When going from a weld pattern to mechanical fasteners, is it best to adjust the pattern? Is there a good rule of thumb for this or would it be necessary to look at uplift requirements for the building? If so, is that something regularly available in most structural sheet sets?
Thank you
Hi Brad,
A change in fastening pattern may be required but is dependent on many factors including the given shear of the deck diaphragm and what specific Hilti power-actuated fastener or screw is used as a frame fastener as well as what specific sidelap connection the project will have. Typically a comparison of shear calculations with different frame fasteners is done in a decking submittal using the free, PROFIS DF software. An uplift calculation comparison may be specified by the engineer of record based on project requirements, otherwise typically only shear loads are compared. For more information on decking solutions (including PROFIS DF), please see Hilti's online Decking Design Center.
Best,
Emily