Cold-formed steel is a highly versatile and efficient material that is commonly used in the construction industry for various structural and non-structural elements. This type of steel, especially in the form of thin-gauge sheets, is lightweight, easy to handle and assemble, and can be processed at high speeds with consistent quality and precision. The cold forming process is design-based, meaning that it requires fewer skills during construction and more during the design phase. The steel used for frames and components is produced from high-quality coils and shaped into coils with roll forming machines before being screwed in place to complete the building. This process is not only efficient but also cost-effective, making it a popular choice for construction projects. Cold-formed steel structures offer numerous benefits, including sustainability, durability, and versatility.
They are also highly customizable, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. In fact, the SFIA Technical Guide provides a complete tool for designing with cold-formed steel frame products, making it easier for architects and engineers to incorporate this material into their designs. One of the main advantages of cold-formed steel is its sustainability. The production of this type of steel involves combining iron ore and steel scrap with small amounts of carbon in a basic oxygen furnace (BOF). Additionally, at least 25% of recycled steel is used in the production of cold-formed steel structures, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Cold-formed steel is also highly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
This makes it a popular choice for buildings in areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Furthermore, cold-formed steel structures are fire-resistant, providing an added layer of safety. Another significant advantage of using cold-formed steel is its versatility. It can be used for a wide range of applications, including columns, beams, joists, studs, floor covers, built sections, and other components. This makes it a popular choice for both structural and non-structural elements in construction projects. One of the most significant benefits of cold-formed steel is its cost-effectiveness.
This type of steel is lightweight, making it easy to ship, handle, and assemble. Additionally, CFS wall, floor, and ceiling sections can be assembled off-site in a controlled environment, minimizing costly weather delays and ensuring greater quality control. The use of cold-formed steel in construction is gaining popularity worldwide. In the United States, companies like Orlando Steel Framing and Accurate Steel Fab are reshaping the residential and commercial construction landscape with their innovative use of cold-formed steel structures. In Australia, Newcastle Steel Frames and Trusses are at the forefront of the changing steel frame construction landscape. The Steel Framing Alliance is also focusing on the growth potential of CFS structures in the medium-rise building sector for offices, hotels, condominiums, apartments, university housing, and similar buildings.
This further highlights the versatility and durability of cold-formed steel in various construction projects. While you may have heard of tempering, not all steel-making processes involve heating steel to its recrystallization temperature. Cold-formed steel is produced by reducing molten steel into thinner strips and adding a protective layer of zinc through the galvanizing process. This results in better surface characteristics and fewer imperfections, making cold-formed steel ideal for precise applications where appearance is important. In addition to its numerous advantages, using cold-formed steel also requires minimal training for construction workers. With a few new tools and fasteners to master, framers can easily apply their current skills to this material, making it a convenient and efficient choice for construction projects.