November 5, 2026 — In this Steel Framing Advancements, Update #13, read about innovations in cold-formed steel (CFS) framing systems for use in data center construction, mass timber projects and buildings that feature combinations of CFS, concrete, masonry and wood.
Steel Framing Supports Data Center Demands
Growing data center demand is creating opportunities for cold-formed steel (CFS) framing manufacturers. These facilities require extensive structural framing, electrical infrastructure and specialized wall assemblies. SFIA member ClarkDietrich supplies the industry with CFS components manufactured at its Warren, Ohio, facility.
ClarkDietrich manufactures several products for data center construction, including:
- BlazeFrame RipTRAK accommodates structural movement at wall joints
- MaxTrak allows deflection within wall assemblies
- Structural steel studs, clips and connectors support framing and connection requirements
These products demonstrate how CFS serves applications beyond conventional interior partitions. Specialty tracks accommodate building movement, while studs and connectors provide framing options for complex facilities. Together, these components highlight the role of CFS in meeting specialized data center construction requirements.
CFS Solves Mass Timber Challenges
Mass timber buildings often require additional framing solutions to accommodate tall walls and fire-rated assemblies. Murdoch University’s Boola Katitjin building in Perth, Australia, demonstrates how cold-formed steel (CFS) meets these challenges. The four-story, 172,000-square-foot academic facility combines an engineered timber structure with CFS framing.
Interior walls reaching 35 feet presented a significant engineering challenge. Without available structural tiebacks, designers used back-to-back CFS studs to create stable, single-span wall assemblies. Reinforcing components increased stiffness and helped prevent stud rotation.
The project also used CFS framing in a two-way fire-rated ceiling assembly. The assembly helped meet the building’s fire-resistance requirements.
These applications demonstrate how CFS complements mass timber by addressing structural and fire-resistance requirements. The combination allows each material to serve a distinct role within a complex building system.
CFS Strengthens Hybrid Framing Design
Hybrid construction combines cold-formed steel (CFS) with wood, mass timber, concrete and masonry to meet different building requirements. Rather than relying on one material for the framing system, designers can use each system where its structural properties offer the greatest benefit.
CFS provides lightweight framing, dimensional consistency and strength. Its applications range from residential buildings to mid-rise commercial projects.
In hybrid systems, CFS offers several advantages:
- Framing versatility: Serves as load-bearing framing, lateral bracing or infill walls
- Noncombustibility: Noncombustible steel framing supports fire-resistance-rated assemblies when properly designed and installed
- Construction efficiency: Prefabricated components and prepunched utility openings can simplify installation and trade coordination
Western Michigan University’s Golden Oaks student housing combines prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing and cross-laminated timber floors in a hybrid design that reduced construction time by 25%.
Combining materials requires careful engineering, particularly where steel connects to wood or concrete. Designers must account for differential movement, thermal bridging and fastening requirements to maintain building performance.
Hybrid construction shows how CFS can complement other materials to meet structural and architectural needs.
Additional Resources
- Update #12: CFS Advances UC Berkeley Project, Curtain Wall Connections and a Hotel in Scotland
- Update #11: U.S. Steel Plans Major Mill Investment, CFS Advances Glamping Pods and Residential Construction
- Update #10: CFS Aids Saudi Gigaprojects, Wisconsin Housing and Australian Modular Housing
- Update #9: MAREK Builds Ismaili Center, ClarkDietrich Receives Certification for Connectors and U.S. Steel Invests in DRI