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Update #9: MAREK Builds Ismaili Center, ClarkDietrich Receives Certification for Connectors and U.S. Steel Invests in DRI

BuildSteel™ monitors the latest advances in cold-formed steel (CFS) construction and steel manufacturing. This update highlights MAREK’s work on the landmark Ismaili Center, ClarkDietrich third-party evaluation report for its series of rigid connectors and U.S. Steel’s investment in America’s first DRI facility.

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MAREK Builds Landmark Ismaili Center With CFS

SFIA member MAREK played a central role in constructing the new Ismaili Center in Houston, Texas. Turning the complex design into a finished building required coordination, prefabrication and precise field execution. General contractor McCarthy Building Companies selected MAREK for its cultural and institutional project experience. Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing played a central role throughout the project’s construction.

MAREK Builds Ismaili Center cold-formed steel

SFIA member MAREK helped construct the new Ismaili Center in Houston using prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing. Image Credit: MAREK

MAREK relied on prefabricated CFS framing to support performance, constructability and demanding architectural requirements. 

  • CFS framing helped crews maintain progress despite shifting schedules and complex detailing 
  • CFS framing supported the exterior enclosure systems 
  • CFS framing helped crews achieve tight alignment tolerances 

Prefabricated CFS systems improved trade coordination and installation efficiency across the multi-story structure.

The Ismaili Center is the first of its kind in the United States and one of seven worldwide. The project demonstrates how experienced teams and CFS framing systems support detailed institutional construction.

Read the full article from MAREK. 

ClarkDietrich Obtains Certification for Connectors

SFIA member ClarkDietrich received a third-party evaluation report for its series of rigid connectors. The report, IAPMO ER-731, confirms the connectors meet specific performance standards and code requirements. The report also permits ClarkDietrich rigid connectors on California state-funded projects requiring third-party testing.

SFIA member ClarkDietrich received third-party certification confirming its rigid connectors meet specific code and performance requirements.

SFIA member ClarkDietrich received third-party certification confirming its rigid connectors meet specific code and performance requirements. Image Credit: ClarkDietrich

The evaluation report confirms that ClarkDietrich’s rigid connectors comply with the following building codes:

  • 2024, 2021, and 2018 International Building Code® (IBC)
  • 2024, 2021, and 2018 International Residential Code® (IRC)
  • 2025 California Building Code (CBC), including Division of State Architect (DSA) and Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)
  • 2025 California Residential Code (CRC)
  • 2023 Florida Building Code—Building
  • 2023 Florida Building Code—Residential

“Third-party verification through IAPMO builds trust and reduces liability for specifiers, architects, engineers and building officials,” says Janine Dallies, category manager for ClarkDietrich. “This evaluation report includes blast design limit states, which is critical for Department of Defense projects and other high-security, high-performance building types.”

Read the full article from ClarkDietrich. 

U.S. Steel Invests $1.9B in America’s First DRI Facility

United States Steel Corporation, an SFIA member, will invest $1.9 billion in a direct reduced iron facility at its Big River Steel Works site in Osceola, Arkansas. The project connects Minnesota mining operations with Arkansas electric arc furnace steel production. The investment supports a vertically integrated steel supply chain from iron ore mining through steel production.

SFIA member United States Steel Corporation will invest $1.9 billion in a new direct reduced iron facility in Arkansas.

SFIA member United States Steel Corporation will invest $1.9 billion in a new direct reduced iron facility in Arkansas. Image Credit: U.S. Steel

The facility will be the first of its type in the United States. The company expects on-site DRI production to strengthen feedstock sourcing and improve production efficiency.

“This investment strengthens our ability to create steel that is truly mined, melted and made in America, from start to finish,” says David Burritt, U.S. Steel president and CEO. “By vertically integrating DRI production directly at Big River Steel Works, we enhance efficiency, secure our competitive advantage and position U.S. Steel for long-term success.”

Read the full article from U.S. Steel.

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