When was the last time you reviewed and updated your Cold Formed (CFS) Steel Specifications and Structural Notes? Odds are, it’s been quite some time. This task is usually not on the top of our priority list, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important.
Why is a Review Important?
As the Cold Formed Steel (CFS) industry continues to develop, manufacturers are creating new, innovative products, and industry organizations are updating their standards. This reality makes it necessary to periodically update your specifications and structural notes.
Product information, recommendations, and equivalents are often incomplete, leaving contractors the freedom of using whatever they like. This could be fine, but it could also be a huge problem if a contractor gets the job and uses non-certified products. The last thing an engineer or architect wants is a poor quality project with their name attached to it.
Not only does this practice ensure you are using the best methods and products currently available, it also reduces your liability and reduces issues on your projects.
What does a Free TSN Specification Review Cover?
Documents Covered:
54000 Section 054000: Cold Formed Metal Framing
92216 Section 092216: Non-Load Bearing Steel Framing
Below are a few examples of components that could be missing within your Structural Notes / Cold Formed Steel (CFS) Specifications, and explanations of why they are important.
These following components guard against poor quality Light Steel Framing studs and connectors finding their way to your project’s job site and compromising your firm’s liability. There have been cases in the past of “manufacturers” who are actually just private individuals rolling studs out of a glorified garage in their back yard. Obviously, the quality of these light steel framing products generally leave something to be desired.
- Ensure all studs come from a single manufacturer that is a member of industry-approved association, and ensure to specify the installation complies with the manufacturers recommendations.
- All structural framing accessories shall be formed from structural quality steel with minimum yield strength of 33 to 50 ksi and have minimum protective coating equal to ASTM A653/A653M G60 galvanized coating.
Since CFS shear wall products and deflection/drift products were developed after many of the other Cold Formed Steel products, specifications often to do not address them adequately, or at all. It is important to include a section that address this. Example:
- When required, deflection connections shall allow for positive attachment to structure and stud web using break-away bushings or step bushings to permit frictionless, vertical movement. Having a valid ICC ES report complying with ICC acceptance criteria AC261
- In load bearing applications, Light gauge shear panels are required to to provide shear resistance for wall framing.
Review Process
We have experts available to review and update all aspects of your Cold Formed Steel specifications and structural notes. This will help ensure your firms’ liability is protected by bringing these documents up-to-date, relative to the latest codes, standards, and products.
After you send us your notes and specs, we will review and edit the documents. All the changes we make will be done with track changes turned on. We find this makes your acceptance and editing process easier.