Larry Williams, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), caught up with Robert Johnson, business development manager at FRAMECAD, for an interview on the industry podcast, “Build It Better.” FRAMECAD America Inc. is an SFIA member.
In the podcast, Williams discussed the future of steel framing construction and the role technology will play in the residential and commercial framing markets. As the industry evolves, steel framing will continue to capitalize on a push towards automation and prefabricated construction, Williams said.
Technologies Create Opportunities for Steel
Construction has evolved over the past decade, Williams said. Widespread labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and extreme weather events have created an unprecedented number of challenges for the construction industry.
Despite these difficult developments, the resourceful construction industry has found ways to implement creative solutions to address these challenges, Williams said. One trending solution involves the greater use of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing on construction projects.
“We are at the nexus of many factors that are driving change in the construction industry,” said Williams. “These changes have created opportunities for steel framing.”
Construction technologies have advanced, Williams said, contributing to the widespread use of prefabricated construction methods and the use of robotics in such prefabrication processes.
“I can’t imagine a better material for the implementation of prefabricated construction using robotics than steel framing,” said Williams.
Steel framing leads the way as the preferred framing material for prefabricated structures for multiple reasons. CFS is:
- A pre-engineered material that can be cut to exact lengths
- Dimensionally stable and does not expand or contract with changes in moisture content
- Lightweight compared to wood and concrete
- Resilient and will not warp, split, crack or creep when exposed to the elements
- Sustainable and 100% recyclable
- Durable and has a high tensile strength
- Non-combustible and is a safeguard against fire accidents
Fewer People ‘Swinging Hammers’
In the podcast, Williams discussed the future of the construction market. He believes technology will change the way homes and buildings are constructed, which includes expanding use of automation for framing structures with steel.
“In the next 10 to 15 years, we are going to have better products and better buildings, using robotics and automated systems,” said Williams.
As the industry evolves, Williams feels the skill set required for workers in the construction industry will also change.
“It is not going to be [only about] people swinging hammers,” said Williams. “The construction industry will need programmers and people who understand pneumatics as a means to fasten materials together.”
“I’m really optimistic about what the industry is heading,” said Williams.
About Build It Better Podcast
In June 2023, FRAMECAD, a member of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), launched a new media initiative called the “Build It Better” podcast.
Build It Better covers the most up-to-date advances in prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing, while also introducing listeners to the technology, equipment and software that FRAMECAD delivers. Robert Johnson, business development manager at FRAMECAD and a professional with over 40 years of construction experience, is the podcast’s host.
Steel Framing Industry Association
The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) provides its members with exclusive access to technical cold-formed steel (CFS) framing services, including the SFIA Steel Framing Learning Portal. SFIA member services include access to market data, market analysis, technical design guides, architectural services, environmental product declarations, CFS certification and more.
Additional Resources
- FRAMECAD Launches ‘Build It Better’ Podcast with Host Robert Johnson
- Builders Embrace Steel Framing for Offsite Construction
- SFIA’s Williams Sees Robots Being a Staple in Future Steel Framing