Flat Oval Duct · Straight Runs & Assembly

Flat-oval vertical riser

Vertical shaft

ConnectionFlanged or approved oval joint
SupportRiser frames/brackets

Before you start

  • Confirm the flat-oval size, major and minor axis orientation, material, pressure class, joint type, and support detail against the approved drawing.
  • Inspect the duct for sidewall dents, flattened ends, twisted axes, damaged beads, split seams, and shipping damage before lifting it.
  • Check that the mating pieces use the same oval profile. A round-looking end and a truly matched flat-oval end are not the same thing.
  • Stage the correct fittings, joint hardware, approved fasteners, sealant or gasket system, supports, lifting equipment, and hand tools before starting.
  • Confirm the riser support, floor frame, guides, shaft clearances, penetration details, and load-transfer points before rigging.

Tools and materials

Flat-oval riser sections, approved riser joint system, rigging plan, soft slings or spreader, riser supports, guides or restraints, plumb laser, fasteners, sealant or gasket, and shaft-access equipment.

Lay it out

  1. Establish a continuous plumb line through the shaft or floor openings.
  2. Mark the major-axis orientation at every level so the riser does not rotate between floors.
  3. Verify opening dimensions, sleeve or firestop clearance, and access for joint assembly.

Set and support it

  1. Set the lower section on the designed riser support before bringing in the next piece.
  2. Rig the upper section from approved lifting points and control it against rotation.
  3. Use guides or temporary restraint so the narrow sides are not crushed against the shaft opening.

Make the connection

  1. 1

    Confirm the lower section is plumb, supported, and oriented correctly.

  2. 2

    Lower or raise the next section into alignment while keeping the major axes matched.

  3. 3

    Bring the mating profiles together without using the joint to carry the section weight.

  4. 4

    Complete the approved joint and fastener pattern.

  5. 5

    Apply the required gasket or seal treatment.

  6. 6

    Transfer the new section load to the designed support.

  7. 7

    Install or verify lateral guides before releasing the rigging.

Check the install

  • The riser is plumb and the major axis stays in the same orientation through every level.
  • Dead load transfers to the designed support, not the transverse joint.
  • The oval sides do not bear on the shaft wall or sleeve.
  • Guides control movement without crushing the duct.
  • The joint remains accessible for inspection and firestopping.

Common mistakes

  • Allowing the riser to rotate while it is being lowered.
  • Using the joint as the permanent load support.
  • Forcing a distorted oval section through an undersized opening.
  • Installing support where it blocks the required firestop space.

Stop and ask

Stop if the structural support, opening, rigging plan, guide detail, or firestop clearance is missing or incorrect, or if the section cannot be controlled safely against rotation.