COLD FORMED STEEL FRAMING ARCHITCTURE SERIES

The list of basic CFS framing tools is rather short. Aside from applying their existing skills to a new set of framing components - for example, steel C section studs instead of wood studs formed steel single tracks instead of top and bottom wood plates and hex-, pan- and bugle-head screws for framing in addition to pins (nails for steel connections) - framers only need to spend a bit of time mastering the use of a small number of new tools and fasteners. Experienced framers find it relatively easy to learn to frame with steel. It is not difficult to train a crew to work with CFS. In addition to speeding up the framing process, CFS panels contain pre-punched holes designed to accommodate rapid mechanical, electric and plumbing installation after the framing is complete. Given those advantages, some builders have found that ordering factory-manufactured steel panels and trusses is an ideal way to move into steel framing because it minimizes the need for skilled framers, and provides access to experienced design and layout pros. For example, if a project calls for stick framing, the strength of CFS allows it to be installed on 24вЂќ centers rather than traditional 16вЂќ centers - meaning fewer studs to install.ДЄnd because CFS is manufactured to exacting standards, it is ideally suited for manufacturing into panels and trusses which - because CFS is light in weight - can be quickly and easily installed with fewer framers on the job. Moreover, greater strength means less material. CFS is light making it easy to ship, handle and assemble. Moreover, a study, conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center, showed that the zinc coating on steel framing materials can protect against corrosion for hundreds of years.ДЄnd because each piece of CFS contains a minimum of 25 percent recycled content, is 100 percent recyclable at the end of its lifespan, and emits no volatile organic compounds - itвЂ™s an exceptionally sustainable building material.Д¬FS also provides numerous advantages in terms of the construction process itself. ItвЂ™s strength and ductility, for example, make it ideal for construction in regions subject to high winds or earthquakes. In addition to lowering scrap disposal expense, the fire resistance of CFS framing also can help reduce project costs through discounts on buildersвЂ™ risk and other course of construction insurance requirements.Д¬FSвЂ™ physical properties allow it to be used in a wide range of environments. That consistency translates into less scrap to haul off because there is less waste - all of it recyclable. For example, CFS doesnвЂ™t shrink or split, wonвЂ™t absorb moisture, and resists warping, termites, and fire.ДЄs a uniformly manufactured product, the quality of CFS is very consistent. A variety of steel thicknesses are available to meet a wide range of structural and non-structural applications.Д¬FS as a construction material has many advantages. No heat is required to form the shapes (unlike hot-rolled steel), hence the name cold-formed steel.

COLD FORMED STEEL FRAMING ARCHITCTURE SERIES

In fact, cold-formed steel framing is rapidly becoming the material of choice for student dormitories, assisted living facilities, and hotels across the country where prudent developers are interested in maximizing their return on investment.Д¬old-formed steel (CFS) members are made from structural quality sheet steel that are formed into C-sections and other shapes by roll forming the steel through a series of dies. Now, with advanced technological developments like panelized systems, the building community is using CFS for structural applications in mid-rise and multi-housing buildings. Because Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing is light weight, extremely strong, noncombustible, and relatively easy to install, it has dominated the market for interior, non-loadbearing partition walls in commercial construction.

Cold formed steel framing architcture