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ARCH 436
Contemporary Building Construction Methods
Lecture Objectives
Upon completion of this lecture, the student will be able to:
1. Explain the concept of light-gauge frame construction.
2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of light-gauge frame construction.
3. List the types of light-gauge frame construction.
4. Describe the contraction process of light-gauge frame construction.
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Lecture Content
Introduction.
Historical Brief.
Steel Galvanization.
Framing Process.
Tools
Used
Construction.
in
Light-gauge
Steel
Introduction
Light gauge steel construction is the noncombustible equivalent of wood light frame
construction. The external dimensions of the standard sizes of light gauge members
correspond closely to the dimensions of the standard sizes of nominal 2-inch (38-mm)
framing lumber.
These steel members are used in framing as closely spaced studs, joists, and rafters in
much the same way as wood light frame members are used, and a light gauge steel frame
building may be sheathed, insulated, wired, and finished inside and outside in the same
manner as a wood light frame building.
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Historical Background
The use of cold-formed steel members in building construction began in the 1850s in both
the United States and Great Britain. In the 1920s and 1930s, acceptance of cold-formed steel
as a construction material was still limited because there was no adequate design standard
and limited information on material use in building codes. One of the first documented uses
of cold-formed steel as a building material is the Virginia Baptist Hospital, constructed
around 1925 in Lynchburg, Virginia. The walls were load bearing masonry, but the floor
system was framed with double back-to-back cold-formed steel lipped channels. In the 1940s,
Lustron Homes Company, built and sold almost 2500 steel-framed homes in America, with
the framing, finishes, cabinets and furniture made from cold-formed steel.
Lustron Homes
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Cold-formed steel construction materials differ from other steel construction materials
known as hot-rolled steel. The manufacturing of cold-formed steel products occurs at room
temperature using rolling or pressing.
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Steel Galvanization
Galvanization is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron, to
prevent rusting. The most common method is hot-dip galvanization, in which parts are
submerged in a bath of molten zinc.
Although galvanizing will prevent attack of the underlying steel, rusting will be expected,
especially if exposed to the natural acidity of rain. For example, corrugated iron sheet
roofing will start to degrade within a few years despite the protective action of the zinc
coating. Marine and salty environments also lower the lifetime of galvanized steel because
the high electrical conductivity of sea water increases the rate of corrosion primarily
through converting the solid zinc to soluble zinc chloride which simply washes away.
Disadvantages
Noncombustible.
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Web Stiffener
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Light-gauge steel studs are manufactured by cold-forming sheet or strip steel. The coldformed steel studs can be easily cut and assembled with simple tools into a wall structure
that is lightweight, noncombustible, and damp proof. Metal stud walls may be used as
nonloadbearing partitions or as bearing walls supporting light-gauge steel joists. As in wood
light frame construction, the stud framing contains cavities for utilities and thermal insulation
and accepts a wide range of finishes.
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Typical detail of the anchorage of a cold-formed steel bottom track to the foundation.
Hold-downs
Horizontal bracing
Diagonal bracing
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Detail at ridge.
Because assemblies are prefabricated, roof framing is in the form of trusses. Being lighter
than corresponding wood trusses, cold-formed steel trusses can generally be hoisted into
position without special lifting and hoisting equipment.
Additionally, the joints between members of a cold-formed steel truss are more rigid, so that
the trusses are easier to handle and more forgiving during their placement.
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Framing Process
The sequence of construction for a building that is
framed entirely with light gauge steel members is
essentially the same as for a building framed with
nominal 2-inch wood members.
Framing is usually constructed with the platform
method; the ground floor is framed with steel joists.
Mastic adhesive is applied to the upper edges of the
joists, and wood panel subflooring is laid down and
fastened to the upper flanges of the joists with
screws. Steel studs are laid flat on the subfloor and
joined to make wall frames.
The wall frames are sheathed either with wood panels
or, for noncombustible construction, with gypsum
sheathing panels, which are similar to gypsum
wallboard but with glass mat faces and a waterresistant core formulation. The wall frames are tilted
up, screwed down to the floor frame, and braced.
The upper-floor platform is framed, then the upper
floor walls. Finally, the ceiling and roof are framed in
much the same way as in a wood-framed house.
Prefabricated trusses of light gauge steel members
that are screwed or welded together are often used to
frame roofs.
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The above pictures show the electric and plumbing installations for CFS buildings and the accessories used.
Screw Gun
Power Saw
Torched Cutter
Power Shear
Tin Snips
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Summary
References
Allen, Edward & Lano, Joseph (2009) Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and
Methods, John Wiley & Sons.
Ching, Francis (2008) Building Construction Illustrated, John Wiley & Sons.
http://en.wikipedia.org
http://youtube.com
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Lecture Activity
Each student is required to prepare a brief but informative internet-based research about one of the topics
related to this lecture (Light-gauge Steel Framing) Timber Construction); i.e., new developments, successive
and local case studies or important details. The research should be presented in only one A4 sheet.
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