Strong Frame^® Dimension Verification Process

The Strong Frame moment frame ordering and installation process has been developed with the installer in mind. With a simplified dimension verification process and the option to order the frame from your local Simpson Strong-Tie dealer, nothing out of the ordinary is required. From the simplified placement of the preassembled anchorage kits using the punched centerline tape grooves, to the erection of the beams and columns.

When verifying the frame dimensions, the following determinations are vital in helping you specify frames that will fit your building. These items should be verified at this point to ensure a successful installation.

1. Frame Height — Dimensions are provided for each column from the top of concrete to the top of the nailer/column cap plate. A 1 1/2” grout pad is assumed between the top of the concrete and bottom of column base plate for leveling. The top of the column will be flush with the top of the beam top nailer. Be sure to check with the design drawings to confirm whether any other element needs to be considered in the frame height such as a 2x field installed top nailer over the frame. The top of the frame will typically be placed at the underside of the framing or horizontal diaphragm.
2. Cear Height — Where the frame spans over an opening with a required height, confirm that the clear height is adequate. Where additional height is required, the top of frame may need to be raised or beam size may need to be revised if possible. The Strong Frame beams come standard with a preinstalled 2x nailer on the underside of the beam with an additional field installed 2x nailer assumed in the clear height. If the 2x bottom beam nailers are requested to be omitted, consideration should be taken at the locations of the Yield-Link® moment connection adjacent to the columns where the plates and bolts extend approximately 2” below bottom of steel beam.
3. Inside/Clear Width — For locations where the inside width is the crucial dimension, such as a large door, window, or drive area, the inside clear width will need to be confirmed to meet the opening requirements. Typical columns come with preinstalled 2x wood nailers and the clear width would be considered between the nailers. Special consideration should be taken when the opening requires additional framing or trim elements, such as a 16’ garage door typically needs 16’–4” between structural framing members to allow for finishing.
4. Outside Width — When the overall width dictates the extent of the frame. Consider the size of the columns and required opening width. Contact Simpson Strong-Tie and/or the project designer when considering using narrower column widths. When column nailers are omitted, special consideration should be given to the column baseplate size, which typically extends 1/2” past the outside flanges of the columns.
5. Column Centerline — Determining column centerline is a crucial step in order to properly locate the column anchor bolts. This dimension is provided during the frame design and dimension verification process. The provided column centerline can be used to accurately determine the required location of the anchor bolt kits using the anchor kit template centerline notches.
6. Beam and Column Flange Widths/Nailer Widths — Select beam and column sizes have been paired by Simpson Strong-Tie for common frame designs for various wall widths. SMF member sizes have been designed for framing solutions to fit within wall assemblies ranging from 2x6 to 2x10. These new sizes will offer more design flexibility ranging from common 2x6 wall assembly to higher capacity sections intended to fit within a 2x10 wall. See Simpson Strong-Tie Strong Frames Special Moment Frame Product and Service Offering for nailer and member sizes. Where needed, Simpson Strong-Tie can provide larger AISC W sections using 2x12 or 2x14 framing to meet the designer’s project specifications.
7. Extending Columns Below Slab — In certain instances, the columns need to be extended below the top of slab for reasons such as a fixed base design or for finishing purposes. In these cases, the columns would typically be set on an erecting pad. The height of this pad will likely be determined by the project designer’s details as well as building/site requirements. When verifying dimensions, careful attention should be made to confirm the height of the erecting pad to meet design requirements and ensure proper column length during fabrication. This will be reflected in the frame’s verification sheet.

After checking your framing dimensions and providing them to us, we’ll provide a verification sheet for you to sign.