Steel Frame Experience 2024 was a three-day conference, October 30 to November 1, held in Neuquén, Argentina and organized by Sistema Integral de Construcción Liviana Argentino, a network of steel framing producers that use SFIA member Scottsdale Construction Systems technologies. Targeting business professionals, developers, builders, architects and engineers, the event included sessions covering the latest trends in steel framing.
Don Allen, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), was a featured speaker at the conference. In his presentation, Allen delivered an overview of the North American cold-formed steel (CFS) framing industry, discussing current construction trends, design and building code considerations, showcasing exemplary CFS projects and highlighting the ongoing growth of the steel framing sector.
Download Don Allen’s Slides
Sustainability
Sustainability is a critical concern in today’s construction industry, Allen emphasized. Steel is the world’s most recycled material on the planet. In North America each year, more steel is recycled than paper, aluminum, plastic and glass combined.
- CFS is 100% recyclable, meaning it can be reused without losing its structural properties
- The use of CFS reduces the demand for raw materials and minimizes the environmental footprint of construction projects
- The durability of CFS ensures that buildings have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements
Building Codes
Allen explained that in North American commercial construction, the International Building Codes are referenced, with Chapter 22 specifically addressing steel framing members and standards. He highlighted the primary CFS standards in use:
- S100 – North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members, covers a wide range of CFS products, including steel framing, decks, racks and culverts
- S220 – North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Nonstructural Framing, focuses on the design and installation of nonstructural CFS framing
- S240 – North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing, pertains to the design, manufacture, installation and quality of structural members and connections used in CFS light-frame construction
These standards, available to download from the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI), ensure that cold-formed steel components meet the necessary safety and performance requirements for various building projects. In related news, the S220, S240 and other CFS-related standards are now being managed by the SFIA Standards Committee.
SFIA now manages the S200 standards, the S400 seismic design standard and 12 S900 test standards — all related to steel framing.
Trends and Technology
Allen discussed several key trends and technologies shaping the North American steel framing construction landscape, including:
- Built-Up Floor Trusses: These trusses use the same coil for both web and chord members, connected with rivets or screws to enhance shear strength through additional fasteners. In areas with high shear loads, plates may be added at the ends. Allen highlighted high-demand situations, such as near multistory openings, where multiple trusses are properly tied together. He shared an example from Nigeria, where initial truss issues required retrofitting because interior non-bearing walls were unintentionally carrying some of the loads.
- Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems: The popularity of shop fabrication in the US allows CFS panels to be finished with EIFS, offering a wide range of textures and colors with smooth finishes to enhance building aesthetics. Additionally, features like guardrails can be incorporated for added safety, demonstrating the versatility and functionality of shop-fabricated steel framing in modern construction.
Case Study: Steel Framing Saves 6 Months
Allen highlighted the Poly Canyon Village at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California — the largest CFS load-bearing framing project in California and the most sizable student housing complex ever undertaken by an American university in a single construction project. Situated over 30 acres at the base of the Poly Canyon, the development comprises nine buildings, each featuring four or five-story CFS structures on slab foundations or podiums.
Poly Canyon Village includes 11,000 load-bearing wall panels. Originally planned for a 20-month schedule, the project was successfully completed in 14 months, cutting 6 months from the initial timeline. This accomplishment underscores the efficiency and scalability of CFS framing in large-scale construction projects, showcasing its capability to meet demanding timelines and housing needs effectively.
Pivotal Role of Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing
Allen’s presentation at Steel Frame Experience 2024 highlighted the resilience, sustainability and innovative advancements within the cold-formed steel framing industry. From addressing critical building codes to showcasing landmark projects, Allen emphasized the pivotal role of CFS in modern construction and its potential for continued growth and impact.
Don Allen, Executive Director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA)
Don Allen
Don Allen, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), has over three decades of experience in the cold-formed steel (CFS) industry. Allen previously served as director of technical services at the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry and director of engineering at Super Stud Building Products, where he developed innovative systems and sustainability initiatives. Allen has also held leadership roles with the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI), the Steel Stud Manufacturers Association and the Steel Framing Alliance.
Additional Resources
- SFIA’s Don Allen Reveals the Future of Cold-Formed Steel Framing Standards Development
- Prefabricated Cold-Formed Steel Framing Streamline Mid-Rise Construction Projects
- Steelmaking Innovations Support a Greener Future for Cold-Formed Steel Framing