Construct Wall Framing BCGCA3004B Construct Wall Framing
Wall Framing Building Code of Australia states that All timber framing is to be done in accordance with AS 1682 This is an all encompassing standard which details the allowable construction methods
Wall Frame Members Parts of a frame perform specific functions - supporting live & dead loads - resist Racking Forces - resist Overturning Forces - resist Sliding Forces - resist Uplift Forces -Most members provide a face to accept linings (this means that member sizes may be limited)
Timbers Generally Used - Radiata Pine - Oregon (Douglas Fir) - Various Hardwood Species Various combinations of -timbers, -engineered wood products -materials such as steel may be used WHY?
Galvanized Steel Strap Bracing Engineered Timber (LVL) Lintels Radiata Pine Studs Structural Steel Engineered Timber (I Beams) Deep Joists
Other more exotic Timbers such as Cypress Pine may be used. -Why?
Wall Frames Frames are classified into 2 categories Load Bearing – They are structural frames, they transfer loads from roof or upper floor to the supporting floor frame. They can be either external or internal walls. Non Load Bearing – - do not support any structural loads. - They support their own weight - Non structural loads doors and frame, kitchen cupboards, driers etc. - support some live loads eg Doors closing. Therefore there are some minimum requirements for theses AS 1684.2 cl 6.3.5
AS 1684.2 cl 6.3.5
Basic Frame Components Refer page 187 TAFE Guide
Refer AS1684.2 cl 6.1.2
Frame Member Functions Plates Horizontal members that form the top & bottom of the frame. Bottom plate is usually 50mm for unseasoned timber 45mm for seasoned. Top plate is usually the same section size as bottom plate. For trussed roof top plates will be 75mm for unseasoned and 70mm for seasoned Top plate may be made up by 2 x 38 (35) Thicker top plates means that trusses or upper floor joists do not need to be placed direct over a stud
Plates AS 1684.2 cl 6.2.2
Studs Vertical members placed between the plates The set the wall height Studs in external frames resist Wind Loads Generally Stud sizes are 75mm or 100mm wide by 50mm or 38mm in unseasoned timbers and 70mm or 90mm wide by 35mm or 45mm in seasoned timbers. Required Stud sizes can be found in AS 1684.2 Supplements
Studs Continued Several Different types of Studs - Common - Door & Window - Secondary Jamb Studs - Jack & Short
Trimmers Horizontal members fixed between window studs and door studs. Referred to as Sill or Head trimmers Usually of the same section size bottom plates Openings wider than 1800mm require trimmers as specified in AS 1684.2 cl6.3.6.6 & table 6.3
Trimming Studs Run from Trimmers to Plates Used to block out Narrow Lintel Where use in conjunction with Lintel they may take structural loads Must be same depth as wall frame to accept finishes May also be referred to as “Jack”, “Soldier”, or “Short” studs
Noggins Horizontal Member cut between studs to keep them - straight - evenly spaced - prevent twisting - allows studs to carry higher load - Maximum spacing 1350mm, there walls upto 2700mm require only 1 row of noggins Mention Ribbon Method
Noggins AS 1684.2 cl 6.2.1.5
Blocking Placed at intersections of wall frames Normally 3 Blocks per intersection
Blocking AS1684.2
Lintels Also referred to as a Head Horizontal Load Bearing Member between Studs Purpose is to transfer loads to side of openings May be made of many materials - Timber - Engineered Timbers - Structural Steel or Cold Rolled Steel Sections
Bracing Provide lateral stability of Walls Provide resistance against racking forces induced direct wind loads Provide resistance to Roof loads induced onto top plates.
Bracing Methods Timber Bracing – 50 to 75 mm x 19 to 25mm checked into and nailed flush into face of studs. Braces must be installed in opposing pairs in external bracing walls. This method is virtually never used today. Rated 0.8 kN/m
Types of Bracing Perforated Metal Bracing - Installed in similar method as timber brace with a saw cut into the plates and studs. The brace is then nailed flush onto the studs and plates. Braces must be installed in opposing pairs in external walls. Rated 0.8 kN/m
Types of Bracing
Types of Bracing Flat Metal or Hoop Iron Bracing 19mm Wide x 0.8mm Zincalume Two braces are fixed in opposite directions Fitted with Compression Clamps Rated 1.5kN/m
Types of Bracing Sheet Bracing Structural Plywood (Must be Stamped) Hardboard (Masonite) Fibre Cement Resists Strong Wind Loads Can be used on Narrow Panels – Why? Usually on external walls in cavity – Why? Minimum 7mm (Not Necessarily Correct) Must be nailed off as per AS 1684.2 Plate Steel can be used in High Wind Load Areas
Bracing AS 1684.2
Location of Bracing AS 1684 cl 8.3.6.6 states Bracing should be evenly distributed and be provided in both directions Should be placed initially at corners
Spacing of Bracing Walls AS 1684.2 Cl 8.3.6.7 states For Single Storey Building or Upper Storey of Double Storey Buildings Maximum distance between bracing wall shall be 9000mm for Wind Classifications up to N2
Plan & Prepare For Wall Framing Stress Grading of Individual Wall Frame Members Seasoned Or Unseasoned
Stress Grading Refers to the Timbers Strength Timber must be able to withstand stress loads placed on them. Overloading may cause straining or failure 3 types of stress Compressive Tensile Shear Note Torsional Stress is not discussed
Stress Grading Members Sizes will be determined for span tables Generally for Residential Construction sizes will not be specified by designers Why? Architect will not want to take responsibility Engineer will want to charge extra to do this and Why would a client want to pay for something that he can get done for nothing
Stress Grading Why are members generally specified on Commercial projects AS 1684.2 Residential Timber Framed Construction Guide
AS 1684.2 Limitations 1.4.4 The Maximum number of storey's of timber shall not exceed 2 1.4.5 The maximum width of a building shall 16 000mm, Note, if you use AS1684.2 simplified max width = 12 000mm 1.4.6 The maximum wall height shall be 3000mm excluding gable ends 1.4.7 The maximum roof pitch shall be 35 degrees
Structural pine grading A3P has announced that it will not proceed with the introduction of Structural Pine (SP) grading as previously planned. Continuing contact with A3P members, timber merchants, truss and frame fabricators, designers and specifiers has indicated the introduction cannot be achieved without major disruption and unacceptable burden to industry.
Ordering Timber Timber is ordered in lineal meters may be priced in cubic meters Increments of 300mm Lengths over 3600mm are charged at higher rate Timber should be ordered as required - avoid unnecessary exposure to weather - affecting cash flows - theft - storage
Material Storage Timber should be stored on gluts This allows for airflow Care should be taken in stack sizes Stacks can be strapped for safety
Storage of Materials Timber should be stored as close as possible to work area
What is a Concentrated Load ?
Frame Construction Plates The size of plates will depend on 1. Floor Joist Spacing 2. Rafter / Truss Spacing 3. Stud Spacing 4. Single or Double Storey 5. Stress Grade of Timber 6. Roof Load Width ?
Roof Load Width (RLW)
Plates Seasoned timbers are dressed therefore trenching not required Rough Sawn Timbers such as Oregon, Hardwood require trenching. Housing of plates for studs provides a constant thickness Trenching keeps Top & Bottom plates parallel Restrains Unseasoned Studs from twisting
Trenching usually appox 10 mm Trenching depth is not critical but what is left on is. Top Plates fully supported on masonary walls will be sized based on a 300mm spacing
Top Plates AS 1684.2 cl 6.3.4. states that may be a minimum of 35 mm if 1. not required to resist uplift forces (i.e trusses are nominally fixed and 2. Trusses or Rafters are located directly above studs or within 1.5 times the depth of the plate from the stud.
Joining of Plates Where plates are butt jointed they may be joined using a connector plate.
Joining of Plates Plates may be Scarfed or Lapped jointed. Theses are time consuming and rarely used
Calculate Plate Lengths During Fabrication Top & Bottom Plates are the same length Plates should be as long as possible Consider manpower available to stand frames Remember Top Plate must be continuous
Studs Stud Sizes are determined by Stress Grade Stud Spacing Rafter/ Truss spacing Wall Height Roof Load Width AS 1684.2 tables only specify 450mm or 600mm spacing. These are the most common spacing's
Stud Spacing Stud Spacing Determined by Stress Grade Stud Spacing Rafter/ Truss spacing Wall Height Roof Load Width and If applicable External Sheeting Joints (ie Blue Board etc)
Studs Not all external sheeting require critical stud placement Check with manufactures manual as to requirements Generally studs should be aligned with the internal face.
Harditek (Blue Board)
Studs Stud sizes are determined from tables in AS 1684.2
Calculating Stud Length Finished Floor to Ceiling govern stud length Minimum Habitable Room is 2400mm Clear Floor Finishes 1. Carpet 20mm 2. Timber Flooring 40mm (Depending on Batten) Ceilings 1. 10mm Plasterboard 2. 13mm Plasterboard
Calculating Stud Length Double Storey building may have FFL (Finished Floor Level). Allowance must be made for structural members Most Importantly Determine if there are any height restrictions Type of Roof Will affect Stud Heights
Top & Bottom Plates = 90 x 45 F5 Step 1 – Determine Floor & Ceiling Floor Carpet = 20mm Ceiling Gyprock = 13mm Step 2 – Calculate Stud Length Minimum Clearance = 2400mm Plus Flooring = 20mm Plus Ceiling = 20mm Wall Height = 2440mm less Wall Plates = 90mm Stud Length = 2350mm
Ground Fl Finish = Timber (40mm) First Floor = Carpet (20mm) Upper Level Joists = 200 x 50 F5 Top & Bottom Plates = 90 x 45 Step 1- Determine SFL (Structural Floor Level) SFL First Floor = 28.950 (FFL First Fl) -20 (Carpet) SFL= 28.930 SFL Ground Fl = 26.200 (FFL Gnd) - 40 (Timber) SFL = 26.160 Step 2 – Calculate Height Difference SFL First Floor = 28.930 – SFL Ground Fl = 26.180 Height Difference = 2.750 Ground Floor First Floor
Step 3 – Structural Elements Height Diff = 2.750 Less Flooring = 0.017 Less Floor Joist = 0.200 Less T & B Plate = 0.090 Stud Length = 2.443 Ground Floor First Floor
Carpet Both Floors (20mm) Ceilings 10mm Plasterboard (Allow 20mm) Dimensions are clear measurements Lower level plates Upper Level Plates Bottom Plate = 90 x 35 F5 Bottom Plate = 90 x 45 F5 Top Plate = 90 x 45 F5 Top Plate = 90 x 70 F5
Straightening of Studs
Calculating Door Heights On Concrete Slab Using a standard 2040mm x 820mm Allow 22mm for Carpet (17mm + 5mm) 2040 mm Door Height 2mm Clearance between Door & Jamb 20mm for Jamb 10mm Clearance between Jamb & Head 15mm Clearance between Jamb & Lintel Total = 2094mm Say 2100mm
Calculation of Door Width
Calculation of Window Check with manufacturer if windows are not on site Generally at same height of doors Check on elevations for window heights 15mm Clearance between Jamb & Lintel Allow 10mm under sill
Window Width Care should be taken when setting out to brick bond! Client may want window to line up with internal fitting Client may want window dead center of room
Lintels
Construct Wall Frames Number Wall Frames Clock Wise Direction Internal Walls Left to Right Top To Bottom
Setting Out Plates Confirm Dimensions of Slab/ Subfloor Select Suitable Timber & Cut to Length Tack Together Mark Appropriate ID Number on Plate Mark Required Studs – In Following Order End Studs Wall Intersections
Setting Out Plates If required prepare a storey rod with the appropriate markings (ie Horizontal & Vertical Bond) Set out position of window and doors studs remembering to allow for required jamb studs If required adjust position to match brickbond Set out Common Studs, Jack Studs at required spacing
Preparing Studs Use Storey Rod (Pattern Stud) to cut required studs Mark and check out window and door studs
Wall Frame Assembly What are Advantages & Disadvantages of Prefabricated Wall Frames?
Assembling Wall Frames
Frame Erection
Nominal Fixings For Bottom Plates AS 1684.2
Bracing