LSiescttinogr sFocus: Light Gauge Steel
Offsite manufacturing
in the frame
In this article, NSC focuses on lightweight cold formed steel products, a vital component for
many steel construction projects.
10 NSC
Feb 20
Designers and specifiers have
long recognised the benefits
that structural steel offers the
construction sector, noting
that steel framing is the original offsite
framing material. The drive for established
offsite construction solutions has been
bolstered further by government and the
Construction Leadership Council who
have earmarked offsite manufacturing and
modular construction as a route to increase
construction productivity and reduce costs.
Lightweight cold formed steel products
play a key role in helping to deliver offsite
and modular construction solutions.
Whether it is purlins, side rails or steel
framing system (SFS) walls and joists
supporting cladding and facade solutions,
light gauge steel products are utilised across
multiple building sectors and light gauge
framing producers are geared up to supply
large quantities of repetitious products.
These steel products are also known
to offer a range of construction-related
benefits most notably; sustainability, speed
of construction, cost-effectiveness and
safety. Wall specifications are developed
utilising non-combustible sheathing and
insulation products. Cold formed steel
sections are popular due to the products’
unique lightweight characteristic which
makes them easy and safe to handle both
during fabrication and construction.
Light steel framing is an offsite
manufacturing process that uses prefabricated
wall panels and other elements to
produce load-bearing structures. The basic
components are cold formed steel C and
Z sections that are rolled from galvanized
Modern SFS are
cost-effective and can
reduce environmental
impact
/The_case_for_steel#Offsite_fabrication_for_precision_parts
/Modular_construction
/Facades_and_interfaces
/Steel_construction_products
/Sustainability
/Fabrication
/Metallic_coatings#Hot-dip_galvanizing