Exterior curtain wall framing presents some of the most demanding structural challenges in cold-formed steel design — particularly when engineers must account for vertical deflection, lateral drift, and complex slab bypass conditions. SteelSmart® System is built to support the precise design and specification of these connections, including the full suite of DriftTrak® systems manufactured by The Steel Network (TSN).
In this overview, we take a closer look at three core DriftTrak solutions — DriftTrak Head of Wall, DriftTrak Bypass, and DriftTrak Post-Tensioned Slab (PTS) — and how SteelSmart® System empowers engineers to design curtain wall framing with the confidence that comes from load-rated, engineered performance data.
What Makes DriftTrak® the Right Choice for Curtain Wall Framing?
All DriftTrak products incorporate TSN’s patented Step Bushing Technology®, which enables a friction-free connection between clips and stud webs. This allows for controlled vertical deflection and lateral drift without transferring unwanted forces into curtain wall or partition framing — a critical requirement in modern high-rise and mixed-use construction.
These systems are load-rated and manufactured in the USA from mill-certified steel, giving structural engineers and specifiers the performance documentation needed to confidently design around real-world movement conditions. SteelSmart® System integrates TSN connector data, allowing designers to select and specify DriftTrak components directly within their curtain wall design workflow.
DriftTrak systems were engineered to eliminate the performance inconsistencies and installation deficiencies commonly associated with traditional deep-leg track and friction-based slide systems.
Installation Note: The DriftTrak track section does not provide wall closure; a top track is required for a complete assembly. SteelSmart® System’s Curtain Wall module accounts for this in its framing layouts and connection detailing.
The Three Core DriftTrak® Systems
DriftTrak® Head of Wall — Engineered Head-of-Wall Drift Slide Track
The DriftTrak Head of Wall system connects exterior cold-formed steel curtain wall studs to the primary structure at the head of wall, accommodating movement under both vertical and lateral forces. Using the DriftTrak track section with a DTSL slide angle, the system allows up to 2″ of vertical deflection (1″ up and 1″ down) plus free lateral drift — making it an ideal solution for multi-story curtain wall applications subject to live load and seismic movement.
Key Features:
- Specifically designed for head-of-wall applications where vertical movement accommodation is required
- Patented Step Bushing Technology delivers smooth, consistent vertical deflection performance
- Load-rated mechanical attachment at each stud for reliable, documentable connection performance
- Track and clips manufactured from cold-formed steel with hot-dipped galvanized coating for long-term corrosion resistance
When using SteelSmart® System’s Curtain Wall module, engineers can design stud layouts and specify appropriate connection hardware — including DriftTrak Head of Wall — based on project-specific load conditions and allowable drift parameters.
DriftTrak® Bypass — Slab Bypass Drift Slide Track
The DriftTrak Bypass system allows exterior curtain wall studs to bypass a slab while remaining connected to the primary structure. It combines the DriftTrak slide track with either DTSLB slide angles or DTLB rigid angles, giving engineers the flexibility to accommodate vertical deflection, lateral drift, or rigid attachment configurations — whatever the project requires.
This system is particularly valuable in curtain wall applications where slab geometry or structural conditions make traditional head-of-wall attachments impractical. Because it can be configured for both movement-accommodating and rigid connections, it covers a broad range of project scenarios without requiring a change in product family.
Key Advantages:
- Ideal when curtain wall framing must bypass a slab while still accounting for structural movement
- Flexible configuration options — adaptable for drift, vertical deflection, or fully rigid attachment depending on project requirements
- Unique combination of load-rated design performance and installation versatility
DriftTrak® Post-Tensioned Slab (PTS) — Integrated Slab Drift Track
The DriftTrak Post-Tensioned Slab (PTS) system takes the slab bypass concept further by integrating directly into post-tensioned slabs before the concrete pour. This eliminates the need to install framing connections after pour — saving time, reducing field labor, and improving overall installation accuracy.
The PTS system incorporates the headed stud DriftTrak track with DTSLB or DTLB clip options, supporting both vertical deflection and rigid connection configurations. It is designed to work efficiently around post-tension tendons, and an optional locking angle (DT-LA) is available for cases where lateral drift accommodation is not required.
Key Benefits:
- Time-saving installation: integrated into slab formwork before concrete pour, eliminating post-pour connection work
- Optional locking angle (DT-LA) for rigid lateral configurations when drift accommodation is not specified
- Load-rated mechanical attachment at each stud with patented Step Bushing Technology
- Eliminates loose friction assemblies and post-installed connections into concrete, simplifying installation and improving field performance
- Manufactured with certified cold-formed steel and hot-dipped galvanized coating for maximum durability
Designing DriftTrak® Systems with SteelSmart® Software
Whether your project requires head-of-wall movement accommodation, slab bypass capability, or an integrated post-tensioned slab solution, SteelSmart® System gives structural engineers the tools to design curtain wall framing with confidence. The software supports TSN connector data, enabling accurate specification of DriftTrak components alongside stud sizing, load analysis, and connection detailing in a single streamlined workflow.
Engineers, specifiers, and contractors benefit from software that not only models complex connection challenges but also generates the documentation needed to support review and construction — minimizing field labor, reducing coordination risk, and ensuring structural performance aligns with design intent.
Backed by Engineered Data and Technical Resources
All DriftTrak systems are load-rated and supported by comprehensive TSN technical documentation, installation details, and engineering resources. Within SteelSmart® System, designers can access connector load data and incorporate DriftTrak specifications into their curtain wall designs with built-in support for TSN’s product library.
Technical catalogs, load tables, BIM assets, and installation details are available directly from The Steel Network to complement your SteelSmart® design workflow — ensuring accurate specification from concept through construction.
Ready to Design Your Next Curtain Wall Project?
Explore SteelSmart® System’s Curtain Wall module and see how it supports the design and specification of DriftTrak® deflection systems and other TSN connectors. Download a free trial, review technical resources, or contact our support team for project-specific guidance.