REDUCE FLOOR TO FLOOR HEIGHT

Vulcraft’s joists can be custom designed with rectangular Vierendeel openings to allow large heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts to pass through the open web system. Doing so reduces the required floor-to-floor height, as the MEP can run through the Vierendeel opening rather than beneath the joist bottom chord.

The Vierendeel opening should be located near the minimum vertical shear across the steel joist (typically near the joist mid-span for a uniformly loaded joist). Doing so reduces the combined vertical shear forces required to be carried by the joist top and bottom chords, resulting in the greatest joist weight savings. Vierendeel openings provide maximum flexibility with MEP layout – making them ideal for multi-story buildings.

Advantages:
  • Reduction in floor to floor height
  • Larger ductwork can pass through joist
Design Considerations:
  • Vierendeel openings should be located within the center third of the joist span.
  • Multiple openings should be spaced a minimum of two times the joist depth apart.
  • Partial span live loading will be checked by Vulcraft.
  • The maximum width of the Vierendeel opening should be no greater than two times the depth of the steel joist.
 
Specifications:
  • Locations can be indicated on plans or joist elevations.
  • Clear opening dimensions should be given.
  • Any special loading conditions should be provided.

Case Study

Maximum floor to floor height, long clear spans, and clean lines were all accomplished through composite joists with flush frame connections and space to run MEP.

VIEW PROJECTS USING JOIST VIERENDEEL OPENINGS

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