West Chester, Ohio - September 8, 2025 – ClarkDietrich, the nation’s largest manufacturer of cold-formed steel framing products, has received a third-party evaluation report for its line of drift and deflection connectors. The report, IAPMO ER-729, certifies that the connectors meet specific performance standards and code requirements. Notably, it permits the use of ClarkDietrich drift and deflection connectors on state-funded projects in California, which requires third-party testing for such builds.
“The evaluation report ensures structural integrity, safety and compliance by providing unbiased assessments of connector performance and confirming adherence to industry standards,” said Janine Dallies, category manager for ClarkDietrich.
The evaluation report confirms that ClarkDietrich’s drift and deflection connectors comply with the following building codes:
- 2024, 2021, and 2018 International Building Code® (IBC)
- 2024, 2021, and 2018 International Residential Code® (IRC)
- 2023 Florida Building Code—Building
- 2023 Florida Building Code—Residential
- 2022 California Building Code (CBC)
- 2022 California Residential Code (CRC)
ClarkDietrich drift and deflection connectors are engineered to enhance the structural resilience in buildings designed to withstand seismic activity and high-impact events. This makes them ideal for Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs facilities, courthouses, airports, and train stations. These connectors also provide the support needed for high-rise buildings, schools, and hospitals in earthquake-prone regions.
For projects that require DoD-compliant (or similar) blast design, ClarkDietrich provides the necessary connector capacity information. The company also has the data available to calculate seismic design; for drift and deflection, it provides the following for its connector products:
- Allowable Stress Design (ASD)
- Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD)
- Nominal Strength
ClarkDietrich’s portfolio of drift and deflection connectors includes 12 innovative solutions. Its newest connector, Drift Head-of-Wall Clip, allows two inches of friction-free lateral and vertical movement. It is ideal for curtain walls and non-load-bearing partitions and installs easily for superior flexibility.
Most of the company’s connectors are available in low embodied carbon (LEC) options, complete with a Health Product Declaration (HPD) and an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). ClarkDietrich’s LEC products contain 30% less embodied carbon than their standard counterparts and qualify for the top 20% of the United States General Services Administration’s IRA LEC Material Requirements limit for cold-formed and galvanized steel products.
To learn more about ClarkDietrich’s entire range of products and services, visit clarkdietrich.com.