S-and-Drive Square Duct · Vertical joint

Join light-duty rectangular riser duct

Riser section

Task typeVertical joint
Tools / equipmentRiser support, lift, S-lock, drives

Before you start

  • Confirm the duct size, end construction, pressure class, seal class, and joint shown on the approved shop drawing.
  • Inspect both duct ends for crushed corners, torn locks, bowed panels, loose reinforcement, or shop damage before lifting them into place.
  • Make sure the supports are already installed or the sections are otherwise held so the joint is not carrying the weight of the run.
  • Stage the correct S-cleats, drive cleats, sealant, hand tools, clamps, and access equipment before starting the joint.
  • Confirm the riser support, floor frame, guides, and load path are approved for the duct section being installed.

Lay it out

  1. Use a continuous plumb reference through the shaft or floor opening.
  2. Verify the opening, sleeve, firestop allowance, and riser dimensions before lifting.
  3. Identify where the riser dead load transfers to structure and where lateral guides are required.

Set and support it

  1. Set and secure the lower riser section on its designed support.
  2. Rig the upper section from approved lifting points and keep it controlled against rotation.
  3. Lower or raise the section until the faces align without loading the transverse joint.

Make the connection

  1. 1

    Install the horizontal S-cleats while both sections are supported.

  2. 2

    Align the four corners and confirm the riser remains plumb.

  3. 3

    Start the vertical drives and seat them fully while the rigging remains attached.

  4. 4

    Secure the drive ends and complete the required seal.

  5. 5

    Transfer the section weight to the riser support as designed.

  6. 6

    Install lateral guides or restraints before releasing rigging.

Check the install

  • The riser is plumb through the opening and does not bear on the wall or sleeve.
  • Dead load is carried by the designed support—not by the S-and-drive joint.
  • Guides allow the intended movement without permitting uncontrolled sway.
  • The joint remains accessible for inspection and firestopping.

Common mistakes

  • Treating a light-duty transverse joint as a riser support.
  • Releasing rigging before load transfer is confirmed.
  • Forcing a riser through an undersized or mislocated opening.
  • Blocking the required firestop space with a support or cleat.

Stop and ask

Stop if the riser support or structural attachment is not approved, the opening is wrong, rigging access is inadequate, or the section weight exceeds the planned handling method.