Advanced Framing - WoodWorks

2/6/2014

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Advanced Framing:

Balancing Structure, Energy, and Cost

Presented on February 26, 2014 by

Karyn Beebe, PE, LEED AP

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distribution, display and use of the presentation

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© The Wood Products Council 2014

“The Wood Products Council” is a

Registered Provider with The

American Institute of Architects

Continuing Education Systems

(AIA/CES), Provider #G516.

Credit(s) earned on completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.

This course is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

___________________________________________

Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.

Course Description

As California marches towards net zero energy buildings,

architects and engineers are seeking cost-effective options that

maintain strength and durability of the structural system while

meeting energy-efficiency and other sustainability goals.

Advanced framing is a system of wood construction techniques

designed to optimize material use and increase energy efficiency.

The objective is to eliminate unnecessary lumber from the

framing process, reducing construction costs and thermal

bridging while increasing the amount of insulation that can

potentially be used to improve thermal performance of the

envelope.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the structural nuances associated with creating a

direct load path with advanced framing techniques, including

stacked framing and lateral load transfer.

2. Discover advanced framing’s relationship to “green building” and

energy efficiency, including the potential for increased R-value

and minimization of thermal bridging.

3. Review aspects of advanced framing, including: 24” o.c. framing,

single top plates, ladder blocking at wall junctions, 2-stud corners,

correctly sized headers to openings in load-bearing walls only,

offset allowances with single or double top plates, avoiding

excessive framing at window openings, and raised heel trusses.

4. Discuss case studies illustrating the lumber and cost savings

associated with advanced framing in non-residential projects.

Agenda

1. What is Advanced Framing?

2. Why should one adopt Advanced Framing?

When?

3. How do you phase it into your project?

4. Challenges

5. Examples

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What is Advanced Framing?

(NOT Advanced Framing)








a.k.a

Optimum Value Engineering

(O.V.E.) a.k.a

In-Line Framing a.k.a.

Stacked Framing


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APA Construction Guide

Released February 2012

APA Form Number M400


Suite of Framing Techniques

Advanced Framing is not a

“take all or leave all”

concept.

Using any or some of the

techniques is still

“Advanced”

The more holistic the

approach, the more savings.


Why adopt Advanced Framing?

Energy Efficiency

Cost Effectiveness

Sustainability

Structural Integrity

Sacramento Habitat for Humanity: Net Zero Energy, 21 points beyond

LEED Platinum, Advanced Framing.

Why?

(Energy Efficiency)

“Title 24” – Part 6

California Energy Code

2013 Standard has been

delayed July 1st

Prescriptive v.

Performance

Climate Zone Changes

Why?

(Energy Efficiency)

NetZero Energy Goals for CA 2020 Residential/2030 Commercial

How do we get there?

Improve wall assemblies – Decrease air infiltration,

increase wall insulation, use thicker walls (2x6 framing)

Add renewable energy

Use ADVANCED FRAMING!

Why?

(Energy Efficiency)

Maximize space

for cavity

insulation

Minimize

insulation voids

Reduce thermal

bridging

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Why? (Energy Efficiency)

Energy Star 3 Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist

4.4.5 Advanced Framing, including all of the items below:

4.4.5a All corners insulated ≥ R-6 to edge 17, AND;

4.4.5b All headers above windows & doors insulated 18, AND;

4.4.5c Framing limited at all windows and doors 19, AND;

4.4.5d All interior/exterior wall intersections insulated to same R-value as the rest of

the exterior wall 20, AND;

4.4.5e Minimum stud spacing of 16" o.c. for 2x4 framing in all Climate Zones, and

in Climate Zones 5 – 8, 24" o.c. for 2x6 framing unless construction

documents specify other spacing is structurally required 21

4.4 Reduced thermal bridging at above-grade walls

separating conditioned from unconditioned space

(rim/band joists exempted) using one of the following

options: 12, 13

Why?

(Cost Effectiveness)

More resource efficient than conventional framing

Optimizing lumber usage reduces material costs

Reduced framing labor

Increase efficiency of

other trades:

Fewer studs for plumbers

and electricians to drill

Fewer cavities to fill

Less waste and dumpster

costs

WOOD FRAMED WALLS

2x6 – R-20 Cavity Insulation 2x4 – R13 Cavity + R-5 Foam

(Advanced Framing) (Conventional Framing)

System Issues Value

Impact System Issues

Value

Impact

More earthquake resistant

construction * + More susceptible to earthquakes - More energy efficient

(R17.3 – R17.8) + Less energy efficient

(R15.6 – R16.8) - Ease of future attachments to

exterior wall + More difficult for future attach to

exterior wall - Walls with less risk of trapping

moisture + Walls with greater risk of trapping

moisture -

*If fully sheathed with wood structural panels

Why?


WOOD FRAMED WALLS

2x6 – R-20 Cavity Insulation 2x4 – R13 Cavity + R-5 Foam

(Advanced Framing) (Conventional Framing)

System Issues Cost

Impact System Issues

Cost

Impact

Similar volume of wood

Advanced Framing 2x6 $

Similar volume of wood

Conventional 2x4 $

Reduced labor - $ Cavity insulation + foam + $

Cavity insulation only - $ More complex wall envelope + $

Continuous nail base for cladding - $ Complicates cladding attachment + $

Standard window installation - $ Complicates window attachment + $

Special extension jambs + $ Special extension jambs + $

Why?


Why?

(Sustainability)

Wood has long been a successful

green building strategy

Renewable resource

Less energy to manufacture

Less pollutants to manufacture

Performs well on life-cycle analysis

Advanced Framing delivers greater

environmental dividends

Optimizing material usage

Reducing construction waste

Why?

(Sustainability)

Green Codes/Certification Systems that reward

points to projects using Advanced Framing

techniques

LEED, LEED for Homes

CALGreen

Green Point Rated

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Why?

(Structural Integrity)

Stacked Framing provides direct

load path

2x6 studs @ 24" o.c. are 2-1/2

times stiffer than 2x4 studs @

16" o.c.*

Wall Bracing Solutions

Siding Attachment Solutions

* Moment of Inertia Comparison

How?

Phasing In Advanced Framing

1. Switch to 2x6 studs to increase cavity insulation

depth and R20 energy code requirements.

2. Change wall framing module from 16" o.c. to 24" o.c.

Retain the use of double top plates to avoid in-line

framing.

3. Incorporate intersecting wall techniques and energy

efficient corners, beginning with three-stud corners,

that allow for greater insulation volume. Implement

energy-efficient headers and single-member framing

around openings.

4. Eliminate double top plates.

Conventional Framing

16”o.c. Member Spacing

CONVENTIONAL 2x4 Studs at 16" o.c., Double top plate, 3-Stud corners,

FRAMING: 2-Stud ‘T’ junctions, Double 2x12 header on jack studs,

Redundant cripples at ends of window sill plate

Advanced Framing

24”o.c. Member Spacing

ADVANCED 2x6 Studs at 24"o.c., Single top plate, 2-Stud corners,

FRAMING: Ladder junctions, Wood structural panel headers,

Single studs at sides of openings, Redundant cripples omitted

Wall Frame Comparison

Single

top plate Wood structural panel

box or single-ply header

Single studs at

sides of opening

Ladder blocking

(optional)

Advanced

Framing

Conventional

Framing

Advanced/

Conventional

Framing

2x6 studs,

24"o.c.

Redundant cripple

studs eliminated

Two-stud corner or

California corner

Three-stud Corners

Insulated Three-stud Corner

(California Corner)

Outside corner

Difficult to

insulate

Traditional Corner

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Two-stud Corners

Outside corner

Drywall clip

to hold drywall

in place

Two-stud Corner

(with Drywall Clips)

Alternatives

2012 IRC,

Figure R602.3(2) FRAMING DETAILS Note: A third stud and/or

partition backing stud shall be

permitted to be omitted through

the use of wood back-up cleats,

metal drywall clips, or other

approved devices that will serve

as adequate backing for facing

materials.

Two-stud Corners

Corner stud

2x Ladder Blocking at 24"o.c.

or Drywall Clips

Outside corner

2x Ladder Blocking at 24"o.c.

or Drywall Clips

Interior Wall

Intersection Options

Ladder Junction Single top plate

3" x 6" x 0.036" galvanized steel plate

Interior wall

2x ladder blocking at 24"o.c.

Install blocking with wide face vertical

for maximum backing to wall finish and

for maximum insulation in exterior walls.

Interior Wall

Intersection Options

Junction for Continuous

Drywall Application


Drywall

Interior stud set in ½ inch (or more)

from exterior wall studs

Detail courtesy of NAHB Research Center

Single

top plate

Openings

Non-Load-Bearing Walls

Conventional Headers Not Required

Opening in

non-load-

bearing

wall

Single top plate

Cripple studs as required

Opening top plate may be doubled for

openings wider than 8'

Single opening top plate

Note: Use jack studs as required.

Engineered Wood & Lumber Headers

2012 IRC Section R602.7.1

Single-Ply Header

at Top Plate

Top plate

Single-ply load-bearing header

(flush outer face of header with outer edge of studs)

Cavity insulation space

(to stud depth less single header thickness)

Header bottom plate

(to complete rough opening at header)

For many openings 4 feet wide or less in one-story

buildings, single studs at sides of rough openings

may be adequate. 2012 IRC Table R502.5(1).

Jack stud or approved framing connector

2012 IRC Tables R502.5(1) & R502.5(2)

Outside of wall

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Single-Ply Header

with Cripple

Top plate

Single-ply load-bearing header

(flush outer face of header with outer edge of studs)


(to stud depth less single header thickness)

Header bottom plate

(to complete rough opening at header)

For many openings 4 feet wide or less in one-story

buildings, single studs at sides of rough openings

may be adequate. 2012 IRC Table R502.5(1).

Jack stud or approved framing connector

2012 IRC Tables R502.5(1) & R502.5(2)

Outside of wall


Large Opening Single Headers

Top plate


3-1/8" or 3-1/2" glued laminated timbers (glulams),

or multiple-ply structural composite lumber (SCL),

or sawn lumber header

Jack studs as required

Outside of wall



Approved Framing Connector Option Single or Double-ply Headers


Header hanger

(such as Simpson Strong-Tie HH or equivalent)

Single stud at sides of rough openings

(most openings up to 48" wide) outside

of wall


Alternate Header Connection: Where the number of required jack studs equal one,

the header is permitted to be supported by an approved framing anchor attached to the full-height wall stud and to the header.

Wood Structural Panel Box Header

for Load-Bearing Walls

One-sided Wood Structural Panel Box Header

Single top plate


(to full width of wall studs)

Drywall interior finished

Single stud at sides

of rough openings to 48" wide,

jack stud required span > 48"

Cripple studs on

stud layout

Min. 15/32

Performance

Category wood

structural panel

Header top plate

to complete rough

opening at header



The top plate of the wood structural panel box header shall be continuous over header.

For construction details and maximum spans, see 2012 IRC Section R602.7.2, Figure R602.7.2 and Table R602.7.2.

Two-Sided Wood Structural Panel Box Header

Insulation

Cripple studs on stud layout

Min. 15/32 Performance Category

wood structural panel or thicker

(sanded or MDO plywood may be used

on inside surface in lieu of drywall)

Note: Framing fastening per code.



Nail Pattern Single top plate

Wood structural panel face shall be

single piece of 15/32 Performance

Category or greater sheathing

Slant nail if necessary


behind wood structural panel

Single stud at sides of

rough opening to 48" wide

Jack stud required if span > 48"

3" 3" 3"

9“

or

15”

depth

NAIL PATTERN

2012 IRC, Table R602.7.2 8d common nails

minimum 3"o.c. spacing

stagger nails ½"

Strength Axis

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TABLE R602.7.2* MAXIMUM SPANS FOR WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL BOX HEADERS

HEADER

CONSTRUCTION

HEADER

DEPTH

HOUSE DEPTH (feet)

24 26 28 30 32

Wood Structural

panel – one side

9" 4' 4' 3' 3' -

15" 5' 5' 4' 3' 3'

Wood Structural

panel – both sides

9" 7' 5' 5' 4' 3'

15" 8' 8' 7' 7' 6'

* Spans are based on single story house with clear span trussed roof or two-story

with floor and roof supported by interior-bearing walls.


Energy Heel Truss to Wall

Wood Structural Panel Overlap

Energy heel truss

Fastening per design

Optional rafter-tie or tension strap

inside or over wall sheathing per

manufacturer recommendation

Plywood or OSB wall sheathing

Ensure correct fastening of

sheathing to top plate per shear

wall, wall bracing, or combined

shear and uplift requirements.*

*See rafter-tie manufacturer’s instructions for installation of strap over sheathing and into framing.

Ceiling Frame – Attic Insulation

Typical Attic Insulation with “Regular Heel”

R-30 = 10" Insulatable depth

at rafter heel

Minimum 1" space between

insulation and roof sheathing

R-38 = 12"

R-49 = 15"

2009 IRC, N1102.2.1 or 2009 IECC, 402.2.1

Ceilings with attic spaces. When Section N1102.1

would require R-38 in the ceiling, R-30 shall be deemed to

satisfy the requirement for R-38 whenever the full height

of uncompressed R-30 insulation extends over the wall

top plate at the eaves. Similarly, R-38 shall be deemed to

satisfy the requirement for R-49…….

Ceiling Frame – Attic Insulation

Typical Attic Insulation with “Energy Heel”

R-30 = 10"

Insulatable depth

at truss heel

Minimum 1" space between

insulation and roof sheathing

R-49 = 15"

R-38 = 12"

Rough Opening Placement

The placement of openings in

load-bearing walls and the layout

of framing members above

openings have significant impact

on header sizing for

advanced framing.

Minimum required materials

to frame rough opening

Structure above imposing

tributary loads on header

Potential increased header

size - increased load from structure above

Excess materials due to

inefficient opening

placement

Best

Placement

36" wide

opening

36" wide

opening

36" wide

opening

24" wide

tributary load

24" wide

tributary load

48" wide

tributary load

Note: Jack studs may not be required if using wood structural panel headers.

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Double Top Plate Offsets

(2x4 Framing)

2012 IRC Section R602.3.3 Bearing studs. Where joists, trusses or rafters are spaced more

than 16 inches o.c. and the bearing studs below are spaced 24 inches o.c., such members

shall bear within 5 inches of studs beneath.

Prescriptive Member Placement for

Double Top Plate Wall Construction

Trusses spaced > 16"o.c.

Studs at 24"o.c.

2x4 top plate maximum offset,

Max. offset = 5"

Max. offset = 5"

Double Top Plate Offsets

(2x6 Framing)

2012 IRC Section R602.3.3 Bearing studs. Where joists, trusses or rafters are spaced more

than 16 inches o.c. and the bearing studs below are spaced 24 inches o.c., such members

shall bear within 5 inches of studs beneath.

Exception: 1. The top plates are two 2x6 inch or two 3x4 members.


Double Top Plates with 2x6 Walls

Truss

Studs at 24"o.c.

2x6 top plate no maximum offset

No Maximum Offset

Single Top Plate

Offsets

2012 IRC Section R602.3.2 Top plate. Wood studs shall be capped with a double top plate...

Exception: A single top plate may be installed in stud walls…provided the rafters or joists

are centered over the studs with a tolerance of no more than 1 inch…


Single Top Plate Wall Construction

Common/repetitive members supporting

uniform loads applied to single top plate

Trusses or floor joists at 24"o.c.

Studs at 24"o.c.

1" 1"

Single Top Plate

Offsets

2012 IRC Section R602.3.2 Top plate. Wood studs shall be capped with a double top plate...

Exception: A single top plate may be installed in stud walls…provided the rafters or joists

are centered over the studs with a tolerance of no more than 1 inch…


Single Top Plate Wall Construction

Rafter

Ceiling joists

Studs at 24"o.c.

1" 1"

Single Top Plate Connections

Longitudinal Top Plate Splice

3" x 12" x 0.036" Galvanized steel plate

12- 8d (2-1/2" x 0.113") Nails each side*

Prescriptive Connection

*Plate size and number of fasteners required is

greater than 2009 International Residential Code.


8-16d (3-1/2" x 0.135") nails

each side of splice.

Alternate Connection:

Wood Splice

Splice Joint

Single top plate

Splice joint

Longitudinal Top Plate Splice

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Intersecting Wall Connection


6-8d (2-1/2" x 0.113") nails each side

2012 IRC, Section R602.3.2

2x6 lumber splice

2-10d (3" x 0.128") nails each side

2012 IRC, Table R602.3(1), Item 19

Prescriptive Connection Alternate Connection


Corner Framing


6-8d (2-1/2" x 0.113") nails each side

2012 IRC, Section R602.3.2

2x6 lumber splice

2-10d (3" x 0.128") nails each side

2012 IRC, Table R602.3(1), Item 19

Prescriptive Connection Alternate Connection

Challenges

Wall Sheathing Installation

• Fasten panels as recommended with 8d nails

• 6" o.c. at all panel edges

• 12" o.c. in the field

• Space panels 1/8" at all panel ends and edges

• Use minimum 7/16 category panels

• Some OSB panels alter strength-axis orientation

to allow vertical placement with strength axis

across studs

Recommendations for 24" o.c. studs

Recommended WSP for

Stucco Exterior Finish

Stud

Spacing

Panel

Orientation

APA Rated Sheathing

Performance Category Span Rating

16" Horizontal 3/8 24/0

Vertical 7/16 Structural 1 OSB 24/16

15/32, 1/2 5-ply or OSB 32/16

24" Horizontal 7/16 24/16

Vertical 19/32, 5/8 5-ply or OSB 40/20

• Blocking recommended between studs along horizontal panel

joints

Wood's Strength Direction

Arrow

Optional

Str

en

gth

Axis

Strength

Axis

Arrow

Required

Common Not Common

Strength Axis

48" 48"

Building Elements: Panels

Cross Face Panels “Strength Axis This Direction”

Strength in Short Direction for

Vertical Installation

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Whole House Design

In new home construction, the walls of a

house also present a great opportunity to protect

the house from the forces of nature Whole House Design

Whole House Design

In new home construction, the walls of

a house present a great opportunity

to prevent energy loss

Examples

Examples

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Your Next Advanced Framing Project

U.S.A.

Looking for Opportunities to Assist Builders with

Advanced Framing and Build Case Studies

All-wood Podiums in Mid-rise

Construction

Oceano at Warner Center

4 Story over 1 wood podium

structure

244 units

City of Los Angeles

(APA Case Study N110)

All-wood Podiums in Mid-rise

Construction

Panelization & BIM

Framer works closely with design

team from project inception

Emphasis on Stacking

Avoid 80-90% field issues

preconstruction

Cost savings – waste reduction

and faster construction schedule

Burden is on the builder to

produce structures that are:

1. Cost-effective to build

2. Strong and safe

3. Energy-efficient and

environmentally-friendly

Balancing Cost,

Structure and Energy

Customer Satisfaction

APA Web Site: apawood.org

CAD Details

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Questions?

Karyn Beebe, PE, LEED AP

(858) 668-7161

[email protected]

This concludes The American Institute of Architects

Continuing Education Systems Course

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Advanced Framing - WoodWorks