Blue Sky Building Systems - Design Criteria Document

Design Criteria forArchitects + Engineers

B L U E S K Y F R A M E ™

b l u e s k y b u i l d i n g s y s t e m s . c o m

B L U E S K Y B U I L D I N G S Y S T E M S a division of

Blue Sky Building Systems is revolutionizing the design and construction of commercial and residential buildings. Better design. Better materials. Better techniques. We believe that structures can be built less expensively, more quickly, with a greatly reduced impact on the environment and with a longer lifespan than most structures being constructed today.

Blue Sky Building Systems offers the Blue Sky Frame, and our Blue Sky Wall™, for use in residential and commercial building. When used together, these components afford architects, engineers and builders significant advantages over traditional building methodologies including:

This document provides an overview of the Blue Sky Frame, provides details of the benefits, an overview of the materials and components that make up the frame, and highlights the testing that has been done on the Blue Sky Frame.

The Blue Sky FrameThe Blue Sky Frame uses light-gauge, high-tensile strength,

cold-rolled, galvanized steel elements, and structural tube

steel columns that are bolted together on site to create a

bi-directional moment-resisting frame. The strength of both

the steel and the bolted connections that attach the framing

elements provide superior structural integrity. The bolted

moment connections are comprised of horizontal and vertical

elements (post and beam) that are fastened in an eight-bolt

pattern that creates an exceptionally strong structure.

✚ Easily create large open spaces

✚ Rapid on-site assembly

✚ Economical buildings on steep lots

✚ Impervious to termites, mold dry rot, and fire resistant

✚ High sustainability

✚ Structurally sound

✚ Reduced labor costs

✚ Compatible with most architectural design styles

Figure 1: The 8 bolt pattern which creates the moment connection in the Blue Sky Frame

Figure 2: Bolted connections which attach light gauge C joists and beams

Figure 3: A Blue Sky Frame on the 2nd day of construction

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Design Criteria for Architects and Engineers | 3

The Blue Sky FrameBecause the moment frame concentrates all of the dead loads

at the columns, the system works well in either a slab-on-grade

environment or raised off the ground with simplified footings

pread footings, caissons or piles). The system does not require

any load-bearing walls (interior nor exterior), shear panels or

bracing of any kind, and can be designed to meet and exceed

seismic, wind and snow loading requirements.

All of the steel components are factory fabricated for each project.

Most of the structural components are light enough to be carried

by two workers and are fastened together using standard

hand tools – no welding, torque wrenches or special inspections

are required.

The Blue Sky Frame allows architects a wide latitude to create

buildings in a variety of styles. The structural frame can either

“disappear” inside of walls (as with a traditional wood frame)

or stand out as an architectural expression, depending upon

design preferences.

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Benefits of the Blue Sky Frame

Easily Create Large Open Spaces: Because the Blue Sky Frame is a bi-directional moment frame, the

only structural components are columns, beams, struts and joists.

This eliminates the need for load-bearing or shear walls, on the

interior and exterior of the building. Because the walls are non-load-

bearing, interior floor plans created with the frame are limitless and

easy to modify as future needs of the occupants change over time.

The Blue Sky Frame supports the following design parameters:

✚ 30-foot, or greater, clear spans between columns

✚ 35-foot maximum column height

✚ Structures of up to three stories tall

Economical Building on Steep Lots:The Blue Sky Frame is well suited for use on steep or sensitive

sites that until now may have been considered unbuildable or

cost prohibitive utilizing traditional building techniques. All of

the dead loads are supported by the frame’s vertical columns,

which sit on point-load spread footings or caissons (depending on

the site-specific soil conditions). The total material in and on the

ground is kept to a minimum. This often eliminates the need for

extensive site work, expensive foundation work, grading, fill and

retaining walls, which can add significant cost and complexity to

projects. It also reduces permanent damage often done to land

during construction. Structures using the Blue Sky Frame site

lightly on the land.

Rapid On-Site Assembly: The Blue Sky Frame is delivered to the site flat-stacked,

and packed so the first piece off the truck is the first piece

required in construction.

All parts of the framing system are pre-cut and pre-drilled to

tight tolerances. Local construction crews simply have to bolt

the components together. A building using the Blue Sky Frame

can be completely framed in a matter of days, as opposed to

weeks. Using primarily lighter weight cold-rolled steel also means

that there is often no need for large cranes on-site, which is an

additional cost savings over most structural steel building. The

quick production of a weather-resistant space allows interior

finish work to begin almost immediately.

Reduces Labor Costs: The components are fabricated in a relatively low-cost labor

market under factory conditions. This in turn reduces the amount

of on-site work, downtime due to weather, waiting on materials

or specialized trades. This is of particular benefit for remote or

high-cost labor markets.

Impervious to Termites and Rot; Fire-Resistant: The light-gauge, high-tensile strength, galvanized steel utilized

in the Blue Sky Frame is impervious to insects, will not twist

or crack as the weather changes, and is highly resistant to fire.


Unlike traditional wood framing, the steel frame does not foster

the growth of mold and does not need to be treated with noxious

chemicals to repel insects.

High Sustainability: The steel used in the Blue Sky Frame is made from approximately

70 percent recycled material and is itself 100 percent recyclable.

The frame is ideally suited to be used in conjunction with pre-

fabricated wall panels that greatly reduce wood usage, waste and

labor costs.

A key attribute of buildings that incorporate the Blue Sky Frame

is waste reduction – up to 40 percent of the material delivered to

a traditional construction site ends up being trucked to landfills.

Factory fabrication of the Blue Sky Frame process virtually

eliminates site waste. Scraps from manufacturing and the few

(if any) generated on site are easily recycled.

Buildings that utilize the Blue Sky Frame can potentially be

eligible for points in LEED categories including: innovation and

design process, sustainable sites, materials and resources.

Figure 4: Prototypical Hillside House Designed by Ferreir Studio

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Supports Many Design Styles: The Blue Sky Frame can be clad with just about any exterior

cladding material – from metal to stucco to reclaimed wood.

The interior walls will accommodate traditional drywall finishes

as well as plaster and wood paneling.

Figure 5: Farmhouse Style Home Designed by Burdge and Associates

Figure 6: Frame for a Farmhouse Style Home

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Figure 7: Urban Contemporary Home Designed by Ferrier Architecture Studio

Figure 8: Frame for an Urban Contemporary Home

Figure 9: Interior of an Urban Contemporary Home

Figure 10: Interior of an Urban Contemporary Home


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Structurally Sound: The technology underlying the Blue Sky Frame has approval from

the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) for its seismic force-

resisting moment connection, and is the first of its kind to be

approved by that body. AISI is the governing body for the design

of cold-formed steel sections used in the construction industry.

The frame has been thoroughly lab tested and performs well in

zone 4 (D) seismic areas and can be designed to withstand any

high wind or snow load conditions.

Figure 11: Finished Exterior of a Desert-Modern Home Designed by o2 Architecture

Figure 12: Frame for a Desert-Modern Home

Figure 13: Front Elevation of a Desert- Modern Home

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Figure 14: Joshua Tree Home Designed by Jim Jennings Architecture

Figure 15: Molo, Chile Homes Designed by Rankin Kelly

Figure 16: Kowaliga Home Designed by Grace Harriett

Figure 17: Home in Hawaii Designed by Weinstein AU Architects + Urban Designers


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The core structural element of the Blue Sky Frame is a square

or rectangular bay with columns on each corner. The eight-bolt

connections between the beams and the columns create the

bi-directional moment frame.

Bay sizes are dependent on the loads that will be supported,

as well as the size of columns and beams utilized. Architectural

designs that typically call for rectangular bays are most

convenient and economical, although square bays are also

easily accommodated. All beam and joist lengths can be

completely customized.

The table in Figure 10 shows beam and column sizes for a typical

raised foundation, single-story structure. Please note that all of

the column, beam, and joist sizing are finalized in the structural

engineering phase and these dimensions may change based on

geometry of the structure or specific local requirements

and conditions.

Core Structure

Raised Wood Floor - 16” Beams and 8”x8” Columns

Max Bay Size Deflection Limit

25’ x 25’ or 30’ x 15’ L/480

20' x 30' L/720



25' x 30' L/480

25' x 20' or 30' x 10' L/720



25’ x 25’ or 30’ x 20’ L/240

Raised Concrete Floor - 16” Beams and 8”x8” Columns


20' x 25' L/480

20' x 25' L/720

Raised Concrete Floor - 20” Beams and 8”x8” Columns


25' x 20' or 30' x 15' L/480

25' x 15' or 30' x 10' L/720

Roof with 16” Beams and 8”x8” Columns


30' x 25' L/240

C Channel - 20x3.5x10Ga - BeamC Channel - 16x3.5x10Ga - Joist

25.00 25.00

20.0

0

Figure 18: Example of two 20’ X 25’ Square Bays in Plan View

Figure 19: Blue Sky Frame – Bay Sizes – Single Story

Figure 20: Section of HSS Tube Steel

Figure 21: C Channel Shape

Figure 22: Span Joist Spacing

NOTE: These are generalized sizes. Specific seismic, wind, and geometric conditions may require different sizes. Assumed floor dead loads are 50 and 30 psf for concrete and wood respectively and 25 psf for the roof. Live loads are assumed to be 40 psf floor and 20 psf roof. These sizes should be used for initial sizing only, not final design.

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Components


Design: Hollow Structural Section (HSS)

Material: High-strength structural steel

Optional G90 galvanization or powder coated

Dimensions: Length: Up to 35 feet

Exterior: 8”x8”, 10”x10” or 12”x12”

Thickness: 1/4” to 3/8”

Constraints: 8”x8” columns are typically used in one and two-story structures

10”x10” columns are typically used in three-story structures.

Vertical Columns:

Design: C channel

Material: G60 galvanized cold-formed, light-gauge, high-tensile strength steel (55 ksi)

Gauge: 10 to 24 gauge

Dimensions: Length: Up to 30’

Depth: 10” to 20”

The span table in Figure 12 describes standard joist depths depending on spans and loading.

Joists:

Joist Span Joists Depth (D) for Concrete Floor

Joists Depth (D) for Wood Floor

Roof Joist Spacing ( O.C. )

30' N/A 20" 16" or 14" 4'

28' N/A 16" 14" or 12" 4'

26' 20" 16" 12" 4'

24' 20" 16" 10" or 12" 4'

22' 16" 14" 10" or 12" 4'

20' 16" or 14" 14" or 12" 10" or 12" 4'

18' 16" 12'' or 10" 10" or 12" 4'

16' 16" or 14" 12'' or 10" 8" or 10" 4'

14' 14" or 12" 12'' or 10" 8" 4'

12' 12" or 10" 10" or 8" 8" 4'

10' 10" or 8" 10" or 8" 8" 4'

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B L

D

4’�ACCESS

HOLE

EDGE OF FOOTINGDEPTH OF

FOOTING VARIES

SQUARE

BLUE SKY FRAMECOLUMN

(4) 3/4 DIA. HEADEDANCHOR BOLT

1/2” THK. PLATE

(4) 3/4”DIA. HEADEDANCHOR BOLT

#3 STRAPAROUNDANCHOR BOLTS

3/8” EMBED

12” EMBED

1/2” EMBED

9”


SQUARE

1’2”

11”

(4) 13/16” DIA. HOLES

(4) 5/8” DIA. BOLT

(4) 5/8” DIA. BOLT

(4) 5/8” DIA. BOLT

CONCRETE SLAB

CONCRETE SLAB

CONCRETEFOOTING

8”-12” THK

3 1/4” EMBED


BLUE SKY FRAME COLUMN

BLUE SKY FRAME COLUMN

1/2” THK PLATE

SQUARE

1’2”

11”

(4) 13/16” DIA. HOLES

(4) 5/8” DIA. BOLT


1/2” THK PLATE

1/2” THK PLATE

1/2” THK PLATE

Base plate with exposed anchor bolts

Base plate with exposed anchor bolts with over pour topping slab

Anchor bolts concealed in column

B L

D

Design: C channel

Material: G60 galvanized cold-formed, light-gauge, high-tensile-strength steel (55 ksi)

Gauge: 10 to 14 gauge

Dimensions: Length: Up to 42’ is common but, longer lengths are available

Depth: 12” to 20”

Width: 3½”

Design: Typically spread footings or caissons are utilized in steep grade applications (depending on the site specific soil conditions)

Material: Steel reinforced concrete

Dimensions: Footings are engineered for each project based on the site-specific soil conditions and topography. The footings used in conjunction with the Blue Sky Frame are usually smaller than those required for traditional framing techniques due to the highly reduced lateral moments at the base of the moment frame structure. The footings can be as small as 24”x24”x18” depending on soil conditions.

Beams:

Footings:

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24

2625

CONCRETE SLABASC STEEL DECK “B” DECKICC # 1414

L 2 1/2” x 4” x 10GAFORM ANGLE UNDER D-DECK

CORRUGATED STEEL SHEETSARE FASTENED TO STRUCTURAL

MEMBERS WITH #12 x 3/4” SELFDRILLING FASTENERS; ONE IN EACH VALLEY AT END SHEETS

AND ONE IN ALTERNATE VALLEYS AT INTERMEDIATE

STRUCTURAL MEMBERS

L 2 1/2” x $” x 10GAFORM ANGLE UNDER

B-DECK

STRUT(TYPICAL)

NOTE: BUTTON PUNCHSEAMS @ 36” O.C.

BEAM(TYPICAL)

DECK JOIST(TYPICAL)


Figure 23: C Channel Shape

Figure 24: Condition 1: Base plate with exposed anchor bolts

Figure 25: Condition 2: Base plate with exposed anchor bolts with over pour topping slab

Figure 26: Condition 3: Anchor bolts concealed in column

Figure 27: Typical Concrete Decking Detail

Figure 28: Ridge Detail

Figure 29: Roof to Wall Column Connection

Design: Post, beam and joist

Material: Concrete over B-Deck or Wood Sub-floor

Stiffness: L/360 to L/720++

Design: The roof is comprised of light-gauge “C” beams and purlins. Any steel or wood roofing system can be attached to the Blue Sky Frame. The system carries all of the weight and strain around the perimeter of the frame. All roof loads are carried by the parametric beams. Architects can design many roof profiles to work with the Blue Sky Frame including shed, gable, and hip.

Constraints: The Blue Sky Frame will work with virtually any roof system, including a living or “green” roof. Heavier roof systems will likely result in an increase to size of columns and beams.

Decking:

Roofs:

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3”3”

3 1/2”

FRONT ELEVATION

(8) 1” � x 2 1/4”GRADE 5 BOLTSW/ (16) WASHERSTYP. EA. FACE

1/4” x 14” x 61/2”SPLICE PLATE (SPLX16).TYP. BOTH SIDES

5”

STRUT

TS COLUMN

BEAM

(8) 1” x 21/4” GRSBOLTS W/ FLAT WASHER BOTH SIDES, TYP. EA CONNECTION

3”3”

3 1/2”

FRONT ELEVATION



5”

3”3”

3 1/2”

FRONT ELEVATION



5”

STRUT

TS COLUMN

BEAM

(8) 1” x 21/4” GRSBOLTS W/ FLAT WASHER BOTH SIDES, TYP. EA CONNECTION

3”3”

3 1/2”

FRONT ELEVATION



5”

A

B

A

B

C

31 32

30 35

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Design: Deck and roof cantilevers can be supported by main beams, extending out 25% of the tributary span running parallel with the beam direction. Pass and grab cantilevers for deck’s can be up to 10’. Clipped-on cantilevers can be up to 4’.

Material: Cantilevers can support most decking materials including wood, or concrete over B-Deck.

Beam and Column Connections:

Cantilevers:

Condition 1: Pass and Grab

33 34

In this condition beams are attached to the outer edge of the column and are able to support a cantilever.

A

B

A

B

C

31 32

30 35

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Beam and Column Connections:

Condition 2: Shear Tab

Figure 35: Shear Tab Frame Detail at “A“

Figure 36: Shear Tab Frame Detail at “B“

Figure 30: Pass and Grab Frame Detail at “A“

Figure 31: Pass and Grab Frame Detail at “B“

Figure 32: Pass and Grab Frame Detail at “C“

Figure 33: Pass and Grab Cantilever

Figure 34: Clipped-On Cantilever

In this condition beams are flush with column faces, which allows for thinner walls, but no cantilevers.

Architecture and Aesthetic Elements:The Blue Sky Frame provides various optional architectural elements that allow for a variety of aesthetics.

Diamond Roof

Canted Walls

The Blue Sky Frame can provide roofs with slopes on all sides creating a unique architectural feature.

In this condition the column is slanted up to 15 degrees to achieve a canted wall profile.

Architecture and Aesthetic Elements:

Knife Edge Roof

Cut-Back Roof Edge

In the knife edge roof condition, the end of the beam is cut to reduce its thickness towards the edge of the roof.

In the cut-back roof edge condition, the end of the beam is cut back leaving 2’’, 4’’, 6’’, or 8’’ beam profile supporting the roof.

The Blue Sky Frame can provide roofs with thinner and sharper edges by modifying the ends of the “C” channel beams to different depths to create various edge conditions.


Blue Sky Frame - Column


Steel Studs

Blue Sky Frame - C Channel Joist


Blue Sky Frame - C Channel Beam Blue Sky Frame -

C Channel Beam

Blue Sky Wall

Blue Sky Wall

Siding Siding

Concrete Slab Concrete Slab

Metal Flashing

Metal B Deck Metal B Deck

Deflection Clip

Blue Sky Wall Configurations

Condition 1: Blue Sky Wall in line with column

Condition 2: Blue Sky Wall in line with C Channel beam

Condition 3: Blue Sky Wall on exterior of C Channel Beam

Design Considerations

Designing a building around the Blue Sky Frame is relatively simple. There are only a few key design considerations that have to be kept in mind in order to ensure that benefits of the frame are realized to their fullest extent.

Angles:Ninty degree angles are most cost-effective. Other angles

can be custom fabricated.

Mechanical / Electrical / Plumbing:Holes for routing MEP equipment and lines can be punched (at

the factory) into the center third of the vertical section of the

web. Holes should be punched at half the distance between the

column line and the midpoint of the span.

Exterior Cladding: The system can be designed to accommodate just about any

exterior cladding material including stucco, siding, plywood,

architectural copper, zinc, aluminum, metal, vinyl, etc.

Interior Insulation: Any type of insulation material can be utilized to achieve the

appropriate “R” value required for any particular climate zone.

The Blue Sky Frame is designed to work well with a companion

steel thermally efficient panel (STEP) wall panel system, the Blue

Sky Wall™.

The Blue Sky Wall can be installed in two ways. It can be

installed in-line with the columns or in-line with the C channel

beam. Installing the wall in-line with the column works well for

temperate climates or environments with little rain. Installing the

walls in-line with the beam works in all climates and simplifies

flashing details and provides a better thermal break. Columns

can be exposed to the interior, clad, or enclosed in interior walls.

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Double Groove

Single GrooveExteriorSide

of Panel

ExteriorSide

of Panel

24° O.C.

Panel Thickness

L

W

Tongue and GrooveJoints

Steel embedded in foam

Steel flush with foam

for Lateral bracing

EPS - ExpandedPolystyrene

Open Cavity

PunchedOpenings



Steel Studs



Blue Sky Frame - C Channel Beam Blue Sky Frame -

C Channel Beam

Blue Sky Wall

Blue Sky Wall

Siding Siding

Concrete Slab Concrete Slab

Metal Flashing

Metal B Deck Metal B Deck

Deflection Clip

Blue Sky Wall Configurations

Condition 1: Blue Sky Wall in line with column

Condition 2: Blue Sky Wall in line with C Channel beam

Condition 3: Blue Sky Wall on exterior of C Channel Beam

Design Considerations

Figure 37: Interior, Exterior, and Edge Views of the Blue Sky Wall

Figure 38: Exterior and Edge Views of the Blue Sky Wall

Figure 39: Flashing Details on edge of STEP Walls

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Certification and ApprovalsThe technology underlying the Blue Sky Frame has been

designed to comply with all applicable building codes:

Uniform Building Code (UBC), California Building Code (CBC)

and International Building Code (IBC); as well as meeting the

rigorous specifications demanded in seismically active zones.

This is the first moment-resistant, bi-directional rigid frame

to be approved by the American Iron and Steel Institute

(AISI). The bolted light-gauge bi-directional moment frame

is uniquely designed to perform exceedingly well in seismic

zone 4 (D) and is recognized by the International Code

Council (ICC). The ICC has incorporated this light-gauge

bolted moment frame (as referenced in AISI S110) into the

IBC as an approved seismic resisting system. These approvals

can facilitate a faster permit process.

The technology underlying the Blue Sky Frame has

undergone rigorous testing by the Department of Structural

Engineering at University of California, San Diego.

For full details regarding the testing protocol and results

please visit: http://bit.ly/p1H12C

Blue Sky Homes controls the exclusive rights to the use of

the technology underlying the Blue Sky framing system for

use in the residential marketplace.


Double Groove


of Panel

ExteriorSide

of Panel

24° O.C.

Panel Thickness

L

W




for Lateral bracing


Open Cavity

PunchedOpenings

Double Groove


of Panel

ExteriorSide

of Panel

24° O.C.

Panel Thickness

L

W




for Lateral bracing


Open Cavity

PunchedOpenings

©2011 Blue Sky Building Systems, a division of Blue Sky Homes LLC

Please Contact Us At:

Blue Sky Building Systems PO Box 3277, Palm Springs, CA 9226 [email protected] www.blueskybuildingsystems.com

B L U E S K Y B U I L D I N G S Y S T E M S a division of

Services Offered by Blue Sky Building Systems

✚ Feedback during design process

✚ Full structural engineering services

✚ Assistance with flashing details

✚ Permit processing and plan

checking assistance

✚ Logistics and coordination of

supplies and materials

✚ Marketing assistance of the

finished product

Blue Sky Building Systems can provide the following services to architects and builders:

Blue Sky Building Systems - Design Criteria Document

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