With increasing demands for
improvements in standards of construction quality, comfort, and performance
in housing, the residential construction market in the United States is
constantly looking for new and improved methods for constructing residential
buildings. Certain components of
cold-formed steel framing can be considered among today’s new and
improved construction methods.
Cold-formed steel framing has been gaining
popularity in certain regions of the country, especially after the introduction
of the Prescriptive Method [1], the
standardization of steel members, and the adoption of steel provisions
in the CABO One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code [2] and the International
Residential Code [3]. Building codes and industry literature, however,
contain provisions and guidance for wood-to-wood and steel-to-steel connections.
Lack of hybrid connection details hinders the efforts of home builders
who are trying to transition from conventional framing materials to hybrid
uses of wood and steel. Integrating wood and steel and developing needed
connection details will further expand the use of steel in the residential
market, thus enabling builders to choose their
preferred material.
The materials set forth herein are for general
information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional
assistance. Application of the information to a specific project or setting
should be reviewed by a qualified individual. The authors believe that
the information contained in this publication substantially represents
industry practice and related scientific and technical information, but
the information is not intended to represent the official position of
any organization or to restrict or exclude any other construction or design
technique.
This report focuses on residential construction;
however, most details can be used in light commercial applications, as
the two markets possess similar characteristics.
Note that references made to other publications
are in brackets [ ] throughout the body of this publication. All references
can be found in Chapter 6.
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