stability is achieved.

Local Load Effects for Joists and Joist Girders (Indicated with red font):
Due to the nonuniform nature of ponding loads, applied load on a portion of the length of a joist or joist girder
can exceed the available load even when the shear and bending moment diagrams fall within their respective
design envelopes based on uniform loading. There is also the potential for overstress due to top chord bending
between the panel points for joists, or buckling of web verticals for joist girders. The specifying professional may
select a larger joist and/or specify a larger joist girder panel point load.

Figure 1.55
(Tab 8) Ponding Instructions

63
63
Ponding Analysis Notes:
1. Spreadsheet uses an iterative analysis to determine the loads from the ponded water.
2. The ponding analysis is performed using the load combination D + ksS + R for ASCE 7-16 or D + 0.7ksS + R
for ASCE 7-22, where D is dead load, ks is the concurrent snow load factor, S is snow load, and R is rain
load (or ponded water acting concurrently with snow).
3. The concurrent snow load factor, ks, is selected by the user. Use of ks = 0 results in an evaluation of the bay
for rain load and ponding in accordance with Chapter 8 of ASCE 7-22. Use of ks > 0 results in an evaluation
of the bay for ponding and snow (see Section 7.11 of ASCE 7-22). SJI recommends a minimum value of
ks = 0.5, and a greater value of up to 1.0 for areas of the country with frequent snow events for the latter
evaluation.
4. The ponding analysis is the same for ASD and LRFD. For ASD, required strengths are determined directly
from the results of the ponding analysis. For LRFD, required strengths are determined from a subsequent
linear elastic analysis using the load combination 1.2D + 1.6ksS + 1.6R for ASCE 7-16 or 1.2D + ksS + 1.6R
for ASCE 7-22, where R is determined from the ponding analysis.
5. The ponding analysis and strength calculations are performed assuming the design lengths of the joists and
joist girders equal their spans
6. Snow load must include the rain-on-snow surcharge load if required by IBC or ASCE 7-22.
7. The snow density (unit weight) can be determined using ASCE 7-22 Equation 7.7-1. The snow density is used to
compute the height of snow in the bay. When computing ponding loads, the spreadsheet accounts for the possibility
of snow and water occupying the same physical space (in this case, the unit weight of snow-plus-water is taken
as that of just water). To override this behavior and conservatively allow snow and ponded water to overlap,
input a value of zero for snow density
8. IBC Section 1507 requires a minimum slope for drainage that depends on the roof construction. For example,
built-up roofs (except for coal-tar built-up roofs) are required to have a slope of not less than 1/4 inch per foot.
9. Small deformations are assumed with no catenary action.
10. Cricket elevations are not included.
11. Steel deck deflection is ignored.
12. Standard SJI cambers are used for joists and joist girders, unless overridden by the user.
13. If the secondary members at the end of the bay are defined as rigid then camber is taken as zero.
14. The strength ratio is computed for shear and moment as the maximum ratio of required strength to available
strength on a point-by-point basis along the length of the member.
15. For comparison purposes, equivalent uniform loads for joists or beams are determined which would result in
the same shear strength ratio or moment strength ratio as the ponded condition.
16. For conditions with an accumulation of water towards an edge of the bay, the Design Professional should
consider the potential for shear reversal in joist and joist girder web members. If shear reversal is not
addressed via other design loading criteria such as net uplift or snow drift, the Design Professional could
specify that the joist manufacturer is required to: “Design joist webs for a minimum vertical shear equal to
12.5% of the end reaction in compression.”

Software Notes:
1. This spreadsheet incorporates subroutines for LU factorization and forward and back substitution created by
http://www.numerical-methods.com.

Figure 1.56
(Tab 8) Ponding Instructions (Continued)

64
64
 Roof
RoofBay
BayPonding
PondingAnalysis
Analysis
(SJI
(SJI
Load
Load
Tables
Tables
/ SDI
/ SDI
Specification
Specification
/ 15th
/ 15th
Edition
Edition
AISC
AISC
Manual)
Manual)

Project
Project
Name:
Name: TDTD 44
Project
Project Number: 2022xyz
Number: 2022xyz
Engineer:
Engineer: XYZ
XYZ Date:
Date: 6/30/2023
6/30/2023

Case
Case Joists
Joists
& Joist
& Joist
Girders
Girders

General
GeneralInput Input (Defined
(Definedin in
Joists
Joists
& Joist
& Joist
Girders
Girdersspreadsheet)
spreadsheet)
Design
DesignMethodology
Methodology ASDASD
Minimum
Minimum Design
DesignLoads
Loads ASCE
ASCE 7-22
7-22
Primary
PrimaryMember
Member Type
Type Joist
Joist
Girder
Girder
Secondary
Secondary Member
Member Type
Type Joist
Joist
Joist
Joist
Span
Span 40.00
40.00 ft ft
Joist
Joist
Girder
Girder
Span
Span 40.00
40.00 ft ft
Joist
Joist
Size
Size 24K
24K77
Joist
Joist
Girder
Girder
Size
Size 36G8N7.6K
36G8N7.6K
Echo
Echofrom
frombay
bayanalysis
analysisinput.
input.
Number
Number of of
Joist
Joist
Spaces
Spaces 88
Dead
DeadLoad
LoadSupported
Supportedbyby
Deck
Deck 10.00
10.00 psfpsf
Dead
DeadLoad
LoadSupported
Supportedbyby
Joists
Joists 16.00
16.00 psfpsf
Joist
Joist
Girder
Girder
Self
Self
Weight
Weight 80.00
80.00 lb/ft
lb/ft
Snow
Snow Load
Load 24.00
24.00 psfpsf

z =z 0.000
= 0.000
in.in. z =z 0.000
= 0.000
in.in.

z =z -10.000
= -10.000
in.in. z =z -10.000
= -10.000
in.in.

Member
MemberAvailable
AvailableStrength
StrengthData
Data
Joist
Joist
Load-Carrying
Load-Carrying Capacity
Capacity 253
253 lb/ft
lb/ft
Beam
Beam Shear
ShearStrength
Strength n/an/a kips
kips
Beam
Beam Flexural
Flexural
Strength
Strength n/an/a kip-ft
kip-ft
Joist
Joist
Girder
Girder
Panel
Panel
Point
Point
Capacity
Capacity 7.67.6 kips
kips
WFWFGirder
Girder
Shear
ShearStrength
Strength n/an/a kips
kips
WFWFGirder
Girder
Flexural
Flexural
Strength
Strength
(C(C
b =b 1.0)
= 1.0) n/an/a kip-ft
kip-ft
WFWFGirder
Girder
Flexural
Flexural
Strength
Strength
(plastic)
(plastic) n/an/a kip-ft
kip-ft

Figure
Figure1.57
1.57
(Tab
(Tab9)9)Ponding
Ponding Analysis
Analysis

65
65
65
Ponding Specific Input
Water level relative to zero datum: -5.20 in.
Compute load on deformed roof: Y (Y or N)
3
Snow density, γ s: 17.00 lb/ft
Concurrent snow load factor, ks: 0.75 ---
Top of roof elevation:
Top Left 0.000 in.
Top Right 0.000 in.
Bottom Left -10.000 in.
Bottom Right -10.000 in.
Camber:
Joist 0.667 in.
override: in.
Top Joist Girder 0.000 in.
override: in.
SJI TD 3 is helpful in explaining.
Bottom Joist Girder 0.667 in.
this information.
override: in.
Bay is mirrored:
Left Y (Y or N)
Right Y (Y or N)
Top N (Y or N)
Bottom Y (Y or N)
Joist support is wall:
Top Y (Y or N)
Bottom N (Y or N)
Joist is rigid:
Joist 1 (Leftmost) N (Y or N)
Joist 9 (Rightmost) N (Y or N)
Effective moment of inertia:
4
Joist 215.0 in.
override: in.4
Joist Girder 2,038 in.4
override: in.4

RUN ANALYSIS Press to conduct ponding analysis.

Water Depth Output

Maximum Water Depth in Bay 5.72 in.

Maximum Water Depth on Top Joist Support 0.00 in.
Maximum Water Depth on Bottom Joist Support 5.72 in.
Maximum Water Depth on Leftmost Joist 4.80 in.
Maximum Water Depth on Rightmost Joist 4.80 in.

Deck Output

Deck Moment of Inertia 0.1473 in.4/ft

Deck Moment of Inertia Limit 0.0156 in.4/ft
Moment of Inertia Check OKAY
Deck Moment Strength 3565 lb-in./ft Deck selection meets
Maximum Moment 1624 lb-in./ft ponding criteria.
Moment Strength Ratio 0.456
Strength Check OKAY

Figure 1.58
(Tab 9) Ponding Analysis (Continued)

66
66
 Joist
Joist Max
MaxShear
Shear Equiv.
Equiv.Load
Load Shear
Shear Max
MaxMoment
Moment Equiv.
Equiv.Load
Load Moment
Moment Strength
Strength
Number
Number kips
kips lb/ft
lb/ft Strength
StrengthRatio
Ratio kip-ft
kip-ft lb/ft
lb/ft Strength
StrengthRatio
Ratio Check
Check
11 3.77
3.77 188.3
188.3 0.744
0.744 33.11
33.11 185.9
185.9 0.735
0.735 OKAY
OKAY
22 3.82
3.82 190.8
190.8 0.754
0.754 33.47
33.47 188.4
188.4 0.745
0.745 OKAY
OKAY
33 3.89
3.89 194.5
194.5 0.769
0.769 33.98
33.98 191.9
191.9 0.759
0.759 OKAY
OKAY
44 3.94
3.94 197.0
197.0 0.779
0.779 34.35
34.35 194.4
194.4 0.769
0.769 OKAY
OKAY
55 3.96
3.96 198.0
198.0 0.783
0.783 34.49
34.49 195.3
195.3 0.772
0.772 OKAY
OKAY
66 3.94
3.94 197.0
197.0 0.779
0.779 34.35
34.35 194.4
194.4 0.769
0.769 OKAY
OKAY
77 3.89
3.89 194.5
194.5 0.769
0.769 33.98
33.98 191.9
191.9 0.759
0.759 OKAY
OKAY
88 3.82
3.82 190.8
190.8 0.754
0.754 33.47
33.47 188.4
188.4 0.745
0.745 OKAY
OKAY
99 3.77
3.77 188.3
188.3 0.744
0.744 33.11
33.11 185.9
185.9 0.735
0.735 OKAY
OKAY

Joists
Joistsmeet
meetponding
pondingcriteria.
criteria.

NOTES:
NOTES: 1.1.Loads
Loadsand
andload
loadeffects
effectscorrespond
correspondtotoASD
ASDload
loadcombinations.
combinations.
2.2.Shear
Shearstrength
strengthratio
ratiocomputed
computedassuming
assumingshear
shearcapacity
capacityequal
equaltoto12.5%
12.5%ofofthe
theend
endreaction
reactionfor
for
shear
shearreversals,
reversals,see
seeNote
Note1515on
onthe
thePonding
PondingInstructions
Instructionsspreadsheet.
spreadsheet.

Figure
Figure1.59
1.59
(Tab9)
(Tab 9)Ponding
PondingAnalysis
Analysis(Continued)
(Continued)

67
67
67
 Joist
JoistGirder
GirderOutput
Output Joist
JoistGirder
Girdersize
sizecan
canbeberevised
revisedby byinputting
inputtinglarger
largerloads
loadsininthe
the''optional
''optionalincreased
increased
load
loaddata''
data''section
sectionofofthe
theJoists
Joists&&Joist
JoistGirders
Girdersspreadsheet
spreadsheet
Top
TopJoist
JoistGirder
Girder Bottom
BottomJoist
JoistGirder
Girder
Joist
Joist Joist
JoistReact.
React. Panel
PanelPoint
PointLoad
Load Joist
JoistReact.
React. Panel
PanelPoint
PointLoad
Load
Number
Number kips
kips kips
kips kips
kips kips
kips
22 3.10
3.10 3.82
3.82 8.03
8.03
33 3.12
3.12 3.89
3.89 8.18
8.18
44 3.14
3.14 3.94
3.94 8.28
8.28
55 3.15
3.15 3.96
3.96 8.32
8.32
66 3.14
3.14 3.94
3.94 8.28
8.28
77 3.12
3.12 3.89
3.89 8.18
8.18
88 3.10
3.10 3.82
3.82 8.03
8.03

Panel
Panelpoint
pointloads
loadsexceed
exceedthetheoriginal
original
panel
panelpoint
pointload
loadofof7.6
7.6kips.
kips.

Max
MaxShear
Shear(kips):
(kips): N/A
N/A(WALL)
(WALL) Max
MaxShear
Shear(kips):
(kips): 28.65
28.65
Shear
ShearStrength
StrengthRatio:
Ratio: N/A
N/A(WALL)
(WALL) Shear
ShearStrength
StrengthRatio:
Ratio: 1.091
1.091
Max
MaxMoment
Moment(kip-ft):
(kip-ft): N/A
N/A(WALL)
(WALL) Max
MaxMoment
Moment(kip-ft):
(kip-ft): 329.37
329.37
Moment
MomentStrength
StrengthRatio:
Ratio: N/A
N/A(WALL)
(WALL) Moment
MomentStrength
StrengthRatio:
Ratio: 1.083
1.083
Strength
StrengthCheck:
Check: N/A
N/A(WALL)
(WALL) Strength
StrengthCheck:
Check: NO
NOGOOD
GOOD
NOTES:
NOTES:1.1.Loads
Loadsand
andload
loadeffects
effectscorrespond
correspondtotoASD
ASDload
loadcombinations.
combinations.
2.2.Highlighted
Highlightedpanel
panelpoint
pointloads
loadsmay
maycause
causeaalocal
localoverstress,
overstress,see
seenotes
notesininPonding
PondingInstructions.
Instructions.

Figure
Figure1.60
1.60
(Tab
(Tab9)9)Ponding
PondingAnalysis
Analysis(Continued)
(Continued)

OPTIONAL
OPTIONALINCREASED
INCREASEDLOAD
LOADDATA
DATA New
Newinput
inputininAnalysis
AnalysisTab
Tab
totomodify
modifyjoist
joistgirder
girderstiffness.
stiffness.
Joist
JoistLoad
Load lblb/ /ftft
JG
JGPanel
PanelPoint
PointLoad
Load 8.5
8.5 kips
kips

Increasing
Increasingthe
thepanel
panelpoint
pointload
loadto
to8.5
8.5kips
kipsresults
resultsininthe
thejoist
joistgirders
girdersbeing
beingok.
ok.The
Theresults
results
with
withthis
thisincreased
increasedload
loadare
arenot
notshown.
shown.

LOAD
LOADDIAGRAMS
DIAGRAMSAND ANDSCHEDULES
SCHEDULES
When
WhenK, K,LH,
LH,and
andDLH-Series
DLH-Seriesjoists
joistsandandjoist
joistgirders
girdersare
arenot
notsubjected
subjectedtotouniform
uniformloading,
loading,
aa load
load diagram
diagram may
may bebe the
the best
best wayway toto convey
convey the
the loading
loading information
information toto the
the joist
joist
manufacturer.
manufacturer. Typical
Typical diagrams
diagrams areare shown
shown inin Figures
Figures 1.61
1.61 and
and 1.62.
1.62. The
The specifying
specifying
professional
professionalmust
mustclearly
clearlyindicate
indicateififthe
theloading
loadingisisASD
ASDor orLRFD.
LRFD.

68
68
68
 Figure 1.61
Joist Load Diagrams

Figure 1.62
Joist Girder with End Moments Load Diagram

69
69
Axial loads should not be generically called out as “axial load = 10.0 kips” but should be
shown with the building code identified nomenclature along with the magnitude. This
nomenclature should also be clear to express whether the value given is an ultimate
strength value or allowable stress value. Ultimate strength values as typically listed as E,
Em, W along with the magnitude, such as E = 15 kips. Likewise for allowable stress values,
the loads will be listed as 0.7E, 0.7Em, or 0.6W along with the magnitude, such as 0.6W
= 6 kips. E and Em require some consideration for the vertical components of the dead
load, so SDS should be shown on the contract structural drawings.

Using a joist schedule is an efficient way to convey loading requirements. A schedule

allows the loading to be consolidated in one place, preventing the drawings from being
cluttered. It is common to have the same joist designation used in more than one bay.
With a schedule, the specifying professional can call out the mark number (such as J1)
in appropriate bays in lieu of calling out the designation in each bay. Having the
designation in a schedule decreases the chances of errors because the designation and
any other required loading are noted once and not multiple times. It is recommended that
the schedules from the SJI website be used.

The complexity of a schedule will vary by project. Schedules are adjustable to have as
many or as few headings as required. With the load combinations in building codes
becoming more complex, a schedule is a clear way to convey all the different types of
loads. When the specifying professional breaks out all the different load types in a
schedule, the bidders can design the joist for the appropriate load combinations.

As mentioned, when using load diagrams, it is important to indicate whether the design
used ASD or LRFD. It is also important for the specifying professional to make sure the
schedule clearly conveys the load information and load type.

Shown in Tables 1.2 and 1.3 are schedules which are in the SJI COSP. The tables can be
downloaded from the SJI website, http://www.steeljoist.org/Professional Resources.

70
70
 Table 1.2 SJI COSP Load Schedule (all loads are to be shown as unfactored)
Table 1.2 SJI COSP Load Schedule (all loads are to be shown as unfactored)
Add- Bend-
Designation(1) Loading(2) W Wind
Add-(6)
Load Bend-(7)
Check
Designation(1) Loading(2)(4) W Wind
(TL/LL) DL(3) LL Down Net(5) Load(6)
TL/LL DCheck(7)D
Mark Remarks
(TL/LL)
Joists (plf) DL(3) LL
or(4) Down
ward Net (5)
Uplift TL/LL D
TC D
BC
Mark Remarks
Joists (plf) or
Lr/S/R ward Uplift TC BC
Girders (kips) (plf) Lr/S/R
(plf) (plf) (plf) (kips/kips) (kips) (kips)
Girders (kips) (plf) (plf) (plf) (plf) (kips/kips) (kips) (kips) Axial
J1 18KSP 120 185 180 1.0/0.6 0.3
Axial
Loads
J1 18KSP 120 185 180 1.0/0.6 0.3
Loads
Wind
J2 24KSP 85 155
Wind
Moments
J2 24KSP 85 155
Moments
Drift
J3 28LHSP 110 355 175 0.5 Driftsee
Loads,
J3 28LHSP 110 355 175 0.5 Loads,
diagramsee
diagram
End
G1 36G5N6.5K/3.5K 360
End
Moments
G1 36G5N6.5K/3.5K 360
(1) Joist designation loads include all uniform gravity loads. Provide both total and live loads. Moments
(2)
(1) Loading values are
Joist designation loadsnotinclude
required if designation
all uniform gravityloading values both
loads. Provide are correct
total andforlive
deflection
loads. and load combinations.
(3)
(2) When
Loading standard
values are SJInot
designations are used, the
required if designation design
loading deadare
values load is required
correct for load
for deflection combinations
and with wind
load combinations.
(3) or seismic.
When standard SJI designations are used, the design dead load is required for load combinations with wind
(4) The floor or roof live load, snow, or rain load.
or seismic.
(5)
(4) When netoruplift
The floor roof is specified
live for simple
load, snow, or rainloading,
load. it shall already take into account possible reduced dead loading
(5) present
When net in order to specified
uplift is create theforlargest
simple netloading,
uplift load combination.
it shall For more
already take complexpossible
into account loading or when the
reduced dead
dead load
loading
varies
presentgreatly
in orderfortouse in load
create thecombinations
largest net upliftbelow,
loadgross uplift should
combination. be specified
For more complex with the minimum
loading or when and maximum
the dead load
dead
variesloading
greatly values
for use clearly
in load defined.
combinations If the below,
uplift cannot be assigned
gross uplift should be in specified
pounds per withlineal foot, a diagram
the minimum can be
and maximum
shown for joistvalues
dead loading loading usingdefined.
clearly pounds per If thesquare
uplift foot.
cannot be assigned in pounds per lineal foot, a diagram can be
(6) A concentrated
shown for joist load
loadingapplied
usingatpounds
any panel perpoint on both
square foot.the top chord and bottom chord.
(7)
(6) Chord members
A concentrated shall
load be designed
applied at any panelfor additional bending
point on both stresses
the top created
chord and by chord.
bottom this concentrated total load.
(7) Chord members shall be designed for additional bending stresses created by this concentrated total load.

Table 1.3 SJI COSP Axial and End Moment Load Schedule
Table 1.3 SJI COSP
Axial Axial and End Moment Load Schedule
End Moments
Designation Axial Live Load End Moments
Lateral Moments (k-ft) Transfer
Min. Continuity Details (1)
(TL/LL)
Designation W E Em Live Load Lateral Moments (k-ft) Transfer
Mark I
Min. Moments
Joists (plf)
(TL/LL) Wind
W Seismic
E Em Continuity W Wind E Em Details(1)
Mark in.I 4 (k-ft)
Girders (kips)
Joists (plf) (kips)
Wind (kips)
Seismic (kips) Moments W Wind E Em
in.4
Girders (kips) (kips) (kips) (kips) L (k-ft)R L R L R L R L R
J1 18KSP400/300 18.0 21.8 L R L R L R L R L
9/S8 R
None
J1 18KSP400/300
24KSP400/300 18.0 21.8 40 40 35 35 9/S8 None
J2 6/S6 4/S6
J2 24KSP400/300
36G5N6.5K/3.5K 985 40
75 40
95 35
55 35
60 6/S6 4/S6
G1 1/S8 2/S8
G1 36G5N6.5K/3.5K 985 75 95 55 60 1/S8 2/S8

(1) Transfer details shall be defined at both the left and right ends of the joist or joist girder indicating the force transfer
(1) method
Transferas applicable.
details shall be defined at both the left and right ends of the joist or joist girder indicating the force transfer
method as applicable.

When special loads as shown in Tables 1.2 and 1.3 are specified, the load combinations
When special
to be used for loads as shown
joist and in Tables
joist girder design1.2 andbe
shall 1.3 are specified, the load combinations
provided.
to be used for joist and joist girder design shall be provided.
A key plan diagram for wind uplift loads is shown in Figure 1.63.
A key plan diagram for wind uplift loads is shown in Figure 1.63.

71
71
71
 Figure 1.63
Key Plan for Uplift

72
72
 2
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 2
MULTI-STORY BUILDINGS
MULTI-STORY BUILDINGS

INTRODUCTION
Multi-story construction requires careful consideration of many factors, including floor depth,
loads, fire requirements, floor vibration, acoustic ratings, and aesthetics.

ARCHITECTURAL REQUIREMENTS
Unlike single story buildings, architects play a major role relative to the structural system to
be used in multi-story buildings. Interior stairs, elevator shafts, appendages, window
treatments, and usage all influence the structural system. Generally, these features introduce
additional engineering considerations and constraints compared to single story buildings.

BAY DIMENSIONS
Architectural requirements often dictate floor bay dimensions as does building usage. For
example, for open office structures, bays may consist of longer spans as compared to
other usages. Bays are often rectangular, but they may take various forms depending on
architectural needs.

FLOOR JOISTS
Since floor loads are generally greater than roof loads, heavier joists are used as compared
to roofs. Additionally, floor-to-floor heights are generally more important, resulting in the use
of heavier joists due to using joists with less depth.

The specifying professional should examine the SJI LH-Series load tables to determine
joist sizes and depths that can support floor loads and be aware that seat depths add to
the floor-to-floor height as compared to wide flange shapes.

LH-Series joists are selected from the SJI Standard ASD or LRFD Load Table Longspan
Steel Joists, LH-Series. LH-Series joists have been standarized in depths from 18 inches
through 48 inches and for spans up through 96 feet.

The standard depth of the bearing seat at the ends of underslung LH-Series joists is 5
inches for chord section numbers 17 and smaller, and 7.5 inches for chord section numbers
18 and larger.

Flush-frame connections should be considered as an option over standard seats. They not
only eliminate the height taken by standard seats but also enhance the floor vibration
behavior. When the supporting girders are desired to be made composite, flush-frame
connections are a good option. They are discussed in the connections section below.

73
73
COMPOSITE JOISTS (CJ-SERIES)
Composite joists in conjunction with composite decks are an excellent choice in the framing
of multi-story buildings. Economical joist spacing is often up to 10 feet. The larger spacing
in conjunction with floor dead and live loads may limit the use of standard joists and joist
girders for the floor framing. Composite floor systems that address these requirements can
lead to overall project success. Combining the benefits of steel and concrete, composite
joists can optimize the cost and performance of mid-rise and high-rise projects.

Composite joists are like composite beams in that the joists are connected to the slab
above using headed steel stud anchors such that the joist and slab act together as one
structural element. For longer bays, greater than 30 to 40 feet, CJ-Series joists are very
economical. CJ-Series joists have several other advantages, including fewer framing
pieces to erect, open webs for MEP, and excellent vibration performance, particularly
when flush-frame connections are used.

CJ-Series joists achieve clear spans up to 60 feet, and beyond. They can weigh up to
40% less than comparably utilized non-composite joists.

The SJI Catalog on CJ-Series joists (SJI, 2015a) contains information on the design of CJ-
Series joists and their application. The catalog includes the design specifications for
composite joists and design examples. A free pdf version of this catalog can be downloaded
from the SJI website, www.steeljoist.org.

CONNECTIONS
Floor joists are often supported on the top chord of the joist girders, as is typically done
for roof construction. At the columns, joist girders are supported by stiffened or unstiffened
seats. The seats for the joist girders are usually connected to the column flanges to
reduce column bending stresses for unbalanced reactions.

Flush-Frame Connections
When there is a concern about reducing floor-to-floor heights, flush-frame connections
should be considered. Flush-frame connections (see Figures 2.1 through 2.6) can have
several economic advantages. For a given building height, reduced floor-to-floor height
can result in additional stories and, thus, more rentable space. For a given number of
stories, reduced floor-to-floor height results in reduced overall structure height, which
decreases lateral loads and reduces the cost of the curtain wall system.

Other advantages of flush-frame connections are:

▪ Simplified deck installation.
▪ Faster erection.
▪ Girders can be designed deeper and/or composite.
▪ Excellent vibration response as compared to seated connections.

Figures 2.1 through 2.6 are examples of flush-frame connections.

74
74
 Photo courtesy of Vulcraft
Photo courtesy of Vulcraft
Figure 2.1
Figure
Full Depth Coped Joist2.1
Flush Shear Plate
Full Depth Coped Joist Flush Shear Plate
Photo courtesy of Vulcraft

Figure 2.1
Full Depth Coped Joist Flush Shear Plate

Figure 2.2
Partial Depth Figure 2.2 Shear Plate
Joist Flush
Partial Depth Joist Flush Shear Plate

Figure 2.2
Partial Depth Joist Flush Shear Plate

75

75
75
 Figure 2.3
Partial Depth Joist Flush Shear2.3
Figure Plate with Girder Bracing
Partial Depth Joist Flush Shear Plate with Girder Bracing

Figure 2.4
Full Depth Coped Joist2.4
Figure Flush Shear Plate
Full Depth Coped Joist Flush Shear Plate

76
 Figure
Figure 2.5
2.5
Full
Full Depth
Depth Rectangular
Rectangular Joist
Joist Flush
Flush Shear
Shear Plate
Plate
Figure 2.5
Full Depth Rectangular Joist Flush Shear Plate

Figure
Figure 2.6
2.6
Partial
Partial Depth Joist
Depth Joist Flush
Flush Shear
Shear Plate
Plate
Figure 2.6
Partial Depth Joist Flush Shear Plate

77
Specifying Flush-Frame Connections
When specifying flush-frame connections, the specifying professional has several items to
consider. Coordination with the joist manufacturer is encouraged. The design requirements
and considerations for the specifying professional are:
Specifying Flush-Frame
1. Determine minimum Connections
width and length of shear tab (extended/non-extended)1.
When specifying flush-frame connections,
2. Design the bolt group for the moment the specifying
due to theprofessional
eccentric has several items to
reaction.
consider.
3. Determine if the joist end reaction should be carried through the requirements
Coordination with the joist manufacturer is encouraged. The design center of the
and considerations
girder web fororthethespecifying
bolt line. professional are:
1. Do
4. Determine
not designminimumthe boltswidth
as and length of
slip-critical shearconsidered
(unless tab (extended/non-extended)
necessary).
1.

2.
5. Design the boltat
For conditions group for the moment
the building perimeter,dueconsider
to the eccentric
includingreaction.
additional bracing
3. Determine if the joist end
for the girder to minimize rotation. reaction should be carried through the center of the
6. girder webadding
Consider or the crack-control
bolt line. reinforcing bars over the girder.
4. Do not design the bolts as slip-critical (unless considered necessary).
Typical5.prescriptive
For conditions
design at requirements
the building perimeter,
suggestedconsider including additional bracing
by joist manufacturers:
1. for
Usethe girder
A325 to minimize
or A490 1 inch rotation.
diameter bolts.
6. Consider adding
2. Use 3 bolts minimum. crack-control reinforcing bars over the girder.
3. Use a single line of bolts.
Typical4.prescriptive design
Typical joist requirements
end plate is 1 inch suggested bywidth
thick (typical joist manufacturers:
of top chord gap).
1. Use A325 or A490 1 inch diameter bolts.
5. Provide horizontal short slots in either the shear tab or joist end plate.
2. Use 3 bolts minimum.
3. Use
Information thata the
single line of bolts.
specifying professional must provide to the joist manufacturer:
4. Typical joist end
1. Girder size and the plate is reaction.
joist 1 inch thick (typical width of top chord gap).
5. Provide horizontal short
2. Location of top bolt from the topslots in either the shear tab or joist end plate.
of girder.
3. Distance from girder centerline to bolt line and bolt pitch.
Information that the
4. Identify specifying
whether professional
horizontal mustare
short slots provide
beingtoprovided
the joistinmanufacturer:
the shear tab.
1. Girder size and the joist reaction.
2. manufacturer
The joist Location of topalsobolt from
has the top
several of girder.
design requirements. These include:
3.
1. Distance
Design the from
joistgirder centerline
end plate to the to bolt
joist forline and bolt
all forces andpitch.
moments.
4.
2. If the specifying professional specifies the joist end reaction isintothe
Identify whether horizontal short slots are being provided be shear
carriedtab.
through
the center of the girder web, the joist manufacturer will design the joist for the full
The joist manufacturer also has
eccentric moment severaltodesign
in addition requirements.
all other loading, unlessThese include:
otherwise specified.
1. Design the joist end plate to the joist for all forces and moments.
3. Depending on the magnitude of the eccentric moments, the joist manufacturer
2. If the call
may specifying professional
out braces specifies
to minimize the joist
the design end reaction
effects on the is to be carried through
joist.
the center of the girder web, the joist manufacturer will design the joist for the full
eccentric moment in addition to all other loading, unless otherwise specified.
3. Depending on the magnitude of the eccentric moments, the joist manufacturer
may call out braces to minimize the design effects on the joist.

1 An extended shear tab is where the vertical row of bolts is beyond the flange of the girder. A non-extended
shear tab is where the vertical row of bolts is within the flange of the girder.

78
1 An extended shear tab is where the vertical row of bolts is beyond the flange of the girder. A non-extended
shear tab is where the vertical row of bolts is within the flange of the girder.

78
78
 JOIST GIRDER TYPES
Joist girders vary in depth from 20 to 120 inches. The standard seat depth is 7.5 inches
JOIST and
GIRDER TYPES
10 inches when the self weight exceeds 150 pounds per foot. Spans range from 20 to
Joist girders vary in depth from 20
120 feet. The panel point to 120
loading forinches. The from
ASD range standard
6 kipsseat depth
to 100 kipsisand
7.5 for
inches
LRFD from
and 10 9inches
kips towhen the self weight exceeds 150 pounds per foot. Spans range from 20 to
150 kips.
120 feet. The panel point loading for ASD range from 6 kips to 100 kips and for LRFD from
9 kips to 150
The kips.
web configurations of joist girders can vary: G, BG, or VG configurations are common.
See Figure 2.7. The G configuration is the standard by which the concentrated loads are
The web configurations
typically at the topof chord
joist girders
panel can vary:
points G, BG,
where two or VG configurations
diagonals join the topare common.
chord but could be
See Figure 2.7. The G configuration is the standard by which the concentrated
other configurations to best accommodate load spacing. The BG configuration implies loads are that
typicallythe
at the top chord panel points where two diagonals join the top chord
concentrated loads are at every top chord panel point, and the VG configuration but could be
other configurations
indicates thattothe best accommodate
concentrated loadare
loads spacing.
only atThetheBGtopconfiguration
chord panelimplies
points that
where the
the concentrated loads are at every top chord panel point, and the VG configuration
verticals intersect the top chord. At the manufacturer’s discretion, the web configurations
indicatesmaythat thefrom
vary concentrated
those shown loads are only
in Figure 2.7. at
The the
D/Stop chord
ratios panel
in the points
figure where the only.
are approximate
verticals intersect the top chord. At the manufacturer’s discretion, the web configurations
may vary Thefrom
VGthose
girdershown in Figure
offers an 2.7. The
advantage D/S ratios
in terms in the
of larger webfigure are approximate
openings. By supportingonly.
the joists
over the verticals, the web openings are more spacious because the joists do not occupy
The VGspace
girderwithin
offersthe
an advantage
openings. in terms of larger web openings. By supporting the joists
over the verticals, the web openings are more spacious because the joists do not occupy
space within the openings.

Figure 2.7
Joist Girder Configurations
Figure 2.7
Joist Girder Configurations
79
79
79
SJI
SJI FLOOR
FLOOR BAY BAY ANALYSIS
ANALYSIS TOOL TOOL
The
The SJI “Floor Bay Analysis Tool” is
SJI “Floor Bay Analysis Tool” is a
a Microsoft
Microsoft Excel
Excel spreadsheet
spreadsheet thatthat assists
assists in
in the
the
preliminary
preliminary design and estimate for joists and joist girders used in floors. It also has the
design and estimate for joists and joist girders used in floors. It also has the
capability to
capability to evaluate
evaluate walking
walking floor
floor vibration
vibration behavior.
behavior. It It is
is applicable
applicable for
for rectangular
rectangular bays
bays
with equally spaced joists supported by joist girders. The tool is available
with equally spaced joists supported by joist girders. The tool is available on the SJI on the SJI
website (www.steeljoist.org).
website (www.steeljoist.org).

Walking
Walking vibration
vibration analysis
analysis is
is performed
performed in
in the
the Vibration
Vibration Analysis tab. The
Analysis tab. The effects
effects on
on
vibration can
vibration can be
be determined
determined based
based on
on the
the joist
joist bearing
bearing conditions
conditions of
of 2.5
2.5 inches,
inches, 5
5 inches,
inches,
7.5 inches, or flush-frame.
7.5 inches, or flush-frame.

Shown in
Shown in Figures
Figures 2.8
2.8 through
through 2.15
2.15 are
are annotated
annotated screen
screen shots
shots from
from the
the Floor
Floor Bay
Bay
Analysis Tool.
Analysis Tool. A
A screen
screen shot
shot of
of the
the Vibration
Vibration Analysis
Analysis tab
tab is
is shown
shown later
later in
in the
the floor
floor
vibration section.
vibration section.
General
General Information
Information for
for Floor
Floor Framing
Framing Analysis
Analysis Tool
Tool
Steel
Steel Joist
Joist Institute
Institute
140
140 W. Evans
W. Evans St.
St. Suite
Suite 203
203
Florence, SC
Florence, SC 29501
29501
www.steeljoist.org
www.steeljoist.org

Purpose:
Purpose:
This
This spreadsheet
spreadsheet isis intended
intended to to be
be a
a tool
tool to
to assist
assist in
in the
the preliminary
preliminary design
design and
and estimate
estimate for
for joists
joists and
and Joist
Joist
Girders used in floors. All of the values are approximate and are intended as a
Girders used in floors. All of the values are approximate and are intended as a guide.guide.

The
The design
design worksheets
worksheets in
in this
this workbook
workbook are
are arranged
arranged such
such that
that "USER"
"USER" input
input is
is as
as shown
shown below.
below.
Input
Input Input values
Input values are
are in
in boxed
boxed cells
cells with
with highlighted
highlighted light
light yellow
yellow background.
background.

The
The "USER"
"USER" must
must be
be familiar
familiar with
with the
the analysis
analysis and
and design
design procedures
procedures of
of the
the SJI
SJI Specification
Specification and
and the
the SDI
SDI
Specification.
Specification.

ANSI/SJI
ANSI/SJI 100
100 -- 2020
2020
STANDARD
STANDARD SPECIFICATION
SPECIFICATION FOR
FOR K-SERIES,
K-SERIES, LH-SERIES,
LH-SERIES, AND
AND DLH-SERIES
DLH-SERIES OPEN
OPEN WEB
WEB STEEL
STEEL JOISTS
JOISTS
AND FOR
AND FOR JOIST
JOIST GIRDERS.
GIRDERS.

4.
4. Design
Design andand Manufacture
Manufacture
4.2.1
4.2.1 Design
Design Using
Using Load
Load and
and Resistance
Resistance Factor
Factor Design
Design (LRFD)
(LRFD)
Joists
Joists and Joist Girders shall have their components so
and Joist Girders shall have their components so proportioned
proportioned that
that the
the required
required stresses,
stresses,
fu, shall
fu, shall not
not exceed
exceed ɸFn
ɸFn
4.2.2
4.2.2 Design
Design Using
Using Allowable
Allowable Strength
Strength Design
Design (ASD)
(ASD)
Joists
Joists and Joist Girders shall have their components
and Joist Girders shall have their components so
so proportioned
proportioned that
that the
the required
required stresses,
stresses,
fa, shall not exceed Fn /
fa, shall not exceed Fn / ΩΩ

ANSI/SJI-CJ-1.0
ANSI/SJI-CJ-1.0
STANDARD
STANDARD SPECIFICATION
SPECIFICATION FOR
FOR COMPOSITE
COMPOSITE STEEL
STEEL JOISTS,
JOISTS, CJ-SERIES
CJ-SERIES

103.
103. Design
Design And
And Manufacture
Manufacture
103.3 Nominal
103.3 Nominal Stresses
Stresses
Joists
Joists shall
shall have
have their
their components
components so
so proportioned
proportioned that
that the
the required
required stresses,
stresses, fu,
fu, shall
shall not
not exceed
exceed ɸFn
ɸFn

Figure 2.8
Figure 2.8
(Tab
(Tab 1)
1) Gen
Gen Info
Info

80
80
80
Notes:
Notes:
1. Governing
1. Governing codecode is IBC is IBC 2018 2018
2. Bay
2. Baysizessizesarearelimited
limited to the to the 2020 2020JoistJoistandand Joist
JoistGirder
Girder Load Load Tables
Tables including
including thethe
expanded
expanded LHLH loadload
tables
tables
3. An
3. An
interior
interior baybay is defined
is defined as as having
having oneone Joist
Joist
Girder
Girder andand a quantity
a quantity of joists
of joistsequalequal
to the
to the
number
number of joist
of joist
spaces
spaces
4. Deck
4. Deck sizesizeis selected
is selected by by minimumminimum weight
weight andand deflection
deflection limits,
limits,
fromfrom
SDISDI Tables
Tables
5. 40
5. 40
ksiksi
is used
is used for for1.5,1.5, 1.51.5 INV, INV,2, and
2, and 3 decks,
3 decks, 60 60ksiksi for for 9/16 9/16
andand 1 form
1 form decks,
decks, andand33 33ksiksi
for for
1.51.5
formformdeck
deck
6. Non-galvanized
6. Non-galvanized deck deck is not is not considered
considered to beto be
permanent
permanent
7. Deck
7. Deck andand concrete
concrete slab slabdeflection
deflection is only
is onlychecked
checked for for
determining
determining thethemaximum
maximum construction
construction span span
8. Concrete
8. Concrete slabs
slabs areare unshored
unshored
9. Concrete
9. Concrete volumes
volumes areare based based on on SDI'sSDI'sconservative
conservative slab slab weight
weight estimates
estimates
10.10.
SDISDIminimum
minimum bearing
bearing lengthslengths areareassumed
assumed
11.11.
DeckDeckshearshear andand web web crippling
crippling do donotnot control
control
with with
uniformly
uniformly loaded
loaded floors,
floors,perperSDISDI
12.12.
Properties
Properties for for
all all
1" form
1" form decks decks andand 28 28 gagegage9/16"9/16"form formdeck deck should
shouldbe be verified
verifiedwithwith
thethemanufacturer
manufacturer
13.13.
Maximum
Maximum construction
construction clear clear spansspans areare conservatively
conservatively compared
compared with with
center-to-center
center-to-center spans
spans
14.14.
Reinforced
Reinforced slab slab
capacity
capacity is based
is based on on a three
a threespanspan condition
condition using
usinga moment
a moment of (wL^2)/12
of (wL^2)/12
15.15.
Reinforced
Reinforced slab slab
capacity
capacity is conservatively
is conservatively based
based on on f'c = f'c3,000
= 3,000 psipsi
andand Fy Fy= 60,000
= 60,000 psipsi
16.16.
SlabSlab
reinforcement
reinforcement is considered
is considered to beto belocated
located at the
at the mid-depth
mid-depth of the
of theslab slab
thickness
thickness above
abovethethedeckdeck
17.17.
Minimum
Minimum slab slab
reinforcement
reinforcement for for
temperature
temperature andand shrinkage
shrinkage is 0.00075
is 0.00075 timestimesthethe
concrete
concrete areaareaabove
above thethe
deck
deck
18.18.
Joist
Joist
sizesizeis selected
is selected by by minimumminimum weight
weight andanddeflection
deflection limitslimits
fromfromSJISJILoad LoadTables
Tables
19.19.
Either
Either
standard
standard SJISJI non-composite
non-composite joists
joists
or composite
or composite joistsjoists
may may
be beselected
selected
20.20.
NoNo depth
depth optimization
optimization is available
is available for for
composite
composite joists,
joists, so so a single
a singledepthdepth must mustbe be
input
inputby by
thethe
user user
for for
each
each
runrun
21.21.
Actual
Actualjoistjoist
spanspan is rounded
is rounded up up to next
to next available
available span span in SJIin SJILoad LoadTables
Tables
22.22.
DLH DLHjoistjoist
datadatais limited
is limited to spans
to spans greater
greater thanthan
thethe "safe "safe load"load"spans
spans in SJI
in SJILoad LoadTables
Tables
23.23.
Joist
Joist
Girder
Girder depthdepth selected
selected by by minimum
minimum weight
weightandand deflection
deflection limits,
limits,
from fromSJISJIJoist
Joist
Girder
GirderWeight
Weight Tables
Tables
24.24.
Joist
Joist
Girder
Girder seat seatdepth depth is notis not included
included
25.25.
Actual
ActualJoistJoist
Girder
Girder span span roundedrounded up upto next
to next
available
available span spanin Weight
in Weight Tables
Tables
26.26.
Joist
Joist
Girders
Girders areare available
available as as non-composite
non-composite onlyonly
27.27.
Actual
Actualnumber
number of joist
of joist spaces spaces rounded
rounded up up
to next
to next available
available number
number of joist
of joist
spaces
spaces in Weight
in Weight Tables
Tables
28.28.
Joist
Joist
andand Joist
JoistGirderGirder design design is based
is based on ona 50a 50
ksiksi
yield yield
stressstress
29.29.
Sample
Sample bridging
bridging sizes sizes limitlimitjoist joist
spacing
spacing to maximum
to maximum of 19'-6"
of 19'-6"
30.30.
Bridging
Bridging optimization
optimization is not is not availaible
availaible for for
composite
composite joists
joists
31.31.
CostCost
data datais the
is theresponsibility
responsibility of the
of theuser user
32.32.
UserUser
must must check
check if FM if FM GlobalGlobal requirements
requirements exist
exist
33.33.
FireFire
resistance
resistance of the of thefloor floorassembly
assembly is not
is not
considered,
considered, butbut is often
is oftena critical
a criticaldesign
designparameter
parameter
34.34.
Columns
Columns arearenotnot included
included
35.35.
A red
A red
triangle
trianglein thein the upper upper rightrightcorner
corner of aofcell
a cell
indicates
indicates thatthata comment
a comment is present
is present

References:
References:
1. SJI
1. SJI
45th
45th
Edition,
Edition,
Standard
Standard
Specifications
Specifications - Load
- Load
Tables
Tablesandand
Weight
Weight
Tables
Tablesfor for
Steel
Steel
Joists
Joists
andandJoist
Joist
Girders,
Girders,
Copyright
Copyright2020
2020
by by
Steel
Steel
Joist
Joist
Institute
Institute
2. Vulcraft
2. Vulcraft
Steel
Steel
Joists
Joists
& Joists
& Joists
Girders,
Girders,Copyright
Copyright 2017
2017
by by
Vulcraft
Vulcraft
3. First
3. First
Edition,
Edition,
Standard
StandardSpecifications
Specifications ForFor
Composite
Composite Steel
Steel
Joists,
Joists,
Weight
Weight
Tables
Tablesandand
Bridging
Bridging
Tables,
Tables,
Code
Codeof Standard
of StandardPractice,
Practice,
Copyright
Copyright 2007
2007
by by
Steel
Steel
Joist
Joist
Institute
Institute
4. Roof
4. Roof
Deck
DeckDesign
DesignManual
Manual
- No.
- No.
RDDM,
RDDM, Copyright
Copyright 2012
2012
by by
Steel
Steel
Deck
Deck
Institute
Institute
5. Floor
5. Floor
Deck
Deck
Design
DesignManual
Manual- No.
- No.
FDDM,FDDM, Copyright
Copyright2014
2014
by by
Steel
Steel
Deck
Deck
Institute
Institute
6. Vulcraft
6. Vulcraft
Steel
Steel
Roof
Roof
& Floor
& Floor
Deck,
Deck,Copyright
Copyright
20182018
by by
Vulcraft
Vulcraft
7. Steel
7. Steel
Roof
Roof
andand
Floor
Floor
Decking,
Decking,Copyright
Copyright2015
2015by by
NewNewMillennium
Millennium
8. Steel
8. Steel
Deck,
Deck,
Copyright
Copyright2010
2010
by byCanam
Canam
9. Technical
9. TechnicalDigest
Digest
5, Vibration
5, Vibration
of Steel
of Steel
Joist
Joist
- Concrete
- ConcreteFloors,
Floors,
Second
SecondEdition,
Edition,
Copyright
Copyright
20152015
by by
Steel
Steel
Joist
Joist
Institute
Institute
10.10.
Steel
Steel
Design
Design
Guide
Guide
11,11,
Vibration
Vibration of Steel-Framed
of Steel-Framed Structural
Structural
Systems
SystemsDueDue
to Human
to Human Activity,
Activity,
Second
SecondEdition,
Edition,
Copyright
Copyright2016
2016
by by
American
AmericanInstitute
Institute
of Steel
of Steel
Construction
Construction
11.11.
White
White
Paper:
Paper:
"Vibration
"Vibration
of Vulcraft
of VulcraftSteel
Steel
Joists
Joists
with
with
Flush
Flush
Framed
Framed andand
Flush
FlushBearing
Bearing
Seat
Seat
Connections",
Connections",
January
January28,28,
2020
2020by by
Dr.Dr.
Thomas
Thomas Murray
Murray
& Dr.
& Dr.Brad
Brad
Davis
Davis
https://vulcraft.com/files/Literature/Technical/Vibration_of_Vulcraft_Steel_Joists_with_Flush_Framed_Seats_1_28_2020.pdf
https://vulcraft.com/files/Literature/Technical/Vibration_of_Vulcraft_Steel_Joists_with_Flush_Framed_Seats_1_28_2020.pdf

Figure
Figure2.92.9
(Tab
(Tab 1) 1)
GenGen Info
Info (Continued)
(Continued)

81
81
81
USER NOTES

Introduction:
The purpose of the Floor Bay Analysis spreadsheet is to determine the optimal bay dimensions for a project and to
determine what type and depth of joist (standard non-composite or composite) would be most efficient for the selected bay
dimensions. Spacing between joists can be examined along with the choice of metal deck type, concrete slab thickness,
and reinforcement. The user may select either LRFD or ASD for standard non-composite joists. Only LRFD design may be
used for composite joists since the SJI only uses an LRFD specification for composite joists. Only uniformly-loaded joists
are permitted by the spreadsheet.

This User Notes tab supplements the information shown in the Gen Info tab. The user should also set the margins for
proper printing following the Format tab.

Metal Deck:
Non-composite or composite decks can be selected. The drop-down list defines the types of deck recognized by the
spreadsheet. The SDI deck strength and deflection limitations are used in checking the deck for both normalweight and
lightweight concrete. Construction live loads of 20, 50, or 75 psf may be selected. As shown in the Gen Info tab, a steel
yield stress of 40 ksi is used for 1.5, 1.5 INV, 2, and 3 decks, 60 ksi for 9/16 and 1 form decks, and 33 ksi for 1.5 form deck.

Per the SDI Specifications, when non-galvanized decks are used, the structural concrete slab must carry all loads, including
the dead load of the deck and concrete, as it is assumed that the deck may corrode away. When galvanized decks are
used, it is permitted to consider the deck to carry the dead load of the deck and concrete and only the superimposed loads
would need to be carried by the structural slab.

Standard Non-composite Joists:

The spreadsheet selects the lightest joist based on the data in the SJI Tables. The joist depth can be manually limited or
the user can allow the spreadsheet to check the range of default depths as indicated in the SJI Tables for a given span.
Loading is limited to the loads given in the tables. If desired, the user may allow the spreadsheet to select a joist based on
minimizing the amount of X-bridging.

The SJI Specifications and the spreadsheet limit spans for standard non-composite joists from 10 to 240 feet. Depths for
standard non-composite joists may vary from 10 to 120 inches.

Composite Joists:
Depth optimization is not available for composite joists, so a single depth must be input for each design. 1/2, 5/8, or 3/4
inch studs may be selected. Spans for composite joists are limited from 20 to 120 feet, and depths may vary from 10 to 96
inches. The X-bridging optimization feature is not available when using composite joists.

Joist Girders:
Joist Girder depths are limited to the values in the SJI Tables for a given span. Spans are limited from 20 to 120 feet, and
depths may vary from 20 to 120 inches.

Floor Bay Analysis:

1. Only those cells highlighted in light yellow are available for input.
2. If designing with composite joists, the user must click the “Click Here For Full Design With Composite Joists” button.
Any input change requires this button to be clicked again.
3. If designing with non-composite joists, the “UPDATE” buttons in cells C97 and E97 can be clicked if desired to refine
the estimated weights for the joists, bridging, and Joist Girders to the actual weights calculated by the spreadsheet.
These buttons do not have to be clicked if the estimated weights are greater than the actual weights. Not clicking them
would be conservative.
4. After entering the desired input and clicking the appropriate buttons, an overall “OK” or “NO GOOD” solution will be
displayed in row 149.
5. If a “NO GOOD” solution is indicated, review the Error Checks in cells M124:N153. Make the corrections as indicated.
6. “OK” or “NG” indications are also in appropriate locations throughout the spreadsheet to assist with the design.
7. Always remember to input a depth in cell D49 when designing with composite joists. This input may be deleted, if
desired, when designing with non-composite joists.
8. If the spreadsheet indicates any “#N/A” or “#VALUE!” errors, it is likely that the input is invalid or the loading is beyond
the limits for that particular design.
Figure 2.10 (Tab 2) User Notes
Figure 2.10
(Tab 2) User Notes

82
82
 Vibration Analysis:
Vibration
Vibration Analysis:
1. An acceptable
Analysis: design must be obtained on the Floor Bay Analysis sheet before doing a vibration analysis.
1.
2. An
1. acceptable
Vibration
An acceptable design
analysis must
is based
design must onbe obtained
be SJI on
on the
Technical
obtained the Floor
Floor5Bay
Digest andAnalysis
Bay sheet
AISC Design
Analysis before
sheetGuide
before11.doing
doing aa vibration
vibration analysis.
analysis.
2.
3. Vibration
Analysis analysis
is only foris based
walking on SJI Technical
vibrations. Digest 5 and AISC
2. Vibration analysis is based on SJI Technical Digest 5 and AISC Design Guide 11. Design Guide 11.
3.
4. Analysis
3. Joist is
is only
Girders
Analysis arefor
only walking
simply
for vibrations.
supported.
walking vibrations.
4.
4. Joist
5. For Girders
Joistjoist depths
Girders are
areofsimply supported.
16 inches
simply or less, the joist is assumed to have rod web members.
supported.
5.
5. For
6. For joist
Exterior depths
joist bays
depthsareof 16
16 inches
ofmore criticalor
inches less,
orthan the
the joist
less,interior is
is assumed
bays.
joist assumed to to have
have rod
rod web
web members.
members.
6.
7. Exterior
Composite bays are
joist more
chord critical
sizes are than interior
based
6. Exterior bays are more critical than interior bays. on bays.
results from the Floor Bay Analysis.
7. Composite
7. For
8. joist
joist chord
floor systems
Composite sizes
sizes are
not covered
chord arebybased on
on results
this tool,
based from
from the
the Floor
it is recommended
results to Bay
Floor Analysis.
consult
Bay with a joist manufacturer or use the FloorVibe
Analysis.
8. For floor
program systems
available not
at covered by this tool, it
https://www.floorvibe.com/wp/. is recommended to consult with a joist manufacturer or use the FloorVibe
8. For floor systems not covered by this tool, it is recommended to consult with a joist manufacturer or use the FloorVibe
9. program
The joist available
and Joist at https://www.floorvibe.com/wp/.
Girder moment of inertias
program available at https://www.floorvibe.com/wp/. are calculated using only chord areas.
9. The
The joist
9. Exterior
10. and
joistfloor Joist
Joist Girder
and edges moment
momentdoof
of a building
Girder inertias
ofnot require
inertias are calculated
arespecial using
using only
onlyifchord
consideration
calculated areas.
the exterior
chord areas.cladding is firmly attached to the edge
10. Exterior
member. floor
For edges
such of a building
construction, do
the not
edgerequire
member special
can consideration
be considered if
a the exterior
"wall" cladding
for vibration is
is firmly
analysis attached
attached to
firmlypurposes. to the
the edge
10. Exterior floor edges of a building do not require special consideration if the exterior cladding edge
member. For such construction, the edge member can be considered a "wall" for vibration
member. For such construction, the edge member can be considered a "wall" for vibration analysis purposes. analysis purposes.
Vibration Analysis Recommendations to Obtain Better Performance:
Vibration Analysis
1. Use bolted
Vibration Recommendations
flush-framed
Analysis end connections.
Recommendations to
to Obtain
Obtain Better
Better Performance:
Performance:
1.
2. Use bolted
Provide moreflush-framed
damping. end connections.
1. Use bolted flush-framed end connections.
2.
3. Provide
2. Use more
normal
Provide more damping.
weight concrete instead of light weight concrete.
damping.
3.
3. Use
4. Use normal
Increase theweight
normal concrete
weight concrete instead
instead of
slab thickness.
concrete of light
light weight
weight concrete.
concrete.
4.
5. Increase
Increase the
the concrete
concrete slab thickness.
strength.
4. Increase the concrete slab thickness.
5.
6. Increase
5. Adjust thethe
Increase concrete
joist
the or Joiststrength.
concrete Girder depths.
strength.
6.
6. Adjust
7. Adjust the
Adjust the joist
the joist or
joist or Joist
Joist Girder
spacing. Girder depths.
depths.
7.
8. Adjust
Orient the
the joist
joistsspacing.
in the
7. Adjust the joist spacing. long direction and the Joist Girders in the short direction.
8.
9. Orient
Orient the
8. Modify joists
joists in
deflection
the the
the long
incriteria
longto direction and
obtain stiffer
direction the
the Joist
and joists Girders
or Joist
Joist in
in the
the short
Girders.
Girders short direction.
direction.
9.
9. Modify
10. Use deflection
optional
Modify criteria
increased
deflection to
to obtain
criterialoads stiffer
to obtain
obtain joists
stifferstiffer or
or Joist
joistsjoists Girders.
or Joist
Joist Girders.
Girders.
10.
10. Use
Use optional
optional increased
increased loads
loads to to obtain
obtain stiffer
stiffer joists
joists or
or Joist
Joist Girders.
Girders.
Figure 2.11
Figure
(Tab 2) User 2.11
Notes
Figure (Continued)
2.11
(Tab 2) User Notes (Continued)
(Tab 2) User Notes (Continued)

Tab 3 on format is not shown as it is identical to Tab 2 provided in the SJI Roof Bay Tool section.
Tab
Tab 3
3 on
on format
format is
is not
not shown
shown as
as itit is
is identical
identical to
to Tab
Tab 2
2 provided
provided in
in the
the SJI
SJI Roof
Roof Bay
Bay Tool
Tool section.
section.

83
83
83
83
 Floor Bay Analysis
(SJI Load Tables / SDI Specification and Floor Deck Design Manual)

Project Name: TD 4
Project Number: 123
Engineer: XYZ Date: 6/30/2023

Design Methodology ASD OK LRFD - Load and Resistance Factor Design, ASD - Allowable Strength Design

TYPICAL BAY LAYOUT JOIST DESIGN CRITERIA

Bay Length / Joist Span 35.0 ft. Comp. or Non-Comp. Non-Comp
Bay Width / Joist Girder (JG) Span 35.0 ft. Steel Yield Stress 50 ksi
Stud Diameter 3/4
Concrete Strength, f'c 4 Pull down to select
composite or
JOIST GIRDER EDGE CONDITIONS non-composite joists.
Top JG at Edge No
Joist Extension 12 in.
Bottom JG at Edge No
Joist Extension 24 in.

NOMINAL FLOOR LIVE LOADS CLEAR INPUT NOMINAL FLOOR DEAD LOADS
Live Load 80 psf Deck & Concrete Slab 51 psf
Moveable Partitions 0 psf Joists & Bridging 3.14 psf
Total Live Load 80 psf Joist Girders 2.86 psf
Live Load Reduction N (Y or N) Partitions psf
Live loads that exceed 100 psf are not reducible. Mechanical & Electrical 2 psf
Fireproofing 2 psf
DECK & CONCRETE SLAB DESIGN CRITERIA Floor Covering 2 psf
Deck Profile & Gage 2 - 22 Gage OK Ceilings 2 psf
Is Deck Galvanized? Y (Y or N) OK Other Deck Load psf
Comp. or Non-Comp. Comp. OK Total Dead Load 65.00 psf
Reinforcement 6x6-W1.4xW1.4 OK
NW or LW Concrete NW OPTIONAL INCREASED LOAD DATA
Total Slab Depth 5 in. Joist Load lb / ft OK
Construction Live Load 20 psf Top JG Panel Point kips OK
Joist Spaces per Bay 5 Bottom JG Panel Point kips OK

Figure 2.12
(Tab 4) Floor Bay Analysis

84
84
DEPTH DATA DEFLECTION CRITERIA
Joist Min Depth: Default 18 in. Deck - Concrete Weight Min: Span/180 or 3/4 in. 0.47 in.
Joist Min Depth: Manual in. Joist - Live Load Span / 360 1.17 in.
Joist Max Depth: Default 36 in. JG - Live Load Span / 360 1.17 in.
Joist Max Depth: Manual in. Loads considered are unfactored nominal loads.
JG Min Depth: Default 20 in.
JG Min Depth: Manual in. X-BRIDGING
JG Max Depth: Default 44 in. Minimize X-Bridging for Spans ≤ 60 ft. N (Y or N)
JG Max Depth: Manual 32 in. If "Y", the lightest joist without x-bridging is selected, if it's adequate.
Minimum depths are span/24 for non-composite joists & Joist Girders.

DECK AND CONCRETE SLAB SUMMARY (Superimposed Loads)

Deck Total Slab Deck Max Deck Required Available Deck Conc Weight Deflection
Profile & Depth & Span Span * Load Load Weight Allowable Actual
Gage Conc Type ft. ft. psf psf psf in. in.
2 - 22 Gage 5 in. NW 7.00 7.45 135 317 1.62 0.47 0.17
* Maximum Deck Construction Span (Three Span) per SDI OK OK

JOIST SUMMARY (Total Loads)

Joist Joist Required Available Joist Allowable Live Load
Designation Spacing Load Load Weight Deflection Deflection
ft. lb / ft lb / ft lb / ft in. in.
32LH10 7.00 996 1033 21.0 1.17 0.62
OK OK

BRIDGING SUMMARY
X-Bridging Number Length of Weight of H-Bridging Number Length of Weight of
Req'd of rows X-Bridging X-Bridging Req'd of rows H-Bridging H-Bridging
(Y or N) X-Bridging ft. plf (Y or N) H-Bridging ft. plf
N 0 0.00 0.00 Y 2 140.00 1.26 OK

TOP JOIST GIRDER SUMMARY (Total Panel Point Loads)

Joist Girder Joist Required Load Used to Joist Girder Allowable Live Load
Depth Spaces Load Estimate Wt. Weight Deflection Deflection
in. kips kips lb / ft in. in.
32 5 35.6 36.0 100 1.17 0.68
JG Designation: 32G5N35.6K OK OK

BOTTOM JOIST GIRDER SUMMARY (Total Panel Point Loads)

Joist Girder Joist Required Load Used to Joist Girder Allowable Live Load
Depth Spaces Load Estimate Wt. Weight Deflection Deflection
in. kips kips lb / ft in. in.
32 5 35.6 36.0 100 1.17 0.68
JG Designation: 32G5N35.6K OK OK

WEIGHT CHECK - ESTIMATED VS ACTUAL

Joists & Bridging Joist Girders
Estimated Actual Estimated Actual
psf psf psf psf
3.14 3.14 2.86 2.86
OK UPDATE OK UPDATE

WEIGHT RESULTS
Reinforce- Deck K-Joist, DLH-Joist, X-Bridging H-Bridging Joist Girder
ment Weight LH ≤ 60' LH > 60' Weight Weight Weight
Weight Weight Weight
0.19 1.62 3.00 0.00 0.00 0.14 2.86 psf
0.12 0.99 1.84 0.00 0.00 0.09 1.75 tons / bay

Figure 2.13
(Tab 4) Floor Bay Analysis (Continued)

85
85
COST DATA CLEAR COSTS
Purchase Installation
Item $ / Unit Unit $ / Unit Unit
Normal Weight Concrete 0
cubic yards 0 100 sf
Light Weight Concrete 0 User must input cost data
6x6-W1.4xW1.4 0 if cost analysis is desired.
6x6-W2.1xW2.1 0
6x6-W2.9xW2.9 0
6x6-W4.0xW4.0 0
100 sf 0 100 sf
6x6-W6.0xW6.0 0
4x4-W2.9xW2.9 0
4x4-W4.0xW4.0 0
4x4-W6.0xW6.0 0
Rebar 0 0 ton
Deck 0 0 100 sf
K or LH-Joists ≤ 60' 0 ton 0 piece
LH-Joists > 60',
0 0 piece
DLH-Joists, Joist Girders
3/8" Studs 0.00 0.00
1/2" Studs 0.00 0.00
piece piece
5/8" Studs 0.00 0.00
3/4" Studs 0.00 0.00
X-Bridging 0 0.00 foot
ton
H-Bridging 0 0.00 foot
Consult with general contractor / joist manufacturer / erector for cost data.

COST RESULTS
Concrete Reinforcement Deck
Purchase Installation Purchase Installation Purchase Installation
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ / sf
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $ / bay

Joists Studs Bridging Joist Girders

Purchase Installation Purchase Installation Purchase Installation Purchase Installation
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ / sf
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $ / bay

FINAL TOTALS
Cost Concrete Reinf Steel Weight
Purchase Installation Total Volume Weight (w/o Reinf)
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $ / sf cu yd/bay 0.19 8.48 psf
$0 $0 $0 $ / bay 22.1 0.17 7.42 tons / bay

OK
Design is acceptable and within the limits of this
program.

Figure 2.14
(Tab 4) Floor Bay Analysis (Continued)

86
86
RUN
RUNDATADATA
Design
DesignMethodology
Methodology ASD
ASD
Joist
JoistSpan,
Span,ft.ft. 35.0
35.0
Joist
JoistGirder
GirderSpan,
Span,ft. ft. 35.0
35.0
COPY
COPYTO
TOTABLE
TABLE
Deck
DeckProfile
Profile&&Gage
Gage 22- -22
22Gage
Gage
Tot.
Tot.Slab
SlabDepth
Depth&&Type Type 55in.
in.NWNWComp.
Comp.
Reinforcement
Reinforcement 6x6-W1.4xW1.4
6x6-W1.4xW1.4
CLEAR
CLEARTABLE
TABLE
Deck
DeckSpan,
Span,ft.ft. 7.00
7.00
X-Bridging
X-BridgingRows
Rows 00
H-Bridging
H-BridgingRows
Rows 22
Joist
JoistSize
Size 32LH10
32LH10
Studs/bay
Studs/bay&&Diameter
Diameter 00
Joist
JoistSeat
SeatDepth,
Depth,in. in. 55
Top
TopJGJGSize
Size 32G5N35.6K
32G5N35.6K
Bottom
BottomJG JGSize
Size 32G5N35.6K
32G5N35.6K
Concrete,
Concrete,cu cuyd/bay
yd/bay** 15.5
15.5
Reinf
ReinfWeight,
Weight,psfpsf 0.19
0.19
Stl
StlWt
Wt(w/o
(w/oReinf),
Reinf),psfpsf 7.62
7.62
Total
TotalCost,
Cost,$$/ /sfsf $0.00
$0.00

RUN
RUNCOMPARISONS
COMPARISONS
Run
Run11 Run
Run22 Run
Run33 Run
Run44
Design
DesignMethodology
Methodology ASD
ASD
Joist
JoistSpan,
Span,ft.ft. 35.0
35.0
Joist
JoistGirder
GirderSpan,
Span,ft. ft. 35.0
35.0
Deck
DeckProfile
Profile&&Gage
Gage 22- -22
22Gage
Gage
Tot.
Tot.Slab
SlabDepth
Depth&&Type Type 55in.
in.NWNWComp.
Comp.
Reinforcement
Reinforcement 6x6-W1.4xW1.4
6x6-W1.4xW1.4
Deck
DeckSpan,
Span,ft.ft. 7.00
7.00
X-Bridging
X-BridgingRows
Rows 00
H-Bridging
H-BridgingRows
Rows 22
Joist
JoistSize
Size 32LH10
32LH10
Studs/bay
Studs/bay&&Diameter
Diameter 00
Joist
JoistSeat
SeatDepth,
Depth,in. in. 55
Top
TopJGJGSize
Size 32G5N35.6K
32G5N35.6K
Bottom
BottomJG JGSize
Size 32G5N35.6K
32G5N35.6K
Concrete,
Concrete,cu cuyd/bay
yd/bay** 15.5
15.5
Reinf
ReinfWeight,
Weight,psfpsf 0.19
0.19
Stl
StlWt
Wt(w/o
(w/oReinf),
Reinf),psfpsf 7.62
7.62
Total
TotalCost,
Cost,$$/ /sfsf $0.00
$0.00
**Concrete
Concretevolumes
volumesare arebased
basedon
onSDI's
SDI'sconservative
conservativeslab
slabweight
weightestimates.
estimates.The
Thevolumes
volumesare
arenot
notprecise.
precise.

Figure
Figure2.15
2.15
(Tab
(Tab4)
4)Floor
FloorBay
BayAnalysis
Analysis(Continued)
(Continued)

87
87
87
VIERENDEEL OPENINGS
One of the advantages of using joists as floor members is that ducts and other items can
be installed in the web openings. However, when trying to minimize floor-to-floor heights,
shallow joists may be selected resulting in small openings. The specifying professional
can request that Vierendeel openings be provided in selected joists. Criteria that should
be followed for Vierendeel openings are shown in Figure 2.16.

Figure 2.16
Vierendeel Opening Criteria

LATERAL LOAD FRAMING

There are many framing and mixed framing options for lateral wind and lateral seismic
loads. Typically, these include braced frames, moment frames, shear wall systems, core
bracing, and mixtures of all these systems. Which system to use usually depends on the
architectural layout of the building.

For systems resisting lateral wind loads, joists and joist girders can be easily incorporated
into the structure. In mid-rise buildings, joist girders and special joists can be specified as
the beam elements in moment frames. Moment frames are often used only on the
perimeter walls, as shown in Figure 2.17. This design allows for unobstructed window
openings, unlike wall bracing systems.

88
88
 Figure 2.17
Moment Frames

Vertical bracing and shear walls can be located, where permitted, by the architectural
arrangement. Using beams rather than joist girders or special joists as the horizontal
elements can simplify details. Designs must conform to the International Building Code
and the AISC Specification.

When seismic loading controls the structural design, the AISC Seismic Provisions must
be followed.

Provisions for structural systems are:

1. Moment Frame Systems
a. Ordinary Moment Frames (OMF)
b. Intermediate Moment Frames (IMF)
c. Special Moment Frames (SMF)
d. Special Truss Moment Frames (STMF)
2. Braced Frame Systems
a. Ordinary Concentrically Braced Frames (OCBF)
b. Special Concentrically Braced Frames (SCBF)
c. Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF)
d. Buckling-Restrained Braced Frames (BRBF)
3. Special Plate Shear Walls (SPSW)
4. Special Truss Moment Frames (STMF)
5. Ordinary Cantilever Column Systems (OCCS)
6. Special Cantilever Column Systems (SCCS)
7. Composite Moment Frames
a. Composite Ordinary Moment Frames (C-OMF)
b. Composite Intermediate Moment Frames (C-OMF)
c. Composite Special Moment Frames (C-SMF)
d. Composite Partially Restrained Moment Frames (C-PRMF)
e. Composite Braced Frame and Shear Wall Systems
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The systems shown in bold are most common. In recent years, BRBF systems have
gained popularity where bracing is permitted. Refer to Figure 2.18.

A buckling restrained braced frame (BRBF) consists of a steel core surrounded by a

hollow steel section, coated with a low-friction material, and then grouted with a
specialized mortar. The encasing and mortar prohibit the steel core from buckling when
in compression, while the coating prevents axial load from being transferred to the
encasement, thus preventing strength loss, and allowing for better and more symmetric
cyclic performance. These elements most commonly brace a bay diagonally or in a
chevron pattern. In a BRBF, the maximum tension and compression forces are much
closer compared to standard bracing, resulting in a smaller beam size due to reduced
force imbalance in the chevron configuration.

Figure 2.18
Buckling Restrained Braced Frame (BRBF)

COLUMN LENGTHS AND SPLICES

Most columns for multi-story frames are wide-flange sections with a yield strength of 50
ksi. Of prime importance are the splice locations for columns. There are several splice
heights that can be used in the design and erection of steel buildings. The most common
and preferred method is the 2-story tier. The sequence of erection is shown in Figure
2.19. OSHA permits steel to be erected without netting so long as the distance to the
platform below does not exceed 30 feet. The sequence shown permits this and allows for
an orderly erection scheme. Additionally, decking the upper floor first provides protection
for the decking crew from falling objects and allows the erector to stabilize the shorter
columns more easily compared to the 3-story tier.

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The three floor per tier arrangement is nearly as bad as the four floor per tier arrangement.
One exception to this is when the number of two floor tiers leads to a single floor or roof
level due to an odd number of levels. One often sees a top-level column 10 or 11 feet
long due to this condition. Depending on the framing arrangement, it is often preferred to
The threethis
eliminate floorlast
percolumn
tier arrangement
splice and is nearly
elect as a
to run bad as the four
three-level floor
tier, per tier arrangement.
particularly if the column
One
size is the same or nearly the same. This is with the full recognition that the floor
exception to this is when the number of two floor tiers leads to a single or roof
top level of
level due to an odd number of
framing may take a little more effort to erect. levels. One often sees a top-level column 10 or 11 feet
long due toThe this condition.
three Depending
floor per tier arrangement onisthe framing
nearly as bad as arrangement,
the four floor per it tier
is often preferred to
arrangement.
eliminate Onelast
this exception
column to this
spliceis when
and the number
elect to runof atwo floor tiers leads
three-level tier, to a single floorif or
particularly theroof
column
There are level
advantages
due to an of oddthe 1-story
number tier inOne
of levels. thatoften
thesees efficiency
a top-levelof erection
column 10isorthe same
11 feet as
size is the
the 2-storylongsame
tierdue or
after nearly
the the same.
first story This is
is erected. with the full
In addition, recognition
the first that
story the top
columns level of
to this condition. Depending on the framing arrangement, it is often preferred to are
framing may
generally much take
eliminate a little
heavier more
this last than
column effort
the
splice to
second erect.
and elect story
to runcolumns
a three-level due toparticularly
tier, drift control. With the 1-
if the column
size is the same or nearly
story tier some weight savings are possible. the same. This is with the full recognition that the top level of
There are framing
advantages may take of athe
little1-story
more effort tiertoinerect.
that the efficiency of erection is the same as
the 2-story
The tier
4-storyThere after
tier are
should thenotfirstbeofstory
used is erected.
unless In addition,
necessary. the first
It is very storyto columns
difficult stabilize are
advantages the 1-story tier in that the efficiency of erection is the same as the
generally
long much
columns heavier
during
the 2-story thanthethe
erection
tier after andfirstsecond
itstory
is alsois story columns
difficult
erected. duethe
Intoaddition,
adjust to first
driftstory
plumbness. control.
Once
columns With arethe
the lower1-
story tier some
1 or 2 levels weight
are bolted
generally much orsavingswelded,
heavier are
than the possible.
it will be difficult
second story columnsto getdue thetoupper floor With
drift control. framingthe 1- to fit. If
story tier
the floor framing issome
momentweight savingsat
welded are possible.
the columns, just the weld shrinkage can be enough
The 4-story tier
to make it difficult should
to erectnot be
the used
upper unless
levels ofnecessary.
floor framing. It is very difficult to stabilize the
The 4-story tier should not be used unless necessary. It is very difficult to stabilize the
long columns during erection and it is also difficult to adjust plumbness. Once the lower
long columns during erection and it is also difficult to adjust plumbness. Once the lower
1 or 2 levels are bolted or welded, it will be difficult to get the
1 or 2 levels are bolted or welded, it will be difficult to get the upper upper floor
floor framing
framing to fit. If
to fit. If
the floor framing
the floorisframing
moment welded
is moment at the
welded columns,
at the columns,justjustthe weldshrinkage
the weld shrinkage can can be enough
be enough
to make it difficult
to make itto erecttothe
difficult upper
erect levels
the upper of floor
levels of floorframing.
framing.
Raising Crew

Decking Crew
Raising Crew
Raising Crew
Decking Crew
Decking Crew

3-Story Tier
2-Story Tier3-Story Tier 1-Story Tier 4-Story Tier
2-Story Tier 1-Story Tier 4-Story Tier
Figure 2.19
Column Tier Heights
Figure 2.19
3-Story Tier Column1-Story Tier 4-Story Tier
2-Story Tier Tier Heights

Figure 2.19
91
Column Tier Heights

91

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SJI MOMENT CONNECTION SPREADSHEETS
Moment
SJISJI connection
MOMENT
MOMENT spreadsheets
CONNECTION
CONNECTION and reference manuals were discussed in Chapter 1.
SPREADSHEETS
SPREADSHEETS
The following
Moment
Moment spreadsheets
connection
connection are
spreadsheets available:
spreadsheetsand
andreference
referencemanuals
manuals were
were discussed
discussed inin Chapter
Chapter1.1.
1.
The SJI HSS
following Knife Plate
spreadsheets are available:
The following spreadsheets are available:
2. SJI
1. 1.
SJISJIHSS
HSSHSSTop Plate
Knife
Knife Plate
Plate
3. SJI
2. W
SJI Shape
HSS Intermediate
Top
2. SJI HSS Top Plate Plate
3. 3.
4. SJISJI
SJI W W Shape
W Shape
Shape Intermediate
Knife Plate
Intermediate
5. 4. SJI W Shape Knife PlateTop Plate
4. SJI
SJI W W Shape
Shape Strong Axis
Knife Plate
6. 5.
SJI SJI
W W Shape Strong Axis Top Plate
5. 6.
SJISJIW Shape
Shape Weak
StrongAxis
AxisTop
TopPlate
W Shape Weak Axis Top Plate
Plate
6. SJI W Shape Weak Axis Top Plate
Only the SJI W Shape Intermediate spreadsheet is applicable for multistory applications.
A Only from
detail the SJI
theW Shape Intermediate
spreadsheet is shownspreadsheet is applicable for multistory applications.
in Figure is
2.20.
Only the SJI W Shape Intermediate spreadsheet
A detail from the spreadsheet is shown in Figure 2.20. applicable for multistory applications.
A detail from the spreadsheet is shown in Figure 2.20.

Figure 2.20
Figure
SJI Moment Connection W2.20
Shape Intermediate Level
SJI Moment Connection W Shape Intermediate Level
Figure 2.20
SJI Moment Connection W Shape Intermediate Level

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FLOOR DIAPHRAGMS
Floor diaphragms are used to transfer lateral loads and stability forces to vertical bracing
systems or to moment frames. Cast-in-place slabs on steel deck form excellent floor
diaphragms. Diaphragm values for both concrete on form deck and composite slabs in
various combinations of concrete properties and steel deck profiles and gages are given in
the SDI Manual. As mentioned in Chapter 1, the reader is referred to the Steel Deck
Institute Diaphragm Design Manual (SDI, 2019) for guidance for the design of diaphragms.

FLOOR DECKS
The following steel deck types are manufactured by SDI members for floor construction:
1. Non-Composite Decks
2. Composite Decks
3. Cellular Decks
4. Acoustical Decks

Non-Composite Decks
The most common use of non-composite deck is as a permanent form. The concrete
placed on the form is designed to support the design loads. Design of the concrete is
done using reinforced concrete principles in accordance with ACI 318 (ACI, 2019). The
design of the deck is done in accordance with the SDI Standard for Steel Deck (SDI,
2022). Decks are available in lengths from 6'-0" to 40'-0". Decks are commonly available
in depths from 0.6" to 3".

Composite Decks
Composite decks serve a dual purpose. During construction, they serve as a form to
support the weight of wet concrete and construction loads. After the concrete has
hardened, it is engaged with the deck by interlocking in the embossed sides of the flutes
so that the concrete and steel deck act compositely. The steel deck provides positive
moment reinforcement. Because the deck forms the positive reinforcement, it must be
permanent. In the commentary to the composite deck specification, the SDI recommends
the use of ASTM A653 (G60) galvanizing. Composite decks are typically available in
depths of 1.5", 2", and 3".

Cellular Decks
Cellular deck is normal metal decking that has a flat piece of steel welded to the bottom
of the panel. It is available as a roof or floor deck for both acoustical and non-acoustical
decking applications.

Acoustical Decks
Acoustical deck is a dual-purpose panel which helps lower costs by providing an interior
finish while contributing to the structural performance of the building. This is accomplished
by perforating the structural steel deck and adding fiberglass batt acoustic media in the
webs or in the cells of cellular deck.

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SDI Floor Deck Design Manual
For further information on floor decks, consult the SDI Floor Deck Design Manual (SDI,
2020). The manual contains requirements for loads during construction for the weight of
the deck and the weight of wet concrete. The manual contains information on pour stops,
girder fillers, penetrations, and openings. The manual refers to ACI 318 for the design of
concrete openings.

FIRE REQUIREMENTS
The use of steel joists and joist girders in buildings frequently requires the use of fire rated
systems of construction. The fire ratings of systems are expressed in hours ranging from
one to four hours. The required rating for a roof-ceiling or floor-ceiling assembly in a
building is established by the building code and is a function of the building’s occupancy,
area, and height. The ratings are to be met using rated assemblies’ meeting or exceeding
the required rating. Such assemblies typically consist of steel decks, structural members,
fireproofing protection, and other appropriate materials. Assemblies are constructed and
tested according to the methods and acceptance criteria described in ASTM Standard
E119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials,
(ASTM, 2018).

Most fire tests over the years have been conducted by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.,
and descriptions of the rated assemblies are compiled in the UL Fire Resistance Directory
(UL (2022). It is important when applying rated assemblies to a project that all the features
of the rated assembly be carried over into the design, or it will not be valid and can delay
the issuance of a building permit. Common problems associated with not strictly following
the requirements of a given assembly are:
1. Increased insulation thickness over the steel roof deck: This could result in greater
heat buildup below the assembly and invalidate the fire rating. Certain roof-ceiling
assemblies in the Fire Resistance Directory permit an unlimited thickness for the
roof insulation.
2. Substitution of different manufacturers of assembly components.
3. Substitution of different products.
4. Use of lighter, smaller structural members: The assemblies state the minimum size
member. A lighter member may result in reaching the maximum temperature limitation
faster because of its smaller mass.
5. Use of assemblies which are out of date. Many assemblies contain J-Series joists
which are no longer produced. If no K-Series joist is included as an alternate in the
assembly, a K-Series joist may be substituted in accordance with the design
information section of the Fire Resistance Directory.

The fireproofing protection for floor-ceiling and roof-ceiling assemblies using steel joists
and joist girders can be achieved in the following two ways:
1. Direct application of an insulation material such as a cementitious mixture or
sprayed fiber product.
2. Installation of a continuous barrier membrane such as a suspended acoustical tile
or gypsum board system beneath the framing.

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The use of membrane protection permits the use of mechanical components such as air
ducts in the plenum area above the membrane. The mechanical systems can be attached
directly to the structural framing and can run through the structure as needed. Membrane
systems require care and detail in their installation. Since they may be used effectively in
certain situations, they should always be considered in the design process.

The determination of the building fire classification, the required assembly fire ratings,
and the specification of the fireproofing protection and materials are generally within the
scope of the architect’s services. Close coordination with the specifying professional is
necessary to produce a structural design compatible with the architect’s specifications.
Items of structural concern include:
1. Providing structural member connections and details consistent with the
classification of restraint.
2. Providing minimum required structural member sizes and depths.
3. Use of appropriate structural member tensile stresses.
4. Use of required steel deck profiles and thicknesses.
5. Use of appropriate concrete strengths, densities, and thicknesses.
6. Accounting for the weight of the fireproofing protection system in the design.
7. Accounting for the depth of the fireproofing protection system in the overall
structural design.

The SJI Technical Digest 10 (SJI, 2003) is a good reference relative to the design of fire-
resistive assemblies with steel joists.

SERVICEABILITY CONSIDERATIONS
Serviceability issues were discussed in Chapter 1 for single story buildings. The most
significant serviceability design considerations for multi-story structures are:
• Cladding
• Partitions and Ceilings
• Vibration

Design of Cladding-Structure Interaction

The primary means of controlling the interaction between cladding and structure is
isolation. Isolation prevents the inadvertent loading of the cladding by movements in the
primary and secondary structure and is achieved by subdividing the cladding with joints
and by attaching the cladding to the structure in a manner that is statically determinate.
Using a statically indeterminate attachment requires a compatibility analysis of both
cladding and structure as a composite structure.

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Each type of cladding has unique design concerns. Vertical support of cladding can be
accomplished in the following three ways:
1. Supporting the cladding on the foundation with the only ties to the frame being
those connections required for stability and for lateral loads.
2. Cladding systems consisting of bay-length spandrel panels or bay-sized panels can
be supported at the columns. These connections should be appropriately detailed
to maintain the statically determinate condition of support mentioned above.
3. Cladding systems that require support along the perimeter horizontal framing.

The concerns for frame and cladding interaction escalate through these three methods to
the special analysis, design, and detailing issues associated with tall buildings. For the
evaluation of frame drift, 10-year recurrence interval winds are recommended due to the
non-catastrophic nature of serviceability issues and because of the need to provide a
standard consistent with day-to-day behavior and average perceptions. The 50-year
recurrence interval winds that strength design wind loads are based upon are special
events. As mentioned earlier, in lieu of using the precision of a map with 10-year wind
speed isobars, the author recommends using 75 percent of 50-year wind pressure as an
approximation of the 10-year wind pressures.

Foundation-Supported Cladding for Gravity Loads

When the foundation vertically supports the cladding, there is no connection between the
frame and cladding for vertical loads.

The limits on vertical deflection are:

• Floor beams must have deflections compatible with the type of vertical slip
connections detailed to laterally support the cladding.
• Floor beams must have deflection compatible with the detailing between wall and
floor finish.
• Floor members must have deflection compatible with the detail of ceilings and cladding.

Tilt-up Concrete Support

Tilt-up panels are often used in buildings ranging from three to four stories in height. The
case of tilt-up concrete and full-height precast is of concern in multi-story structures
because of drift. Again, corners remain of critical concern. Drift limits vary depending on
wind or seismic loading. Contractors and suppliers of these systems should be consulted
regarding design considerations.

Frame-Supported Cladding at Columns

The second method of support for cladding involves spanning the cladding between
columns. In this case, the frame carries both the vertical and horizontal forces from the
cladding, but the support points are limited to points on or very close to the columns. In
the idealized case, there are two support points that carry vertical and lateral loads and
two that carry lateral loads only. These supports must be detailed to slide or yield under
horizontal forces in the plane of the panel except for one joint, which is required for
horizontal shear stability. The success or failure of this method depends on the relative
movement of the support points.

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Vertical movement is the result of absolute and relative column shortening (and
lengthening). The vertical movement affects the performance of the panel perimeter caulk
joints. This movement should be limited to about 1/4 inch due to a 10-year wind load or
50 percent of design live load. The other concern is racking of the bay. First, the racking
must be within the limit of movement of the connections. Secondly, the racking must be
within the limit of the movement provided for between panels in adjacent stories. Relative
movement between stories can introduce shearing forces in the intersection of the
horizontal and vertical sealants.

While the limit on racking is a function of connection design and joint detailing, one can
use a maximum inter-story drift of story height divided by 500 using a 10-year wind load
as a target limit with reasonable assurance.

Frame-Supported Cladding for Gravity Loads Along Spandrels

The third method of cladding support is along the spandrels. This is the most complex and
results in the most problems. In this method, there are the concerns of the methods
discussed earlier with the added issue of deflections of the perimeter framing. There is the
concern of determinate versus indeterminate attachment. The timing of the application of
loads is significant. First, deflections prior to the setting of cladding are important since the
fabrication of cladding is likely based on idealized constant story elevations. Secondly,
deflections during the setting of heavy cladding must be considered as component
alignment may be affected. Lastly, deflections after the completion of cladding must be
consistent with its detailing.

Heavy Cladding
In general, the vertical deflection of perimeter framing should be limited to span divided
by 480 for total dead load, with an absolute limit of 3/8 inch due to dead loads imposed
prior to setting the cladding, and an absolute limit of 5/8 inch dead load deflection after
setting the cladding.

The effect of setting heavy units sequentially down the length of a perimeter framing
element should be considered when the cladding weight exceeds 25 percent of the total
dead load on the beam. In this case, the deflection due to cladding and initial dead load
should be limited to span divided by 600 with an absolute limit of 3/8 inch.

The limits on vertical deflection after the completion of cladding must be consistent with
the joints and details and relate primarily to the relative deflections between floors. For
example, glass can be pulled out of the glazing stops attached to the floor above.
Interlocking mullion expansion joints can disengage. Windows in continuous slip heads
could jam or disengage. Precast or stone panel vertical joints can open excessively at the
base and squeeze closed at their tops (PCI, 2021).

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To prevent these problems and others like them, one must limit live load deflection to
span divided by 360, with a maximum of 1/4 to 1/2 inch depending on the details.
Consideration must be given to the magnitude of live load, which is the load after the
cladding is erected. Live load specifications often err on the high side, and thus, the actual
live load experienced in the perimeter zone of the building is generally less than the
specified load. This is due to the relatively low density of use of the floor space near the
windows. Also, consider not using the full live load because the design consideration is
the differential movement between floors. It may be reasonable to assume some load on
all floors (except the top and bottom stories). For these reasons, consider using 50
percent of the design live load.

Masonry and Stud Walls

Walls that are continuously supported along a floor such as masonry walls or stud walls
are supported in an indeterminate manner and require compatibility analysis, or more
commonly, strict deflection limits to control damage to the cladding. The Brick Industry
Association (BIA, 1987) specifies maximum total load deflections for lintels, which are
span divided by 600 but not more than 0.3 inches (BIA, 1999). The absolute limit is
consistent with typical joint details at ledges and window heads. TMS 402/602 (TMS,
2016) also gives deflection limits for masonry beams and lintels as span divided by 360
for total load and span divided by 600 for dead load only. Limitations for built-up insulation
systems on studs are such that the limits given for the determinate systems would apply
to these as well.

It should be noted that deflection and drift limits must be compared to calculated deflections
which include the effect of creep, as appropriate, as in the case of composite beams.

Considerations Relative to Interior Partitions and Ceilings

The performance of interior partitions and ceilings is largely aesthetic and relates to cracks
and bows. Most finish materials are brittle and thus have little tolerance for inadvertent
loading due to deflections. The only notable exception to this is ceiling construction of metal
grids and lay-in acoustical panels.

The tops of partitions, when run to the underside of the next floor or to the underside of roof,
should be slip joined to provide lateral stability and to prevent inadvertent transfer of load
from one level to another. Details of this sort usually provide a range of movement between
3/8 and 1 inch. This range of movement should be matched to the expected deflections.

One common criterion in literature on this topic is the limitation on floors supporting plaster
ceilings that live load deflection does not exceed span divided by 360. This criterion is found
in AISC Specification Commentary Section L2. Likewise, Paragraph 5.10, “Deflection”, of
the SJI Specification requires that design live load deflection not exceed span divided by
360 for floors.

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These limits produce deflected curvatures that are on the borderline of acceptable visual
perceptibility. Other considerations may require stricter absolute limits on deflection. For
example, where drywall partitions meet drywall or plaster ceilings, standard details allow for
only 1/4 to 1/2 inch of movement. This is, in general, a stricter limit than span divided by 360.

An alternative to providing a stiffer structure is to support the drywall ceilings from ceiling
framing that is supported by the partitions rather than suspend the ceiling from the
structure above. This solution may only be appropriate for relatively small rooms such as
individual offices.

For additional information on serviceability issues, the reader is referred to AISC Design
Guide 3, Serviceability Design Considerations for Steel Buildings (West and Fisher, 2019).

FLOOR VIBRATION
Floor vibration and human response to it are of concern for all buildings. Currently, the
state-of-the-art treatises on this topic are AISC Design Guide 11, Floor Vibrations Due to
Human Activity, (Murray, etal., 2016), and SJI Technical Digest 5, Vibration of Steel Joist –
Concrete Slab Floors (SJI, 2015b). It would be redundant for this technical digest to address
this topic. The reader is referred to the above-mentioned design guides for a thorough
explanation of the analysis and design considerations for floor vibration design.

The reader is also referred to the SJI Floor Bay Analysis with Vibration Tool. As previously
shown, the spreadsheet allows the user to first determine an optimum floor bay layout using
joists and joist girders. The user may then select the Vibration Analysis tab to determine
the acceptability of the floor system for walking vibration behavior. Since floor vibration is
dependent on the connection type between the joists and the joist girder, the spreadsheet
allows the user to select the connection type with 2.5, 5,0, or, 7.5- inch seats or a flush-
frame connection.

The vibration analysis notes were shown previously on the “User Notes” tab in the floor bay
analysis discussion. Shown in Figures 2.21 through 2.23 are the results of the vibration
analysis for the previous floor bay analysis. Notice the difference in acceptability between
the 5-inch seat and the flush-frame connection.

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 Walking Vibration Analysis Using Vibration Analysis tab.
(SJI Technical Digest 5 and AISC Design Guide 11) See SJI TD 5 for information
on vibration.
Project Name: TD 4
Project Number: 123
Engineer: XYZ Date: 6/30/2023

DECK, CONCRETE, AND STUD DATA LOAD DATA

Pull down for
Deck Height 2 in. Design Methodology ASD
Occupancy
Concrete Strength, f'c 4 ksi Occupancy Electronic Office type.
Total Concrete Depth 5 in. Deck and Concrete Slab Weight 51.0 psf
Concrete Thickness above Deck 3 in. Other Dead Load 4.0 psf
Concrete Modulus of Elasticity, Ec 3,492 ksi Total Live Load 80.0 psf
Dynamic Modular Ratio, n 6.15 Live Load Reduction N
Stud Diameter N/A in. Live Load for Vibration Analysis 8.0 psf

FLOOR PARAMETERS JOIST GIRDER DATA Top Bottom

Floor Length 150.00 ft Edge Member No No
Floor Width 105.00 ft Cladding Connection
Designation 32G5N35.6K 32G5N35.6K
MODAL DAMPING RATIOS Depth 32 32 in.
Structural System 0.010 Span, Lg 35.00 35.00 ft
Electronic Office Occupancy 0.005 Joist Spaces, N 5 5
Ceiling and Ductwork Yes 0.010 Panel Point Load, P 35.6 35.6 kips
4
Drywall Partitions 0.000 Moment of Inertia, Ichords 4,899 4,899 in.
Total Modal Damping Ratio, β 0.025
JOIST GIRDER CALCULATIONS Top Bottom
JOIST DATA Effective Concrete Width above Deck 168.00 168.00 in.
Edge Member No Effective Concrete Width in Deck 84.00 84.00 in.
Cladding Connection None Trans Concrete Width above Deck 27.31 27.31 in.
Designation 32LH10 Trans Concrete Width in Deck 13.66 13.66 in.
Depth Pull down 32 in. Trans Concrete Area above Deck 81.93 81.93 in.2
Span, Lj choices are 2.5, 35.00 ft Trans Concrete Area in Deck 27.31 27.31 in.
2

Spacing, S 5, 7.5, or Flush. 7.00 ft Composite Moment of Inertia, Icomp 14,807 14,807 in.4
Available Load 1,033 lb/ft
4
Moment of Inertia, Ichords 1,072 in. JOIST GIRDER FREQUENCY Top Bottom
Seat Depth/Type 5 in. Span to Depth Ratio, L/D 13.13 13.13
Cr 0.838 0.838
JOIST CALCULATIONS g 0.194 0.194
Effective Concrete Width 84.00 in. Effective Moment of Inertia, Ig 5,412 5,412 in.4
Effective Concrete Depth 3.00 in. Equivalent Uniform Load, wg 2,406 2,406 lb/ft
Transformed Concrete Width 13.66 in. Midspan Deflection, Δg 0.518 0.518 in.
Transformed Concrete Area 40.97 in.2 Natural Frequency, fg 4.91 4.91 Hz
4
Composite Moment of Inertia, Icomp 2,453 in.
JOIST GIRDER MODE PROPERTIES Top Bottom
4
JOIST FREQUENCY JG Trans Moment of Inertia / ft, Dg 154.6 154.6 in. /ft
Span to Depth Ratio, L/D 13.13 Cg 1.6 1.6
Cr 0.838 JG Effective Width, Bg 62.7 62.7 ft
g 0.194 JG Effective Panel Weight, Wg 150.8 150.8 kips
4
Effective Moment of Inertia, Ij 1,699 in.
Uniform Load, wj 461 lb/ft COMBINED MODE PROPERTIES Top Bottom
Midspan Deflection, Δj 0.316 in. JG Reduced Deflection, Δ'g 0.518 0.518 in.
Natural Frequency, fj 6.29 Hz Effective Panel Weight, W 121.5 121.5 kips
Natural Frequency, fn 3.87 3.87 Hz
JOIST MODE PROPERTIES
4
Slab Trans Moment of Inertia / ft, Ds 10.40 in. /ft FINAL VIBRATION EVALUATION Top Bottom
Joist Trans Moment of Inertia / ft, Dj 242.7 in.4/ft Peak Acceleration Ratio, ap/g 0.552% 0.552%
Cj 2.0 Tolerance Acceleration Ratio, ao/g 0.5% - 0.55% 0.5% - 0.55%
Joist Effective Width, Bj 31.85 ft
Joist Effective Panel Weight, Wj 73.5 kips NG

Figure 2.21 Acceptance

(Tab 5) Vibration Analysis with 5 Inch Seat Criteria

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sideofofthethespreadsheet
spreadsheet
totoillustrate
illustratea aflush-frame
flush-frame
connection
connectiondetail.detail.

Figure
Figure2.22
2.22
(Tab
(Tab5)5)Vibration
VibrationAnalysis
Analysis(Continued)
(Continued)

101

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 Walking Vibration Analysis
(SJI Technical Digest 5 and AISC Design Guide 11)

Project Name: TD 4
Project Number: 123
Engineer: XYZ Date: 6/30/2023

DECK, CONCRETE, AND STUD DATA LOAD DATA

Deck Height 2 in. Design Methodology ASD
Concrete Strength, f'c 4 ksi Occupancy Electronic Office
Total Concrete Depth 5 in. Deck and Concrete Slab Weight 51.0 psf
Concrete Thickness above Deck 3 in. Other Dead Load 4.0 psf
Concrete Modulus of Elasticity, Ec 3,492 ksi Total Live Load 80.0 psf
Dynamic Modular Ratio, n 6.15 Live Load Reduction N
Stud Diameter N/A in. Live Load for Vibration Analysis 8.0 psf

FLOOR PARAMETERS JOIST GIRDER DATA Top Bottom

Floor Length 150.00 ft Edge Member No No
Floor Width 105.00 ft Cladding Connection
Designation 32G5N35.6K 32G5N35.6K
MODAL DAMPING RATIOS Depth 32 32 in.
Structural System 0.010 Span, Lg 35.00 35.00 ft
Electronic Office Occupancy 0.005 Joist Spaces, N 5 5
Ceiling and Ductwork Yes 0.010 Panel Point Load, P 35.6 35.6 kips
Drywall Partitions 0.000 Moment of Inertia, Ichords 4,899 4,899 in.4
Total Modal Damping Ratio, β 0.025
JOIST GIRDER CALCULATIONS Top Bottom
JOIST DATA Effective Concrete Width above Deck 168.00 168.00 in.
Edge Member No Effective Concrete Width in Deck 84.00 84.00 in.
Cladding Connection None Trans Concrete Width above Deck 27.31 27.31 in.
Designation 32LH10 Trans Concrete Width in Deck 13.66 13.66 in.
2
Depth 32 in. Trans Concrete Area above Deck 81.93 81.93 in.
Span, Lj flush-frame 35.00 ft Trans Concrete Area in Deck 27.31 27.31 in.2
Spacing, S connection 7.00 ft Composite Moment of Inertia, Icomp 11,066 11,066 in.4
Available Load 1,033 lb/ft
4
Moment of Inertia, Ichords 1,072 in. JOIST GIRDER FREQUENCY Top Bottom
Seat Depth/Type Flush Span to Depth Ratio, L/D 13.13 13.13
Cr 0.838 0.838
JOIST CALCULATIONS g 0.194 0.194
Effective Concrete Width 84.00 in. Effective Moment of Inertia, Ig 7,695 7,695 in.4
Effective Concrete Depth 3.00 in. Equivalent Uniform Load, wg 2,406 2,406 lb/ft
Transformed Concrete Width 13.66 in. Midspan Deflection, Δg 0.364 0.364 in.
Transformed Concrete Area 40.97 in.2 Natural Frequency, fg 5.86 5.86 Hz
4
Composite Moment of Inertia, Icomp 2,453 in.
JOIST GIRDER MODE PROPERTIES Top Bottom
JOIST FREQUENCY JG Trans Moment of Inertia / ft, Dg 219.9 219.9 in.4/ft
Span to Depth Ratio, L/D 13.13 Cg 1.8 1.8
Cr 0.838 JG Effective Width, Bg 64.6 64.6 ft
g 0.194 JG Effective Panel Weight, Wg 155.4 155.4 kips
4
Effective Moment of Inertia, Ij 1,699 in.
Uniform Load, wj 461 lb/ft COMBINED MODE PROPERTIES Top Bottom
Midspan Deflection, Δj 0.316 in. JG Reduced Deflection, Δ'g 0.364 0.364 in.
Natural Frequency, fj 6.29 Hz Effective Panel Weight, W 134.4 134.4 kips
Natural Frequency, fn 4.29 4.29 Hz
JOIST MODE PROPERTIES
4
Slab Trans Moment of Inertia / ft, Ds 10.40 in. /ft FINAL VIBRATION EVALUATION Top Bottom
Joist Trans Moment of Inertia / ft, Dj 242.7 in.4/ft Peak Acceleration Ratio, ap/g 0.431% 0.431%
Cj 2.0 Tolerance Acceleration Ratio, ao/g 0.5% - 0.55% 0.5% - 0.55%
Joist Effective Width, Bj 31.85 ft
Joist Effective Panel Weight, Wj 110.2 kips OK

Figure 2.23
(Tab 5) Vibration Analysis with Flush-Frame Connection

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SCHEDULES
For complex projects, total load and live load at each panel point in the joist girder
designation may not be adequate. Shown in Tables 2.1 and 2.2 are columns that could
be used to show various loads at the panel points.

The most common requirements will be wind and seismic loads. Table 2.2 shows the
loads to the top chord of the joist girder, which is the most common case. The specifying
professional can also include columns for axial loads to the bottom chord of the joist
girder, for example a joist girder in a braced frame.

The specifying professional can mix and match columns from the tables to create a
complex schedule that would meet the needs of the project. The specifying professional
only needs to use the columns that apply to the specific project.

JOIST GIRDER PANEL POINT LOADS(1) (FLOOR)

Girder
Girder Dead Load Floor Live
Depth &
Mark Dead Load Collateral Load
Number
Number (kips) (kips) (kips)
Spaces (2)

FG1 38G 5N 8.4 2.4 24.0

(1) Joist Girder manufacturer to use these loads in the applicable code
load combinations.
(2) See framing plan for spacing of joists along girders.
Table 2.1
Floor Joist Girder Panel Point Loads

Table 2.2
Floor Joist Girder Axial Loads

Illustrated in Table 2.3 are end moment categories that could be included in a schedule. End
moments will be needed when a joist girder is used as part of an Ordinary Moment Frame.

Table 2.3
Floor Joist Girder End Moments

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Add-Loads are shown in Table 2.4. Add-Loads are a good way to provide extra capacity
into a joist girder and to account for loads where the exact location is not known. One
example for use of Add-Loads is to account for wall bracing that is required for wind or
seismic loads. Add-Loads may also be a way to build capacity into the joist girders where
the size of mechanical units will not be determined during the design phase of the project.

Table 2.4
Floor Joist Girder Add-Loads

Moment of inertia requirements are often needed for joist girders that are part of a moment
frame. They can also be required for joist girders on projects that have vibration design
criteria. Joist girders may need to have a minimum size, thickness, or width of the
horizontal leg for a connection. These conditions are shown in Table 2.5.

Table 2.5
Joist Girder Additional Requirements

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 3
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 3
DESIGN TIPS FOR
DESIGN TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE DESIGN
EFFECTIVE DESIGN
INTRODUCTION
These design tips are written to provide guidance to specifying professionals so that
they may achieve economical designs for steel structures using open web steel joists
and joist girders.

Some of the suggestions were taken from “Economy in Steel” (Carter etal., 2000), from
various lectures by Larry Kloiber, LeJeune Steel Company, and from an SJI lecture
entitled “Do’s & Don’ts for Specifying Open Web Steel Joists and Joist Girders and the
2015 SJI Specifications”, (Henley, and Worthley, (2015).

Designers often spend most of their time on analysis and member strength design and
an insufficient amount of time on connection design and design considerations other
than strength.

Paraphrasing Hardy Cross:

First design the structure using your best judgement, then analyze the structure. If your
numbers do not support your design, then re-evaluate your numbers. If the numbers still
do not support your design, then evaluate where your judgement may be in error.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Design for serviceability first, then check strength. The emphasis for design
should be on serviceability, constructability, and design details.
• Communicate with joist manufactures, steel fabricators, detailers, and erectors.
The EOR should consult with and listen to the joist manufacturers, steel fabricators,
detailers, and erectors because they all have practical knowledge gained in the day-
to-day experiences of putting together many projects. Developing a structural system
in which the joist manufacturer, steel fabricator, detailer, and erector are in sync can
save significant coordination time after the release of construction documents.
• Read the SJI Code of Standard Practice and the AISC Code of Standard
Practice. It is important to understand the relationships among the parties to the
design and construction process for open web steel joists and structural steel.

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• Read ASTM A6. An understanding of steel mill production tolerance will play a major
role in the design and detailing of steel frames and their connections. Specifying
professionals should be familiar with mill tolerances when selecting members and
designing connections. Essential parameters are permissible variations in overall
depth, flange tilt, and the position of the web in the wide-flange shape. Recognizing
these allowable variations from square and true will guide specifying professionals
to connections that are relatively easy to fit up and complete. Allowance for the
variations must be included in the connection design. This is usually accomplished
with gaps for shims, and oversized and slotted holes.
• Keep the design simple. Simplicity of design avoids field errors. Quoting Fazlur
Khan, “Strive for structural simplicity.”
• Provide understandable plans. This will avoid detailing and field errors. Make sure
the drawings show all requirements unique to the project. This will avoid confusion
and save time in the end. Do not refer to the architect’s drawings because they do
not give the right information for structural detailers.
• Indicate if camber is required for structural steel. Do not specify camber if the
required camber is less than 3/4 inch. Small camber amounts are not practical. Do
not round up camber amounts. Use approximately 80 percent of the calculated
simple span camber because the end connections will cause some restraint.
Camber is standard for open web steel joists.
• Specify the required camber for composite joists. Refer to the SJI Composite
Joist Specifications for more information,
• Provide column schedules in the plans. Column schedules are the best way of
presenting your column requirements.
• Minimize changes. Changes cost everyone time and money on a project.
• Release for mill orders and detailing only when complete. If not complete,
inform the architect, contractor, and fabricator of the areas which are not yet
complete. This saves time and money. If the project is fast-tracked, plan on revisions
and the extra cost of changes. See Section 3.6 of the AISC Code of Standard
Practice (COSP) for further material on this topic.
• Answer the detailer’s questions promptly; this means REALLY FAST. The
EOR’s costs, just like the joist manufacturer’s, steel fabricator’s, detailer’s, and
erector’s costs are a function of the time spent on the project.
• Approve shop drawings and joist placement plans in a timely manner. This
allows the fabricator to schedule the work in the shop most efficiently. The schedule
for submittals and approvals should be established early in the project. See Section
4.4 of the COSP for further material on this topic.
• Use maximum practical column lengths for shipping, handling, and erection.
• Show all equipment and their weights/loads on the structural drawings.
Quotes and estimated costs cannot be made realistically unless this is shown.

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CONNECTIONS
• Time spent on connection design should be consistent with time spent on
analysis and member design. Remember that most of the shop and field labor is
in the connections. Approximately 30 percent of the cost of structural steel relates
to material costs. The rest is highly dependent on connection costs. Spend time
thinking through the connections.
• Framing decisions must be made along with connection decisions. For
optimum connections, the framing members must be compatible. Members and
connections cannot be selected independently of one another.
• Use field bolted moment connections. This saves costs since bolting is less
affected by the weather than welding and less expensive labor is required.
• If you are not designing the connections, show all reactions on the drawings.
Show axial, shear, moment, and transfer forces. This is a requirement of the AISC
Code of Standard Practice and will save time on the project.
• Design connections for the actual forces. Designing for the actual forces can
greatly reduce the cost of connections and reduce the number of RFIs.
• Avoid “one size fits all” connection tables for a nominal beam depth.
Connection designs can be provided using connection tables; however, be very
attentive to avoid the “one size fits all” approach. It is not appropriate to say that
all W14 beams should have a particular connection. The size range of W14 beams
is significant, as is the case for many other nominal beam depths.
• Avoid multiple linked tables. Tables should be referenced back to the plan,
where beam reactions are shown, so that the correct connections get matched to
the right locations. Take care to avoid presentation of the connection requirements
in multiple linked tables as this is simply an invitation to make an error. The
documents must be presented in a clear fashion to minimize or eliminate errors.
• Group connection requirements by strength, not nominal beam depth.
Connections should always be grouped by strength and not by nominal beam depth.
The tabulated connections should be matched to framing by comparing the tabulated
connection strength to the connection reactions shown in the framing plans.
• Show beam reactions on the plans. This will result in optimum connection
design, as described above.
• Use AISC standard details. Use of standard connections reduces costs and
confusion. Typical connections are:
o Double angle - bolted / bolted or bolted / welded.
o Single angle - for beam to beam.
o Single plate - for beam to beam, both square and skewed.
o Shear end plate - heavy skewed connections.

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• Be aware of OSHA Subpart R rules for steel erection. OSHA 1926.756(c)(1)
prohibits double connections at columns and/or at beam webs over a column
where all the bolts are common to both connections, unless means is provided to
secure the first beam erected from falling away when the second beam is erected.
A positive connection must be made and maintained for the first member to be
erected while the second member is brought into its final position. Details can be
provided using staggered angles for double sided framing angles or temporary
seats can be provided.
• Show special connections. This reduces connection costs and RFIs and
provides clear requirements for the bidders.
• Provide moment envelopes for moment connection design. This reduces
connection costs and RFIs and provides clear requirements for the bidders.
• Provide forces for braced frame and truss connection design. This will result
in optimum connection design.
• Maximize work requiring periodic inspections and minimize work requiring
continuous inspections. As codes and standards have evolved, the amount of
third-party inspection in the field has increased. These inspections are in addition to
the quality control work of the contractors, which can impose a significant burden on
the project. The types of connections used will affect the amount of third-party
inspection work that has to be performed in the field and the associated costs. The
reference document about inspections is the International Building Code. There are
two types of inspections: Periodic inspection, i.e., part time or intermittent inspection,
and continuous inspection, i.e., inspection in-process while the work is being done.
Periodic inspections may be performed on bearing connections and on fillet welds
less than or equal to 5/16 inch, and must be done with respect to joint details,
member locations, and bracing. Continuous inspection must be done for slip critical
connections, complete joint penetration groove welds, partial penetration groove
welds, multi-pass fillet welds, and fillet welds exceeding 5/16 inch. If in-process or
continuous inspections make up a substantial part of the inspections, the burden on
the project to pay for these continuous inspections will be significant.
• If possible, do not use W6 and W8 columns. The relatively small distance
between flanges can cause connection problems.
• Don’t require bolting and welding to the same member. Fabricators prefer
designs that will allow the material to flow continuously through the shop. This
means that the design should not require welding to a column or a beam if the design
also requires the drilling or punching of holes in the same member. This statement
does not apply to situations where assembled pieces are brought together to
complete a member, e.g., welding of a base plate to a column after the column has
gone through a drill line. Drill and punch lines are different lines than the welding
lines and it costs money to transfer a column or beam from one line to another. The
material will not smoothly flow through the shop if such transfers must be made.

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 • Show all forces for complete load path and provide vertical equilibrium at
each joint. If you are not designing the connections, this will reduce confusion for
the connection designer because it permits a check for static equilibrium at a joint.
• Transfer forces should include all drag strut forces and diaphragm
connection details. These are necessary for a complete design of connections.
For steel joist top chords utilized as collector elements, show the maximum axial
force for each joist, along with the source (W or E). Note the joists with ends at
boundary conditions where collector forces begin at zero.
• Consider modifying work points for extreme connection geometry. This can
greatly reduce connection costs. Extra column or beam steel may be required, but
overall, a cost savings is generally recognized. Examples of this are moving truss
end connection work points to the face of the supporting columns and spreading
truss web member end work points for ease of assembly.
• Avoid through plates on HSS columns. Single plate shear connections can be
welded directly to the HSS face thus avoiding slotting the HSS and inserting a plate.

WELDING
• Make sure that there is adequate access for welding. Refer to the Figures 8-9
and 8-10 in the AISC Manual for guidance.
• Keep fillet weld sizes at or below 5/16 inch. Larger weld sizes generally require
multiple passes, consequently increasing costs.
• Use multi-pass fillet welds rather than groove welds. Fillet welds require less
preparation than groove welds and thus are less labor intensive. Also, they may
require less weld metal.
• Weld one side of a piece if possible. There are many cases where weld is
needed only on one side of a piece, for example, stiffeners both transverse and
bearing, as well as column base plates.
• Use intermittent fillet welds when possible. Weld volume can be reduced using
intermittent fillet welds; however, for fatigue situations intermittent welds will have
a lower fatigue life than continuous welds.
• Avoid the weld all around symbol. Welding all around may violate the AISC
Specifications, for example, causing undercut when the weld wraps around a
corner. Many times, welding all around is not necessary for strength.
• Avoid welding to galvanized surfaces. The galvanizing must be removed prior
to welding and touch up with cold galvanizing compound is generally required.
Special ventilation must be required in the shop. All these items add cost.
• Eliminate overhead welding. Overhead welding is difficult. Horizontal and flat
positions use the base metal to support the molten weld pool and thus allow easier
welding resulting in higher quality.
• Do not specify welded sidelaps for deck. Erectors prefer sidelap screws for
sidelap connections.
• Do not weld joist or joist girder bottom chords to stabilizer plates. This will
cause a fixed condition for which the connection and the joist or joist girder was
not designed. An exception would be if a moment frame is designed to have a fixed
end condition.

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BOLTING
• Make sure that there is adequate access for bolting. Refer to the AISC Manual
Tables 7-16 and 7-17 for entering and tightening clearances.
• Limit bolt diameters to 1-1/8 inch. Diameters of 3/4 or 7/8 inch are generally
preferred. Diameters greater than 1-1/8 inch require specialized equipment. Note
that bolts larger than 1 inch require increased edge distances and increased
spacing between bolts.
• Limit different bolt grades and sizes. Fewer bolt sizes increase shop efficiency
in drilling and punching. Also, quality assurance is simplified with fewer bolt sizes
and grades on a given project.
• Use ASTM A325 bolts if possible. A325 bolts provide the best fastener value
because they are the most common.
• Use snug tight bolts when possible. Do not specify slip critical joints unless they are
required. Remember that slip critical joints require continuous in-process inspection.
• Use N type bolts rather than X bolts. This saves detailing time and inspection costs.
However, if X bolts are used, note that since the threaded length is constant for each
diameter (RCSC Spec. Table C-2.1), a quick check will determine the minimum ply
thicknesses for the use of X bolts.

MEMBER DESIGN
• Minimize the number of anchor rods per column. (OSHA minimum is 4) and
use simple arrangements. Increasing the number of anchor rods in a base
connection increases the odds that there will be problems with the alignment of the
rods and the base plate holes. If possible, use doubly symmetric arrangements.
• Check that beams do not have to be severely coped, especially with both top
and bottom copes. This occurs when deep members frame into shallow members.
• Use materials that are readily available. If material is not available, long lead
times are required. Consult with your local fabricator and the AISC website as to
material availability.
• Check for camber differences on adjacent members, especially when adjacent
parallel member ends are staggered. This can cause severe deck installation
problems. This condition often occurs when a long span joist with significant camber
is adjacent to a frame line where the members do not have camber.
• Make sure members have sufficient width for elements bearing on them.
Joists should be aligned, not staggered at common supports so the deck layout is
easier. Check bearing elements for sufficient width for joists and joist girder
minimum bearing widths.
• Avoid beams with 4 inch flanges in the following situations:
o Spandrel beams with adjustable edge form.
o Beams requiring bolted flange connections.
o Locations where joists frame from each side.
• Have steel deck span all in the same direction if possible. This reduces deck
layout costs.

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• Avoid moment connections into the weak axis of columns. Moment
connections into the weak axis of columns can cause a multitude of field problems.
The ratio of Ix to Iy makes rigid frames with weak axis columns very inefficient.
• Use W12 minimum depth beams for floor framing. Use W14 sections if the
supporting girder requires a large cope on the beam. This is recommended so the
standard connections will fit on the T-dimension of the web.
• Shop weld short cantilevers when possible. Cantilevers can be an erection
safety issue since the cantilever is not fully supported until the moment connection
is completed. OSHA 1926.756 (a)(2) requires that the minimum bolts for a
cantilever be evaluated by a competent person. Field welded cantilevers typically
require shoring or some other type of support until the flange welds are made.
Either bolted moment connections or continuous beam construction is preferred
for erection. Design of bolted moment connections is more efficient when actual
design loads are used instead of the default design requirement of full M p of the
section. Short cantilevers can be welded directly to the column, eliminating the
need for any field connection work. The only concern is whether the pieces can be
readily stacked and shipped. Of particular concern is that these pieces are not
symmetrical and not balanced about the column centerline. Thus, the stability of
these pieces during the erection of the frame must be addressed by the erector.
• Reduce joist spacing in snow drift areas. This is less expensive than changing
the deck thickness.
• Use beams rather than joists when many concentrated loads are present.
Beams will provide the best solution when concentrated loads and their locations
are not precisely known, or when concentrated loads are likely to be relocated.
KCS-joists may also be effective; however, additional webs may still be required if
loads are not at panel points.
• Repeat plate thicknesses rather than using different thicknesses. This will
simplify detailing and fabrication time.
• Repeat member sizes whenever possible. This saves both detailing and
fabrication time. In addition, a larger order of the same size members may have a
reduced cost.
• Maximize prefabrication and shop work. This reduces costs.
• Minimize field work. This reduces costs.
• Select members with favorable (constructible) geometry. This accommodates
connection design, fit up, and bearing requirements.
• Limit galvanized members to 40 feet maximum. Most galvanizing tanks have a
maximum length of 40 feet. One can double dip, but the overlap may be objectionable.
• Minimize the need for stiffeners and doubler plates. This will greatly reduce costs.
• Avoid members meeting at extreme acute angles. This causes detailing and
connection design nightmares. Use a header or skew the framing.
• Revised plans should clearly show what was revised from the previous set.
It is helpful to use revision clouds.
• Use wide spacing for joists similar to beams, such as 6, 8, or 10 feet. More
economical designs result as compared with closely spaced joists.

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ERECTION
• Provide permanent bracing that can be used as temporary bracing when
possible. This saves the erector time and cost.
• Provide straightforward connections that can be erected without added
temporary provisions. This saves the erector time and cost.
• Make sure that all beams and joist girders can be brought into place without
interference. This saves time and cost and is a safety issue.
• Make sure that all beams and joist girders can be brought into place without
having to spread columns apart. This saves time and cost and is a safety issue.
• Provide construction tolerances in the design.
• Allow for mill and fabrication tolerances. Use shims and oversized or slotted
holes where required.
• Check accumulative tolerances. Accumulation of tolerance variations can cause
fit up problems.
• As the specifying professional, design the anchorage for joist bridging.
Provide clear details for the connection requirements.

SPECIFICATIONS
• Have realistic specifications that match the actual intent and design
requirements. Over-specifying requirements needlessly adds cost to the project.
• Follow the specification requirements as set forth in the SJI Code of
Standard Practice, and the AISC Code of Standard Practice. These codes
contain recommendations and requirements for the contents of construction
documents regarding completeness and what is required in those documents.
• Use recognized specification formats. Avoid problem specifications by using
common national templates such as MasterSpec or the master specifications
developed by the Construction Specification Institute. Remember that these
template specifications must be adapted to your project. Make sure drawing notes
agree with the specifications.
• Be sure the specified beam primer or joist shop primer is compatible with
the topcoat and specify the correct surface preparation. The standard joist
shop paint is considered impermanent and provisional and is intended to protect
the steel for only a short period of exposure in ordinary atmospheric conditions.
• Coordinate with the architect to establish that the primer is compatible with
the finish coat. Give close attention to various finish coating systems and the
required shop work that is related to them.
• Using load/load to designate a joist is advantageous when the joist must be
designed for additional wind and/or seismic loads.

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 4
CHAPTER 4
TECHNICAL
CHAPTER DIGESTS
4
AND TOOLS
TECHNICAL DIGESTS AND TOOLS

AVAILABLE TECHNICAL DIGESTS

▪ Technical Digest 1 Utilizing and Specifying Open Web Steel Joists and Joist Girders

▪ Technical Digest 2 Bridging and Bracing of Steel Joists and Joist Girders

▪ Technical Digest 3 Structural Design of Steel Joist Roofs to Resist Ponding Loads

▪ Technical Digest 4 Guidance for Building Design Using Steel Joists

▪ Technical Digest 5 Vibration of Steel Joist – Concrete Floors

▪ Technical Digest 6 Design of Steel Joist Roofs to Resist Uplift Loads

▪ Technical Digest 7 Special Profile Steel Joists and Joist Girders

▪ Technical Digest 8 Welding of Open Web Steel Joists and Joist Girders

▪ Technical Digest 9 Handling and Erection of Steel Joists and Joist Girders

▪ Technical Digest 10 Design of Fire-Resistive Assemblies with Steel Joists

▪ Technical Digest 11 Design of Lateral Load Resisting Frames Using Steel Joists

and Joist Girders

▪ Technical Digest 12 Evaluation and Modification of Open Web Steel Joists and

Joist Girders

▪ Technical Digest 13 Specification and Design of Composite Steel Joists

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AVAILABLE TOOLS
All the listed tools can be downloaded for free from the SJI website:
https://steeljoist.org/professional-resources/design-tools/

The following three tools are pertinent to this technical digest. A brief description is provided.
Roof Bay Analysis Tool
This design tool assists the specifying professional with selecting optimal bay sizes and
framing options. The tool provides several input options allowing for customization
based on project criteria and designer preference as well as owner and code
requirements and a ponding analysis option.

Floor Bay Analysis Tool

This floor bay analysis tool assists the specifying professional with selecting optimal
bay sizes and framing options. The tool provides several input options allowing for
customization based on project criteria, designer preferences, and owner and code
requirements. The tool includes the floor bay vibration analysis.

Joist Girder Moment Connection Design Tools

Six different joist girder to column connection designs are included in this tool.
Connection designs are presented for single story and multi-story columns. These
design tools assist the specifying professional, the connection designer, and the steel
fabricator with the complex task of designing appropriate connections between joist
girders and columns. The tools can be utilized for wide-flange and HSS columns.

The following six tools are also helpful.

Steel Joist Uplift Analysis Tool.
This tool assists the structural engineer with the evaluation of open web steel joists
for uplift. It considers uniform net uplift on symmetrical joists with Warren or
modified Warren configurations.

Joist Girder Analysis Tool

The joist girder analysis tool assists the specifying professional in determining the
strength of each member within existing joist girders. The tool is applicable for G
or VG type joist girders, which may be symmetrical or unsymmetrical at the ends.

Joist and Joist Girder Reinforcement Tool

This design tool assists the specifying professional and steel fabricator with the
complex task of reinforcing open web steel joists and joist girders to increase their
strength to accommodate added loads for which they were not originally designed.

Historical Load Tables

The historical load tables originally appeared in the SJI Specification and Load
Tables catalogs in 1932. Specifications and load tables for the longspan, SJ, S, J,
K, LA, LH, LJ, DLH, and DLJ-Series are available.

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 Virtual Joists
The virtual joists table provides the approximate section properties for virtual joists
for use by the specifying professional in preparing the building structural models.

Virtual Joist Girders

The virtual joist girder table provides the approximate section properties for virtual
joist girders for use by the specifying professional in preparing the building
structural models.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional topics and information on the design of steel joists, joist girders, and steel deck
can be found in the book, Designing with Vulcraft Steel Joists Joist Girders Steel Deck,
published by Nucor Corporation, www.vulcraft.com/Literature.

Additional helpful information can be found by visiting the SJI members’ websites.

The SJI website contains a list of all SJI members. To view specific information about each
member company, the link www.steeljoist.org/members brings up a map on which member
locations are shown. By clicking on the member location, specific information about each
member can be obtained.

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 5
CHAPTER
CHAPTER5 5
REFERENCES
REFERENCES

ACI (2019), ACI 318, “Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete and Commentary,”
American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI.
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of Steel Construction, Chicago, IL.
AISC (2022b), Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings, ANSI/AISC 341-22, American
Institute of Steel Construction, Chicago, IL.
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Chicago, IL.
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FM Global (various dates), “Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 1-54, FM Global Data Sheets,”
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Fisher, J. M., Industrial Buildings, Roofs to Anchor Rods, 2nd Ed., (2019), Design Guide 7, AISC,
Chicago, IL.
Fisher, J.M. and Denavit, M.D. (2024), Rain Loads and Ponding Design Guide, Design Guide 40,
AISC, Chicago, IL.
Henley, D. and Worthley, W. “Do’s & Don’ts for Specifying Open Web Steel Joists and Joist
Girders and the 2015 SJI Specifications”, (2015), SJI Webinar, Steel Joist Institute, Florence, SC.
IBC (2021), Uniform Building Code, International Code Council, Country Club Hills, IL.
Kloiber, L, Various lectures and personal conversations.
Murray, T.M., Allen, D.E., and Ungar, E.E., Vibrations of Steel-Framed Structural Systems Due
to Human Activity, 2nd Ed., (2016) Design Guide 11, AISC, Chicago, IL

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NFPA (2021), Building Construction and Safety Codes, NFPA 5000, National Fire Protection
Association, Quincy, Mass.
NFPA (2022), Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 5000, National Fire
Protection Association, Quincy, Mass.
NRCA (2022), Manual Membrane Roof Systems, The National Roofing Contractors Association,
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SDI (2019), Diaphragm Design Manual (DDM04), Fourth Edition, Steel Deck Institute,
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SDI (2022), Standard for Steel Deck, ANSI/SDI SD-2022, Steel Deck Institute, Florence, SC.
SJI (2003), Design of Fire-Resistive Assemblies with Steel Joists, Technical Digest 10, Steel Joist
Institute, Florence, SC.
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Florence, SC.
SJI (2015b), Vibration of Steel Joist – Concrete Floors, Technical Digest 5, Steel Joist Institute,
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SJI (2018), Structural Design of Steel Joist Roofs to Resist Ponding Loads, Steel Joist Institute,
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Joists and for Joist Girders, Steel Joist Institute, Florence, SC.
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