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CFS10 Testing Underway: UC San Diego Is Shaking Up Seismic Standards with 10-Story Cold-Formed Steel Test

Testing is underway at UC San Diego, where engineers are simulating major earthquakes on a 10-story cold-formed steel (CFS) building to evaluate its seismic resilience — a groundbreaking effort that could help raise code height limits and advance modular construction.

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Featured image: Tara Hutchinson, a professor in the UC San Diego Department of Structural Engineering, is the lead researcher on a series of tests on a 10-story, cold-formed steel (CFS) framed building at the UC San Diego outdoor earthquake simulator. Photo: David Baillot/UC San Diego

In a groundbreaking initiative poised to redefine construction standards, the University of California San Diego is conducting seismic tests on a 10-story cold-formed steel (CFS) framed building. This full-scale experiment is using the university’s state-of-the-art outdoor shake table — the only facility globally capable of simulating earthquake conditions for structures of this magnitude.

Researchers at UC San Diego simulated a 6.9 earthquake to see if this 10-story building would hold its integrity.

Testing to Begin June 18

Dubbed CFS10 , the 10-story CFS framed building is the capstone project of the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI) network. The project’s primary objective is to assess the seismic resilience of tall CFS structures, potentially influencing future building codes. Currently, U.S. regulations limit CFS-framed buildings to six stories. By subjecting a taller structure to simulated earthquake conditions, researchers aim to provide empirical data that could support revising these height restrictions, according to the CFS-NHERI: 10-Story Building Capstone Test Program website.

  • Seismic testing started on June 18, 2025, followed by tests on June 20, June 23 (CFS10 industry/media day) and June 25 — and fire testing is expected to begin in July, according to correspondence received by BuildSteel™
  • Access the live cameras here, including the project testing livestreams

Don Allen, executive director of SFIA, discusses the strength and environmental benefits of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing with KPBS sci-tech reporter Thomas Fudge.

CFS Construction

The test building incorporates a blend of construction methods: the first level is stick-framed on-site, while upper floors utilize prefabricated panels and modular units. This hybrid approach allows for a comprehensive evaluation of different construction techniques under seismic stress. Cold-formed steel, known for its strength and recyclability, serves as the primary material, offering a sustainable and light weight alternative to traditional building materials.

Part of the 10-story building is made from modular cold-formed steel framed units. Here the last unit is installed on top of the building. Photo: David Baillot/UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering

Part of the 10-story building is made from modular cold-formed steel (CFS) framed units. Here the last unit is installed on top of the building. Photo: David Baillot/UC San Diego

UC San Diego’s shake table, enhanced with a $17 million upgrade from the National Science Foundation, can simulate multidirectional earthquake motions, including vertical and horizontal shifts. This capability enables researchers to replicate real-world seismic events, such as the 1994 Northridge and 1989 Loma Prieta earthquakes, providing a rigorous testing environment for the structure.

Dr. Ben Schafer of Johns Hopkins outlines the leanings to come CFS10.

The CFS10 project is a collaborative endeavor involving UC San Diego, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and various industry partners, including the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA). Supported by the NSF and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the initiative aims to advance modular mid-rise construction, addressing the pressing need for affordable and resilient housing solutions in seismic zones.

Findings May Update Building Codes

Should the tests demonstrate that taller CFS structures can withstand significant seismic activity, the findings could lead to updated building codes, promoting the use of sustainable materials in high-rise construction. This advancement holds promise for enhancing urban resilience and addressing housing shortages in earthquake-prone regions.

As the construction industry seeks innovative solutions to meet the challenges of urbanization and climate change, the outcomes of UC San Diego’s CFS10 project may serve as a catalyst for adopting new building practices that prioritize safety, sustainability, and affordability.

For more information on the CFS10 project, see the article, “10-story Steel-framed Building to be Put to the Test on UC San Diego Earthquake Simulator,” available at UC San Diego Today.

 

This spring or summer, fire and seismic testing will be conducted at the NHERI Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table facility at UC San Diego.

CFS10 photo: David Baillot/UC San Diego

Support CFS10 Deconstruction and Materials Reuse

Later in the year, the final phase of the CFS10 project involves the careful deconstruction, recycling, and reuse of more than 330,000 pounds of cold-formed steel (CFS), hot-rolled steel, and finish materials. Learn how you can help:

 

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