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Deflection is the amount of bend, or "give" a structure experiences because of a load. In non load-bearing walls, this vertical movement can be caused by a number of reasons (snow loads, seismic activity, occupancy) which will damage walls if not accounted for.
Typically this deflection or head of wall is compensated for with special track, which can be very expensive. The Trakloc® Steel Framing system accounts for deflection with its stud assembly, or TSD (Trakloc Stud® - Deflection). This TSD is similar to our TSA (Trakloc® Stud Assembly), except that the extension insert has slots cut out of the flange's which allows the drywall screw to pass through the drywall and the outer portion of our stud while passing through the slot. This slot allows for the wall to deflect, without damaging the drywall.
It is not only simple, but extremely cost effective, since no special track must be purchased.
Lets start by illustrating some of the elements which make up a Trakloc® Stud, as we further illustrate the efficiency.
A Trakloc® Stud is comprised of a TSO (Trakloc® Stud, Open Ended) and a TSE (Trakloc® Stud Extension)
The Trakloc® system then offers two types of TSE's. The standard TSE, and a TSE with two slots (3" x 3/4") cut into each of the flanges, which is called a deflection insert. When the deflection insert is combined with a TSO, it becomes a TSD (Trakloc® Stud, w/Deflection)
It is through these slots which the screw holding the drywall passes. The screw makes a positive connection to the drywall as well as a positive connection to the TSO, but by passing through the slot, allowing for +/- 1/2" of movement by the TSE, thereby allowing for wall deflection.
Because of the relationship between this slot, and the top of the drywall, it should be noted that when deflection inserts are used the amount of stud length variability is limited to 2", which is still enough to allow for most deck height variances.
| The extension... |
The assembly, with the extension inserted... |
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This is how the Trakloc® Stud w/Deflection (TSD) provides for up to 1-inch (+/- 1/2") of deflection without the need for deep leg or slotted track.
 
The slotted extension component allows for vertical head-of-wall movement of up to 1-inch total using only Trakloc's® standard track.
Design listings under ASTM E-1966-01, Test Method for Fire-Resistant Joint systems with Intertek Testing Service (Design listings CEJ 480 H, CEJ 481 H and CEJ 482
The Trakloc® Steel Framing system is covered by US and International patent and patents pending.
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