Inspection Procedure 

12-SAIP-50 18 April 2009

Use of Metal Studs in Buildings
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents 

1 Scope............................................................ 2
2 Purpose......................................................... 2
3 References.................................................... 2
4 Definitions...................................................... 2
5 Fabrication and Assembly............................. 3
6 Erection and Installation................................ 3

Previous Issue: 31 July 2004 Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014

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Primary contact: Kakpovbia, Anthony E. on 966-3-8747226

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2009. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee 12-SAIP-50
Issue Date: 18 April 2009
Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014 Use of Metal Studs in Buildings

1 Scope

1.1 This procedure addresses inspection requirements for use of metal studs in
buildings.

1.2 This SAIP is intended to establish a standardized methodology by Saudi Aramco

inspection personnel in the implementation of inspection programs within Saudi
Aramco facilities. The SAIP shall not be included in purchase order or contract
documents issued to outside agencies.

2 Purpose

2.1 The intent of this procedure is to provide typical inspection guidelines for the
installation of metal stud framing. This guideline is to supplement relevant
purchase orders, contracts, specifications, design drawings, scope of work and
other Saudi Aramco Inspection Procedures and Manufacturer's Recommended
Practices. Prudent construction practices must be followed, and any exceptions
to the following guidelines shall be brought to the attention of the appropriate
construction agency.

2.2 These guidelines provide inspection requirements only.

3 References

ANSI/ASTM C645

Recommended Practice ANSI/ASTM C754

AWS D1.3

Gypsum Construction Handbook

4 Definitions

4.1 Furring Member - Rigid furring channels and studs that serve as a base for screw
attachment of gypsum board used either as direct furring (attached directly to the
building structure) or as cross furring (attached at right angles to main
members).

4.2 Runner - refers to floor or ceiling track.

4.3 Channels - refers to the material to which furring members are attached.

4.4 Cross Furring - refers to a member installed perpendicular to main beams that
serves as a base for screw attachment of gypsum board.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee 12-SAIP-50
Issue Date: 18 April 2009
Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014 Use of Metal Studs in Buildings

5 Fabrication and Assembly

5.1 Metal framing members shall be of the proper size and design for the intended
use, and shall be installed in accordance with specifications ASTM C754 and
ASTM C645.

5.2 Axially loaded studs shall be installed to bear directly upon the inside of the
runner web.

5.3 Only approved fastening methods as stated in scope of work or manufacturer's

recommended practices shall be used in stud wall framing.

5.4 Prefabricated panels and sub assemblies shall be square and braced against
racking during erection.

5.5 Bent, buckled or distorted members shall not be used.

5.6 Material shall be identifiable in accordance with ANSI/ASTM C754.

6 Erection and Installation

6.1 RUNNER/TRACK Installation

6.1.1 Runners shall be aligned at floor and ceiling.

6.1.2 Runners shall be anchored 2 inches (5 cm) from the end and maximum
24 inches (61 cm) on center.

6.1.3 Runner butt joints shall be anchored to a common structural element or

spliced or welded.

6.1.4 Uniform, level bearing support shall be provided for the bottom runner.

6.1.5 Runners shall not be mitered at intersection.

6.2 Stud Installation

6.2.1 Studs shall be vertical and engage both top and bottom runners with open
side facing in the same direction and with punch outs properly aligned.

6.2.2 Stud spacing shall not exceed 24 inches (61 cm) on center.

6.2.3 Studs shall be securely fastened to the flanges of both top and bottom
runners.

6.2.4 Studs shall be aligned directly below other overhead framing members.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee 12-SAIP-50
Issue Date: 18 April 2009
Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014 Use of Metal Studs in Buildings

6.2.5 If paragraph 6.2.4 above is not possible, lintels shall be provided.

6.2.6 No splicing is permitted in (a) runner over lintels, (b)diaphragm

sheathing or (c) diagonal bracing.

Splices are not permitted in load bearing studs.

6.2.8 When splices are permitted, in non load bearing studs, the lap shall be a
minimum of 8 inches (20 cm.). To splice two studs, place one into the
other forming a box section.

6.2.9 Jack studs shall be installed below window sills, above window and door
headers at free standing stair rails and elsewhere to furnish support and
shall be securely attached to supporting members. Blocking as required
for cabinet and mounted fixtures is to be installed.

6.2.10 Wall stud bridging shall resist bending and rotation and not exceed 4 ft
3 inches (130 cm.) on center.

6.2.11 Web cutouts shall not impair minimum sectional properties and be
calculated as stated in table 1 of ASTM C645.

6.2.12 Flange cutouts are not permitted in studs.

6.2.13 Cutouts in runners and furring channels shall not impair essential
structural properties.

6.2.14 A stud shall be installed no more than 2 inches (5 cm) from intersecting
construction.

6.2.15 A stud shall be installed and anchored to all door frame/jambs.

6.2.16 Welded connections not referenced in ASTM C754 nor ASTM C645
shall be made in accordance with AWS D1.3.

6.2.17 Welds on galvanized material shall be coated in accordance with

applicable SAES-H-series.

6.3 Chase Wall Framing

6.3.1 Install studs and runners as described in Sections 5 and 6 and the studs
must be opposite one another.

6.3.2 Cross braces horizontally to opposite studs shall be installed not to

exceed 4 ft (122 cm) on center.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee 12-SAIP-50
Issue Date: 18 April 2009
Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014 Use of Metal Studs in Buildings

6.3.3 Cross braces shall be either minimum 12 inches (30 cm) wide gypsum
board with 3 fasteners in each stud, or stud or runner with 2 fasteners in
each connection to supporting stud.

Revision Summary
18 April 2009 Editorial revision to change the primary contact.
Revised the “Next Planned Update”.

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