

An expanded overhang is a good example of an aesthetic feature that is made possible by cold-formed steel. It is the versatility of the material that really makes the difference. Reference the standards that allow for this type of design.Ĭold-formed steel is also suitable when you want to add aesthetic features to a space. Projects that have long spans are typically buildings like churches, event centers, and banquet halls. Cold-formed steel provides the strength and maneuverability to construct these types of spans economically and safely. These long spans not only add a touch of beauty to an otherwise simple structural design, they are functional when the need is present to create a large, uninterrupted space. We’ve seen cold-formed steel being used to accommodate spans in spaces that are up to 25,000 square feet of open space. Picture oblique, trapezoid, dome, triangles, and more can be worked into the shape and structure of the building to give it a flawless and unique design using CFS. Yet, cold-formed steel can accommodate the voluminous design since it can be formed into unique shapes.

In formations like this, the architect relies on the flexibility of light steel framing, because wood and concrete simply won’t provide the means to create such beautiful volume. When you see a large and magnificent structure with a lot of open space and volume, know that this look was likely created with cold-formed steel. You see volumetric designs in places like libraries, universities, performing art auditoriums and even museums. If you want to open up a space and make it distinctive and glorious, you add volume. Plus, cold-formed steel also often offers the possibility for lower insurance and maintenance costs due to it being non-combustible, and resistant to mold, corrosion, and vermin.Ĭold-formed steel has versatility beyond what most of us can even imagine… here are some additional ways that this material can make an architect’s unique dreams a reality.
#COLD FORMED STEEL FRAMING EXAMPLES SOFTWARE#
Plus, design software is readily available at the industry’s fingertips to streamline each cold-formed steel design, whether it’s for curtain-wall, load bearing or just for aesthetics.Ĭold-formed steel can also reduce construction costs since it is more labor-friendly, adaptable, and sustainable than many other materials. The referenced guideline tells us load capacity, limitations and so much more.
#COLD FORMED STEEL FRAMING EXAMPLES HOW TO#
In the U.S., we turn to the American Iron and Steel Institute for guidance on how to use this material, and to understand the boundaries of cold-formed steel framing. There are also specific qualifications and regulations for the use of cold-formed steel. The thickness of the material and the overall use can vary.

It is sometimes also referred to as light-steel framing, and can be rolled into various structural pieces by a qualified manufacturer. For most construction crews and structural engineers who plan the design and concept of buildings, they are very familiar with the ingenuity of cold-formed steel, and have a strong understanding of how to utilize it to construct exceptional structures.Ĭold-formed steel is exactly that – sheet steel that is formed cold into various shapes (no heat is involved). It is commonly used for interior and exterior walls, and also for the primary framing in low-rise and mid-rise structures. You might be surprised to learn that cold-formed steel can be a very dependable material for countless framing conditions.Ĭold-formed steel is a framing and structural material. Let’s think outside the box from the normal conditions when one might utilize cold-formed steel framing, and in this blog let’s focus on satisfying unique framing situations with light steel framing products. Even though most of us are no stranger to cold-formed steel and all of its advantages, we continuously learn how to use this material to give the structure increased personality, make the building sturdier and safer, and save the project money.Īctually, the more we learn about cold-formed steel, the more this material impresses us with its phenomenal capabilities. Cold-formed steel has taken the industry by storm.
