Innovation in Cold-Formed Steel Framing

ASTM C645-14 Standard Specification for Nonstructural Steel Framing Members and ASTM C955-11c Standard Specification for Load-Bearing (Transverse and Axial) Steel Studs, Runners (Tracks), and Bracing or Bridging for Screw Application of Gypsum Panel Products and Metal Plaster Bases define the standard properties of nonstructural and structural framing members. The past quarter century has seen a dramatic increase in the use of nonstructural, ASTM C645-compliant, cold-formed steel framing members for use in interior construction assemblies as well as increased use of structural, ASTM C955-compliant, cold-formed steel framing members for uses in interior and exterior structural assemblies. Along with an increase in the use of these innovative and versatile construction products, significant technology innovations that improved the structural performance, coating durability, quality assurance, and material efficiency of the framing members have also taken place. These two specifications, which govern these members, have undergone dramatic changes that have resulted in more detailed and complete specifications. Performance requirements were added to the standards to complement the prescriptive requirements. Concurrently, industry organizations such as the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) have developed and adopted code compliance certification programs to provide quality assurance to users of their various members' products. This paper reviews the history and evolution of the framing standards and describes the ongoing efforts to adapt these standards to industry innovations. The paper will also explore the current quality assurance practices that evaluate and audit equivalent technology (EQ).