Moment-Resisting Short Wall

MidWall™ is a revolutionary product intended to simplify and optimize the design and construction of a short wall or half wall in residential and commercial cold formed steel framing.  Available in widths of 2 ½”, 3 5/8” or 6” and lengths of 24” or 48”, MidWall™ is a one piece connection/framing unit which provides for optimization of materials and streamlined installation.  The assembly consists of MidWall™ members spaced along the length of the wall with a top track spanning between MidWall™ members acting as a load distribution member capable of distributing localized loads to multiple MidWall™ members as shown in figure 1.  A MidWall™ may be used as a cost effective solution to several common construction conditions including interior half walls, strip window framing, and parapet framing. SteelSmart^® System 6 provides the analysis and design procedure for MidWall™ framing.

An interior half wall is common in commercial and residential construction.  In some applications the half wall is required to resist occupants from falling from an elevated surface or provide a handrail for climbing or stability assistance.  The MidWall™ product meets the performance requirements for this application.

A parapet extends above the roof level for aesthetic purposes and provides a cover to hide utilities which may be present on the roof of a commercial building.  In many framing applications a parapet must cantilever out from the roof level as opposed to bypassing the roof level.  The MidWall™ product is capable of satisfying the load requirements for this application.

A strip window is a window with a high width to height ratio and one that requires intermediate support of the header and sill between jamb members.  In this application a MidWall™ may be used at intermediate points along the length of the window to support the header and sill as shown in figures below.

Input data for moment resisting short wall module include wall dimensions, typical stud spacing, lateral bracing data, loading deflection limits, and design code.  The output design information include selection of MidWall™ product, typical wall stud, anchorage to floor or roof slab and all analysis and design calculations for the framing and anchorage.