As an expert in the construction industry, I have seen firsthand the benefits of using cold-formed steel (CFS) in building projects. This unique construction material is made of structural-grade steel sheets that are formed into various shapes through a process called roll forming. Unlike hot rolled steel, no heat is required in this process, hence the name cold-formed steel. In this article, I will discuss the advantages of using CFS in construction and why it is becoming a popular choice for builders and architects alike.One of the main advantages of CFS is its flexibility in design.
While most materials have limitations in terms of bending and shaping, CFS can be easily folded and formed to meet specific application requirements. This is because the structure of CFS is made up of structural-grade steel sheet strips that are fed into roll forming machines. This allows for precise and customizable designs, giving architects and engineers more control over the construction process.Another reason why CFS construction is gaining popularity is its efficiency. Also known as light gauge steel (LGS), CFS offers a practical and code-approved solution for many of the limitations faced by builders when using traditional construction materials.
With advanced construction automation systems, CFS methods are superior to traditional methods in five key ways.One of these ways is through the use of a "hat-shaped channel" type of CFS, which is applied to the face of walls or the underside of roofs to form a wedge or spacer element. This piece, also known as a groove, has a large angle or L-shape and is placed on top of the top rail of the wall to serve as a simple headstock. This allows for easier installation and faster construction times.CFS also offers similar performance characteristics to structural steel, such as durability, strength, affordability, ease of maintenance, and sustainability. However, one major advantage of CFS is its minimal waste.
In fact, with a FRAMECAD solution, the waste of material is less than 1%. This is a significant improvement compared to traditional construction methods, where waste can be a major issue.In addition to its efficiency and minimal waste, CFS also offers cost-competitive solutions for building projects. Depending on the design of the building, CFS can be more economical when evaluating the total cost of construction due to its advantages in terms of construction speed, accuracy, and reduced labor costs. For example, using CFS instead of traditional heavy materials like concrete and masonry can reduce the schedule of a medium-rise project by 3 months or more.A recent comparative study by the Steel Structure Industry Association (SFIA) on the structure of a 49,900 square foot, 5-story mixed-use apartment building showed that CFS structures cost only 0.92% more than lightweight wood structures.
This is a small price to pay for the numerous benefits that CFS offers in terms of efficiency and sustainability.When these advantages are combined with the innate characteristics of steel, such as inflammability, resistance to termites and mold, and dimensional stability, CFS construction provides the framework for a solid and sustainable construction program. The weight of CFS compared to that of structural steel usually influences the type of structure used in steel construction.In conclusion, as an expert in the construction industry, I highly recommend considering cold-formed steel as a viable option for building projects. Its flexibility in design, efficiency, minimal waste, and cost-competitive solutions make it a superior choice compared to traditional construction methods. With its numerous benefits and growing popularity, it's no wonder that CFS is becoming the go-to choice for builders and architects alike.