The CFS10 — a full-scale, 10-story cold-formed steel (CFS) framed building and the capstone project of the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI) network — will soon undergo seismic and live fire testing. But before those tests take place, the project’s principal investigators are seeking support from members of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) and others in the steel framing industry to help with the next phase: deconstruction, recycling and reuse of the structure’s materials.
Planned for late spring and summer 2025, the upcoming earthquake and fire testing will take place at the NHERI Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table at the University of California, San Diego. The research team is already preparing for the final step — deconstruction and reuse — scheduled for September 2025.
“We seek the community’s support with this crucial phase in the form of deconstruction, recycling, reuse and repurposing of this unique specimen,” says Tara C. Hutchinson, P.E., Ph.D., professor, Jan Talbot Endowed Chair and Powell Laboratory Director at UCSD’s Department of Structural Engineering.
How to Get Involved
With more than 330,000 pounds of CFS, hot-rolled steel and finish materials, this final stage presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate the sustainability and reusability of CFS. For information about participating in the deconstruction, recycling and reuse of the CFS10 test specimen:
- Contact Professor Tara Hutchinson or visit cfs10.ucsd.edu
- SFIA members can also reach out to Don Allen, SFIA executive director
“Our vision is to frame a compelling ‘final story’ regarding the outstanding re-purposing potential of CFS,” says Hutchinson.
Crews with the Raymond Group, an SFIA member, worked on the CFS10 project at the NHERI Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table facility at UC San Diego.
CFS10 is positioned to yield valuable insights that will benefit not only CFS-framed systems, but also all structural systems. It will contribute to advancements in design standards such as ASCE 7, AISI S400 and construction handbooks.
Additional Resources
- Construction Begins on 10-Story CFS-NHERI Building, Seismic and Fire Testing to Follow
- NHERI Tallwood, Built with Steel Studs and Connectors, Was Earthquake Simulator Tested
- Recent Studies Confirm the Durability and Seismic Performance of Cold-Formed Steel Sheathing
- Shaked and Baked But Still Standing