Light-weight Curved Deck Assemblies Deliver Apertures ahead of Schedule

Overview

Radius Track developed, fabricated, and delivered cold-formed steel (CFS) structural trusses and floor panels to construct building apertures for a mixed-use commercial development designed to Passive House standards:

• Kit of Parts aperture framing system fastened to primary structure at four specified points per floor
• Streamlined framing profiles eliminating the need for structural steel with 1/8" tolerance
• Geometry precision meeting architect's design intent within aggressive 10-month schedule

Problem & Approach

The project was originally designed to incorporate structural steel for the cantilever apertures. This added complexities with the wood-framed construction related to structural steel connections and applied loads to the structural frame.

Developing a simplified, sustainable alternative to structural steel would allow the development team to gain on schedule. This was a significant factor when bringing the development project online to meet owner-tenant agreements.

Radius Track collaborated with the architect and design-build general contractor using 3D modeling to design cold-formed steel stacked deck and truss systems. The approach matched structural criteria while maintaining the aesthetic aperture design.

“The Radius Track Corporation solution was so precise and their ability to prefabricate materials ahead of time saved us money and saved us time. It was the obvious choice. I look forward to using them again.” – Andy Hernandez, Superintendent, R&H Construction (General Contractor)

Solution & Results

The cold-formed steel kit of Parts replaced the heavier structural steel proposal, decreasing overall weight by nearly 60%. Custom cut and shaped deck framing included clear assembly instructions to allow efficient unitization on site.

Key technical achievements included:

• Exported data from 3D model to robotic survey equipment for precise field layout
• Delivered structural components meeting Passive House standards and building performance requirements
• Enabled faster construction timeline through prefabricated truss and deck system
• Reduced structural loads on wood framing through lighter cold-formed steel solution
• Maintained 1/8" tolerance for clean architectural lines at aperture openings

The Radius Track truss and site unitized deck solution delivered the required accuracy while saving time and money for the development team.

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Team

Developer: Karuna Properties II

Architect: Holst Architecture

Structural Engineer of Record: Froelich Engineers

Construction Manager: R&H Construction Co.

Cold-formed Steel Framing System: Radius Track Corporation

Awards

2016 ENR Northwest’s Best Project - Office/Retail/Mixed-Use, Best Project — Karuna East & West Buildings at One North

2017 LEED Platinum Certification for sustainable design

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Additional Information

Walls and Ceiling Article, 2016

For more information about the project, visit R&H Construction.