A recent investigation by Rondo, a manufacturer of wall and ceiling systems, examined imported Chinese-manufactured cold-formed steel products from five different suppliers in Australia. The investigation uncovered persistent Base Metal Thickness shortfalls, with some products measuring below the mandated 95% design thickness level required by AS/NZS 4600 for cold-formed steel (CFS), raising significant concerns about compliance and structural integrity
“Using non-compliant steel can result in safety risks, fire compliance failure and structural failures, particularly in fire-rated walls, external walls and ceiling systems,” says the article “Rondo’s Cutting Corners investigation: Imported steel products fail BMT compliance testing” posted by Architecture & Design.
According to Rondo’s data, some Chinese mills produce steel at the lower limit of allowable tolerances, which may not align with the tighter requirements for walls and ceilings. The results pose legal, financial and safety risks for builders, contractors and designers who rely on compliant materials.
SFIA Certification Ensures Quality and Code Compliance
The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) Code Compliance Certification Program, administered in partnership with Intertek, helps avoid similar problems for CFS in the United States. The program requires:
- Pre-Approved Quality Manuals – Manufacturers and contractors adhere to detailed, code-focused guidelines
- Unannounced Biannual Inspections – Inspectors verify the dimensional measurements and review traceability to ensure compliance
- Random Product Testing – Product testing’s verify the products meet or exceed thickness, coating, yield, tensile, and elongation
SFIA certification programs assure architects, owners, building officials and contractors that specified CFS framing components, assemblies and installations meet recognized codes and standards.
“Our certification program verifies that SFIA manufacturer and contractor members meet all requirements for cold-formed steel set by building codes and standards,” says Don Allen, SFIA executive director. “It’s a rigorous process designed to instill trust and peace of mind on every job site.”
Ultimately, the SFIA program serves as a dependable safeguard, upholding high standards and minimizing the risks associated with non-compliant steel in today’s construction landscape.
Learn more about SFIA’s Certification Programs.
Additional Resources
- SFIA: Setting the Bar for Quality
- Cold-Formed Steel Framing Quality Assurance and Quality Control
- Designers: Update to SFIA’s 2024 Tech Guide for the Latest CFS Load and Span Tables