Using Light Gauge Steel Frames in Construction

Tweet

This added strength and flexibility leads Light Gauge Steel Frames to support increased spans. They can be shaped into custom openings. Moreover, they can support many different types of external facade treatments. This sheer versatility is making the Light Gauge Steel Frames very popular among modern constructors.

One thing to be noted about Light Gauge Steel Frames is they are much more susceptible to corrosion effects than standard wooden frames. For this reason, they have to be provided with zinc, aluminum or combo coatings to make them corrosion-resistant over long periods.

The Light Gauge Steel Frames offer several advantages. Some of them are design flexibility, strength, sustainability, buildability, etc. This makes Light Gauge Steel Frames easier to build and much safer too. Not only that, it is also faster to build. Word to the wise, though - the light steel frame is susceptible to fire, so fire protection coating needs to be provided.

Based on ASTM standard A1003, Light Gauge Steel Frames are manufactured from structural steel sheets. These sheets are formed into C and shapes. This makes the structure strong and able to support heavy loads. It is also called cold formed steel. This is because of the process by which it is manufactured.

Light Gauge Steel Coating

Environmental conditions dictate how thick the corrosion-resistant coating should be.

Shapes of Steel frame Members

Studs, joints and rafters are made with C-shaped webs, which are manufactured with holes at 600mm intervals.

Accessories

Various sheet metal angles, straps, plates, channels, and miscellaneous shapes come together to hold up the whole structure.

Connections

These are connected commonly with self-tapping self-drilling screws. The members can also be welded together if need be.

Thickness of base plate

Minimum thickness of the base sheet metal for Light Gauge Steel Frame elements needs to be maintained strictly accordingly to the following table:

Advantages of Light Gauge Steel Frames

• Design Flexibility

• Speed of Construction

• Structural Safety

• Quality

• Easy remodeling

• Lightweight

• Strength

Light Gauge Steel Frames

using Light Gauge Steel Frames in construction for the following reasons: 

• The steel does not catch fire but the lightness of it makes it vulnerable to fire nonetheless.