LIGHT GAUGE STEEL SYSTEM

Steel is widely used in the construction of multi-storey buildings. However, steel construction is seldom
used and is traditionally considered uneconomical for landed properties. Over the years, various improved
systems have been developed for use in landed properties. Light gauge steel frame is one such system
developed through a cold-formed process without the use of heat. This process enables steel
manufacturers to produce light-weight but high tensile steel sheets. The sheet surface is coated with a zinc
alloy that completely covers the steel surface and seals it from the corrosive action of its environment.
These steel coils are then used to produce C-shaped steel sections which are then used in walls, joists,
trusses and other building components. LGS Buildings are more solid, rigid, stronger, durable and easier
to build. As such, the light gauge steel frame system is an attractive alternative for use in landed
properties. This is particularly in view of concerns on the depletion of timber resources and low
productivities associated with reinforced concrete construction.

WHY USE LIGHT GAUGE STEEL FRAMING SYSTEM

Build ability: The use of pre-fabricated and preassembled steel components reduces site works,
reduces material waste and improves quality.

Speed: This system requires a shorter construction period compared to that for a conventional system.

Strong but Lightweight: Steel has one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of any construction
material. This result in savings in the foundation required and the lightness also makes for easier on-site
handling.

Safety: Steel’s inherent strength and noncombustible qualities enable light steel frame structures to resist
such devastating events as fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Buildings can be designed to meet the
highest seismic and wind load specifications in any part of the country.

Quality: A better quality finished house that is durable and low in maintenance.

Easy to Remodel: Remodeling can be easily accomplished. Non-load bearing walls can be readily
relocated, removed or altered.

Design Flexibility: Because of its strength, steel can span longer lengths, offering larger open spaces and
increased design flexibility without requiring intermediate columns or load bearing walls.

Recyclable: All steel products are recyclable.

STEEL FRAMING LANGUAGE

C-section: Used for structural framing members such as studs, joists, beams, girders, and rafters.
The name comes from the member’s “C’ shaped cross-sectional configuration consisting of a web, flange
and lip. C-section web depth and flange width measurements use outside dimensions.

Flange: The part of a C-section or track that is perpendicular to the web.

Web: The part of a C-section or track that connects the two flanges.

Lip: The part of a C-section that extends from the flange at the open end. The lip increases the strength
characteristics of the member and acts as a stiffener to the flange.

Stud: Vertical structural element of a wall assembly that supports vertical loads and/or transfers lateral
loads.

Bottom Plate: A plate that contains the bottom end of a wall stud. The bottom plate has a web and
flanges, but no lips.

Top Plate: A plate used to carry truss loads from the roof to the studs, where the studs are not
located directly under the truss load points. The top plate has a web and flanges but no lips.
Track: Used for applications such as top and bottom plate for walls and band joists for flooring systems.
The track has a web and flanges, but no lips. Track web depth measurements are taken to the inside of the
flanges.

Clip Angle (L Cleat):

An L-shaped short piece of metal (normally with a 90 degree bend) typically used for connections.

Cold-forming: A process where light-gauge steel members are manufactured without the use of
heat.

Flat Strap: Sheet steel cut to a specified width without any bends, typically used for bracing and other
flat applications.

Floor Joist: A horizontal structural framing member that supports floor loads.

Header: A horizontal built-up structural framing member used over wall or roof openings to carry loads
across the opening.

In-Line Framing: Frame systems where all vertical and horizontal load carrying members are aligned

Jack Stud: A vertical structural member that does not span the full height of the wall and supports
vertical loads and/or transfers lateral loads. Jack studs are used to support headers.

King Stud: A vertical structural member that spans the full height of the wall and supports vertical loads
and lateral loads. Usually located at both ends of a header adjacent to the jack studs to resist lateral loads.

Load Bearing Wall: A wall that carries vertical loads from above or lateral loads resulting from wind.
These loads may act separately or in combination. Both internal and external walls may be load bearing.

Material Thickness: The base metal thickness excluding any protective coatings. Thickness is expressed
in mils (traditionally expressed in gauge).

Multiple Span: The span made by a continuous member having intermediate supports.

Non-Load Bearing Wall: Walls which do not support any loads.

Punch-out: A hole in the web of a steel framing member allowing for the installation of plumbing,
electrical, and other trade installation.

Shear wall: A wall assembly capable of resisting lateral forces to prevent racking from wind or seismic
loads acting parallel to the plane of the wall.

Single Span: The span made by one continuous structural member without any intermediate supports.

Span: The clear horizontal distance between bearing supports.

Structural Sheathing: The covering (e.g. steel sheets) used directly over structural members (e.g. studs
or joists) to distribute loads, brace walls, and strengthen the assembly.
STEEL WALL FRAMING - Erection

The fundamental principal of restraining a structure is the transfer of load from structure to foundation.
For example when an uplift load acts on the roof truss, there must be a mechanism of transferring the load
through the structural elements to the hold-down connection and ultimately to the foundation. Specific
fasteners and straps are provided to facilitate the transfer of load from the structure.

The general procedure is as follows:

1) The wall layout is marked on the floor using straight lines.

2) Square-ness is checked by accurately measuring diagonals in large areas of the building first, then
individual rooms.
3) Internal wall frames are stacked inside the boundaries and external walls around the foundations,
with the first frame on top.
4) External frames are placed around the perimeter with their bottom plates adjacent to their final
positions.
5) Starting at any convenient external corner stand and plumb a wall frame panel in its exact
position.
6) Stand and plumb the adjoining frame to make a self-supporting corner.
7) Clamp the frames together and check again that both frames are in their exact locations and
standing vertical.
8) Connect the frames using the manufacturers recommended method - generally nails, screws or
rivets.
9) Proceed with the erection of the frames around the building, standing internal and external frames
as they occur.
10) Provide adequate temporary bracing during wall frame erection. The line of top plates in a run of
walling should be checked with a string.

Detailed Procedure

1. Mark out the foundation/slab indicating the position of each wall frame.

2. Erection order remains as described. First of all the wall frames will be assembled, then begin
with standing wall frames, usually starting with rearward corner first. Take note of any oversize
wall frames that are need to be positioned prior to other wall frames which may cause hinderness
later on.

3. Wall fixing and screw arrangement, when fixing one wall to another, apply 2 x 10-16 hex screws
at top, middle and bottom of the frame as per Wall to Wall Connection Detail. Screws should be
positioned each side of the stud section to provide as much lateral fixing as possible. Do not
screw through the centre of the section as this will allow the end plate (stud) to flex. For inline
connections use U-studs to connect top and bottom rails of walls.

4. Bottom plate fixing (non structural), When the wall is confirmed as being in the correct location,
temporarily fix it in position using a powder fired, hardened nail (Ramset, Hilti etc).

5. Continue on, placing and fixing all the remaining walls for this level.

6. Plumb walls, when the final wall has been placed and fixed, all walls must be plumbed for
vertical accuracy and top plate alignment. Use a spirit level (minimum length 1000mm) to plumb
 the walls. When the wall is true, brace it using a length of random stud. For exterior walls, drive
a stake into the ground then fix a brace between the stake and the top plate/top of stud using 2x
hex head 10-16 tek screws. Internal walls can be braced to an opposing wall.

7. Top plate alignment, run a string line to check the top plate is straight. This is especially
important with long unsupported walls or walls made of two or more sections. If a top plate
needs alignment, fix an additional brace. At this point, we will fix the trusses (or joists in multi
level structures). Bottom plate fixing and any additional strapping will be fixed after the trusses
are fitted and fixed – when the structure is essentially complete.

8. Bottom plate restraint, special Hold down need to be installed with brackets at each end of
braced panel, at start and end of each wall panel, at ends of openings elsewhere mentioned in
Hold-down or bracing plan .The plate will be fitted inside the “C” section bottom plate and up
against the flat side of the corresponding stud. Using an impact type masonry drill, drill a hole of
required diameter through the bottom plate and into the slab. Fit anchor bolt through the bottom
plate restraint to the slab as per anchor details. Tighten the nut using an impact wrench or a
socket wrench.

9. X-bracing is another way to obtain shear strength when structural sheathing is not used. X-
braces are diagonal steel straps attached to the walls with screws. The following must be taken
note when using X-bracing:
o An engineer must design X-bracing
o Installation of the straps should be inspected to ensure the correct number of fasteners is
used.

It is recommended to either cut and tack the strap to the wall during panel erection or install the strap after
the wall is in place. X-bracing can be installed after the walls have been raised, plumbed, aligned and
attached to the foundation or floor deck.

ROOF FRAMING

 The roof frame can be screwed directly onto the wall frame after assemblage. Truss spacing can
be at 600mm centers for sheeted roof. The manufacturer's instructions on type, placement and
number of fixings should be followed at all times.
 Trusses are connected to wall studs by special cleats that connect the webbed member of truss at
support with stud beneath.
 No. of screws as per erection drawings should be followed.
 After having erected trusses, the next step is to place the purlins on trusses. Purlins are connected
to trusses with cleats and screws.
 Place Glass-wool on top of purlins and finally place decking sheet as per layout plan. Provide
screws with washer as per drawings. It is highly important to ensure water tightness while
applying decking screws with washers.

Note: Refer Appendix B for Special Erection Checks for Site Engineer
ACCESSORIES CHECK

Before starting the cladding process, all connection cleats with required screws and hold-downs should be
put in place. Site Engineer must verify these and then cladding should be initiated.

ENVELOPING LGS WALL SYSTEM

LGS Technology comprises of a system of Load Bearing and Non Load Bearing (Partition) Walls. These
walls in turn constitute of a matrix of C Section Studs held in vertical position and bridged together
horizontally via nogging at 1/3 of wall height. A top and bottom track is provided for ease in placement
and anchoring the entire matrix at the base.

Following table shows the specification of wall system generally used in LGS Structures

Wall Type Section Nogging Stud

(mm) Spacing
(mm)
External 150 S41 (0.95-1.15) 1220, 2420 400
Internal Load Bearing 89 S41 (0.95-1.15) 1220, 2420 400
Partition Walls 89 S41 0.75 1220, 2420 400

Wall Systems

LGS includes two wall systems namely Dry Wall System and Infill Wall System.

Dry Wall System: Either Cladding is applied on wall directly or insulation like Glass wool/ Rock wool is
applied prior to cladding.

Infill Wall System: Infilling the wall with some material (most Lightweight Concrete) after cladding.

Methodology

Step by step methodology for enveloping LGS Walls has been presented below followed by a detailed
description of all steps.

 Application of Cement Fiber Boards (Cladding) upon completion of plumbing works. For Dry
Wall System, Glass wool/ Rock Wool are screwed prior to cladding.
 Infill with EPS Foam Lightweight Concrete (for infill system)
 Jointing Works
 Paint and Finishing Works

Cladding

Cement Fiber Board is used to envelope/ cover the prefabricated walls after erection as per plan. Shera
Cladding Sheets (Wall Boards) are generally used. The Standard Size of sheet is 4’ x 8’ and Specification
of Shera Cladding is shown in appendix A.
Cladding Begins after Erection and Plumbing Works

While cladding, the location of studs and nogs is marked with the help of pencil. This helps the fabricator
to screw the sheets to studs and also provides guidance to decide the location of cavities that would be
later used for infilling.

Sheet Cutting and Marking Prior to Infill

After having screwed cladding to the whole wall, rectangular cavities are made at following heights

1. 4” below First Nog

2. 4” below Second Nog
3. 4” below Top Rail

Basically this helps the wall to be filled in three steps. It is worth mentioning here that nogging height is
kept keeping in view the size of sheet. Since the size of sheet is 4’ X 8’ it is imperative to provide nogs
after every 4ft at least. Nogs decide the orientation of cladding sheet. Normally cladding is applied in a
way that 8’ span is along the length while 4’ is along the height of the wall resulting joints on nogs by
default. However, this arrangement is not possible all the time. In such situations joints are provided on
studs.

Note: There is no formal pattern for cladding LGS. The general idea is to ensure every joint backed by
either nog or stud and optimize use of sheets with minimum wastage.

Typical Screw Detail for Cladding

At every joint, the sheets being joined are recessed along edges. The depth of recess is approximately
1mm while width is 1”-2”.Objective is to accommodate depth of jointing material to have smooth linear
finishing with no encroachments at joints.

Emboss screw head 1 mm into the sheraboard

recess edge help to make smooth flush jointing

Sompun Leelapunyaporn | Product Manager – SHERA infillwall | The Thai Olympic Fibre-Cement co.,ltd. | 2426/3 Mahaphant
Building,Chareonkrung Rd, Bangkorlheam, Bangkok 10120. Thailand. | T.+66 2 289 9888 | F. +66 2 289 9800 | M.+66 89 171 9449 |
sompun_l@mahaphant.com | www.SHERAinfillwall.com

Cladding Recessing and Screws

Infill with Lightweight Concrete (For Infill Wall System)

EPS Foam Lightweight Concrete is used as infill in walls. It is a special form of concrete which replaces
conventional aggregate with Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Foam. The method which is employed to
prepare LWC involves separate preparation of Foam and cement sand slurry which are eventually mixed
together. The target density of the mix is around 600- 800 kg/m3. Mix Design for LWC has been
developed by hit and trial method. Since its non structural concrete, it is not the strength but density is the
governing factor.

Jointing

Jointing of Cladding sheets is a vital step, proper jointing is necessary to prevent cracks at joints. 15 Days
after completion of infill or immediately after cladding (for dry wall system) jointing works can be
initiated. Following are the steps involved in jointing:

Application of Primer: Joints are wetted with primer before applying jointing material. The purpose of
primer is to develop bond between cladding sheet and jointing material.

First Layer of Jointing Material: Jointing Material comprises of two parts, Cement Bonding Agent and
Acrylic Compound. These two are mixed to form a paste which is then applied on joint. Width of this
coat is approximately 10cm.
Fiberglass Mesh Tape: Immediately after applying the first layer of jointing material, Fiberglass mesh
tape is applied. This tape has perforations, tape is submerged in paste and paste escapes out through
perforations. Excess paste is scrapped off.

Plastering with Compound (Second Layer): Another layer approximately 20cm wide is applied after 2-
3 hours.

Plastering with Compound (Third Layer): Final layer approximately 30cm wide is applied after 2-3
hours.

Note: The above mentioned technique is just one option. Site and procurement team may apply any
other jointing technique with other materials as long it satisfies the objective of disrupting crack
propagation and water tightness.

Finishing and Paint

After finishing joints, walls can be painted as per Architecture.

Sompun Leelapunyaporn | Product Manager – SHERA infillwall | The Thai Olympic Fibre-Cement co.,ltd. | 2426/3 Mahaphant
Building,Chareonkrung Rd, Bangkorlheam, Bangkok 10120. Thailand. | T.+66 2 289 9888 | F. +66 2 289 9800 | M.+66 89 171 9449 |
sompun_l@mahaphant.com | www.SHERAinfillwall.com

Finished Walls
HOT ROLL STEEL

Structural steel fabrication can be carried out in shop or at the construction site. Fabrication of steelwork
carried out in shops is precise and of assured quality, whereas field fabrication is comparatively of
inferior in quality. The skill of personnel at site also tends to be inferior and hence the quality of finished
product tends to be relatively inferior. However, shop fabrication is efficient in terms of cost, time and
quality. Therefore, shop fabrication is recommended for structural hot roll steel.

Erection

Erection of steel structures is the process by which the fabricated structural members are assembled
together to form the skeletal structure. The erection is normally carried out by the erection contractor.
Generally the steps that are involved in the erection of steel structures are shown below.

1. Receiving material from the shop and temporarily stacking them, if necessary.
2. Lifting and placing the member and temporarily holding in place.
3. Temporarily bracing the system to ensure stability during erection.
4. Aligning and permanently connecting the members by bolting or welding.
5. Connecting cladding to the steel structural skeleton.
6. Application of a final coat of painting

The erection process requires considerable planning in terms of material delivery, material handling,
member assembly and member connection. Proper planning of material delivery would minimize storage
requirement and additional handling from the site storage, particularly heavy items. Erection of structural
steel work could be made safe and accurate if temporary support, false work, staging etc. are erected.
Before erection the fabricated materials should be verified at site with respect to mark numbers, key plan
and shipping list. The structural components received for erection should be stacked in such a way that
erection sequence is not affected due to improper storing. Care also should be taken so that steel structural
components should not come in contact with earth or accumulated water. Stacking of the structures
should be done in such a way that, erection marks and mark numbers on the components are visible easily
and handling do not become difficult.

Detailed Procedure:

1. Prepare a site layout plan for all columns.

2. Anchorage is the first step to be kept in mind. There are two ways of anchoring; site in-charge
can select any depending on feasibility in execution.
Method 1: Anchor Rods inserted in Pedestals before pouring
Before concrete is poured and after steel works have completed, anchor rods can be inserted and
held in place by support means. Base Plate can be inserted on top of anchor rods and then
concreting is done.

Method 2: Anchor Rods inserted after completion of foundation

After foundation has finished, marking of base plate along-with anchor bolts is done on
foundation. This should be done with great care and accuracy. Core cutting depending on size of
anchor is done. Anchor rods are inserted. Chemical grouting is done and base plate is placed on
top of anchors.

3. After having laid the base plates in place, erection of columns can be started. With the help of
crane, columns are lifted and held in correct place/position and weld with base plate.
4. Following columns, beams are bolted or welded (as per design) with columns at required
positions and at mentioned orientations.
Note: Holes for anchor bolts are pre-punched with standard tolerance during fabrication.
5. Addition accessories like stiffeners are erected in place and connected as per drawings.
6. Apply finishes as per architecture.
APPENDIX A

SHERA Cladding Properties & Testing

Appendix B

Instructions for Site Engineer

1. Strap Bracing is the Lateral Force Resisting System for Light Gauge Steel Structures. No
compromise should be made in its execution.

2. Lengths, Sizes and Location of Strap Bracing should be as per Wall Elevations.

3. No Strap Bracing should be skipped in Erection.

4. Termination of straps on Jamb Studs (Back to Back or Boxed) should be ensured as per wall
elevations.

5. Anchor Bolt Plan should be followed strictly with provision of Hold-downs on Jamb Studs and
wall segment ends, on panel terminals and opening jack studs and finally at mentioned spacing.

6. Placement of Joists/Trusses on walls should be such that they are placed exactly on wall studs to
avoid bending/deflection in top rail of walls.

7. Site Engineer must ensure that Trusses parallel to all Non Load Bearing Walls having Strap
Bracing are placed right above these, connection of these parallel trusses with walls should also
be ensured via cleats.

8. Site Engineer must verify the no of screws for all joists, trusses and headers.

9. A check should be made to verify the provision of vertical web member at each joist/truss
support.

10. Purlins on Trusses should be placed exactly on vertical web members of trusses.

11. Accessories in LGS System tie up the whole system. Site Engineer should verify all accessories
are in place. Typical Details explain the placement of accessories at their relevant locations.

12. A Schedule of Screw is provided at the end of Erection Drawings. Type and number of screws to
be used in all cleats and connections should be followed from it.