Side Cladding Runner Details for PEB Structures

Introduction

Side cladding runners are one of the most important secondary structural members in a Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) or conventional steel shed. They support wall cladding sheets, transfer wind loads to the primary structure, maintain alignment of wall panels, and improve the overall stability of the building.

The attached drawings illustrate typical side cladding runner elevations, sag rod arrangements, runner connections, and support details commonly used in industrial sheds, warehouses, manufacturing plants, logistics centers, and commercial steel buildings.

What is a Side Cladding Runner?

A side cladding runner (also called a wall girt) is a horizontal steel member fixed between columns to support wall cladding sheets.

Main Functions

✔ Supports wall sheeting

✔ Transfers wind loads to columns

✔ Prevents sheet deflection

✔ Maintains wall alignment

✔ Provides lateral restraint

✔ Supports doors, windows, louvers, and wall accessories

Typical Components Shown in the Drawings

Click Here to Download the Editable Side Cladding detail drawing

1. Side Cladding Runner (CR)

The drawings indicate multiple runner levels designated as:

These runners are generally fabricated from:

Cold-formed Z sections
Cold-formed C sections
Built-up light sections

Common sizes:

Section	Typical Size
Z Girt	200×70×20×2.0 mm
Z Girt	250×75×20×2.5 mm
C Girt	200×75×20×2.0 mm
C Girt	250×75×20×2.5 mm

Side Cladding Elevation Arrangement

The elevation drawing shows:

Building length = 90 m
Bay spacing = 6.25 m to 8.0 m
Multiple runner levels
Column-to-column runner supports
Intermediate sag rod supports
Roof-to-wall junction connections

The spacing of runners depends upon:

Wind load
Sheet thickness
Building height
Design code requirements

Sag Rod System

Purpose of Sag Rods

Sag rods reduce bending moments in runners and prevent excessive deflection.

Without sag rods:

Runner bending increases
Sheet vibration increases
Fastener stress increases

With sag rods:

Load sharing improves
Runner span effectiveness reduces
Overall stiffness increases

Typical Sag Rod Detail

The drawing shows:

Material

Ø16 mm sag rod
Threaded ends
Nut and washer arrangement

Connection Components

M16 bolts
Angle cleats
Plate washers
Support angles

Typical Lengths

Sag Rod Mark	Length (mm)
SR1	1350
SR2	1380
SR3	1450
SR4	1000
SR5	1200

Monitor Roof Sag Rod Detail (MSR)

The monitor roof connection detail uses a specially bent sag rod.

Advantages

Supports monitor wall girts
Controls vibration
Prevents runner twisting
Improves stability under wind loading

The detail consists of:

Ø16 bent sag rod
Cleat supports
Nut and washer assembly
Adjustable threaded ends

Runner Connection Details

Column Connection

The drawings show runner-to-column connections using:

8 mm plate cleats
10 mm connection plates
M16 bolts
Slotted erection holes

Typical arrangement:

2 Nos. M16 bolts
17.5 mm hole diameter
Cleat welded to column flange

Connection Plate Details

Typical connection plate thickness:

Plate Type	Thickness
Cleat Plate	8 mm
Support Plate	10 mm
Stiffener Plate	8 mm
Angle Connection	ISA 50×50×6

Diagonal Sag Rod Arrangement

The attached detail shows:

Components

Ø20 diagonal sag rod
ISA 50×50×6 support angle
Cladding fixing support
M16 bolted connection

Function

Diagonal sag rods:

Reduce runner buckling
Improve wall stability
Transfer lateral forces
Reduce vibration caused by wind

Design Loads on Side Cladding Runners

Dead Load

Includes:

Cladding sheet weight
Fasteners
Insulation
Accessories

Typical value:

0.10–0.25 kN/m²

Wind Load

The governing load for wall runners.

Design according to:

IS 875 Part 3
MBMA
ASCE 7
Eurocode EN 1991

Factors considered:

Basic wind speed
Terrain category
Building height
Internal pressure
External pressure

Runner Design Checks

The following checks are generally performed:

Strength Check

Major axis bending
Minor axis bending
Combined stress

Serviceability Check

Deflection limits

Typical limit:

L/150 to L/180

Connection Check

Bolt shear
Bolt bearing
Plate bending
Weld strength

Stability Check

Lateral torsional buckling
Local buckling
Distortional buckling

Installation Procedure

Step 1

Erect primary steel columns.

Step 2

Install side wall runners.

Step 3

Align runners using temporary supports.

Step 4

Install sag rods.

Step 5

Tighten all nuts and bolts.

Step 6

Check line and level.

Step 7

Install wall cladding sheets.

Step 8

Final torque verification.

Common Site Problems

Runner Sagging

Cause:

Missing sag rods
Improper spacing

Sheet Oil Canning

Cause:

Excessive runner deflection

Bolt Loosening

Cause:

Poor tightening
Vibration

Runner Twisting

Cause:

Lack of bracing

Best Practices

✔ Use galvanized runners

✔ Provide sag rods at every bay

✔ Maintain proper bolt torque

✔ Use minimum M16 bolts

✔ Check wind load calculations

✔ Verify runner alignment before cladding installation

✔ Provide corrosion protection

✔ Follow approved erection drawings

Conclusion

Side cladding runners, sag rods, and connection details play a critical role in the performance of PEB and steel shed structures. Properly designed runner systems improve wall stability, reduce deflections, enhance wind resistance, and ensure long-term durability of the building envelope. The attached details represent standard industry practices for industrial sheds, warehouses, and large-span steel buildings.