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Interior non-bearing steel partition top plate

fw.

Bronze Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2009
Messages
50
Location
Minnesota
I received plans for a remodel of an office space, they want to secure the top plate of the steel stud partitions to the existing ceiling tile grid system. This can't be right, can it? Seismic is not a concern. I don't have AISI-WSD. Thanks for anywhere you can direct me.
 
Normal and typical installation in non-seismic areas. HVAC is the biggest issue as they have to make changes and balance the system again,
 
How high are the ceilings?

How long is the longest wall to be?

Not a good idea if they intend for the walls to support any cabinets.
 
A partition, by definition/description in the Code can stop at the ceiling. Also make sure that the attachment is not contentious for any rating the ceiling may have.
 
ADAguy said:
How high are the ceilings?How long is the longest wall to be?

Not a good idea if they intend for the walls to support any cabinets.
The ceilings are 10', the longest wall span between partitions is 18'. The plans do not show any cabinets.
 
So in theory in states without siesmic concerns, partitions can self support themselves if floor to underside of ceiling with no connection to it.

Cabinets added after the fact could overload the wall capacity.

Potential time bombs? Wait till those states experience the joys of their first quake (not wishing it).
 
ADAguy said:
So in theory in states without siesmic concerns, partitions can self support themselves if floor to underside of ceiling with no connection to it. Cabinets added after the fact could overload the wall capacity.

Potential time bombs? Wait till those states experience the joys of their first quake (not wishing it).
No the partition is tied to the ceiling for lateral support--5 psf lateral live load
 
East coast also tends to use short spectral response (at least in NYS) due to stiffer soils and harder rock. CA uses long because the continued shake is a bigger impact out on the left coast.

The code still requires partitions to be securely attached top and bottom.
 
Ask ceiling grid manufacturer if they have an installation diagram for attaching metal stud walls to their grids.
 
Check with Chicago Metalic to see if attaching to the grid voids MFG. product warranty if not tied off or braced.
 
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