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Aluminum Structures

I have worked with the companies Channel Systems (www.ChannelSystems.com) and Pacific Panel in design of clean room facilities.  The structures are typically interior frames bolted to the floor that are subjected to pressure loads from the HVAC system airflow and seismic accelerations.  The structures typically are unique in needing to fit into existing buildings.  They sometimes can be tied to the building structure for ceiling or lateral support while other times are completely self-standing.

The clean rooms consist of extruded aluminum members to comprise floor track, posts, beams and a variety of trim and connecting hardware.  Between the posts are honeycomb core, aluminum skin panels that provide sealing and stiffness.  Similar panels are sometimes used for plenum caps and return air spaces.

The criteria usually comes from the UBC with guidance from the Aluminum Association's specifications and engineering data.  Channel Systems' Doug Bockmiller has come up with numerous framing shapes over the years that I have provided engineering properties for.  And since they can contain thin, unstiffened elements, care must be given in considering the contributions of such elements.

contact email address - CBoyakPE@sonic.net

"An engineer is someone that can do for a nickel what any damn fool can do for a dollar."