Chapter 12

Light Gauge Steel Frame Construction

Light Gauge Steel Framing

Manufacturing Process
Cold Formed

Light Gauge
Thinness - Gauge of the steel sheet
Light Gauge Steel Framing
Noncombustible equivalent of Light
Wood Framing
External dimension correspond to 2 framing lumber
Used as closely spaced studs, joist, & rafters
Can be sheathed, insulated, MPE rough-in, & finished
Manufactured to ASTM standards
Zinc coating - prevent rust
Shapes
 Shapes

C-Shaped (Cee) Sections Runner Channel Sections

Studs, joists, rafters Top & bottom track
Strength & Stiffness depends on:
Configuration, Depth, & Gauge

Depth Thickness - Gauge

 Shapes / Sizes

Specified / purchased by:

Shape (C stud, track/runner)
Size - depth (3-5/8, 4, 6, )
Gauge (thicker gauges are structural)
Length - 2 foot increments or special order
 20 oc

Punched for:
Wiring
Piping
Bracing
Protective Conduit for Wiring
Metal
Plastic
 ANCHORAGE

METHODS
Self-Taping Screws or
Welding @ high loading
*Quake
*Hurricane

Self-Taping
Screws
 Framing Procedures
Similar to Light Wood Framing except:
Increased bracing/bridging required to:
Prevent twisting / buckling - accomplished by:
Steel straps or steel channels thru punched holes
Vertical loading
Web stiffeners
Steel Framing - Common Uses
Interior Partition Framing

Exterior Framing
Support Brick Veneer
EIFS
GFRC (glass-fiber-reinforced-concrete)
Interior Partition Framing
Brick Veneer Mockup showing Metal Stud Backup Wall
 Channel
Bracing

Metal Studs as Support Structure for Exterior Gypsum Sheathing

Metal Studs used as Support for EIFS
 Exterior Metals

Self-Taping
Screws

Gypsum
Sheathing
Temporary
Bracing

Metal
Headers

Medical Office Building - Brick Veneer

Hotel w/ Exterior Studs to Support EIFS
Metal Studs used at the Grill
Area in a Restaurant
Note: Wood-Metal Combination
 Long
Studs

Metal Studs
available
in Sizes not
Possible in
Framing Lumber

BiLo Center
Steel Framing Advantages
Flexible & Easy to Install
Higher quality / tolerances
Dimensionally stable
Lighter, Stronger
Price Stability
Insect resistant
Non-combustible
Less waste, Recyclable
Steel Framing - Disadvantages
Corrode if exposed to water
Previously - not code approved
Protection of electrical wiring
Isolation of dissimilar materials
Thermal transmission
Installed Cost of Steel vs. Wood
Trades not familiar w/ Steel Framing
 Code Requirements

Steel Framing non-combustible, but

Loses strength if exposed to fire; therefore
Must be Protected:
Common Methods
Gypsum wall board,
Gypsum sheathing, or
Plaster