When reviewing a project specification, it’s critical that architects and structural engineers start by checking to see which version of the IBC has been adopted by the jurisdiction where the project is located.* Different versions of the IBC reference different CFS framing standards. The 2018 IBC references AISI standards exclusively.
The transition to AISI standards creates the potential for confusion during bidding and submittal processes if the construction documents call for compliance to one set of standards, but the local building codes reference another set.
Here’s what architects and engineers can do to ensure they have the most current in-house architectural specifications covering steel framing:
1. Download AISI S220 and AISI S240
- AISI S220 North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing – Nonstructural Members, 2015 Edition
- AISI S240 North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing, 2015 Edition
The steel industry is transitioning from ASTM to AISI standards, and the 2018 IBC reflects this change. While ASTM is still referenced widely in the 2018 IBC, it is not referenced relative to CFS framing. The 2018 IBC references AISI S220 for nonstructural CFS framing products and AISI S240 for structural CFS framing products.
The steel industry’s transition to AISI standards is reflected in the 2018 IBC.
Older IBC editions reference ASTM C645 for non-structural CFS framing products, ASTM C955 for structural CFS framing products. The only ASTM reference in IBC 2015 is for a screw penetration test.
- Be sure your in-house specifications reflect AISI S220 and AISI S240, which are referenced by the 2018 IBC
- The 2018 IBC also references AISI S202, AISI S230 and AISI S400, which may apply depending on your project.
- The AISI 2020-Series bundle, the latest set of AISI standards, is also available for download
2. Review your gypsum board and gypsum panel products specifications
Chapter 25 of the 2018 IBC — Gypsum Board, Gypsum Panel Products and Plaster — has seen significant changes.
- The 2018 IBC, Chapter 25, Table 2506.2, states that structural framing must conform with AISI S240. Nonstructural framing must conform to AISI S220
3. Look to AISI for design requirements
AISI includes design requirements for CFS framing, whereas ASTM does not. While not an AISI requirement, the advice of a registered design professional can be helpful.
- Significant problems can result if a building official cites the AISI reference in the 2018 IBC, but the project specification only references ASTM standards for CFS framing
- In the worst-case scenario, the building might need to be re-engineered, or installed material may need to be replaced, or both
4. Note that some AISI standards have been consolidated into AISI S240
- AISI S240 is now a comprehensive standard covering wall systems, floor systems, roof systems, lateral load-resisting systems, truss assemblies, and header assemblies
- The 2018 IBC references AISI S240
- Many states follow older IBCs, which reference multiple AISI standards. The 2015 IBC, for example, references 10 separate AISI standards
Confusion comes when architects and structural engineers reference the earlier standards on a project that complies with the 2018 IBC.
Architects and engineers can use these SFIA Guide Specifications to update their in-house specifications.
5. Download the free SFIA Guide Specifications
SFIA Guide Specifications — 054000 and 092216 of the MasterFormat® — cover structural and nonstructural CFS framing respectively.
- SFIA Guide Specification Section 054000 Cold-Formed Metal Framing
- SFIA Guide Specification Section 092216 Nonstructural Metal Framing
Architects and engineers can use these guides to update their in-house specifications.
Framing contractors can refer to these documents before bidding a project and can alert the architect when there are discrepancies.