Shaft Wall Solutions for Wood-Frame Structures

It is fairly common for light wood-frame commercial and multifamily buildings to include another material for the shaft construction. However, many designers and contractors have come to realize that wood-frame shaft walls are a code-compliant means of reducing cost and shortening construction schedule. In this presentation, detailing for elevator, stair and mechanical shafts will be reviewed along with relevant code provisions. Discussion will focus on fire resistance-rated design parameters but will also include other architectural and structural considerations related to shaft walls. Code provisions of the 2012 to 2018 International Building Code are applicable.

Funding provided in part by the Softwood Lumber Board.