MORE OPTIONS. LESS VIBRATION.

Vulcraft’s Flush Frame Connections are modernizing steel joist floor systems. Recent research shows that our Flush Frame Connections significantly mitigate floor vibration* making your building safer and more comfortable. Designed to reduce floor-to-floor heights, simplify MEP installation, and accelerate deck installation, Flush Frame Connections also combine the strength of a wide flange beam connection with the lightweight advantages of an open web joist.

As the name implies, Vulcraft’s Flush Frame Connection places the joist's top chord flush with the girder's top flange, bolting the joist plate to a shear tab on the girder. These connections are another example of how Vulcraft’s steel joist floor systems provide more options and less vibration.

* As measured by finite element analysis and manual calculation methods.

Advantages:
  • Enhanced floor vibration characteristics
  • Faster erection
  • Possible reduction in floor-to-floor height
  • Simplified deck installation
  • Girders can be designed deeper and/or composite
  • Easier MEP installation
  • Eliminates blocking between joists

Full-Depth Flush Frame

Top-Cord Flush Frame

 

New 2022 Vibration Research — Composite Joists with Flush Frame Connections

Vulcraft continues to research and innovate better ways to build the structure you need. As part of that effort, a real-world vibration test was performed at a new multi-story office building at 1785 Columbus Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. Brad Davis, Ph.D., S.E. and Thomas M. Murray, Ph.D., P.E. conducted heel-drop tests on the building’s fifth and sixth floor measuring the floor’s movement and acceleration. Published in March 2022.

VIEW 2022 VIBRATION RESEARCH

Case Study

Maximum floor to floor height, long clear spans, and easy MEP clearance were all accomplished using composite joists with flush frame connections and square Vierendeel openings.

VIEW PROJECTS USING JOIST FLUSH FRAME CONNECTIONS