Load Distribution in Floor to Wall Connections

Presented in this paper is a cold formed steel load distribution system developed by iSPAN Systems LP that enables the installation of floor joists without the need to align them with the supporting wall studs. The floor joists are supported by a shear connection attached to a cold formed steel perimeter distribution member. In addition to the load distribution aspect, the system results in a simplified lateral design approach. An experimental verification study was carried out to establish the load distribution capability of the system, resulting in a simplified procedure to determine the connection requirements and load transfer characteristics to the wall studs