Slotted Deflection Track, also known as Slip Track, is a specialized component used in building construction, particularly at the top of interior wall assemblies. Its primary function is to accommodate vertical structural movement of the building without transferring those forces directly into the wall below.
Understanding Slotted Deflection Track
Based on the provided reference:
- Alternative Name: It is also called Slip Track.
- Location: Used for the top of a wall assembly.
- Purpose: To allow vertical movement of the structure above (like a floor or roof) relative to the wall.
- Movement Allowance: Designed to allow vertical movement up to 1 1⁄2 inches.
- Design Function: Provides a connection to the roof or floor above while allowing for the management of shear extension and compression forces.
Essentially, think of it as a flexible connection that prevents the wall from being crushed (compression) or pulled apart (extension/shear) when the floor or roof above deflects or settles.
Why is Slotted Deflection Track Used?
Buildings, especially those with steel or concrete frames, experience vertical movement due to various factors:
- Live Loads: Weight of occupants, furniture, etc.
- Dead Loads: Weight of building materials.
- Settlement: Foundation settling over time.
- Deflection: Bending of beams or slabs under load.
- Thermal Expansion/Contraction: Changes in size due to temperature fluctuations.
Without a mechanism like slotted deflection track, this vertical movement could cause significant stress on non-load-bearing walls, leading to cracking, buckling, or other damage to finishes and the wall structure itself.
Key Benefits
- Prevents Damage: Protects walls from stress and damage caused by structural movement.
- Maintains Integrity: Helps maintain the structural integrity of both the wall and the building frame.
- Accommodates Deflection: Specifically designed to handle anticipated vertical deflection.
- Allows Flexibility: Creates a necessary point of isolation between rigid elements.
How it Works (Simplified)
Slotted deflection track typically consists of a metal track with elongated slots instead of standard holes. Studs from the wall below are attached through these slots, often using special fasteners that allow vertical movement within the slot but resist lateral (shear) movement. This setup permits the floor or roof structure connected to the track to move up or down within the slot while the wall studs remain in place vertically relative to the wall's base.
