Design of Steel Structures: Cold Formed Steel Framing

Features of Cold Formed Steel Framing

• Affordable Housing
• Modular Construction
• Offsite Fabrication
• Light steel framing systems use galvanized cold formed steel sections as the primary structural components, which can be assembled as prefabricated panels.
• Light steel framing offers an alternative approach for the construction of many types of building from domestic to medium rise buildings.
• Residential light steel framing utilises cold-formed steel members for walls, floors, and/or roofs. The framing members are C-sections with standard dimensions similar to wood framing studs. Steel framing can be a cost effective alternative to wood framing.

Advantages of Using Cold Formed Steel Framing During Construction

• It is easily assembled into a wide range of structural and architectural forms
• Prefabricated components
• Fast speed in construction leading to savings in site preliminaries and an early return of capital
• Modifications can be made on site
• Can be fire protected easily
• Site checks are minimised
• Largely unaffected by site conditions
• Standard connection details are readily available
• Efficient use of materials leads to a competitive construction and to savings in material costs

Advantages of Using Cold Formed Steel Framing After Construction

• Can be dismantled and re-used if required
• No change in material properties over the life of the structure
• Easy visual inspection and maintenance
• Good acoustic insulation
• Longer spans can be achieved than with timber
• Stiff structure with good serviceability performance