Routing Ductwork through Open Web Joist

page-1 of 11
William Greco w2gre@verizon.net
Dec. 23, 2012
Introduction
Routing ductwork through panel space of open web joist structural systems is
poor design. Sometimes modifications to existing facilities in which clear duct run
space is not available forces a requirement to place ductwork through the open panel
spaces between joist top and bottom chords and vertical webbing. New construction
which due to financial or local codes causing building height restrictions are another
reason to pass ducts through open web joists. This narrative presents mathematical
procedures allowing calculation of maximum duct sizes to be run through open web
trusses.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Unfortunately Manufacturers of open web steel joists do not standardize the
panel spacing, webbing, or the top and bottom chord dimensions in relation to
Steel Joist Institute standard designations. A duct interference table from the
New Columbia Joist Company indicates that a 30 deep K series joist can allow
a maximum rectangular duct size of 13 x 18, while a 30 deep K series joist
from Vulcraft lists a 10 x 18 maximum size duct. Unlike structural steel,
the manufacturers of open web steel joists are only required to have accurate load
table data. Except for the depth and overall span of open web joists, dimensions relating to
panel spacing, webbing, or the top and bottom chord will differ considerably from
manufacturer to manufacturer.
Renovation Work
Problems that could be encountered while designing ductwork to go through
existing open web joists are:
1. Many of the old designations for open web joists have been deleted and
replaced and information regarding their exact construction may not be available.
For example: the old J and H series were replaced by the K and KCS series,
and the old LA series has been eliminated.
2. Some of the companies that produced the existing steel joists are no longer
in business or have changed their name or owner and researching manufacturers data to the
project may not be possible. An example is SBS (Standard Building Systems Inc.),
SBS a division of Standex International went through a number of spin offs and re-sales
from 1972 to emerge today as Canam a division of Canam Group, their line of
joist and girder products has changed considerably.
3. Existing drawings may not match actual field conditions.
4. Surveying the site may not be practical, many times the project design personnel
only have drawings that are supplied by the owners engineer and the project may be
in a geographical location that precludes actual field work being performed.
5. Measuring the joist to ascertain the actual opening panel dimensions may be
difficult or impossible because of the elevation above floor level that they are installed at
or may be completely inaccessible within the building.
6. The panels may be custom designed to meet varying loads and will not have the
same spacing across the entire joist span.
Routing Ductwork through Open Web Joist
page-2 of 11
William Greco w2gre@verizon.net
Dec. 23, 2012
Renovation Work (continued)
Problems that could be encountered while designing ductwork to go through
existing open web joists are: (continued from page 1)
7. Finding the original building specifications and or calculations may be an impossible task.
8. Identifying the original manufacturer by visual inspection of the joist could be impossible
9. Even if all of the original information is in place and you have manufacturers data
relating to the maximum size duct that the manufacturer originally specified that could pass
through a specific joist panel, fireproofing could reduce the available free area.
Manufacturers in some instances place an additional vertical member bisecting the
V at certain panel locations on a standard joist due to special loading considerations.
10. The joists may be of single pitched, double pitched, gable joist, scissors joist,
bowstring joist or barrel joist design and the top and bottom chords will not be parallel.
11. Intermediate column spacing may be such that it does not conform to a square or
rectangular pattern causing the panels from adjacent joists to be offset and interfere
with a straight duct run.
12. Horizontal bridging, sag rods, header angles, piping or electrical conduit could
interfere with planned duct runs.
Sizing Ducts to fit between open web joist panels
Its good practice to visually inspect and field survey any open web steel joist
structural system prior to planning duct runs through the open joist panel areas.
If the original specifications and purchase orders cannot confirm the type of joist
that the designer is dealing with and/or an original catalog cannot be found that
specifies the maximum recommended sizes of duct passage, the joist must be measured.
Recommended duct sizes are available in some manufacturers catalogs.
More often than not, duct sizes must be determined mathematically to fit between
open web joist panel areas. The following mathematical equations have been worked
to find the maximum size of rectangular and round areas that can be used with various
types of open web panel spaces.
Routing Ductwork through Open Web Joist
page-3 of 11
William Greco w2gre@verizon.net
Dec. 23, 2012
The following equations can then be used:
Rectangular Duct Area Side Dimension / isosceles triangle.
One duct side dimension known
P
Figure-1
Duct H
W
D
See Figure 1 page 3 of x
Where :
W = The maximum or known width of the rectangular duct area
H = The maximum or known height of the rectangular duct area
P = The open dimension of the inside of the panel
D= the open dimension from the bottom of the top chord to the top of the bottom chord
Example-1 (rectangle through an isosceles triangle, given maximum height, find the maximum width)
For a panel space that measures (P) = 21 inches open dimension of the inside of the panel,
on a 30 inch deep joist that measures (D) = 25 inch open dimension from the bottom of the top
chord to the top of the bottom chord the calculated maximum width for a 12 inch high duct space is:
( ) ( ) D P H P
W = P
D P
(
(

( )( ) ( )( )
( ) ( )
25 21 12 21
W = 21 = 10.92 inches
25 21
(
(

( ) ( ) D P H P
W = P equation-1a
D P
(
(

( ) D P-W
H = equation-1b
P
Routing Ductwork through Open Web Joist
page-4 of 11
William Greco w2gre@verizon.net
Dec. 23, 2012
Example-2 (rectangle through an isosceles triangle, given maximum width, find the maximum height)
For a panel space that measures (P) = 27 inches open dimension of the inside of the panel,
on a 24 inch deep joist that measures (D) = 20 inch open dimension from the bottom of the top
chord to the top of the bottom chord the calculated maximum height for a 16 inch wide space is:
( ) ( ) D P-W 20 27- 16
H = equation-1b 8.148 inches
P 27
=
Rectangular Duct Area Side Dimension / right triangle.
One duct side dimension known
P
Figure-2
D
U
C
T
D
H
W
Example-3 (rectangle through a right triangle, given width, find the height)
For a panel space that measures (P) = 16 inches open dimension of the inside of the panel,
on a 22 inch deep joist that measures (D) = 18 inch open dimension from the bottom of the top
chord to the top of the bottom chord the calculated maximum height for a 8 inch wide space is:
( ) ( ) D P-W 18 16- 8
H = equation-1b 9 inches
P 16
=
Example-4 (rectangle through a right triangle, given maximum height, find the maximum width)
For a panel space that measures (P) = 30 inches open dimension of the inside of the panel,
on a 24 inch deep joist that measures (D) = 22 inch open dimension from the bottom of the top
chord to the top of the bottom chord the calculated maximum width for a 12 inch high space is:
( ) ( ) ( )( ) ( )( )
( ) ( )
D P H P 22 30 12 30
W = P equation-1a W = 30 = 13.63 inches
D P 22 30
( (
( (

Routing Ductwork through Open Web Joist
page-5 of 11
William Greco w2gre@verizon.net
Dec. 23, 2012
Although most open web panels are of the isosceles or right triangle type, the acute triangle can be found
on scissors joists.
Rectangular Duct Area Side Dimension / acute triangle.
One duct side dimension known
Figure-3
W
P
Duct
Space
D
H
( )
| |
( ) ( )
W P P
W = D H equation-2a H D equation-2b
D P
(
=
(

Where :
W = The maximum or known width of the rectangular duct area
H = The maximum or known height of the rectangular duct area
P = The open dimension of the inside of the panel
D = the open dimension from the bottom of the top chord to the top of the bottom chord
Example-5 (rectangle through an acute triangle, given maximum height, find the maximum width)
For a panel space that measures (P) = 30 inches open dimension of the inside of the panel,
on a 24 inch deep joist that measures (D) = 22 inch open dimension from the bottom of the top
chord to the top of the bottom chord the calculated maximum width for a 12 inch high space is:
( )
| |
( )
| |
P 30
W = D H equation-2a 22 12 13.636 INCHES
D 22
( (
=
( (

Note:
Equations 1a and 2a are interchangeable as are 1b and 2b.
Example-6 (rectangle through an acute triangle, given width, find the height)
For a panel space that measures (P) = 16 inches open dimension of the inside of the panel,
on a 22 inch deep joist that measures (D) = 18 inch open dimension from the bottom of the top
chord to the top of the bottom chord the calculated maximum height for a 8 inch wide space is:
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) W P 8 16
H D equation-2b 18 9 inches
P 16

= =
Routing Ductwork through Open Web Joist
page-6 of 11
William Greco w2gre@verizon.net
Dec. 23, 2012
MaximumRadius Round Duct / acute triangle.
b
a
Figure-4
P
D
Duct
Space
r
2 2 2 2
D D
2 a 2 b
2 2
r equation-3
P a D b D
( | | | | | | | |
+
( | | | |
\ . \ . \ . \ .
=
(
+ + + +

Where :
r = The maximum radius of the circular opening
a = Dimension from right angle of base side of triangle to the center of right triangle apex
b = Dimension from right angle of base side of triangle to the center of right triangle apex
P = The open dimension of the inside of the panel
D = the open dimension from the bottom of the top chord to the top of the bottom chord
Example-7 (circular area through an acute triangle, find the radius)
For a panel space that measures (P) = 23.823 inches open dimension of the inside of the panel,
on a 12 inch deep joist that measures (D) = 8.77 inch open dimension from the bottom of the top
chord to the top of the bottom chord and (a) dimension is 17.236 inches and (b) measures 6.58 inches
the calculated maximum radius that will fit is:
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
D D 8.77 8.77
2 a 2 b 2 17.236 2 6.58
2 2 2 2
r equation-3 r 3.86 inches
P a D b D 23.823 17.236 8.77 6.58 8.77
( ( | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
+ +
( ( | | | | | | | |
\ . \ . \ . \ . \ . \ . \ . \ .
= = =
( (
+ + + + + + + +

3.86 x 2 = a maximum diameter of 7.72 inches
Routing Ductwork through Open Web Joist
page-7 of 11
William Greco w2gre@verizon.net
Dec. 23, 2012
MaximumRadius Round Duct / isosceles triangle.
P
Figure-5
Duct
Space
D
r
2
2
1
2 D P
2
r equation-4
P
P 2 D
2
( | |
| (
\ .
=
(
| |
(
+ +
|
(
\ .

Where :
r = The maximum radius of the circular opening
P = The open dimension of the inside of the panel
D = the open dimension from the bottom of the top chord to the top of the bottom chord
Example-8 (circular area through an isoceles triangle, find the radius)
For a panel space that measures (P) = 24 inches open dimension of the inside of the panel,
on a 14 inch deep joist that measures (D) = 12 inch open dimension from the bottom of the top
chord to the top of the bottom chord the calculated maximum radius that will fit is:
2 2
2 2
1 1
2 D P 2 12 24
2 2
r equation-4 4.97 inches
P 24
P 2 D 24 2 12
2 2
( ( | | | |
| | ( (
\ . \ .
= =
( (
| | | |
( (
+ + + +
| |
( (
\ . \ .

Routing Ductwork through Open Web Joist
page-8 of 11
William Greco w2gre@verizon.net
Dec. 23, 2012
Maximum Radius Round Duct / Right Triangle.
Figure-6
P
D
r
Duct
Space
2 2
D
2 P
2
r equation-5
P D P D
( | |
| (
\ .
=
(
+ + +
(

Example-9 (circular area through a right triangle, find the radius)
For a panel space that measures (P) = 9.35 inches open dimension of the inside of the panel,
on an 18 inch deep joist that measures (D) = 16.467 inch open dimension from the bottom of the top
chord to the top of the bottom chord the calculated maximum radius that will fit is:
2 2 2 2
D 16.467
2 P 2 9.35
2 2
r equation-5 3.44 inches
P D P D 9.35 16.467 9.35 16.467
( ( | | | |
| | ( (
\ . \ .
= =
( (
+ + + + + +
( (

Some manufacturers of Open Web Steel Joist specify maximum duct openings, however
mostly the maximum openings are not specified from fabricators.
Routing Ductwork through Open Web Joist
page-9 of 11
William Greco w2gre@verizon.net
Dec. 23, 2012
Rectangular Duct Area Maximum Side Dimensions / Right Triangle.
Duct Height and Width (unknown)
D
U
C
T
Figure-7
X
P
Y
D
The preceding example-2 on page 4 solves for duct area if one side of the area is known.
The following procedure determines maximum sides of a rectangle in a right triangle.
Example-10:
Given: A right triangle where base P = 18 inches and the height D = 26 inches.
( )
2
1 18
Area 26 18 234 in also 0.692
2 26
= = =
( )
( )
2
2
d
0.692 y 18y product rule = exponent x 0.692 -1.384
dy
d
exponent of 18y is zero and 0.692 y 18y 1.384y 18
dy
+ =
+ = +
1.384y 18 0 solving for y y 13 + = =
( ) ( ) ( )( ) ( )( )
( ) ( )
D P H P 26 18 13 18
x = P equation-1a x = 18 = 9 inches
D P 26 18
( (
( (

The maximum rectangular duct that can fit into the joist shown in fig. 7 is
13 inches high by 9 inches wide.
Routing Ductwork through Open Web Joist
page-10 of 11
William Greco w2gre@verizon.net
Dec. 23, 2012
Rectangular Duct Area Maximum Side Dimensions / Acute Triangle.
Duct Height and Width (unknown)
Example-11:
To calculate the maximum sides L and H for the duct shown in figure-8
Figure-8
22"
x x
2
8"
1
Space
Duct
L
18"
Y
( ) ( )
( )
( )
2
2
Split the acute triangle into two separate right triangles.
The triangle on the right is x = 8 and y = 18 inches.
y 8 x 18 18 18
y 8 x thus Area 8 x x 8 x
18 8 8 8 8
d 18 9 9
8x x 18 x, 18 x 0
dx 8 2 2

= = =
= =
1
solve for x, x 4 =
( )
18
y 8 4 9
8
= =
The triangle on the left is x = 22 and y = 18 inches.
( ) ( )
( )
( )
2
2
2
y 22 x 18 18 18
y 22 x thus Area 22 x x 22 x
18 22 22 22 22
d 18 18 18
22x x 18 x 18 x 0, solve for x, x 11
dx 22 11 11

= = =
= = =
The maximum rectangular duct that can fit into this triangle is (11+4) x 9 or 15 x 9 inches
Routing Ductwork through Open Web Joist
page-11 of 11
William Greco w2gre@verizon.net
Dec. 23, 2012
Rectangular Duct Area Maximum Side Dimensions / isosceles triangle.
Duct Height and Width (unknown)
P
Figure-9
W
Duct H
D
Example-12 Rectangle duct area through an isosceles triangle.
For a panel space that measures (P) = 36 inches open dimension of the inside of the panel,
on a joist that measures (D) = 26 inch open dimension from the bottom of the top
chord to the top of the bottom chord the calculated maximum width and height for a duct space
can be calculated by using an extremely easy method. This method can also be used for all
the other rectangular duct areas in examples 10 and 11, it can also provide answers to examples
1 through 5.
Simply take the base P and the height D to find that the maximum duct area will be:
1 1 1 1
W P 36 18 and H D 26 13
2 2 2 2
= = = = = =
The maximum duct area for example-12 is 18 inches wide by 13 inches high.
Dec. 23, 2012
William Greco
2404 Greensward N.
Warrington, Pa. 18976