Installation Manual V1.3
Installation Manual V1.3
It is important to develop and maintain a safety plan before commencing any construction. This should include, but is not limited to, all safety
equipment which may be required.
Scottsdale Construction Systems has developed this installation manual to assist first time or novice steel frame users with a reference guide on
how to install the ScotPanel and ScotTruss systems.
It is important that all work carried out while using this guide meets local building authority regulations and safety plans.
This Installation manual illustrates simple and commonly accepted building practices, as used by existing customers around the world. It is
intended that processes shown within this manual are a guide only, and the installer should use discretion when circumstances do not match the
criteria laid out within portrayed examples.
Disclaimer
Scottsdale Construction Systems Ltd (SCS) makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, nor accepts any liability
whatsoever about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability ,compliance or lawfulness of , including but not limited to, any Design work,
Technical drawings, Engineering Data or any information compiled by SCS. This includes any design work supplied to, or done on a customer's
behalf.
It is the Customer's responsibility to ensure the design is accurate and is in accordance with the building plans and that the final design meets
local building codes, and any other statutory requirements. Similarly, it is the Customer’s responsibility to ensure all Technical or Engineering
data supplied by SCS meets local statutory requirements.
In no event will SCS be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage
whatsoever arising from any errors or omissions, but any dispute shall be construed under the laws of New Zealand whose Courts shall have
exclusive jurisdiction in respect thereof.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
3
Chapter 1 - Tools & Equipment
Power Tools
Tool Accessories
Hand Tools
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
4
Fasteners
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
5
Chapter 2 - Handling & Storage
On Site Handling
Crane
60˚
Slings
9000
Spreader Bar
Slings
Over 9000
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
6
Stacking Steel Wall Frames and Trusses
Steel wall frames and trusses and other associated ancillaries should be
kept off the ground. This can be achieved by stacking the frames on
blocks, spacing them 1000mm—1500mm apart ensuring the blocks are
positioned where studs join the perimeter members.
Orientation Hole
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
7
Chapter 3 - Standing & Connecting Walls
If Strap Bracing is not attached by the frame fabricator then it’s best to
attach before standing the frames.
Locate the positions on the frame where strap bracing is required.
Make sure the frame is square before attaching the strapping.
Ensure the correct number of screws are used at each end of each
strap. Bottom Plate Strap Bracing Top Plate Strap Bracing
Fixing as Per Layout Fixing as per Layout
Tensioners should be left loose until the frames are fixed down. They
can then be tightened to help plumb the frame.
Hold Down Bolts with “L” brackets should be used at each END stud of
all strap braces or where specified on erection layouts.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
8
Where to Start—Slab Markout
Before standing the first frames, it is a good idea to use a chalk line and
mark two lines at right angles to each other across the centre of the
foundation then measure from these lines the required distance to
position the exterior walls. This is done to ensure the framing will be
laid out square on the foundation and wont be influenced by the edge
of the foundation which could have small variations (eg. the concrete
edge could have a curve in it)
Standing Frames
Pick the frame up at each end and rotate so the orientation hole is at
the bottom. Nogs should also have the open side of the profile facing
down.
Two people can also lay the frame on the ground and pick up the top
plate and lift only the top plate up and walk inwards until the frame is
vertical. Long frames need special care and should be supported in the
centre and around openings otherwise the top/bottom plate could
bend. Carrying the frame vertically can alleviate this problem.
Refer to the wall layout to identify the location of the orientation hole.
DPC should be used between all bottom plates and concrete surfaces.
Refer to the following page for further details.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
9
Attaching DPC
The image to the right shows DPC attached to the bottom plate with
wafer head Tek screws. Ensure the screw is located in the centre of the
web. The screw will fit neatly between the steel web and the concrete.
Screw spacing should only be placed where they are required to hold
the DPC securely until the frames are standing. Place screws where required to hold DPC securely
DPC can also be glued onto the steel bottom plate. Most spray on
adhesives will adhere to steel. Follow the instruction on the can to
achieve results specific to adhesive type.
Some DPC manufacturers produce a product that has an adhesive
backing already applied so it can stick to the steel.
DPC can also be nailed directly to the concrete with a powder actuated
fastener after the slab has been marked out with a chalk line.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
10
Standing Walls
When standing the walls you should always begin in a corner using two
frames. This allows one wall to hold up another.
Ensure that you do not close in the exterior walls until all of the interior
walls are in place.
Closing in each room as you move across the floor will provide a stable
structure to work away from.
Connecting Frames
When standing frames, one screw in the top and one screw at the
bottom will be sufficient until all frames are standing.
Screws can be added from either side if it is difficult to get the screws in
from one particular side.
Once the frames are connected, ensure they are positioned on the floor
correctly, then fix down to the floor with the required method.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
11
Temporary Bracing
“C” section lengths can be used to achieve this by adding small cuts to
the flanges and bending them to suit before fixing them to the
foundation.
40-60˚
Wall framing should be stood true and plumb, and in most cases at
right angles to one another.
To ensure long walls are straight, a string line can be used to ensure the
walls are straight. Place a block between the string and the framing at
each end and measure at points along the frame to check for
straightness. This should be done at the bottom plate prior to fixing
down to the floor, and to the top plate when adding temporary bracing
before the roof structure is added.
Hold Downs
Fixings to hold the frame down come in different forms. Some of these
include a Concrete Nail and Washer, Expansion Bolt and Washer,
Expansion Bolt and “L” Bracket, Concrete Screw and Washer, and
Concrete Screw and “L” Bracket.
Hold down bolts are typically required at either side of window and
door openings. Washer or “L” Bracket requirements are specific to each
job.
Refer to the framing layout for the hold down type to be used.
Concrete nail and washer are typically used for Internal walls, and in
some cases exterior walls (depends upon wind zone and uplift) and the
spacing’s should be set by your engineer.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
12
Plumb and Level Frames
As you are erecting frames it is best practice to apply some “C”
section lumber for bracing the framing and to keep it square.
Once frames are fixed down, the strap bracing can be tensioned to
achieve plumb frames.
Perpendicular temporary bracing can also be applied to ensure the
centre of walls are plumb. (refer to next page)
If the flooring has bumps or waves in it, it is best to pack the low
spots to ensure the top and bottom plates are level along the length
of the frame. This can be done by slightly lifting the frame in the
hollow and putting a packing material under the bottom plate (Horse
Shoe Shim or DPC is very common) until it is level.
Cutting Doorways
In most cases when the bottom plate is required to be cut out for a
doorway or a window at floor level, a notch can be provided by the
software detailer to allow the plate to be cut out easily.
The installer will need to cut with some hand snips the flange of the
bottom plate approximately 30mm from the opening stud. Once cut,
the piece remaining on the frame should be bent around the stud
and fixed in place with at least one wafer head screw.
If a notch has not been provided, the same result can be achieved
with some more work.
Cut the four flanges on a 45degree angle back towards the bottom of
the opening stud. Bend these triangle pieces around the stud and
screw off. The point can be cut off these triangles to make this safer.
Once this is done cut the centre of the plate being removed any way
you feel like. Then bend the piece to be removed up and down until
it breaks off.
Door ways can also be cut out with an angle grinder. If you choose
this method, spray on galvanising paint should be applied to any cut
made with the grinder to protect the steel from corrosion.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
13
Chapter 4 - Ceilings
After bracing has been applied, the ceiling panels can be placed into Special Nogs (Horizontal) Rafter/Joist Direction
position starting at any corner of the structure.
After reading the ScotLayout, place the panels around the building in
the area in which they are to be located.
Before any ceiling panels can be laid on top of the wall framing, the
whole building needs to be braced to hold the walls straight and plumb.
This is to prevent the walls from moving when ceiling panels are moved
into their final position.
Refer to the previous chapter for details how to do this.
When positioning the ceiling panels, the outer perimeter of the ceiling
panel needs to be flush with the outer edge of the wall frame.
At this time the ceiling frame should only be screwed down with
minimal screws to minimise movement when working on top of the
ceiling panels. 2 Screws in each corner and one at midpoint between
each corner is recommended.
Once this has been accomplished, move onto the next panel, moving
around the outer perimeter of the building until you meet up to the
first ceiling panel.
If the ceiling panel is supported by trusses or a support frame,
temporary props need to be used until the trusses are installed.
Temporary props are also used when working with a B300’s or B400’s. Temporary Props
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
14
Installation Manual
Ceiling Beams
Forming B300 gap
When installing ceiling beams a gap will need to be created between
the ceiling panels. To achieve this, place material of similar thickness to
the ceiling beam plate between the two ceiling panels and clamp or
temporarily screw.
After the gap has been formed, secure the ceiling frames by screwing
around the perimeter elements. Props are placed mid span so the ceil-
ing beam has something to rest on while also supporting the ceilings
and keeping workers safe. Lengths of “C” section material can also be
used to prevent plate from protruding past the edge of the ceiling when
inserted.
Ceiling Frame
Note: Ceiling beams can come in a variety of depths.
Scotsteel Design Software can allow for panel growth by making the
panels slightly smaller than required to ensure they fit on site. As a
result of this, gaps can start accumulating in the ceiling panels. These
can be easily hidden when two ceilings join on top of a wall. If you find
the gaps are getting excessive contact the designer to modify the “Edge
Adjust” dimension for future projects.
10mm gap joined on top of wall
10mm gap
If the accumulated gap cannot be hidden on top of a wall (as per the
image on the right) then the gap needs to be filled with a packer and
screwed off.
Packed 10mm
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
15
Fixing points for the outer perimeter of ceiling panels should be fixed by
one Tek screw at 600mm spacing's or at each rafter.
Ceiling fixing points to internal walls are fixed by screwing one Tek
screw in each rafter that crosses the internal wall as shown here.
X Strap Bracing
At this point, strap bracing (if required) can be fixed to the ceiling pan-
els and tensioned. This is best done before the support frames are in-
stalled.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
16
Installation Manual
Find the area in ScotLayout where the B300’s are shown and look for
the measurement in the layout where the B300 is spanning. In this
example the B300 is 6200mm plus the thickness of the walls. 6380mm
Example: 6200 + 90 + 90 = 6380mm. This is the overall length of the
B300.
Some layouts will have this length specified for you.
300mm
Cut the specified plate to the correct length then cut 2 x “C” Section’s
of the same length. Clamp the 2 x “C” Section’s sandwiching the plate
between them and fixing 2 x 10g-16x16 screws close to the flange edge
of each “C” Section. Start 50mm from one end and work towards the
other end fixing the Tek screws every 150mm, finishing 50mm from the
end. This will form the top chord of the B300.
150mm spacing's
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
17
Installation Manual
Before installing a B300, place two short pieces of material at each end B300 slot
of where the B300 will be located underneath the ceiling panels. This
will hold the B300 flush to the bottom of the ceiling ready to be
screwed.
C-90 material
Place the B300 in the slot formed between the two ceiling panels as
described in the previous chapter.
B300
The top chord restraint of the B300 can now be fixed in place at the
spacing’s specified on the layout. Cut a 1m length of strap bracing and
place half of the strap brace either side and perpendicular to the top
chord. Fix the strap to the top chord with the number of 10g-16x16
screws specified on the layout.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
18
Ensure the B300 is perpendicular to the ground. Screw each end of the
strap to a ceiling panel and Top Chord with minimum 2 x 10g-16x16
screws each end.
There are several styles to form the top chord of a B300 to cater for
different strength requirements. The supplied ScotLayout will have
information relating to the specific B300 top chord style to be formed.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
19
Chapter 5 - Ceiling Supports
Before installing any Support Frames, the installer must read and
understand the ScotLayout. Turn to the Support Frame page and take
note of the Orientation Hole and Support Frame number.
Roof Panels require support frames sitting directly under them. They
need to be positioned or screwed in place prior to erecting the roof
panels. Typically ridge or apex supports would be installed first.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
20
When Support Frames are required to provide support for Ceiling
Frames that tek screws are not suitable for, twisted straps called “Twist
Tie’s” can be used to provide this support. Most hardware stores stock
this bracket or something very similar.
Typically two 10g-16x16 screws are suitable as per the picture below.
Fixing
Fixing points
If specified on the ceiling layout, fix a twist tie with 10g-16x16 screws to
every second ceiling rafter. Good practice would be to alternate the
brackets on either side of the Support Frame.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
21
Support Frames can sometimes sit directly on top of the wall plate at
the same level as the surrounding Ceiling Panels. This provides support
for the ceiling as well as providing extra strength for the bottom chord
of the Support Frame.
The adjacent ScotLayout image shows what a typical Ceiling Panel
Layout looks like when a Support Frame is at the same level as the
Ceilings.
Support Frame
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
22
At times the engineering will require a Support Frame to have a single
or a double reinforced top chord. This is where a piece of C-90 material
(of the same gauge as the Support Frame) is screwed to both sides of
the Support Frame lattice top chord with Tek screws. This is shown in
the adjacent image.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
23
Chapter 6 - Roof Panel
Before erecting roof panels, review ScotLayout and place roof panels
around the structure in the correct orientation ready to lift into
position.
Start by installing the roof panels where the roof forms a hip and work
away from it towards the valley areas. This provides a good square
reference to work away from.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
24
The soffit distance is 450mm. Measure from the bottom of the roof
frame along the same angle of 25 deg rake of the roof to the ceiling
frame. It should measure 496mm.
To work out the length of the pitch.
Example: Soffit divide by Cos (pitch)
450÷cos(25°)=
ׄ 496mm
If your soffit is 450mm from the wall to the bottom plate of the roof
panel, mark 496mm up from the bottom plate of the roof panel, so you
know visually where the roof panel should be resting.
Starting on a hip roof frame as shown. Loosely fix the roof panel to the
ceiling as the starting point.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
25
When installing roof frames keep sighting from the ground up the Nogs facing down
length of the roof panel for dips or humps. These can be removed by
tweaking the intermediate support frame.
Refer to the roof layout for roof hold down types and specific locations.
Rafter
In this example twist ties need to be connected as per the tie down
details around the external walls using specified screws.
Screw the rafter, ceiling and top plate of the wall, tying the three items Ceiling Frame
together.
Wall Plate
Stud
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
26
Fixing the Hip Tek screw here Service Hole for Hex driver
Using the long hex driver, screw the hips together at the lower part of
the “C” Section. The fixing points should be secured at 300mm centers.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
27
Forming Box Valleys in a Panel Roof (for sheet roofing)
After erecting all roof panels and installing the hold downs, the valley
can be measured and screwed off.
Measure the distance between the two panels as per the adjacent
image.
Measure the depth and width gap of the valley for any discrepancies.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
28
Fold up a tray to fit in the valley pocket formed by the roof panels.
Valley Supports
Screw the valley tray in place using wafer head Tek screws through the
top edge of the valley tray into the roof panel.
After the valley tray is fixed in place the bottom of the tray can be
formed to fit the gutter by cutting along the lines drawn on the
tray below. After all the valley trays have been installed the roof is now
ready for the roofing iron to be attached.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
29
Forming Box Valleys (For a Tiled Roof)
The centre of the V shaped valley tray should rest in-between the two
roof panels. It is recommended that a bead of silicon be applied to the
underside of the valley tray to prevent any metallic rub.
To make valleys you will need a folding machine or have a local
company fold them.
Once the valley tray has been located, the battens can be placed either
side for the roofing fixing.
Fix the battens both sides of the valley using Tek screws.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
30
Once all the battens are fixed down, the valley tray can be installed.
After seating the tray, place one Tek screw each side above the return
lip creating a friction fit connection. Spacing of the screws to be no
more than 900mm apart up the valley. Notice the screw is pushing
down on the return lip to create tension. Do not screw under the return
lip.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
31
Chapter 6a - Soffits & Fascia
Spray glue on the ceiling panel, top chord, and the stud.
Fixing points
Once the building wrap is attached, the soffit framing can be installed
using Tek screws fixed to every stud and the roof panel making sure the
outriggers are level and square to the building.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
32
Roof Framing
Once the soffit frame is installed you can begin to attach the fascia
bracket.
Ensure the bracket has at least 3-4 mm gap under the roofing material
height to allow the roofing to go over the top of the fascia bracket.
When satisfied the bracket is the correct height, fix with one Tek screw.
Plumb the fascia bracket using a level and fix in place. Repeat the
procedure at the other end of the fascia line then run a string line
between the two brackets. Fix the remaining brackets using the string
line as a height guide.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
33
Connect a simple right angle bracket to the bottom plate of the roof
panel, making sure the bracket does not protrude above the top edge
of the roof panel.
Cut the fascia bracket at the correct angle so that the fascia bracket can
be fitted plumb as the example in the image on the right shows. Fix
with Tek screws making certain the bracket is not protruding above the
top of the roof panel. Ensure there is enough of a gap for the roofing
material to pass over the fascia.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
34
Notes
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
35
Chapter 7 - Roof Trusses
The following instructions are a guide only, and specific details should
be supplied by the truss manufacturer.
Prior to placing trusses on to the wall framing, it is often beneficial to
mark the locations of the trusses on the framing top plates in
accordance with the supplied ScotLayout.
Tip: Before trusses are separated from their packs the top chord batten
locations can be marked with a straight edge at the required locations
to assist with installing the roof battens when the trusses are standing
upright on the framing.
Girder and Truncated Girder Trusses should be set out first as they are
confined to specific locations due to fitting with other trusses.
Once Truncated Girder Trusses or Dutch Gable Trusses are placed in
their required location, the centre Jack Truss can be placed in its
corresponding location and connected to the Girder. This will hold the
Truncated Girder in a plumb (vertical) location. The remaining Jack
Trusses can be located and connected.
Where it is not practical to brace the Girder with another truss, install
the next 2-3 parallel trusses then brace the top of the Girder back to
the bottom of one of the other installed trusses. Repeat the brace in
the opposite direction to form a rigid group.
Subsequent Trusses
As each subsequent truss is installed moving away from the first truss, a
temporary batten should be attached to the top chord of each truss to
tie it to the first braced truss. The separation distance at the bottom
must be the same as the top, ensuring the trusses are located on the
set out marks and plumb.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
36
Gable Roof Truss Installation
If the Gable Wall does not extend up to the underside of the roof and a
Gable Truss is required on top of the end wall, there are two ways to
install this truss.
Ground Prop
Place the truss in the required location on top of the end wall. Attach a
temporary brace to the top of the truss, or to a high location on the
truss. Ensure the truss is plumb then fix the bottom end of the brace to
a ground anchor (peg or stake driven into the ground).
Wall Prop
Place the truss in the required location on top of the end wall. Attach a
brace to the face of the wall below with the top end up to, or slightly
extending past the top of the truss. Fix the brace to the truss to hold it
upright. Once 2-3 trusses have been installed parallel to the Gable
Truss, it can then be plumbed and the top braced back to the bottom of
another truss.
Screw Here
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
37
Jack Truss Installation
Jack Trusses are best installed, beginning in the centre and moving
outwards.
Jack to Girder connections can be done several ways. The correct
connecting method for each project should be portrayed on the
ScotLayout supplied from the manufacturer.
Each Jack Truss should line up closely with a vertical web in the Girder
Truss.
Jack to Corner Jack can be connected by brackets at either the top and
bottom chords or by connecting the webs together at the top and
bottom with an angled bent plate.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
38
Brackets and Fixings
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
39
Brackets and Fixings
C Section Jack Truss to C Section Girder Typical C Section Truss Hold Down
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
40
Hip Apex Connection
At the apex of a hip, many jack top chords converge at the same
point. These can be easily connected together with an apex plate. It
can be constructed on site or supplied by the truss manufacturer. A
piece of 0.75mm steel plate, measuring approximately 170mm x
250mm is required. This is first attached to the apex truss with Tek
screws. A cut is made in the plate directly above the centre jack truss
until approximately 60mm from the edge that is attached to the apex
truss. This will allow the two sides to be bent downward and the edg-
es of the cut to overlap above the centre jack. Each truss should be
attached to the plate with Tek screws.
Truss Bracing
Roof cross bracing should be fixed at each end of the brace. One end
should be located at the apex of the truss and the other directly above
the loadbearing heel. The lower tail of the strap should be bent down
and fixed to the top plate or stud supporting the truss. Screw
requirements are dependant on engineers specifications.
Note: Strap bracing is available in different thicknesses. Ensure cor- Strap bracing should be tensioned with tensioners to
rect thickness is being used to match engineering specifications. ensure it is taut. Do not over tighten.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
41
Battens
Battens can be fixed to steel trusses quickly and easily using a Tek screw
for steel top hat battens and Wing-Tek screw for timber battens.
Wing-Tek screws have small reamer wings that drill through wood/fibre
cement and automatically snap off when they come in contact with
steel. They are located on the shaft between the thread and the self
drilling point. They are designed to cut a larger hole through softer
material so the screw thread doesn't engage with anything other than
the steel.
Wings
Timber battens are typically fixed directly through the batten with at
least one Wing-Tek screw.
More screws may be required in high wind areas. Check your
engineering requirements to confirm fixing needs.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
42
Plumb and Level
When using a level on the Top Hat Profile, care must be taken to place
the level across similar parts of the truss.
If one end of the level is resting on the lip of the profile the other end
must also be. The level can also be placed against the web of the top
hat profile when measuring for plumb.
If the lips of the profile have not been cut off then the fascia bracket
can still be attached with the help of either a small 90˚bent bracket or a
piece or “C” Section profile with one lip flattened.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
43
Soffits, Fascia Brackets continued
Forming Soffits
Most fascia systems have a vertical drop greater than the top cord
depth. This requires a soffit to be framed back to the wall and it needs a
“dropper”. A piece of steel to attach the horizontal framing to the truss
top cord in a vertical orientation. Depending on the fascia bracket the
dropper is sometimes not needed.
Note: This will sometimes be included in the design of the truss from
the factory.
Using the wider panel profile removes the need for a dropper as
sometimes it can directly connect with the lower part of the truss
overhang. It does provide better fixing ability to the fascia bracket and
therefore does not need the dropper.
Fix the horizontal framing to the overhang and back into a flattened
part of the “C” section fixed to the wall. Horizontal members should be
installed level or tilted slightly towards the overhang (1/300) to
encourage any water trapped on the soffit lining to move away from
the building.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
44
Overhang Supports
Trusses subjected to large loads may require to be multi ply (more than
one truss fixed together). Sometimes these are supplied as separate
trusses so they can be easily lifted and then fixed together once in
place.
The engineer/designer should supply fixing details highlighting the
location where the joiner brackets should be located.
Multi Ply Trusses are typically joined together with a “U” Shaped
bracket that is slipped over the hat section of two trusses and then
screwed in place.
On Girder Trusses, “U” Shaped brackets should be placed at the top and
bottom of all webs where another truss is connecting. Another “U”
shaped bracket must be placed over the top chord of the truss above
where the truss connects with the girder to prevent the top cords
separating under load.
Multi Ply Trusses that are not carrying other truss loads should have
brackets applied at the top and bottom of every second web in the
truss.
Some fabricators use a double ended nut to tie two trusses together.
This is usually always fitted by the fabricator in the factory and
prevents the truss from separating under load.
Double Nut
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
45
Chapter 8 - Hybrid Roof
Hybrid Hip Ends are formed with panels being supported by the
exterior walls and a girder truss that would normally support multiple
corner jacks and jack trusses.
Hybrid Gable
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
46
Hybrid Hip Installation Process
Hip End Hybrids are formed quickly and easily by first placing the ceiling
panels on top of the wall frames. Ensure the ceiling panel is flush with
the outside of the framing (sometimes if there is more than one ceiling
panel this can cause a small gap between the frames). Ensure the
ceiling panels are square by measuring from corner to corner and
adjusting until the measurements are the same.
Screw down the ceiling panel at each corner. Further fixing will be
added later.
Next, install the girder truss , at each end, up against the ceiling panel.
Some hold down brackets need to be fixed to the truss prior to truss
placement.
Note: Lips at the cut ends of the truss bottom chord may be slightly
flared due to the cutting action of the Rollformer. Bend these lips
inwards to form the correct profile shape at the ends of the truss.
Fix the ceiling panel to the truss with 45mm long Tek screws (if using a
top hat truss), by ensuring the underside of the ceiling is at the correct
height in relation to the bottom of the truss.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
47
Check the truss is plumb and adjust roof panel accordingly by
unscrewing the end furthest from the truss then re-screwing. The roof
panel should meet the corner of the ceiling frame neatly.
The end roof panel can now be installed, ensuring the over hang is
correct and the corners meet neatly at the corner of the ceiling.
Roof panels forming a hip should be screwed together through the
“C” section where they meet at approx. 600mm centres.
The roof panel passing over the girder should be initially screwed down
with just Tek screws to hold it in place until hold down straps and
brackets are in place.
For sheet roofs, roof battens will join with the panels so the top of the
batten is the same height as the top of the panel. This allows the
sheeting to be screwed to the nog members of the panel.
For tile roofs, the batten will extend over the panel as normal.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
48
Hybrid Gable Installation
Gable Hybrids begin in the same manner as a Hip Hybrid, with the
ceiling frame being the first component to be installed.
Once laid on top of the wall frames, the ceiling panel should be screwed
with one screw at each end. Through the ceiling into the gable wall
studs.
The ceiling panel should be checked for square and adjusted to suit. If
strap bracing is required, it should be installed and tensioned now.
Once squared the walls should be made flush with the ceiling panel and
screwed at each corner. If more than one ceiling panel is required, it
may need to be propped in the middle until the truss is installed.
Next, check the height of the centre of the ceiling against the gable
wall. Once it is confirmed to be straight and not sagging, it should be
screwed off with 1/10g-16x16 Tek screws at approx 600mm centres.
Then install the first truss against the ceiling panel.
Note: Lips at the cut ends of the truss bottom chord may be slightly
flared due to the cutting action of the Rollformer. Bend these lips
inwards to form the correct profile shape at the ends of the truss.
Check the height of the ceiling chord against the bottom of the truss
then screw off with 45mm screws at approx 600mm centres.
Place any support frames on top of the ceiling and screw the bottom in
the correct location. Do not fix the top until the roof panels are in
place.
Install roof panels next ensuring that all overhangs are correct and the
roof panel is square. Ensure the roof panel is screwed to the truss at
the correct height above the top of the truss to allow the purlin or
batten to join seamlessly across the top.
Apply fixing through the roof panel into the support frames then
attach roof panel hold downs as per the engineers specifications.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
49
Chapter 9 - Floors
Floor Panels
Floor Panels are formed with a “ceiling panel” that has been engineered
to withstand the loads of the building’s floor. Floor Panels are an
extremely fast way of forming a floor. It also keeps the thickness of the
floor to a minimum. Typical Floor Panel thicknesses are 90mm and
140mm without the flooring material.
Panel floors are typically fixed down in the same manner as a ceiling
frame, with a strap or just a tek screw.
Panel floors can also be fixed to the face of a wall frame. When this is
the case the hold down connection is formed with the shear strength of
the screws used. The screw connection must be confirmed as adequate
by the certifying engineer.
Joist Direction
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
50
Brackets and Fixings
Panel Joists can be screwed directly through the end web into the
supporting stud to fix the joist in place.
Truss Joists can also have this done, however a preferred method is to
fix a piece of truss profile to the wall studs first, then slip the truss
inside this and screw the joist into place through the bracket.
Floor Joists can be engineered to act as a girder joist and support one or
many other joists. Typical girder joists will have vertical members
inserted at the point the child joists join.
Connections can be made by either screwing directly through the
vertical members into the end web of the joist, or by fitting a bent steel
bracket to each side of the joist.
Custom made boot style brackets could be used for joists with large
loads.
All connection types must be confirmed by the certifying engineer.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
51
Floor Trusses
Floor Trusses can be treated the same as Floor Joists. The profile is
different, therefore the spans are greater and the ways of fixing the
joists down can be slightly different. The principle of fixing types are
essentially the same as panel joists. Using screws in a shear direction
through the steel sides that connect together.
Floor Trusses can be held down using either a pre made bracket or a
strap, either wrapped over a chord of the truss or extended up the end
vertical member of the truss.
All brackets and straps must have sufficient screws in the shear
direction to resist any movement.
Note: Some joists will only require screws to hold them in place with no
Vertical Strap Hold Down H1A Hold Down
additional bracket.
Floor Truss to Floor Truss connections are easily made using a short
piece of truss profile.
Sufficient screws must be used in both girder and carried trusses to
restrain any loads. Connections are to be confirmed by the certifying
engineer.
Orientation Hole
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
52
Joist Label
Laying out Joists
Laying out Floor Joists can be done by first becoming familiar with the
ScotLayout supplied by the manufacturer.
Floor Joists use an orientation hole in the same way Wall Panels do. A
service hole is punched 100mm from one end. This is illustrated on the
Layout by a dot near the end of the joist. Joists should be placed in the
same orientation as specified in the Layout.
Pre marking the top plate of the supporting walls is recommended to
increase the speed of erection.
Orientation Hole
Joist Bracing
Herringbone Strap
Bracing within floors can be achieved by either adding blocking
between the joists or floor trusses, or by applying a strap in a
herringbone type configuration to resist a raking force.
To apply a Herringbone Strap, connect a strap to either the top or
bottom chord of a Joist. Then pass the strap over or under the adjacent
joist and repeat until the desired number of joists have a strap over
them. Repeat this process beginning on the alternate Joist chord. Once
each strap is fixed at each end, ensure the end joists are braced in a
rigid position to prevent them being twisted when the straps are
tensioned. These joists are now acting as an anchor for the Herringbone
Strap. Add a tensioner to each strap and tension until they are taught
between each joist.
When the strap is tensioned to a satisfactory tension, ensure each joist
is plumb within the strapping. Now fix the strap with a wafer head
screw in the centre of each chord web the strap passes over or under.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
53
Flooring Material
Sheet flooring should have glue laid along the steel joists immediately
before fitting the flooring. Flooring should then be screwed down using
Wing Tek screws. It is best to place larger amounts of glue in the areas
away from rivet connections in the floor panels, then hold the flooring
down by screwing into the loadbearing joist members. When working
with a floor panel, screws should be close to the rivet connection. This
helps prevent an uneven floor surface.
Flooring material placed over steel joists should be evenly glued prior to
fitting the flooring and then screwed evenly along each joist until it is
held down firmly.
Joins between sheets should have glue applied to each edge prior to
joining to prevent flooring movement at sheet joins and creating
movement squeaks between flooring sheets.
Flooring material should be screwed down with Wing Tek screws and
glued at all edges. Screw spacing’s should be based upon floor joist
engineering requirements and flooring manufacturers specifications.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
54
Notes
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
55
Chapter 10 - Miscellaneous
Removing Rivets
To drill out a miss fired rivet you will need a 4.9mm double ended drill
bit and battery drill as listed in Chapter 1. Place the drill bit in the centre
of the rivet on a slight angle to prevent rivet rotation. Once the drill bit
starts to remove the head, the bit can be positioned vertically to
complete the process. In some cases the body of the rivet will remain in
the hole so you may need to keep drilling until the rivet body has been
totally removed.
To begin use a C clamp to prevent the bottom flange bending while Rivet body
pressure is applied from the drill bit.
Once the rivet has been removed a new rivet can be reinserted to
replace the miss aligned rivet. Special attention needs to be given as to
which rivet to use which is covered below.
Rivet Type
The ScotPanel system uses an Open Type Blind Dome Head rivet.
Referred to as a SS6-2 or SS6-3 rivet (SS refers to Steel Body/Steel Stem)
It is suggested using SS6-2 for 0.55 to 0.75mm BMT gauge steel and
SS6-3 for 0.95 to 1.15mm BMT.
SS 6-3
Its important that the correct grip range is used so all steel layers are
pulled tightly together.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
56
Services Through Bottom Plate
Mark the outline of where the cut to the frame needs to be. Using the
snips, remove the section of the bottom plate as per the example in the
adjacent image.
With the section of the bottom plate removed, stand the frame up and
slide the frame into the correct position. Fix the two end studs where Concrete nails fixing points
they meet the connecting walls and straighten the bottom plate. When
satisfied everything is correct, pin each end of the bottom plate where
the cut was made with concrete nails.
In the adjacent image the bottom plate has had a section completely
removed to allow for services, the same procedures as above should be
followed.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
57
Moving K Brace for the Fixing Bracket
At times the wall tie down bracket installation is impeded with the
K bracing.
To get fixing on the tie down bracket, the K brace will have to be
moved.
Remove the rivets at the end of the nog as well as the K brace that goes
into the bottom plate.
With the rivets removed, lift up the end of the nog that the rivets have
been removed from, which will move the K brace out of the bottom
tray. Tek screw the bracket into the stud and fix to the floor (slab). Slip
the K brace back into place followed by the nog then replace the Lift up the nog to
removed rivets. remove K brace out
of the bottom tray
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
58
Cone Drill
At times extra service holes are needed to be added to panels for wiring
or plumbing.
In the adjacent image you will see a cone drill bit (step drill) with hole
diameter measurements. Find the 28mm diameter and drill to the
correct depth being careful not to plunge deeper as this will cause the
electrical grommet (snap-in bushing) to fall out.
To find out the hole size, measure the orientation hole.
Most common hole punches on Scottsdale roll formers are 28mm,
there are some roll formers that are 25mm.
Drilled hole
After the hole has been drilled, a 28mm electrical grommet needs to be
inserted to prevent chafing of electrical cable or contact with dissimilar
metals around services. Grommets can be sourced at most electrical
outlet stores or contact Scottsdale Construction Systems.
Grommet in place
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
59
Chapter 11 - Reading ScotLayout
Each Wall Frame will have a label. This is generally orientated in the
same direction as the wall panel ie vertical or horizontal.
Orientation Hole
Each Wall Frame will have an orientation hole punched in the bottom
plate approximately 100mm away from the end of the frame. This is
represented on the layout by a black dot.
Note: The orientation hole will always be shown the same distance
from the end of the frame, regardless of the length of the frame. This
means if the frame is 150mm long the orientation hole will be both
punched and illustrated closer to the end of the frame rather than the
start of the frame.
Orientation Hole
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
60
Walls will be dimensioned with simple architectural style dimensioning.
Some Layouts will contain detailed information about the framing, such
as the height of individual wall frames, the steel gauge, and the vertical
member spacing.
Supports
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
61
Openings
A ScotLayout will often have the opening sizes listed on the layout for
builders and installation teams to check. Window
Windows and Doors are illustrated with two slightly different symbols.
Door
Opening sizes can also be placed on the Layout. They can be illustrated
in one of three ways with a label orientated in the same direction as the
wall the opening is in.
The opening label can also show the bottom chord height of the lintel.
The openings can be given a label and the sizes listed in a table divided
into windows and doors.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
62
Floor Joists
Ceilings
Special Nogs
Roof Panels
Roof Panels are illustrated essentially the same as the Ceilings with the
label and the rafter direction given in the middle of the panel.
Once again, special attention should be given to any special members
to ensure the panel orientation is correct in the building.
Dimensions of Roof Panels are measured on the bottom face of the
panel.
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
63
Roof and Floor Trusses
Roof and Floor Trusses are usually given their own page for clarity to
the layout.
Roof Trusses have a label that is automatically placed at one end of the
truss along with the dimension to the nearest truss. This dimension is
shown from centre to centre.
Floor Trusses have a label that is automatically placed at one end of the
truss along with the dimension to the nearest truss. This dimension is
shown from centre to centre.
Floor and Roof Trusses have no indication from the rollformer or from
the Layout to indicate the orientation. It is the responsibility of the
installer to ensure that the truss is installed the correct way.
When installing Roof and Floor Trusses, there must always be a web
positioned within the truss above the load bearing point or points of
the truss. Web Above Load
Bearing Point
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
64
Notes
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
65
Steel Framing Terminology
Anchor Bolts Bolts set in concrete, used to anchor structural members to concrete foundation.
Back to Back Two “C” section steel items with the back of the webs touching and flanges pointing away from each
other. Should be screwed together to get maximum benefit
Batten Length of material screwed to the structure to provide a fixing surface for roofing or ceiling material
Beam A length of sturdy squared material used to support the roof or floor of a building
Beam Pocket A space provided within a frame or truss for a beam to rest on and be fixed to
Bottom Chord The lowest longitudinal member of a truss or lintel. It’s usually horizontal, but may be at an incline depending on
the truss or lintel design
Bottom Plate Refers to the bottom most horizontal member of a panel frame
Bracing Straps or sheeting applied to the face of framing or a roof, to help maintain a rigid square profile
Bracket A structural support projecting from a wall or column on which another structural member is fastened
Buckling Bending in an abnormal direction
Building Code Regulations established by a recognised agency describing design loads, procedures and construction
details for structures. Usually apply to designated geographical areas
Building Wrap Breather type underlay fabric which allows water vapour to pass through from one direction
“C” Section A member cold-formed from steel coil in the shape of a “C”
Cantilever Projection of a building or member beyond its support
Cladding The external envelope of the building, particularly of the walls
Code Local authority or national building regulations or requirements
Concentrated Load Super imposed load centred at a given point
Concrete Plastic mixture of aggregates, cement and water which will set to a given mould
Corner Jack A single sloping girder truss at a 45o to its supporting truss. Used to form a ridge in a hip end
Dead Load Any permanent load such as the weight of the truss itself, purlins, sheathing, roofing, ceiling, etc
Deflection The amount a member bends or flexes under an applied load
Diaphragm A large flat area braced to provide resistance from any direction
DPC Damp-Proof Course is a continuous layer of impervious material placed under the bottom plate to protect the upward
migration of moisture. If using Zincalume steel do not use a DPC that has a carbon content
Drawings Layout - layout of the site showing the position of the building and the positions of the services.
Details - larger-scale details to show exactly what is required at a certain position.
Plan - layout of the rooms showing all floor areas, windows, doors fixtures, fittings and services
Dutch Gable A roof with a small gable at the top of a hip end
E
Eaves Refer to Soffit
Erection The on-site assembly of pre-engineered components to form complete structure
Engineering Calculations done by an Engineer to determine structural requirements
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
66
F
Fascia Exterior timber/steel trim at the lower edge of a roof to which the spouting or gutter is attached
Flange The sides of a “C” section, perpendicular to the Web
Flashing Waterproof material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure at a cladding joint
Foundations Base of the building that rests on the ground and supports the structure
Framed Opening Opening in a wall that is framed with light gauge members
Framing Steel items that have been riveted together to form a panel frame. Frames make up the structural
skeleton of a building
Gable The triangular upper part of a wall at the end of a ridged roof
Galvanised Steel coated with zinc to prevent the steel from rusting
Girder A main horizontal structural member that supports vertical loads from other members
Girder Truss A truss designed to carry heavy loads from other structural members framing into it.
Grommet A plastic ring inserted into a service hole to prevent chafing against the sharp steel edge
Gutter A tray used for carrying rain water to a roof drain
Heel Joint The point on the truss where the top and bottom chords intersect
Hip Roof A type of roof where all sides slope downwards to the walls
Hold Down Also known as anchor bolts.
These can be:
Expansion Bolt and washer
Expansion Bolt and “L” bracket
Brackets
Straps
Hybrid Two Scottsdale systems used together to make construction faster and easier
Insulation Material used to prevent heat, cold, fire, or sound from passing through the framing
Jack Stud Term used to indicate that a stud member is less than full length.
Jack Truss A small truss that slopes in one direction only and are supported by another truss at at least one end
Jamb Stud The vertical stud forming an opening
Joists Regularly spaced framing members of a floor.
“K” Brace Bracing within the framing using diagonal members forming a “K” Shape
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
67
N
Nogs Short horizontal items between studs. Also known as Dwangs or Blocking
Orientation Hole A hole punched in the bottom plate of a wall frame to indicate the direction it is to be installed
Outrigger A member fixed to a truss to form an overhang beyond the wall line
Overhang The extension of the top chord of a truss beyond the outside of the heel
P
Pile Foundation post below the flooring level
Pitch Slope of a roof plane, usually expressed in degrees eg: 22 degree pitch
Plate A wide strip of steel material
Plating Attaching metal plate to one or two sides of a support frame, floor joist, or lintel to provide extra strength
Plumb Upright, vertical
Point Load A point load is a load applied to a single, specific point on a structural member as opposed to being evenly distributed
Purlin Regularly spaced horizontal roof member set out on top of a steel roof to accommodate the roofing material prior to
fixing
R
Rafters The steel items spanning between support points carrying the roof loads
Raking An item that is not horizontal or vertical
Ridge The apex of the roof
Rivet A small headed pin with expandable shank for joining light gauge steel
S
Saddle Truss Used to create a secondary roof line, placed on top of other trusses
ScotLayout Software used to create site drawings and layout information of steel framing
ScotSteel Software used to design Scottsdale Steel framing for manufacturing and construction
Screw Off Placing screws in their required locations to fix items together securely
Service Hole A hole punched in the centre of the web to allow wires and pipes to pass through
Shears An electric or hand tool used to cut steel, also known as Snips
Shear Force Force acting on material in a direction perpendicular to the extension (fixing)
Shim A piece of steel or plastic used to level framing to the slab or flooring
Shoot Wall This is a wall that extends upward past the normal wall height to meet a ceiling or roof plane
Sill The lower horizontal portion of a window or door opening
Skillion Roof A roof sloping on one direction only, without a ridge or peak
Slab A flat concrete floor that the framing rests on
Soffit The undersides of the roof overhang which are horizontal, and often have a gutter attached at the outer edge.
Sometimes called Eaves
Span The distance between 2 supporting points
Spreader Bar A beam used with a crane for lifting evenly from two or more points
Square When an internal corner equals 900
Strap A narrow strip of steel used to fix one item to another to resist Shear Force
Strap Bracing Lengths of Strap attached to the face of wall, roof, or ceiling panels in a crossed orientation to make the framing
rigid
Stud Vertical item extending continuously from bottom to the top of a wall panel
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
68
T
Uniform Load Loads that are equal along the entire length of a member
Uplift Wind load on a building which causes a load in an upward direction
Web The widest part of the “C” section that joins the two sides together. This has the small ribs in it
Web Member Members that join the top and bottom chords to form the triangular patterns typical of trusses and lintels.
Y
Yield Strength The strength of steel. Usually G550 or G350
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
69
Top Hat Truss Connec-
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
70
C - Section Truss Connec-
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
71
Truss Types
Common Truss
Truncated Truss
Vaulted Truss
Scissor Truss
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
72
Notes
www.scottsdalesteelframes.com
73