SFIA Guide to the Performance-Based Nonstructural Partition Selection of Metal Framing

The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) has published a guide entitled, “Guide to the Performance-Based Nonstructural Partition Selection of Cold-Formed Steel Framing” (PB101-23)*, a resource for design professionals. Robert Grupe, SFIA general manager, architectural services, prepared the guide for architects considering nonstructural application of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing as an appropriate design solution for their projects. The SFIA Performance-Based Decision Guide also includes a section that addresses when structural CFS framing is required.

“A critical juncture in the path that leads to a completed construction project is where the architect must review and approve what the contractor has proposed,” writes Grupe in SFIA PB101-23. “While this juncture is crucial in both delegated design and performance-based projects, this paper will target how the architect can make an informed decision on interior nonstructural partitions that have been proposed through the bid stage in a performance-based environment.”

The SFIA Performance-Based Decision Guide (PB101-23) answers these questions:

1. What is the role of the architect in performance-based specifications of CFS framing?
2. Should the architect contemplate using the process of delegated design?
3. When should a structural CFS be considered?

Download SFIA PB101-23

A Transition to Performance-Based is Underway

According to the SFIA PB101-23 guide, two types of specifications apply to interior CFS-framed walls:

1. Prescriptive
2. Performance-based

Nonstructural CFS applications, such as interior drywall stud partitions, are transitioning from prescriptive to performance-based, Grupe says. Performance-based design offers flexibility and innovation, which all parties in the construction process will find of benefit.

The model code has shifted to this concept as it converts from ASTM to AISI as referenced Standards that define cold-formed steel framing. For these very reasons, the transition is supported by SFIA, Grupe says.

Architects: Begin Stud Selection Early

The 2021 version of the Level of Development (LOD) Specification published by BIMForum, an organization that exists “to drive practical implementation of technology and processes to improve the future of the built environment,” has established five Levels of Development specific to “Interior Wall (Cold-Formed Metal Framing).” The levels are listed as 100, 200, 300, 350 and 400, with the higher numbers providing more information.

Combining the concepts of Level of Development and performance-based specifications is the basis for understanding how the performance-based design and installation of nonstructural CFS framing should progress on a given project. This requires the architect to begin the stud selection process during the design development phase of a project:

Source: SFIA Performance-Based Decision Guide (PB101-23)

In short, the architect lays the foundation for the final solution. The contractor “fills in the blanks” of what is required. And since time is constraint impacting most construction decisions, a delegated design approach “will most likely become an impediment to efficiency,” Grupe writes in SFIA PB101-23.

Templates Included in Guide

The SFIA Performance-Based Decision Guide (PB101-23) shows how architects can proceed. It provides templates for the architect and contractor to complete.

The performance-based approach gives the architect a “guarantee that the architectural specification requirements [will be] met” and that the proposed framing members provided by the contractor will fulfill all performance requirements of the interior non-load-bearing steel stud walls, Grupe says in the guide.

“Guide to the Performance-Based Nonstructural Partition Selection of Cold-Formed Steel Framing” (PB101-23) is available as free download.

Download SFIA PB101-23

Additional Resources

• Sorting Apples from Oranges — Comparing Evaluation Services with Third-Party Certification
• SFIA Releases Updated Technical Guide with the Most Up-to-Date CFS Load and Span Tables in the Industry
• 5 Need-to-Knows about Building Codes and Cold-Formed Steel

* SFIA PB101-23 is  intended as a general guide. The Steel Framing Industry Association has tried to ensure the accuracy of the information and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee, and expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for failure resulting from use of this information. SFIA Certified products should only be used with an independent evaluation by a qualified engineer or architect to verify suitability.