The construction industry continues to change with the demand to erect buildings faster, safer and at a lower cost. But some change is being driven by the 2018 International Building Code, which references new standards for steel framing.
Since use of the 2018 IBC is widespread, contractors need to ensure that specifications on their projects match any IBC-referenced standards.
“As the data requirements on construction projects become more complex, it’s crucial that everyone in the value chain operates with the same set of project requirements,” says Larry Williams, executive director, Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA). “Specifications that are clear, accurate, and detailed will go a long way toward cutting time spent on requests for clarification, fewer change orders, and help avoid cost overruns.”
Shift to AISI Standards
The most significant change in the 2018 IBC is the shift in reference from American Society for Testing and Materials to the American Iron and Steel Institute standards.
“The industry is transitioning away from ASTM and moving towards AISI,” said Robert Grupe, director of technical services at the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, during the SFIA webinar entitled, “Cold-Formed Steel Framing in Mid-Rise Construction.”
“What is important for architects and specifiers to understand is that to be compliant with later versions of the IBC, you will have to make sure you include AISI language.”
Williams says many architectural specifications are out of date and contain inaccuracies that can add up to big direct and indirect costs. This is especially true for cold-formed steel (CFS) framing specifications.
Timeline of IBC Changes
The IBC has gradually transitioned away from ASTM over the past decade:
- 2009-2012: IBC references ASTM C645 for non-structural steel framing and ASTM C955 for structural framing.
- 2015: IBC references AISI S220 and S200 in conjunction with ASTM C645 and ASTM C955.
- 2018: IBC references AISI S220 and S200 exclusively.
“This can be problematic if designing around ASTM standards,“ says Grupe. “Specifically, if you get out to a job site, and the authority that has jurisdiction requires code compliance with the AISI standards.”
With the change from IBC referencing ASTM to referencing AISI, subtle differences in the specifications could impact your project’s:
- Quality Assurance program
- Manufacturers/Framing products selected
SFIA Code Compliant Solutions
“What is SFIA doing to address these issues?” Grupe asked during the webinar.
SFIA has several programs that assure building professionals are code compliant with their projects:
SFIA Manufacturer Quality Assurance Programs
The SFIA has two QA product certifications available for CFS manufacturers:
- The SFIA Code Compliance Certification Program for Cold-Formed Steel Stud and Track requires the manufacturer to have a documented QA program that defines the controls and procedures used during manufacturing. The program is administered by Intertek, an independent third-party verifier.
- The SFIA Connector Manufacturing Compliance Certification Program certifies the coating weights and mechanical property requirements of manufactured connectors. The program is also administered by Intertek.
SFIA has also produced two guide specifications available for free download. The guides include the current language to assure the IBC compliance and quality assurance of SFIA-member products.
Intertek ensures the program’s integrity by making unannounced visits to member plants to audit procedures and test samples.
SFIA Certified Contractor program
SFIA created a certification program to distinguish contractors which demonstrate proficiency in CFS framing.
- Certified SFIA contractors receive recognition for continuous improvement, education and training, and quality control systems.
- Certified SFIA contractors are independently verified via a written test and rigorous observation of CFS installation techniques.
“If you go that route, it will assure you that the contractors have the experience and expertise required to put a quality installation together for you,” says Grupe.
SFIA Specifications Review Service
The free SFIA specifications review service provides architects with a checkup of their written specifications. The complimentary program is provided by construction industry veterans, including Grupe, who have decades of experience working with CFS framing specifications.
Although change can be difficult, the SFIA programs were created to help the building community adapt to the ever-changing building codes. By utilizing these resources, the changes in the IBC specification can be much more manageable for architects, engineers, and other design professionals to incorporate into future building projects.