By Marco Johnson, editor of BuildSteel.org

When a structural engineer specifies cold-formed steel (CFS) framing, the assumption is straightforward: the material delivered to the jobsite will perform as designed.

Yet that performance depends on far more than the shape of a stud or track section. It begins with steel production, material testing, manufacturing controls, traceability systems and compliance programs that help verify framing members meet industry and code requirements before they ever leave the plant.

A recent visit to the CEMCO manufacturing facility in City of Industry, California, offered a look at how those processes work in practice and why quality assurance remains a critical component of modern cold-formed steel construction. The facility produces framing products for commercial, institutional and residential projects throughout the western United States.

For architects, engineers, building officials and owners, the lesson extends beyond a single manufacturer. It illustrates how certified manufacturing programs help ensure that the framing products installed in a building match the performance expectations established by project specifications and building codes.

Eric Larson, vice president of sales at CEMCO and president of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), stands beside a shipment of SFIA-certified cold-formed steel framing members ready for delivery to a jobsite. Each member can be traced back to the steel coil from which it was manufactured.

The Importance of Material Traceability

Cold-formed steel framing members begin as large steel coils delivered from steel mills.

According to Eric Larson, vice president of sales at CEMCO and president of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), quality starts with purchasing steel that meets required specifications and maintaining documentation throughout the manufacturing process.

At the City of Industry plant, incoming coils are immediately identified and tagged.

“When the full coil comes in, we tag it and identify it immediately,” said Brian Thornton, City of Industry plant operations manager. “From that six-digit coil number, we can trace it from the product to the slit coil to the master coil and back to the mill.”

As coils move through the production process, information is transferred from the original master coil to slit coils and eventually to finished framing members. Each product can be traced back through multiple stages of production to the originating steel mill.

“The steel has got to be purchased through spec, and that’s why every one of these coils gets traced all the way back to that code number on the stud,” Larson said. “All the mill certifications for the mechanical properties can be proven through the steel and then reported to the stud.”

That traceability provides more than recordkeeping. It creates a documented chain of custody that links the finished framing member to its source material and mechanical properties.

For projects requiring extensive documentation, including hospitals and other highly regulated facilities, manufacturers may be asked to provide records demonstrating that framing products satisfy specified material requirements. Traceability systems make that possible.

Steel coils await processing at CEMCO’s City of Industry, California, facility. Manufacturers track each coil throughout production, creating a documented chain of custody from steel mill to finished cold-formed steel framing member.

Testing Beyond Mill Certifications

Material certifications supplied by steel mills represent one level of verification. Many manufacturers also conduct their own testing programs.

At CEMCO, samples are taken from incoming steel lots and tested in a laboratory accredited by the International Accreditation Service to verify properties such as tensile strength, yield strength and elongation. Test results are associated with the same tracking system that follows the steel through manufacturing.

“We take a coupon off these coils and send it to our lab,” Larson said. “All the mechanical properties follow that coil number all the way to the studs.”

The approach reflects a broader industry emphasis on verification rather than assumption.

For design professionals, material properties are not abstract numbers in a specification. They influence structural capacity calculations, connection design, load paths and code compliance. Reliable testing and documentation help ensure those calculations align with the material delivered to the project.

From Coil to Stud

After arriving at the plant, steel coils are slit into narrower widths that correspond to specific framing products. Those slit coils are then fed into roll-forming lines where steel is progressively shaped into studs, tracks, joists and other components.

The City of Industry facility operates multiple slitting lines and six dedicated stud production lines, along with equipment that produces numerous accessory products used in drywall, structural and plaster applications.

Modern roll-forming operations are highly automated, but consistency remains the ultimate objective. Manufacturers increasingly evaluate production systems not only on speed but also on their ability to produce repeatable, dimensionally accurate products that satisfy quality requirements throughout extended production runs.

That consistency becomes especially important in projects that rely on prefabrication, panelization, Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows or tightly coordinated construction schedules.

A coil slitting line converts wide mill-produced steel coils into narrower widths used for cold-formed steel framing products. After passing through rotary cutting dies, the slit steel temporarily accumulates in a deep looping pit before being wound into individual slit coils.

Brian Thornton reviews the tagged slit coils at CEMCO’s City of Industry, California, facility. The tags record information including the original coil lot, coating type, weight and length, helping maintain material traceability throughout the manufacturing process.

Verifying Compliance

Manufacturing quality control does not end when a stud exits a roll former.

The SFIA Stud Code Compliance Certification Program provides an additional layer of oversight. The program verifies that participating manufacturers produce framing members in accordance with applicable code requirements and industry standards.

Under the program, third-party inspectors conduct audits that review manufacturing procedures, quality-control records, testing programs and product compliance. Inspectors also verify dimensions and physical characteristics of framing members.

The certification process gives specifiers, contractors and code officials greater confidence in the products they receive.

According to SFIA, certified products carry markings that allow users to identify the manufacturer and trace products back through the quality-control system. The certification program helps designers, contractors and building officials confirm that framing members comply with applicable building code requirements.

For building owners and developers, that verification can reduce uncertainty and support long-term confidence in building performance.

Why Manufacturing Matters

The importance of manufacturing quality is often overlooked because cold-formed steel framing performs much of its work after walls are enclosed and finishes are installed.

Yet framing members provide the structural framework for countless buildings, including schools, hospitals, multifamily developments, hotels, offices, warehouses and data centers.

As outlined in BuildSteel’s “Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing 101: A Practical Guide for Designers, Builders and Owners,” cold-formed steel offers a combination of strength, dimensional stability, noncombustibility, recyclability and design flexibility that continues to drive adoption across multiple building sectors.

Those benefits, however, depend on consistency. Larson said quality control ultimately comes down to ensuring customers receive products that meet project specifications.

“We’re not going to ship a substandard product,” he said.

A framing member that varies from specified thickness, mechanical properties or dimensions can affect performance, constructability and compliance. Robust quality-control systems help minimize those risks.

Workers handle freshly formed cold-formed steel (CFS) products as they exit one of CEMCO’s roll-forming lines. The manufacturing process transforms the flat steel from slit coils into precisely shaped framing members used in commercial, institutional and residential construction.

Looking Beyond the Product

The manufacturing operation also highlights another reality of modern cold-formed steel production: quality extends beyond the framing member itself.

CEMCO maintains an in-house machine shop that fabricates and repairs tooling, replacement components and production equipment used throughout the facility. The capability allows production lines to return to service quickly when components wear or fail.

While such practices vary among manufacturers, they reflect the broader emphasis many producers place on operational reliability, process control and continuous improvement.

For project teams, these behind-the-scenes investments may never be visible. Their effects, however, appear in product consistency, manufacturing efficiency and dependable project delivery.

Bundles of SFIA-certified cold-formed steel framing members await shipment from CEMCO’s plant. Inkjet markings on each member provide product identification and traceability, allowing engineers, architects and building officials to connect the framing members to the documentation behind them.

A Question Worth Asking

For engineers and architects, specifying cold-formed steel involves more than selecting a framing profile. It also requires understanding how manufacturers produce, test and certify framing members.

As construction projects become increasingly complex, documentation, traceability and quality assurance are growing in importance. Whether the project is a hospital, multifamily development, school or data center, stakeholders want confidence that installed materials meet design requirements.

Cold-formed steel manufacturers participating in certification and compliance programs help provide that assurance.

Of course, it’s important that CFS framing members meet a project’s design requirements. But the next time a project team reviews framing specifications, another question may be worth asking: How is product compliance verified?

The answer begins long before the framing reaches the jobsite. It begins with a steel coil and a quality-control system designed to follow it every step of the way.

Mark “Marco” Johnson is editor of BuildSteel.org and a marketing communications consultant specializing in cold-formed steel (CFS) framing systems. He provides content development, digital marketing, video production and strategic communications services for the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) and the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI). He also writes regularly about CFS design, engineering, construction and industry research.

Additional Resources

• Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing 101: A Practical Guide for Designers, Builders and Owners
• CFS 101 In Practice: Real-World Examples of Project Teams Using Cold-Formed Steel
• Checklist for Architects and Engineers Writing CFS Specifications

The post Inside CEMCO: How SFIA-Certified CFS Framing Is Tested, Tracked and Verified appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

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• CFSEI Releases Updated Tech Note G500-25: Field Guide – Inspection Checklist for Structural CFS Framing
• Tech Note Expands Design Options for Brick Veneer on Steel Framing

 

The Avid Candlewood Suites in Mission, Texas, demonstrates this approach. The project team converted the four-story hotel from wood framing to a complete CFS framing system during the design phase.

“The project highlights how steel framing can transition an existing wood design into a stronger and more efficient steel structure,” says the article, “How to Overcome Wood Framing to CFS Framing Conversion,” by Scottsdale Construction Systems, an SFIA member.

Images provided by Scottsdale Construction Systems.

The four-story Avid Candlewood Suites in Mission, Texas, was converted from wood framing to a complete cold-formed steel (CFS) framing system.

Engineering the Wood-to-Steel Conversion

Converting the Avid Candlewood Suites from wood to CFS required a comprehensive structural review.

“Rather than discarding plans and restarting the process, the team leveraged CFS framing systems and roll forming technology to adapt the original concept into a practical, ready-to-build CFS solution,” says the article.

SFIA member ADTEK Engineers provided delegated engineering services. KSI-CFS fabricated the framing system using roll-forming technology from Scottsdale.

The engineering team evaluated gravity loads, wind loads, diaphragm behavior and lateral force paths. The design followed the 2018 International Building Code. Engineers designed the structure for a 124-mph ultimate wind speed, Exposure C conditions and Risk Category II requirements.

SFIA member ADTEK Engineers delivered delegated engineering services, designing the structure for 124-mph ultimate wind speeds under Exposure C and Risk Category II criteria.

ADTEK Engineers Performs Lateral Analysis

The project team faced a challenge when complete lateral loading information was unavailable during the conversion process. Under AISI S202, the engineer of record must provide loading information to the delegated CFS designer.

“Since wood design often overlooks the full lateral stability, loading for the lateral system was not provided,” says the article.

To keep the project moving, ADTEK Engineers performed an independent lateral analysis and developed an alternative solution.

The team adopted X-braced CFS wall assemblies to support the building’s lateral system. Engineers also designed heavier framing members in select first-floor areas. Those locations carried the highest gravity and overturning loads. This approach optimized performance without overdesigning the entire structure.

The design team also focused on deflection and serviceability. Engineers controlled floor vibration, wall movement and vertical deflection throughout the building. Those measures support guest comfort, protect finishes and improve corridor performance.

Engineers designed heavier framing members in select first-floor areas that carried the highest gravity and overturning loads. This approach optimized performance without overdesigning the entire structure.

Turning Engineering Into Fabrication

Converting a four-story hotel from wood to steel required close coordination between engineering, fabrication and installation. Scottsdale’s software platform helped connect those phases and maintain accuracy throughout the conversion process.

• ScotSteel served as a 3D design platform for drafting, framing layouts, quantity takeoffs and production-ready framing data
• ScotStruct provided structural analysis and design capabilities for walls, bracing, floors and other key elements

Together, the tools helped streamline redesign decisions and move engineering data efficiently into fabrication.

The project demonstrates that a wood-to-steel conversion involves more than replacing one material with another. Engineers must evaluate loads, optimize members, coordinate connections and align fabrication requirements. Effective coordination helps project teams execute complex conversions while maintaining design intent and construction efficiency.

Converting a four-story hotel from wood to steel required close coordination among the engineering, fabrication and installation teams. This collaboration helped maintain design intent and construction efficiency throughout the project.

More Wood-to-Steel Conversions Expected

The project highlights the advantages of offsite manufacturing. Crews fabricated exterior walls, interior walls and floor trusses before delivery to the jobsite. This approach reduced field labor and helped streamline installation.

The Avid Candlewood Suites demonstrates how a wood-to-steel conversion can address structural challenges while maintaining project momentum. The project combined engineering analysis, coordinated fabrication and efficient installation to deliver a practical cold-formed steel framing solution.

As developers seek durable and efficient building systems, wood-to-steel conversions will likely become more common. The Avid Candlewood Suites shows how project teams can successfully transition from wood to cold-formed steel while meeting performance, constructability and schedule goals.

Read the full article from Scottsdale Construction Systems.

Additional Resources

• Scottsdale: Modular Steel Warehouse Showcases Large-Span Cold-Formed Steel Design
• Scottsdale Delivers Innovative Thermal Solutions for Cold-Formed Steel Framing
• Scottsdale Posts Comprehensive Guide to Steel Framing for Modern Construction

The post Scottsdale Case Study: Wood-to-Steel Conversion Advances Hotel Construction Project appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

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LONG BEACH, California — The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute‘s 2026 CFSEI Expo showcased findings from one of the most ambitious cold-formed steel (CFS) research programs ever undertaken. The Cold-Formed Steel—Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (CFS-NHERI) and CFS10 Capstone programs culminated in the design, construction and full-scale seismic testing of a 10-story cold-formed steel building.

Using a shake-table test building, researchers evaluated the seismic performance of the CFS structure beyond current code height limits. The research is expected to inform future design methods, modeling tools and code development, as the test building demonstrated low drift, limited damage and relatively modest estimated repair costs following several earthquake simulations.

The findings were presented during the May 19, 2026, CFSEI Expo keynote session, “Advancing Cold-Formed Steel in Mid-Rise Building Systems in High Seismic Zones: Accomplishments of the CFS-NHERI and CFS10 Capstone Programs,” at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Presenters included Tara Hutchinson, Ph.D., S.E., professor of structural engineering at the University of California, San Diego; Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, professor at Johns Hopkins University; and Lynn Padgett, P.E., of ClarkDietrich Engineering Services, LLC.

The 10-story CFS10 test building at UC San Diego exceeded current code seismic height limits and served as the centerpiece of extensive research. Copyright 2026 Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI). Used with permission.

Generating an Unprecedented Dataset

Conducted at the University of California, San Diego’s outdoor shake-table facility, the project pushed beyond current code limitations and generated an unprecedented dataset on structural behavior, nonstructural performance, functional recovery and fire-following-earthquake resilience.

The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) and numerous member companies, including ClarkDietrich, CEMCO, Grabber Construction Products, KHS&S, MiTek, The Raymond Group and USG, contributed engineering expertise, materials, construction support and other resources to the CFS-NHERI and CFS10 research programs.

For researchers and industry participants alike, the project represented far more than a large-scale experiment. It demonstrated the potential for cold-formed steel to play a larger role in tall structures, particularly in high-seismic regions.

“This moves the window of where you should feel comfortable bidding things,” Schafer said to CFSEI Expo attendees. “Most people thought this was just not possible.”

A Vision for Mid-Rise Seismic Design

The project began with a straightforward but ambitious objective: determine whether cold-formed steel systems could support taller buildings in seismic regions while overcoming longstanding code barriers limiting their construction.

According to Hutchinson, the CFS-NHERI program sought to develop data ranging from individual connections and wall-line assemblies to full building systems.

Tara Hutchinson, Ph.D., professor of structural engineering at the University of California, San Diego, outlines the goals of the CFS-NHERI and CFS10 research programs during the keynote session at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Photo: Marco Johnson

“We wanted to engage industry, develop and support codes, build new archetype designs and enable models,” Hutchinson said.

The effort also sought to address several challenges that have historically constrained taller cold-formed steel structures. This included uncertainty surrounding seismic design factors, height limitations contained in ASCE 7, practical limits on stud capacities, cumulative drift concerns and questions surrounding dry floor diaphragm systems.

The CFS10 project built on earlier experimental programs, including the two-story CFS-NEES building tests and the six-story CFS-HUD building. Those efforts demonstrated the importance of system-level behavior and revealed how finishes and nonstructural elements contribute to overall building performance.

Researchers envisioned taking the next step by assembling and testing a significantly taller CFS-framed structure.

Designing a 10-Story Building

Turning that vision into reality required extensive collaboration between researchers and industry. Initially, Padgett  joined the project as a reviewer of an existing archetype design. But the research team quickly expanded his role.

“They said, ‘Why don’t you just do the whole design?’” Padgett recalled.

Lynn Padgett, P.E., of ClarkDietrich Engineering Services explains the design of the 10-story CFS10 test building during the CFSEI Expo keynote. Photo: Marco Johnson

The design team established several objectives. The CFS10 building would use all steel framing with no wood structural components. It would rely on cold-formed steel joist floors and roof systems. It would eliminate concrete floor toppings and other wet construction methods. The structure also would use contemporary construction approaches such as ledger framing and panelized assemblies.

Researchers intentionally pushed beyond current industry practice. While many CFS buildings 10 stories and taller have been constructed across the country, current building codes limit CFS lateral-force-resisting systems to 65 feet in high-seismic regions.

“We knew we were going to exceed the 65-foot height limit,” said Padgett.

CFS10 Design and Construction

The resulting CFS10 structure incorporated steel-sheet-sheathed shear walls, dry floor diaphragms and a combination of lateral systems. Continuous tie-rod systems were used in one direction, while HSS cord studs and hold-down assemblies were used in the other.

The project also explored multiple construction methods. Half of the building used panelized construction. The other half employed modular construction techniques, allowing researchers to evaluate both approaches within the same test structure.

Padgett described the effort as “state of the art plus plus,” because it intentionally pushed beyond current industry practice. CFS10 reflected a willingness to incorporate emerging concepts and higher-capacity components that extend beyond conventional practice.

Cold-formed steel framing (CFS) and steel-sheet-sheathed shear walls were among the structural systems evaluated in the 10-story CFS10 testing program. Copyright 2026 Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI). Used with permission.

Building Beyond Current Limits

CFS10 is the tallest cold-formed steel building ever intentionally subjected to full-scale seismic testing. The final specimen stood approximately 100 feet tall.

Researchers designed the structure based on archetypes developed for Southern California seismic conditions. Because an entire building could not fit on the 40-foot-by-25-foot shake-table platform, the team selected a representative portion of a building, enough to capture critical structural behavior.

The completed specimen included three primary wall lines in one direction and two wall lines in the other. It incorporated fully finished interiors, mechanical equipment, ceilings, drywall and numerous nonstructural systems.

For Hutchinson, construction alone represented a significant accomplishment.

“We already accomplished something beyond code,” she said, when referring to the high seismic aspect of the test. “This is proof that a lightweight, resilient structural system can be built in cold-formed steel.” 

The building weighed approximately 375,000 pounds. Its included five rooftop mechanical units weighing about 300 pounds each. Researchers also integrated systems intended for future fire-following-earthquake studies and nonstructural performance investigations.

CFS10: A Constructibility Laboratory

The construction of CFS10 itself became a research effort.

Panelized floor systems were installed alongside modular units fabricated on site. Contractors experimented with erection sequences, lifting methods and assembly details while documenting the process. Researchers used drones to monitor construction and collect data on installation procedures.

The project ultimately created a full-scale laboratory for studying both structural performance and constructability.

The CFS10 building used a fully panelized dry floor diaphragm system to transfer seismic forces. Copyright 2026 Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI). Used with permission.

Steel-sheet-sheathed cold-formed steel (CFS) framed shear walls formed the primary vertical seismic-force-resisting system in the 10-story CFS10 building. Copyright 2026 Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI). Used with permission.

More Than 1,000 Sensors

Once construction was complete, the team instrumented CFS10 with one of the most comprehensive monitoring systems ever deployed on a cold-formed steel structure.

They installed more than 1,000 sensors throughout the specimen. Researchers tracked global building response, wall behavior, diaphragm performance, nonstructural systems and rooftop equipment. Installing the instrumentation required nearly 26.2 miles of cabling, enough to stretch the length of a marathon.

The resulting dataset allowed researchers to monitor virtually every aspect of CFS10’s behavior during testing.

18 Earthquake Simulations

Over a month-long testing campaign, the team conducted 18 earthquake simulations. The testing program included 15 service-level earthquake motions, one design-level earthquake and two Maximum Considered Earthquake motions, representing roughly 2,475-year return-period events.

Ground motions included recordings from California earthquakes as well as longer-duration subduction-zone events that researchers said could be representative of seismic hazards beyond California, including the Cascadia region, Hutchinson said.

The maximum-considered-earthquake motions subjected the building to ground accelerations approaching 0.8g. Despite that intensity, peak inter-story drift ratios remained near 1.2%, while peak floor accelerations at the roof exceeded 2g.

What CFS10 Revealed

One of the most significant findings involved the structure’s overall dynamic behavior. Using data collected during testing, researchers identified the building’s natural vibration modes and tracked how those characteristics changed as damage accumulated.

According to Hutchinson, the building’s two primary translational modes occurred at approximately 0.7 and 0.8 seconds, while the torsional mode occurred at roughly 0.5 seconds. The torsional mode drew particular interest because earthquake ground motions often contain significant energy in that range.

Researchers also observed period elongation and changes in damping as the testing program progressed. The first translational mode degraded by roughly 35%, while the second translational and torsional modes degraded by about 20% as damage accumulated.

Lower Than Anticipated Drift

The data also demonstrated the building’s resilience. According to Hutchinson, inter-story drift ratios remained lower than anticipated. Under the design-level earthquake, peak drift remained below approximately 0.5%, while the largest drift ratios observed during testing reached only about 1.2%. 

The researchers documented localized damage to finishes and wall interfaces, including gypsum crushing, separation and cracking, but reported no evidence of major structural distress. Later in the keynote presentation, Schafer noted that the building remained “dead plumb” after two Maximum Considered Earthquake motions.

The testing also revealed differences between the two lateral-force-resisting systems. Hutchinson reported that the HSS cord-stud system produced a stiffer response and lower drift demands, while the tie-rod system exhibited a more uniform drift profile throughout the building height. The researchers continue to study the results.

More than 250 attendees gathered at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California, to hear the conference keynote on CFS10. Photo: Marco Johnson

Functional Recovery and Nonstructural Performance

A major focus of the project involved understanding how buildings perform after earthquakes, not simply whether they remain standing.

Researchers examined ceilings, partitions, mechanical equipment and other nonstructural systems. The work aligns closely with emerging functional-recovery initiatives and future performance-based design provisions.

One finding involved the rooftop mechanical equipment.

Researchers found that measured component accelerations often exceeded values predicted by current code-based amplification procedures. In one rooftop equipment test, researchers observed the detachment of an anchor connection under bidirectional loading demands.

“That’s an unfortunate, but good finding, right? Better to find it in a test than in an earthquake,” Hutchinson said.

Amazingly, damage to CFS10 following seismic testing amounted to just over $133,000 — a relatively small repair bill for a building subjected to Maximum Considered Earthquake motions. Copyright 2026 Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI). Used with permission.

Researchers estimated that repairing damage to a Level 1 tie-rod connection and extending to levels above would cost about $18,000 with a two-person crew. Copyright 2026 Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI). Used with permission.

Only Modest Repair Costs

The team also evaluated repair costs and recovery implications following the Maximum Considered Earthquake motions.

According to Schafer, independent assessors reviewed the building after testing and estimated relatively modest repair costs despite the severity of the simulated earthquakes. The findings suggest that a cold-formed steel building designed and detailed similarly to CFS10 could remain highly functional following a major seismic event.

Schafer said independent assessments estimated less than $150,000 in repairs despite the structure experiencing two Maximum Considered Earthquake motions.

In the aftermath of a major California earthquake, he suggested, buildings with far more severe damage would receive priority attention from owners, insurers and repair contractors than would structures similar to CFS10 in design.

“The short version of it is, basically, after a real earthquake in California, it wouldn’t cost enough that you’d be able to get in the queue to fix this [CFS10] building,” Schafer said. “There would be so many other buildings that have issues.”

CFS10 Broadens the Definition of Resilience

Schafer argued that the results highlight a broader definition of resilience — one focused not only on life safety, but also on post-earthquake usability, repair cost and recovery time.

“When we say this building is resilient, what we mean is that it has low drift, low mass and has very little repair cost for maximum considered earthquakes,” Schafer said.

The findings could influence future discussions surrounding functional recovery, insurance risk, performance-based design and post-earthquake building recovery.

Fire Following Earthquake

The CFS10 project extended beyond seismic testing. Researchers also conducted fire-following-earthquake experiments within selected compartments of the building. The tests involved nearly 90-minute naturally cooled burns designed to examine the behavior of cold-formed steel assemblies after seismic damage.

The experiments generated valuable data on temperatures, floor deflections and structural response under post-earthquake fire conditions.

During some tests, the researchers observed floor deflections approaching 2.5 inches, Hutchinson said. Ongoing analysis will compare these results with conventional fire-testing approaches and improve understanding of compartment behavior, she added.

The fire-following-earthquake experiments provided a rare opportunity to study the behavior of earthquake-damaged cold-formed steel systems under realistic fire conditions, she said.

Ben Schafer said CFS10’s low drift, light weight and modest repair costs demonstrate how resilient cold-formed steel (CFS) buildings can perform. Photo: Marco Johnson

Validated Engineering Models to Come

Perhaps one of the most important outcomes of the program is the validation of numerical modeling tools. 

For years, researchers have worked to develop models capable of accurately predicting the nonlinear behavior of cold-formed steel buildings, Schafer said. The CFS10 specimen provided a rare opportunity to compare predictions with full-scale experimental data.

According to Schafer, the results have been encouraging. Researchers developed both practice-oriented models suitable for engineering applications and highly detailed benchmark models intended for research purposes.

Comparisons between measured and predicted drifts showed strong agreement across service-level, design-level and maximum-considered-earthquake events.

“We’ve got confidence that we’re going to be able to give engineers models that can predict the nonlinear behavior,” Schafer said.

The validated models could support future code-development efforts and provide engineers with more reliable tools for analyzing cold-formed steel structures. This should also reduce the current code burden placed on CFS structures.

CFS10: Looking Ahead

Although the CFS10 testing phase has concluded, Schafer said the work is far from finished. The project has generated many years’ worth of data that researchers will continue to analyze. According to Schafer, the results are already contributing to ASCE 41-related efforts aimed at translating the research into tools engineers can use in practice.

For Schafer, however, the most important outcome may be the shift in perception surrounding cold-formed steel.

CFS Performs Well Under Severe Seismic Loading

The project demonstrated that lightweight, dry-constructed, resilient cold-formed steel systems can perform well under severe seismic loading, while supporting taller building configurations than many engineers previously considered practical in such cases.

The achievement required eight years of effort, extensive industry participation and contributions from researchers, manufacturers, engineers, contractors and students.

“We were able to demonstrate something that most people thought was not possible,” Schafer said.

As researchers continue analyzing the results, the CFS10 program may ultimately be remembered less for the earthquakes it simulated and more for the new possibilities it revealed for cold-formed steel design and construction.

Mark “Marco” Johnson is editor of BuildSteel.org and a marketing communications consultant specializing in cold-formed steel (CFS) framing systems. He provides content development, digital marketing, video production and strategic communications services for the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) and the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI). He also writes regularly about CFS design, engineering, construction and industry research.

Additional Resources

• Research, Resilience and Real-World Solutions Shape the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California
• Benjamin Schafer Receives CFSEI’s 2026 John P. Matsen Award for Distinguished Service
• More Than 250 Engineers Gather in Long Beach for 2026 CFSEI Expo (May 18-20)

The post Advancing Cold-Formed Steel in Mid-Rise Buildings: Lessons from the CFS10 Shake-Table Program appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

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The report, “A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Deck Choice for Large Commercial Roof Systems: Steel vs. Oriented Strand Board (OSB),” evaluates the cradle-to-grave environmental impacts of a conventional all-steel roof system and a hybrid wood-steel roof system.

The report is part of the consortium’s R3 framework, which evaluates building systems through three lenses: reliability, resiliency and renewability.

According to Hannah Blum, Ph.D., Alain H. Peyrot Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the findings show that both roof deck choices are environmentally comparable when uncertainty in the life cycle assessment data is considered.

The R3 Consortium’s first pilot report compares the life cycle impacts of steel and OSB roof deck systems.

“This study reinforces the importance of evaluating entire building systems rather than focusing on a single material component,” said Don Allen, P.E., S.E., LEED AP, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), an R3 Consortium industry sponsor. “The research also highlights the role steel recycling can play in supporting a more circular built environment.”

Environmental Trade-Offs

The report found that neither the all-steel roof system nor the hybrid wood-steel roof system produced a clear environmental advantage across all impact categories.

The hybrid wood-steel system generally showed higher average global warming potential and eutrophication potential. According to Blum, those higher impacts were driven by end-of-life burdens associated with landfilling wood-based materials.

The all-steel roof system showed higher average acidification, smog formation, particulate matter and ecotoxicity impacts. Those impacts were associated with the manufacturing footprint of steel production.

However, researchers found that neither deck material was the primary contributor to overall environmental impacts. Composite roofing materials — specifically the roofing membrane, insulation and gypsum board — accounted for 43% to 94% of total impacts across nearly all categories in both roof designs.

The findings suggest that roof deck selection should be evaluated as part of a complete assembly rather than as an isolated material choice.

“For engineers, the report serves as a reminder that environmental performance is influenced by the interaction of all roof-system components,” said Patrick W. Ford, P.E., S.E., SFIA technical director.

Steel Recycling Benefits

Even so, the study found that the all-steel system showed significant environmental advantages at the end-of-life stage through steel recycling.

The report also noted the circular benefits of Electric Arc Furnace steel production, which relies heavily on secondary scrap feedstock.

Phase 2 Research Underway

The consortium is now advancing the second phase of the research, which will integrate resiliency factors into the use phase of the roof systems.

The research team is modeling more common severe loading scenarios, including wind, snow and thermal loading. The goal is to determine how in-service repairs following severe loading conditions affect the life cycle analysis and how the two roof systems compare.

The full report is available through the open-access MINDS@UW repository.

The post UW-Madison Study Finds Comparable Life Cycle Impacts for Steel and OSB Roof Deck Systems appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

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• SFIA Releases ‘Technical Bulletin: Volume 1, Number 5’ to Guide Manufacturers in Code Compliance Certification
• AWCI Releases Wall and Ceiling Industry Trends Report

 

The RESET initiative is helping homeowners rebuild in Pacific Palisades with pre-approved home designs, offsite construction and cold-formed steel (CFS) framing. Builders Workshop partnered with leading Los Angeles architects to create the initiative. The team developed ready-to-submit home plans that reduce delays and simplify rebuilding.

“A core differentiator of the RESET production model is the shift away from standard wood framing to cold-formed steel (CFS) construction,” says Sara Kitnick, senior content strategist for the Los Angeles Times.

Each home uses CFS framing produced in an offsite micro-factory. The home designs feature non-combustible, Wildland-Urban Interface-compliant construction with fire-rated assemblies, transparent pricing and a fast path to occupancy. Homeowners also receive written commitments from multiple A-rated carriers for builder’s risk and permanent homeowner coverage.

“[Cold-formed steel] is dimensionally stable, does not absorb moisture, and holds the exact shape it was rolled and fastened into regardless of humidity or temperature swings,” says Geoff Hackett, founder of Builders Workshop.

He adds: “The frame that goes up on day one is the same frame, in the same geometry, decades later.”

Read the full article. 

CFS Delivers Acoustic Privacy in Courtrooms

The Clackamas County Circuit Courthouse in Oregon City demonstrates how cold-formed steel (CFS) framing can meet demanding acoustic and security requirements. The six-story, 250,000-square-foot facility includes 14 courtrooms, judges’ chambers, secured circulation areas, holding cells and offices for public agencies.

Acoustic privacy within courtrooms presented one of the project’s greatest challenges. The design required multiple high-performance CFS wall assemblies to achieve strict sound transmission ratings. Even minor installation errors could affect performance. The project team refined wall systems during preconstruction to meet rigorous acoustic criteria while maintaining schedule and cost control.

Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing helped the Clackamas County Circuit Courthouse achieve demanding acoustic and security requirements across its six-story judicial complex.

The project received a 2026 Outstanding Projects of the Year Award from The Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau. Judges evaluated design, workmanship, material use, jobsite innovation and overall project impact.

Read the full article. 

CFS Micro Homes Support Attainable Housing

A new pocket neighborhood in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, highlights how cold-formed steel (CFS) framing supports faster construction and energy efficiency.

The UrbanEco on Grant development includes 12 micro homes, each measuring 600 square feet.

The homes use prefabricated insulated CFS panels instead of wood framing. The system lowers construction costs, reduces material waste and improves energy performance. Crews can assemble a home’s shell in about a day and a half.

 

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“Two guys can lift up a 4-by-8 panel,” says project architect Laszlo Simovic. “It’s very light, and you put them into place, screw them together, and you’re done.’

CFS framing forms the structural frame, while integrated EPS foam provides insulation. The wall assemblies achieve an R-value of 36, exceeding Evanston’s minimum requirement of 30 for exterior walls. The development demonstrates how prefabricated steel systems can deliver efficient construction and high-performance housing.

Read the full article. 

Additional Resources

• Update #21: Cold-Formed Steel Supports Award-Winning Church, Affordable Housing and a Noted Training Center
• Update #20: Cold-Formed Steel Used for Resilient Housing, Scalable Infrastructure and Modular Floor Systems
• Update #19: Cold-Formed Steel Used for Apartment Project, Pickleball Complex and Fire Station
• Update #18: Cold-Formed Steel Accelerates Housing Projects in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Brazil
• Update #17: Cold-Formed Steel Advances Healing Facility, History Center and Middle East ConTech

The post Update #22: Cold-Formed Steel Supports Wildfire Rebuilding, Courthouse Acoustics and Micro Homes appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Update #7: Cold-Formed Steel Framing for Historic Pump Station, Fire Station and Landmark Building
• Data Center Growth Drives Steel Framing Demand, Says SFIA’s Don Allen
• Update #21: Cold-Formed Steel Supports Housing Development, Award-Winning Church and Workforce Training Facility

 

The article “SteelCorp Deliver a Fast-Track World-Class Stadium with LSF Innovation,” from Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) member FRAMECAD, highlights how CFS and industrialized construction methods provided speed without compromising performance.

“This project didn’t just meet the schedule, it redefined what was possible for large-scale sports infrastructure,” says Marcelo Ros Marcelo, FRAMECAD business development manager for Brazil.

Images provided by FRAMECAD.

The Red Bull Bragantino Stadium expansion used cold-formed steel (CFS) framing to meet an aggressive schedule and complex project requirements.

Construction Without Disruption

Brazilian design-build firm SteelCorp used FRAMECAD technology to help deliver the complex stadium expansion. The project added grandstands, press facilities, hospitality spaces and a three-story operations building. The team completed the work while protecting the football field throughout construction.

“The grass could not be touched,” says Chiara Ferro, executive manager of the projects department at SteelCorp. “Construction happened around it while the field itself was being planted.”

FIFA, fire safety and local inspection requirements added pressure to an already aggressive schedule. The facility needed to open fully compliant for the 2025 season.

Engineers used cold-formed steel (CFS) framing to create innovative spectator seating structures for one of Brazil’s most ambitious stadium projects.

CFS Speeds Construction

The project relied on cold-formed steel (CFS) framing and industrialized construction methods from the beginning. Offsite manufacturing allowed crews to prepare structural components during the foundation work.

“[Cold-formed steel framing] allowed us to move much of the work off-site,” says Chiara. “When the foundations were ready, the structures were ready too.”

Engineers developed tiered spectator seating structures using CFS framing. The design marked a first for a stadium of this scale in Brazil. Detailed analysis and testing verified structural performance and safety requirements.

The project demonstrates how cold-formed steel (CFS) framing can deliver complex stadium projects on schedule without compromising performance.

Setting a New Benchmark

Digital coordination connected design, manufacturing and field operations. Autodesk Revit and FRAMECAD software linked design models with production equipment.

The team completed the stadium expansion in eight months. The project met FIFA and local inspection requirements without disrupting the football field. It also established a new benchmark for stadium construction using CFS framing in Brazil.

The completed stadium demonstrates how CFS framing can accelerate construction, support complex designs and meet demanding project requirements.

Read the full article from FRAMECAD. 

Additional Resources

• FRAMECAD: Why Cold-Formed Steel Is Accelerating Data Center Construction
• FRAMECAD Explains Shift from Traditional Design to DfMA with Cold-Formed Steel Framing
• FRAMECAD Posts Beginners Guide to Steel Frame Manufacturing

The post FRAMECAD: Cold-Formed Steel Framing Accelerates Brazilian Soccer Stadium Expansion Project appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Scottsdale Case Study: Wood-to-Steel Conversion Advances Hotel Construction Project
• Scottsdale: Modular Steel Warehouse Showcases Large-Span Cold-Formed Steel Design
• Data Centers Drive Construction Growth, Opportunities for Cold-Formed Steel Framing Business

 

Featured image above: Dr. Wei-Wen Yu, P.E., receives the Award of Appreciation from the American Iron and Steel Institute. Yu’s research, publications and industry leadership helped shape modern cold-formed steel design.

During a career spanning more than six decades, he became one of the most influential figures in the history of cold-formed steel engineering. His research, publications, standards work and mentorship touched virtually every corner of the industry.

Roger A. LaBoube, Ph.D., P.E., professor emeritus at Missouri University of Science and Technology and Yu’s longtime colleague, said Yu shaped not only the field of cold-formed steel engineering but also the careers of countless students and researchers.

“As a Ph.D. student, he made me feel my input was meaningful,” LaBoube said. “We had weekly research meetings in his office. He made us both a cup of tea and we discussed the cold-formed steel research. What a treat — both the tea and the discussion.”

Dr. Wei-Wen Yu, P.E., center, stands with longtime colleague Dr. Roger LaBoube, P.E., of Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Yu’s memorial service and funeral brought together family, friends and leaders from the cold-formed steel industry. Attendees included LaBoube; Don Allen, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA); and Cheng Yu, Ph.D., a professor and researcher at the University of North Texas. Following the services, mourners gathered at the Dr. Wei-Wen and Yueh-Hsin Yu Knowledge Center to celebrate Yu’s life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Wei-Wen Yu Graduate Fellowship at Missouri University of Science and Technology, which supports future generations of engineering students

Cold-Formed Steel Design

Dr. Wei-Wen Yu was born in Shandong, China in 1923. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from National Taiwan University and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Oklahoma State University before completing a doctorate in structural engineering at Cornell University in 1960 under the supervision of Dr. George Winter. He later worked for the American Iron and Steel Institute and TRW Systems before beginning his academic career.

In 1968, Yu joined the faculty of what is now Missouri University of Science and Technology. His career included more than 100 technical publications related to cold-formed steel structures and extensive contributions to research, education and industry standards.

For many engineers, Yu’s name is synonymous with the textbook Cold-Formed Steel Design, co-authored with LaBoube and Helen Chen. First published decades ago and now in its fifth edition, the book remains one of the industry’s most widely used technical references. Generations of engineers learned the fundamentals of CFS design from its pages.

Throughout his career at Missouri S&T, Yu received numerous honors, including becoming the first engineering faculty member named a Curators’ Distinguished Professor. Missouri S&T included Yu among the 150 most influential individuals in its history.

Dr. Wei-Wen Yu published this groundbreaking textbook on cold-formed steel (CFS) design

Yu’s influence extended well beyond academia. He was a longtime contributor to the American Iron and Steel Institute’s Committee on Specifications, where he helped shape many of the design provisions that guide the industry today. He served on the committee for approximately 50 years before retiring from active participation in 2010.

Center for Cold-Formed Steel Structures

In 1990, Yu founded the Center for Cold-Formed Steel Structures under the sponsorship of the AISI and Missouri S&T. The center promoted research, engineering education, technical services and professional activities related to cold-formed steel construction. To honor his contributions, Missouri S&T renamed the center the Wei-Wen Yu Center for Cold-Formed Steel Structures in 2000.

Perhaps one of Yu’s most enduring contributions was the International Specialty Conference on Cold-Formed Steel Structures. The conference, first held in 1971, became one of the world’s premier forums for presenting and discussing new research in cold-formed steel engineering. More than five decades later, the conference continues to bring together researchers, educators and practitioners from around the world.

This legacy will continue later this year when the 25th Wei-Wen Yu International Specialty Conference on Cold-Formed Steel Structures convenes October 6-7 in Madison, Wisconsin. The event bears his name and remains a testament to the global community he helped build.

Colleagues Reflect on Yu’s Accomplishments

As news of Yu’s passing spread through the industry, colleagues reflected on both his technical accomplishments and his character.

“Dr. Yu was truly an icon in our industry and shared his knowledge and love of science with humility, grace and compassion,” said Don Allen, SFIA executive director.

Reinhold Schuster, professor emeritus at the University of Waterloo in Canada and a longtime industry leader, said Yu’s influence can be seen throughout the cold-formed steel profession.

“He has contributed immensely to the field of cold-formed steel design during his active years, not only by his research, but also with the numerous Specialty Conferences and textbook that he and Roger created,” Schuster said. “Even to date, their textbook Cold-Formed Steel Design is one of the leading such books in the world when studying CFS design in great depth.”

For many researchers and engineers, Yu’s impact was deeply personal.

Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, director of the Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute at Johns Hopkins University, compared Yu’s role in the profession to that of a family patriarch.

“When it comes to cold-formed steel, Wei-Wen for many of us was really ‘our dad’ too,” Schafer said. “I cherish several pictures I have of Wei-Wen and different generations of cold-formed steel researchers. His mark on all of us runs deep.”

Colleagues remember the pioneering engineer, Wei-Wen Yu, not only for his technical contributions, but also for the warmth, kindness and humility that made others feel valued.

Dr. Wei-Wen Yu, center, with his daughter, Dorothy, left, and Dr. Joel Burken, Curators’ Distinguished Professor and chair of civil, architectural and environmental engineering at Missouri S&T. Photo courtesy of Joel Burken.

Humility, Kindness and Grace

Others pointed to the combination of technical excellence and personal warmth that defined Yu’s legacy.

“Prof. Wei-Wen Yu was an exceptional human being, both professionally and personally,” wrote noted researcher Dinar Camotim. “He will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.”

Camotim recalled Yu’s ability to make others feel valued.

“His permanent smile and the kindness and warmth of his attitude toward whoever stood in front of him made them invariably feel very important and special,” he said.

His Influence on CFS Engineering Remains

The scale of Yu’s accomplishments is difficult to summarize. And this captures the challenge facing the cold-formed steel industry this week. Few individuals have had a greater influence on the development of the engineering discipline for CFS framing systems.

Yu shaped modern cold-formed steel design through his research, textbooks, standards work, conferences and mentorship.

His passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the history of cold-formed steel engineering. His influence, however, will remain visible in classrooms, design offices, research laboratories and construction projects for generations to come.

Dr. Wei-Wen Yu, right, stands with longtime colleague Dr. Delbert Day at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Additional Resources

• Registration Open for the Wei-Wen Yu Cold-Formed Steel Specialty Conference (Oct. 6-7, 2026)
• ​​Author of ‘Cold-Formed Steel Design’ and Founder of CCFSS Turns 100
• Steel Industry Celebrates the Legacy CCFSS and Transitions to the Future

The post The Cold-Formed Steel Industry Loses a Legend: Dr. Wei-Wen Yu Dies at 102 appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• CFSEI Announces 2026 Award Winners, Stipend Recipients and Distinguished Service Honoree
• Research, Resilience and Real-World Solutions Shape the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California
• Benjamin Schafer Receives CFSEI’s 2026 Distinguished Service Award

 

“Building a data center consumes huge quantities of steel,” writes Don Allen in ‘The Steel Deal,’ a bylined article for Walls & Ceilings. “Steel framing and accessories account for much of that demand.”

Allen, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), examines how the expanding data center market is driving business for CFS manufacturers, suppliers and framing  contractors.

Featured image: Don Allen, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), visits a data center construction project in ‎⁨Kenilworth⁩, ⁨New Jersey⁩, in January 2026.

Data center construction continues to drive demand for steel, with cold-formed steel (CFS) framing and accessories playing a critical role throughout these fast-growing facilities.

Data Centers Fuel Steel Framing Growth

Developers spent more than $65.8 billion on data center construction in 2025, “The Steel Deal” article states. And construction activity continues to accelerate.

During a recent project visit, Allen observed extensive steel use throughout the facility. Besides cold-formed steel framing, Allen saw strut systems, conduit, piping, equipment racks and electrical cabinets in use.

Data centers and megaprojects are offsetting weakness in other construction sectors, Allen says. Labor shortages and high interest rates continue to challenge many construction markets.

He expects data center activity to remain a strong driver of steel framing consumption through 2026 and beyond. He also believes domestic producers will supply most of this steel.

Lee Zaretzky, president of SFIA member Ronsco, Inc., inspects cold-formed steel (CFS) wall framing at a data center under construction in New Jersey. Credit: SFIA

Steel framing, as well as steel components for conduit support, are neatly stacked and awaiting installation in front of data center switchgear. Credit: SFIA

AI Boom Drives Data Center Construction

Data centers store and process information that powers cloud computing, mobile devices, security systems and connected appliances. They also provide the computing capacity needed to support the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence.

Demand for AI-driven computing continues to exceed expectations. Large technology companies are investing billions of dollars to expand data center capacity and secure their positions in the AI race.

“With new demands for faster and more complex computing, the need for large, powerful data centers has outstripped projections from just a few years ago,” says Allen.

Those investments have fueled a wave of megaprojects across the United States. By late 2025, developers were spending nearly $5 billion per month on data center construction.

Because major technology companies remain well capitalized, many continue investing despite higher borrowing costs. Their spending has made data centers one of construction’s fastest-growing sectors.

Miles of conduit run below chilled water supply pipes and other mechanical and electrical systems. Credit: SFIA

Large chiller pipes and valves are pre-assembled and sealed in staging area before being lifted into place. Credit: SFIA

Energy Requirements Expand Project Scope

Data centers require massive amounts of electricity and cooling capacity. As a result, many projects now include dedicated power generation systems.

Developers are adding solar farms, battery storage systems and other on-site energy resources to support operations. Some projects are even planning onsite nuclear generation.

“Many data centers will come online before the power grid can meet their energy demands, so developers are creating their own power sources,” says Allen.

Allen observed dedicated areas for power generation and cooling equipment at the site. Temporary heating systems also maintained working conditions during winter construction.

The cooling system relied on chilled water distributed through large cast-iron pipes and valves. Electricians were also installing switchgear and testing electrical equipment throughout the building.

Extensive conduit networks, equipment supports and mechanical systems filled the facility. Coordinating the installation of these systems required careful planning and sequencing.

Power, Water and Land Drive Decisions

Data center construction spans the country, but projects continue concentrated in a handful of regions. Developers evaluate land, power, network connectivity and water resources when selecting sites.

“Construction location depends not only on demand, but on available land, power sources, network connectivity and water,” says Allen.

For years, northern Virginia dominated data center construction because of its extensive network infrastructure and proximity to government operations. Today, many of the largest AI-focused projects are being developed elsewhere.

Data center development is shifting south. According to Allen, Texas and Louisiana recently exceeded Virginia in construction spending. Texas is expected to lead data center and energy project construction spending in 2026.

Conduit, wires, and pipes run parallel to and through cold-formed steel framed partitions. Credit: SFIA

Edge Data Centers Create New Opportunities

While megaprojects attract the most attention, smaller edge data centers continue expanding. These facilities place computing power closer to users and networks.

Allen recently toured an edge data center located 14 miles from Wall Street. The project converted a former manufacturing complex into a four-story processing facility.

Unlike sprawling AI campuses, edge facilities provide computing needs closer to where data is generated and consumed. Their locations reduce latency and improve processing speeds.

Edge facilities also create opportunities beyond the largest AI projects. They support a growing market for medium-sized construction projects and urban redevelopment.

The project demonstrates how developers can repurpose existing buildings to support growing demand for processing capacity.

Data centers use large quantities of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing to support walls and the extensive mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems they contain.

Steel Supports Data Center Expansion

From framing and shaftwall systems to conduit supports and equipment enclosures, steel plays a critical role throughout data centers. As developers expand processing capacity and build new facilities, demand for steel-intensive building systems continues to grow.

“Steel continues to prove itself as a reliable, available, consistent and affordable construction material that meets the varied demands of data center construction,” says Allen.

With data center investment expected to remain strong, steel framing systems are positioned to play an important role in the sector’s continued growth.

Read the full article from Walls & Ceilings.

Additional Resources

• Data and Noncombustible Materials Hold the Key to Safer Construction, Says SFIA’s Don Allen
• Steel Framing Shows Strength Amid Price Pressures and Uncertainty, Says SFIA’s Don Allen
• Data Centers Drive Construction Growth, Opportunities for Cold-Formed Steel Framing Business

The post Data Center Growth Drives Steel Framing Demand, Says SFIA’s Don Allen appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Data Centers Drive Construction Growth, Opportunities for Cold-Formed Steel Framing Business
• FRAMECAD: Why Cold-Formed Steel Is Accelerating Data Center Construction
• Scottsdale Case Study: Wood-to-Steel Conversion Advances Hotel Construction Project

 

Arkitech America, an SFIA member, recently explored these questions in a series of articles examining trends shaping CFS production, from automation and process control to scalability and material efficiency.

While the articles focus on the equipment used in the production of CFS members, they also reflect broader discussions occurring throughout the offsite construction and manufacturing steel framing products.

Image: Arkitech’s automated roll-forming technology supports cold-formed steel framing production at Arize Prefab.

Ricky Wimberly of Arkitech America, an SFIA member, chatted with Don Allen, SFIA executive director, and Pat Ford, SFIA technical director, during BUILD26: AWCI’s Convention + Expo in New Orleans.

Looking Beyond Production Speed

According to Arkitech, manufacturers are increasingly looking beyond production speed as the primary measure of performance. Instead, companies are placing greater emphasis on consistency, repeatability and the ability to scale operations without sacrificing quality.

In its article, “Why Automation Alone Is Not Enough for Cold-Formed Steel Framers,” Arkitech argues that automation, while important, is only one component of a successful production system. Machine accuracy, process stability and software integration are equally important factors in controlling production errors and maintaining dimensional consistency, the article notes. 

The article suggests that automated equipment must operate within a coordinated manufacturing system to achieve reliable results.

“Automation improves speed and repeatability, but dimensional accuracy depends on mechanical precision, calibration, and process control,” Arkitech says.

Arkitech software supports the design and detailing of cold-formed steel framing systems from building plans through fabrication-ready outputs.

Reducing Bottlenecks and Production Variability

A second article, “How High-Efficiency Light Gauge Steel Framers Eliminate Production Variability,” focuses on reducing bottlenecks and variability in cold-formed steel framing manufacturing operations. 

According to Arkitech, manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing predictable output and stable production processes, particularly as modular and prefabricated construction methods become more common in the construction industry.

The company states that production variability can arise from manual adjustments, operator-dependent processes and inconsistent machine performance. To address those challenges, manufacturers are adopting systems that automate key production functions and maintain consistent operating conditions over extended production runs. 

Arkitech contends that reducing variability can help manufacturers minimize rework, improve production planning and maintain delivery schedules.

“Eliminating production variability is not a result of isolated improvements. It requires a system-level approach where mechanical stability, automation, and data-driven control work together,” the article says.

The article also notes that scalability has become an important consideration for many manufacturers. As production volumes increase, companies seek ways to expand capacity while maintaining quality standards and workflow efficiency. According to Arkitech, this requires production systems that can support multiple shifts, additional production lines and varying profile types without significant disruption to existing operations.

Beyond Energy Consumption and the Environment

In a third article, “A New Era in Manufacturing Begins in 2026 with Sustainable Light Gauge Steel Framers,” Arkitech discusses sustainability as an increasingly important factor in manufacturing decision-making. Many cold-formed steel manufacturers are seeking ways to increase output while reducing material waste, energy consumption and resource use.

The article describes a shift toward CFS manufacturing strategies that combine digital workflows, automated production and resource efficiency.

“Instead of isolated processes, manufacturers benefit from a fully orchestrated system where design, forming, adjustment and quality monitoring communicate seamlessly,” Arkitech says.

Arkitech contends that sustainability in the cold-formed steel sector extends beyond energy consumption and environmental goals. Manufacturers are increasingly focused on reducing steel scrap by improving cut accuracy. They want to produce framing members right the first time to avoid waste, the company says.

Takeaway for CFS Product Manufacturing

Taken together, the three articles point to a broader trend in industrialized construction and CFS manufacturing. Machine speed is no longer the only measure of manufacturing performance. Steel-framing product manufacturers are also evaluating production systems based on quality, scalability and their ability to reduce waste.

Consistent cold-formed steel (CFS) production relies on stable processes, automated systems and repeatable manufacturing controls.

Additional Resources

• Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing 101: A Practical Guide for Designers, Builders and Owners 
• CFS 101 In Practice: Real-World Examples of Project Teams Using Cold-Formed Steel
• SFIA’s Steel Framing Learning Portal Has Metal Framing Education (24/7/365)

The post Arkitech Highlights Manufacturing Trends Shaping Cold-Formed Steel Production appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Update #13: Cold-Formed Steel for a Ski Resort, Apartment Complex and Residence Hall
• Innovation at CFSEI Expo: Dr. Ben Schafer Talks Emerging CFS Technologies
• Scottsdale’s Mahsa Mahdavian and SFIA’s Don Allen Discuss Steel Framing Innovations

 

Featured image (above): Attendees at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach review photo displays featuring the CFSEI’s winning Design Excellence Award and Creative Detail Award projects.

This year’s winning projects highlighted the growing sophistication of cold-formed steel applications across the municipal, residential and hospitality sectors. Award-winning entries featured complex curved geometries, long-span roof systems, advanced prefabrication, highly coordinated BIM workflows and intricate structural detailing designed to solve challenging field and constructibility conditions.

CFSEI also recognized six recipients of its 2026 Stipend Program, which supports young engineers attending the conference. In addition, CFSEI honored Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, of Johns Hopkins University with the 2026 John P. Matsen Award for Distinguished Service for his leadership and contributions to the cold-formed steel industry.

For additional highlights and sponsor coverage from the 2026 CFSEI Expo, see the related article.

First Place: American Way Engineering

Super Nintendo World Orlando, Orlando, Florida

Derek Putz, P.E.

Derek Putz, P.E., Senior Engineer and COO
American Way Engineering

American Way Engineering earned first place in the commercial category for its work on Super Nintendo World Orlando, where cold-formed steel framing helped bring Bowser’s Castle, Peach’s Castle and Mario Motors to life.

The project required nonstructural and select structural CFS framing for the themed exterior façades. The work included extensive radiused framing used to create towers, turrets, battlements and curved entrance features.

American Way Engineering won first place in the Commercial category of the 2026 CFSEI Design Excellence Awards for its Super Nintendo World Orlando designs. Image courtesy of American Way Engineering

The engineering challenge was unusual: Design cold-formed steel framing that could support durable, code-compliant construction while preserving the cartoon-like appearance of the theme park architecture. Radiused tracks, straight studs, concealed equipment bays and carefully anchored framing systems helped create the illusion of massive castles and animated forms.

Second Place: McClure

10 World Trade, Boston, Massachusetts

Michael Castleman

Michael Castleman, Legal and Structural Design Professional
McClure

McClure received second place for 10 World Trade, a 17-story mixed-use building in Boston’s Seaport district. The project includes laboratory, office and retail space.

McClure served as delegated/specialty engineer for radiused, non-bearing CFS systems throughout the building. The scope included curved ceiling framing supporting heavy in-plane wood panels. It also included exterior canopy eyebrow framing, façade framing and interior wall assemblies.

McClure won second place in the Commercial category of the 2026 CFSEI Design Excellence Awards for its 10 World Trade designs. Image courtesy of McClure

The project’s main challenge involved coordinating curved geometry, heavy panel loads and dense MEP and fire protection systems within tight plenum spaces. McClure developed flexible design guidelines using radiused backer studs, hat channels, stud hangers, kickers and strong backs. The approach gave the construction team a coordinated path to execute the architect’s vision.

Third Place: Industrialized Construction Solutions

Orlando Health Bayfront Medical Pavilion, St. Petersburg, Florida

Matthew Comber, S.E., P.E.

Matthew Comber, S.E., P.E., Co-founder and COO
Industrialized Construction Solutions, Inc.

Industrialized Construction Solutions earned third place for the Orlando Health Bayfront Medical Pavilion, a six-story, 132,000-square-foot health care facility on an active urban hospital campus.

The project used a prefabricated, panelized CFS curtain wall system to support architectural cladding and high-performance enclosure assemblies. ICS was brought in after portions of the post-tensioned concrete structure and cast-in anchorage embeds were already in place.

Industrialized Construction Solutions, Inc., won third place in the Commercial category of the 2026 CFSEI Design Excellence Awards for Orlando Health Bayfront Medical Pavilion. Image courtesy of ICS

The team designed the exterior framing system around fixed as-built conditions, limited site access and an accelerated schedule. ICS used BIM workflows, prefabrication coordination and custom panels to maintain load paths, accommodate existing embeds and support efficient installation.

First Place: Lochsa Engineering

Las Vegas Convention Center Renovation, Las Vegas, Nevada

Derrick Suarez, P.E.

Derrick Suarez, P.E.
Lochsa Engineering, LLC

Lochsa Engineering earned first place in the municipal category for its work on the Las Vegas Convention Center renovation, a major modernization project that transformed one of the nation’s premier event facilities through advanced cold-formed steel engineering and digital coordination.

The project included a dramatic dual-curved “Sno-Cone” lobby ceiling featuring highly irregular geometry that transitioned between interior and exterior spaces. Traditional layout methods could not reliably define framing locations or coordinate the compound curves with existing conditions.

Lochsa Engineering won first place in the Municipal category of the 2026 CFSEI Design Excellence Awards for the Las Vegas Convention Center Renovation. Image courtesy of Lochsa Engineering

To address the challenge, the team developed a fully coordinated, point-cloud-based CFS framing model integrating the architect’s geometry with the as-built structure. The process enabled precise stud and track placement, coordination with dense MEP systems and highly accurate field layout references.

Second Place: Martin/Martin

U.S. Air Force Academy Visitor Center, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Shane Ewing, P.E.

Shane Ewing, P.E., Principal
Martin/Martin, Inc.

Martin/Martin received second place for the U.S. Air Force Academy’s General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor Center, a 32,000-square-foot facility designed to resemble an aircraft taking flight. The structure features four progressively upward sloped rooflines symbolizing the Academy’s aviation mission.

The project presented major structural challenges due to the building’s exposed mountain location and clerestory walls rising more than 80 feet high. The structure was designed for 140 mph wind loads while maintaining the architect’s sweeping forms and extensive glazing systems.

Martin/Martin won second place in the Municipal category of the 2026 CFSEI Design Excellence Awards for the U.S. Air Force Academy Visitor Center. Image courtesy of Martin/Martin

The design team used cold-formed steel framing to achieve the required strength while minimizing structural weight. The project incorporated 10-inch stud framing, intermediate structural supports, horizontal built-up girts and curved framing systems to create the building’s distinctive wing-like soffits and roof profiles.

Third Place: Salas O’Brien

Barclays Center Renovation Phase 2: Modelo Bridge CFS Design, Brooklyn, New York

Daniel Stadig, P.E.

Daniel Stadig, P.E., Senior Vice President
Salas O’Brien

Salas O’Brien earned third place for the Barclays Center’s Modelo Bridge renovation, part of a larger revitalization project designed to create immersive fan experiences within the arena.

The centerpiece of the renovation was a bi-level cold-formed steel platform that spans above existing arena seating. The elevated space functions as a gathering area for fans and includes dramatic bridge-inspired architectural elements overlooking the arena bowl.

Salas O’Brien won third place in the Municipal category of the 2026 CFSEI Design Excellence Awards for the Barclays Center Modelo Bridge CFS Design. Image courtesy of Salas O’Brien

Engineers designed the platform to resist floor live loads, maintenance loads, seismic forces, sway loads and scissor-lift loading while coordinating framing around existing structural systems. The project also required complex modeled framing and tieback systems to integrate architectural bridge features with the existing arena structure.

First Place: McClure

Kindred Resorts, Keystone, Colorado

Josh Garton, P.E., S.E.

Josh Garton, P.E., S.E., Technical Manager
McClure

McClure earned first place in the residential/hospitality category for Kindred Resorts. The multi-building mountain resort featured highly complex roof geometry and extreme structural loading conditions.

Located in a Colorado ski-resort environment, the project was designed for snow loads ranging from 100 to 200 psf. The structure also resisted significant seismic drag forces and vertical seismic loading. The roof system included vaulted ceilings, multi-plane geometry, long spans and integrated attic mechanical systems.

McClure won first place in the Residential/Hospitality category of the 2026 CFSEI Design Excellence Awards for Kindred Resorts, Keystone, Colorado. Image courtesy of McClure

McClure’s delegated scope included engineering, detailing and modeling of the roof framing system. Over the course of construction, the engineering team resolved more than 100 field-driven issues. These involved embeds, weld access, clip substitutions, diaphragm transitions and complex load paths.

Second Place: Steel-IQ

Riviera Lane Residence, Southlake, Texas

Najeeb Khan

Najeeb Khan, Founder & CEO
Steel-IQ, Inc.

Steel-IQ received second place for the Riviera Lane Residence, a luxury single-family home built entirely with cold-formed steel framing. The home has no traditional wood framing or structural steel systems.

The project featured steep mansard rooflines, vaulted ceilings, curved dormers and complex geometric transitions. These conditions required highly customized framing solutions. Engineers developed piggyback CFS truss systems to manage the long spans and complex roof forms while maintaining continuous load paths.

Steel-IQ won second place in the Residential/Hospitality category of the 2026 CFSEI Design Excellence Awards for the Riviera Lane Residence, Southlake, Texas. Image courtesy of Steel-IQ

The project also incorporated engineered curved framing systems, segmented members and advanced digital coordination. These elements achieved precise architectural detailing while minimizing field modifications during construction.

Third Place: Martin/Martin

Revival on Platte, Denver, Colorado

Grant Doherty

Grant Doherty, Senior Project Engineer
Martin/Martin, Inc.

Martin/Martin earned third place for Revival on Platte, a seven-story, load-bearing, cold-formed steel building. The developers constructed the residential structure over a two-level concrete podium.

The project emphasized prefabrication and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) principles through extensive use of panelized wall systems and prefabricated floor cassettes produced by Mortenson Construction’s BLUvera operation.

Martin/Martin won first place in the 2026 CFSEI Creative Detail Excellence Awards for Revival on Platte in Denver. Image courtesy of Martin/Martin

Engineers developed innovative solutions for tall stair shafts, exterior elevator shafts and rated wall assemblies, reducing reliance on structural steel and concrete. The project also required BIM coordination among the architect, engineers and MEP teams to integrate the framing with the other building systems.

First Place: Martin/Martin

Revival on Platte, Denver, Colorado

Grant Doherty

Grant Doherty, Senior Project Engineer
Martin/Martin, Inc.

Martin/Martin earned first place in the Creative Detail category for an innovative horizontal lifeline (HLL) connection detail developed for the Revival on Platte project in Denver.

A challenge emerged after the roof framing was installed. The required HLL anchor spacing did not align with the typical cold-formed steel roof framing layout, creating significant challenges. To solve the problem, the team developed a custom detail that distributed loads across multiple joists. Engineers added joist blocking at anchor locations, tied the blocking into the diaphragm and used clips to resist additional shear forces generated by the lifeline system.

Martin/Martin won first place in the 2026 CFSEI Creative Detail Excellence Awards for Revival on Platte in Denver. Image courtesy of Martin/Martin

One of the most innovative aspects of the detail used shear wall hold-down anchors welded directly to joist stiffeners. Because standard hold-downs could not fit within the 10-inch joist depth while providing adequate capacity, the team modified larger hold-down anchors as a solution.

Second Place: Excel Engineering

Rutter’s No. 82, Altoona, Pennsylvania

Joe Wilkum

Joe Wilkum, Project Manager
Excel Engineering, Inc.

Excel Engineering earned second place in the Creative Detail category for a unique non-bearing shear wall detail developed for the Rutter’s No. 82 convenience store project in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

The single-story structure used non-load-bearing cold-formed steel infill framing attached to structural steel framing through slip connections. During review of the structural plans, engineers identified plywood shear walls combined with slip-track framing conditions that created concerns regarding proper lateral load transfer.

Excel Engineering won second place in the 2026 CFSEI Creative Detail Excellence Awards for Rutter’s No. 82, Altoona, Penn. Image courtesy of Excel Engineering

Limited industry guidance existed for slipped shear wall applications. So, Excel Engineering developed a creative collector detail using a wide-flange stud positioned within a slotted slip track to transfer shear forces while still supporting vertical movement from live-load deflection. The detail set up a continuous load path from the structural steel beam through the slotted slip track, wide-flange collector, top track and plywood sheathing.

Third Place: McClure

Legends 267 Apartments, Kansas City, Kansas

Marcus Himmelberg, P.E.

Marcus Himmelberg, P.E., Structural Team Leader
McClure

McClure also received recognition in the Creative Detail category for Legends 267 Apartments, a five-story cold-formed steel residential structure constructed above a three-story precast parking podium.

The project required detailing to transfer loads from the CFS structure into the precast podium system while accommodating precast camber, punching shear limitations and complex diaphragm load transfer conditions.

McClure won third place in the 2026 CFSEI Creative Detail Excellence Awards for Legends 267 Apartments, Kansas City. Image courtesy of McClure

Engineers developed custom support details using tube members, embed plates and header studs. These details distributed shear-wall reactions into the precast topping slab while maintaining construction tolerances and preserving the overall cold-formed steel lateral system. The solution allowed the project team to avoid more expensive alternative systems. It also delivered a durable, high-density residential structure above the parking podium.

CFSEI Stipend Program Winners

Recipients of the 2026 CFSEI Expo Stipend Program gather during the conference in Long Beach, California. The program supports young engineers and their university instructors. Winners received Expo registration and $1,200 for travel and lodging expenses.

Recipients of the 2026 CFSEI Expo Stipend Program (left to right): Jiachen Zhang, University of California San Diego; Zachary Johnson, Devco Engineering; Michael Keegan, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Aaron Boucher, Modulus Designs; Elizabeth Viox, McClure Engineering Co.; and Lia Zhu, MTE Consultants.

Dr. Benjamin Schafer Honored

CFSEI named Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, of Johns Hopkins University as the recipient of the 2026 John P. Matsen Award for Distinguished Service. The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their time, expertise and leadership to advancing the cold-formed steel industry.

Jeff Klaiman, P.E., CFSEI managing director, presents the 2026 John P. Matsen Award for Distinguished Service to Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins University. The presentation took place during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.

Schafer has made numerous contributions to the steel framing industry. He has served on the AISI Committee on Specifications and Committee on Framing Standards — now the SFIA Standards Committee. Schafer also serves as a liaison between the CFS industry and numerous standards-writing and professional organizations, including AISC and ASCE.

He was instrumental in adding AISI S100 to AISC 360. Schafer has written and reviewed dozens of cold-formed steel design guides and CFSEI Tech Notes. He has also spoken around the world in support of advancing CFS design.

Schafer also formed a group of CFS researchers to advance CFS design and standards. This later became the Cold-Formed Steel Research Consortium (CFSRC). He coordinated major research initiatives involving CFS seismic design and resistance. In addition, he helped LGSEA transition to CFSEI and served as CFSEI’s first president.

Additional Resources

• More Than 250 Engineers Gather in Long Beach for 2026 CFSEI Expo (May 18-20)
• Attendees Profited from a Great Speaker Lineup at 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20)
• Guidance on Out-of-Plane Bracing Forces for Load-Bearing CFS Walls During CLT Floor Panel Installation
• CFSEI Releases Tech Note J200-26: Vibration of Cold-Formed Steel Joist Framed Floors

The post CFSEI Announces 2026 Award Winners, Stipend Recipients and Distinguished Service Honoree appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• CFSEI Announces Speakers for 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20)
• CFSEI Announces Winners of 2026 Expo Stipend Program
• CFSEI Announces Winners of 2026 Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design

 

SFIA member MAREK played a central role in constructing the new Ismaili Center in Houston, Texas. Turning the complex design into a finished building required coordination, prefabrication and precise field execution. General contractor McCarthy Building Companies selected MAREK for its cultural and institutional project experience. Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing played a central role throughout the project’s construction.

SFIA member MAREK helped construct the new Ismaili Center in Houston using prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing. Image Credit: MAREK

MAREK relied on prefabricated CFS framing to support performance, constructability and demanding architectural requirements. 

• CFS framing helped crews maintain progress despite shifting schedules and complex detailing 
• CFS framing supported the exterior enclosure systems 
• CFS framing helped crews achieve tight alignment tolerances 

Prefabricated CFS systems improved trade coordination and installation efficiency across the multi-story structure.

The Ismaili Center is the first of its kind in the United States and one of seven worldwide. The project demonstrates how experienced teams and CFS framing systems support detailed institutional construction.

Read the full article from MAREK. 

ClarkDietrich Obtains Certification for Connectors

SFIA member ClarkDietrich received a third-party evaluation report for its series of rigid connectors. The report, IAPMO ER-731, confirms the connectors meet specific performance standards and code requirements. The report also permits ClarkDietrich rigid connectors on California state-funded projects requiring third-party testing.

SFIA member ClarkDietrich received third-party certification confirming its rigid connectors meet specific code and performance requirements. Image Credit: ClarkDietrich

The evaluation report confirms that ClarkDietrich’s rigid connectors comply with the following building codes:

• 2024, 2021, and 2018 International Building Code® (IBC)
• 2024, 2021, and 2018 International Residential Code® (IRC)
• 2025 California Building Code (CBC), including Division of State Architect (DSA) and Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)
• 2025 California Residential Code (CRC)
• 2023 Florida Building Code—Building
• 2023 Florida Building Code—Residential

“Third-party verification through IAPMO builds trust and reduces liability for specifiers, architects, engineers and building officials,” says Janine Dallies, category manager for ClarkDietrich. “This evaluation report includes blast design limit states, which is critical for Department of Defense projects and other high-security, high-performance building types.”

Read the full article from ClarkDietrich. 

U.S. Steel Invests $1.9B in America’s First DRI Facility

United States Steel Corporation, an SFIA member, will invest $1.9 billion in a direct reduced iron facility at its Big River Steel Works site in Osceola, Arkansas. The project connects Minnesota mining operations with Arkansas electric arc furnace steel production. The investment supports a vertically integrated steel supply chain from iron ore mining through steel production.

SFIA member United States Steel Corporation will invest $1.9 billion in a new direct reduced iron facility in Arkansas. Image Credit: U.S. Steel

The facility will be the first of its type in the United States. The company expects on-site DRI production to strengthen feedstock sourcing and improve production efficiency.

“This investment strengthens our ability to create steel that is truly mined, melted and made in America, from start to finish,” says David Burritt, U.S. Steel president and CEO. “By vertically integrating DRI production directly at Big River Steel Works, we enhance efficiency, secure our competitive advantage and position U.S. Steel for long-term success.”

Read the full article from U.S. Steel.

Additional Resources

• Update #8: University of Houston’s Radar and AI Tech, Grabber’s Stud Cutter, ClarkDietrich’s Bridging Bar
• Update #7: ClarkDietrich’s iTools, Scottsdale’s Roll Forming Videos, U.S. Steel’s Learning Mill All Help Transform CFS
• Update #6: T.J. Wies Redefines Hospital Prefab, Contractors Back Steel Growth, U.S. Steel Invests in the Future
• Update #5: U.S. Steel Upgrades, Nucor Mill Targets 2027 Launch, Startup Reinvents Housing
• Update #4: L&W Supply Expands in Oregon, CEMCO Adds ArcelorMittal’s Magnelis® Coating, ClarkDietrich Obtains Connector Certification
• Update #3: Grabber Introduces New Fastener, TSN Expands in Texas, ClarkDietrich Connector Reduces High-Rise Noise
• Update #2: CEMCO Reaches 50, FRAMECAD Unveils New CFS Platform, ClarkDietrich Adds Sustainability Glossary
• Update #1: BlazeFrame® Tape, Bridging Connectors and Steel-Framed Glass Curtain Walls

The post Update #9: MAREK Builds Ismaili Center, ClarkDietrich Receives Certification for Connectors and U.S. Steel Invests in DRI appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• CFSEI Announces 2026 Award Winners, Stipend Recipients and Distinguished Service Honoree
• Update #20: Cold-Formed Steel Used for Resilient Housing, Scalable Infrastructure and Modular Floor Systems
• Update #7: ClarkDietrich’s iTools, Scottsdale’s Roll Forming Videos, U.S. Steel’s Learning Mill All Help Transform CFS

 

Hands-on “Tool Time” demonstrations and networking mixers energized attendees throughout the conference. Technical sessions explored seismic design, adhesives, prefabrication and emerging technologies in cold-formed steel engineering.

CFSEI Expo: Learning, Networking, Fun

Hosted by the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI), the three-day event combined technical education, networking and recognition of industry excellence. Sessions addressed pressing engineering challenges while exploring the future of building with cold-formed steel systems.

Attendees packed technical sessions during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Attendance exceeded 250 people, setting a record for a CFSEI Expo event.

Jeff Klaiman, P.E., of ADTEK Engineers; Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins University; Kara Peterman, Ph.D., of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst; and Frank Pospisil of USG unwind during the 2026 CFSEI Expo.

Research Pushes CFS Engineering Forward

Among the conference highlights was the keynote presentation, “Advancing Cold-Formed Steel in Mid-Rise Building Systems in High Seismic Zones: Accomplishments of the CFS-NHERI and CFS10 Capstone Programs,” presented by Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, of Johns Hopkins University, Lynn Padgett, ClarkDietrich Engineering Services and Tara Hutchinson, Ph.D., of the University of California San Diego. The session examined years of large-scale seismic testing and research focused on improving the performance and resilience of cold-formed steel building systems in earthquake-prone regions.

Steel-to-Steel Adhesives

One of the conference’s most discussed sessions was “A Sticky Subject: Adhesives for Steel-to-Steel Connection,” presented by Kara D. Peterman, Ph.D., of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Peterman shared results from a four-year experimental research effort examining the design space for adhered steel connections, an emerging area of interest as structural adhesives become increasingly common in facades, structural components and other building systems.

Kara D. Peterman, Ph.D., of the University of Massachusetts Amherst launches her presentation, “A Sticky Subject: Adhesives for Steel-to-Steel Connection.”

Jeffrey Kreinke, P.E., S.E., of Excel Engineering, Inc., addresses attendees during the 2026 CFSEI Expo after being confirmed as chair of the CFSEI Executive Committee.

Nicola Ishaq of Bailey Metal Products enjoys a presentation during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Attendees packed technical sessions throughout the record-setting conference.

CFSEI confirmed its 2026–2027 Executive Committee during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Pictured left to right are Chair Jeffrey Kreinke, P.E., S.E., Excel Engineering Inc.; Immediate Past Chair Tammy Gleed, P.E., ClarkDietrich Engineering Services; Vice Chair Josh Garton, P.E., S.E., McClure; Kara Peterman, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst; Dana Hennis, P.E., S.E., WSP USA; Riley Mahaffey, P.E., Lochsa Engineering; Clifton Melcher, P.E., S.E., Simpson Strong-Tie Co.; Patrick M. Hainault, P.E., raSmith; and Karl Schroeder, P.E., Devco Engineering.

“The program this year reflected where the industry is headed,” said one attendee. “The sessions combined serious technical depth with practical application.”

The Expo also recognized excellence in cold-formed steel engineering and construction through the 2026 CFSEI Design Excellence and Creative Detail Awards. The honored projects showcased innovative uses of cold-formed steel across commercial, institutional and residential applications, highlighting both large-scale structural achievement and creative problem-solving through thoughtful detailing.

Young Engineers

CFSEI continued to emphasize professional development and industry mentorship through programs focused on emerging engineers and students. The conference included a Young Member Group networking mixer and technical sessions that explored training gaps and career development within the cold-formed steel profession.

Young engineers gather during the Young Member Group Mixer at the Westin Long Beach during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.

Young member panelists Alyssa Pease, P.E., raSmith; Elizabeth “Ellie” Viox, McClure; Daniel Church, Excel Engineering; Lia Zhu, MTE Consultants; and Kamryn Miller, P.E., Simpson Strong-Tie, pose following their presentation at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.

Student Competition

The Expo also recognized winners of the 2026 CFSEI  Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design. Students were honored for innovative design solutions that demonstrated creative problem-solving and technical understanding of cold-formed steel systems.

Michael Keagan accepts recognition for winning the 2026 CFSEI Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design. Tammy Gleed, P.E., of ClarkDietrich Engineering Services and 2025–2026 CFSEI chair, presented a $2,000 check.

Michael Keagan discusses his award-winning project during a presentation at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Keagan was recognized as a winner of the 2026 CFSEI Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design.

Maihan Ali (right) of George Mason University accepts recognition for third place in the 2026 CFSEI Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design.

Luke Albert of Lindenhurst UFSD, the second place winner of the 2026 CFSEI Student Competition on Cold-Formed Steel Design, was unable to attend the awards presentation in Long Beach.

Stipend Program Winners

Recipients of the 2026 CFSEI Expo Stipend Program gather during the conference in Long Beach, California. The program supports young engineers and their university instructors. Winners received Expo registration and $1,200 for travel and lodging expenses.

Recipients of the 2026 CFSEI Expo Stipend Program (left to right): Jiachen Zhang, University of California San Diego; Zachary Johnson, Devco Engineering; Michael Keegan, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Aaron Boucher, Modulus Designs; Elizabeth Viox, McClure Engineering Co.; and Lia Zhu, MTE Consultants.

Dr. Benjamin Schafer Honored

CFSEI named Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, of Johns Hopkins University as the recipient of the 2026 John P. Matsen Award for Distinguished Service. The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their time, expertise and leadership to advancing the cold-formed steel industry.

Jeff Klaiman, P.E., CFSEI managing director, presents the 2026 John P. Matsen Award for Distinguished Service to Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins University. The presentation took place during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.

A Strong Industry Community

Outside the technical sessions, the energy of the 2026 CFSEI Expo remained strong through networking mixers and hallway discussions. Informal conversations connected engineers, researchers, manufacturers and students throughout the conference.

From Tool Time demonstrations to the Young Member Group mixer and Aquarium of the Pacific events, attendees exchanged ideas and built professional connections.

As the 2026 CFSEI Expo concluded in Long Beach, one message stood out clearly. Cold-formed steel engineering continues evolving through research, collaboration and practical innovation. CFSEI remains at the center of those industry conversations.

Attendees at the 2026 CFSEI Expo enjoyed breakfast each morning before technical sessions began. The buffet offered a wide variety of options for engineers, researchers and industry professionals gathering in Long Beach, California.

CFSEI Expo Attendees Unwind

Importantly, the 2026 CFSEI Expo also gave attendees opportunities to relax and connect outside classroom sessions. The conference opened Monday evening with networking mixers at The Westin Long Beach. One mixer focused on early-career engineers in the Young Member Group.

Brian Norby of American Way Engineering and Chris Raebel of the American Institute of Steel Construction join Tom Sputo of the Steel Deck Institute during CFSEI Expo’s Monday evening welcome reception.

CFSEI Expo attendees compete in cornhole during the Monday evening welcome reception at The Westin Long Beach in Long Beach, California.

The 2026 CFSEI Expo attendees take a moment to relax and unwind at the Westin Long Beach, enjoying downtime after the first day’s activities.

Dinner at the Aquarium

On Tuesday evening, 2026 CFSEI Expo attendees enjoyed a private dinner sponsored by ClarkDietrich at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.

After a full day of technical sessions and networking, attendees at the 2026 CFSEI Expo relax Tuesday evening at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.

Marcus Himmelberg of McClure touches a jellyfish at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. The aquarium visit gave CFSEI Expo attendees an opportunity to unwind and network.

Attendees at the 2026 CFSEI Expo enjoy dinner beneath a giant blue whale and calf at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. ClarkDietrich sponsored the networking event.

Jonathan Fox of Silver Sponsor Argos Systems explores an exhibit at the Aquarium of the Pacific during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. The aquarium visit gave attendees an opportunity to network and unwind following a full day of technical sessions.

Spotlight on Sponsors

The 2026 CFSEI Expo was made possible through the support of industry sponsors. Their contributions helped fund the conference’s technical programming and networking events. Also, sponsors provided breakfasts, lunches, social mixers and hands-on demonstrations. In all, they created additional opportunities for education, collaboration and professional networking.

Diamond Sponsors

Chuck Webb of SFIA member and CFSEI Expo Diamond Sponsor ClarkDietrich helps Allyssa Pease, P.E., of SFIA member raSmith sharpen her fastening skills during “Tool Time” at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.

The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), a Diamond Sponsor of the 2026 CFSEI Expo, played a central role in connecting engineers, manufacturers and industry professionals throughout the conference.

Diamond Sponsor USG Corp. showcased its Structo-Crete product during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Phil Garner and Clint DeShon manned the booth.

Jason Warren represented the Steel Stud Manufacturers Association, a Diamond Sponsor of the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach. SSMA also sponsored the conference’s Monday evening social mixer.

Platinum Sponsors

Steve Farkas of SFIA member and CFSEI Expo Platinum Sponsor CEMCO showcased his company’s advanced cold-formed steel (CFS) framing solutions at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach.

Platinum Sponsor GRAITEC showcased its STRUCSOFT software, which integrates with Revit, during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Engineers explored how the software supports cold-formed steel design and project coordination.

Gold Sponsors

Mahsa Mahdavian and Cydney Skeens of SFIA member and CFSEI Expo Gold Sponsor Scottsdale Construction Systems featured their company’s steel framing technology during 2026 CFSEI Expo’s “Tool Time” event.

Carleton Elliott and Tyler Elliott of Gold Sponsor SURE-BOARD highlighted the product’s strength and noncombustible properties during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.

Darren Myler and Randy LaPlant of Gold Sponsor hsbCAD showcased the company’s offsite construction software, hsbLGS, during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.

Sebastian Higdon and Cory Chen of Gold Sponsor MEGABOARD showcased the company’s noncombustible structural building panels during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.

Gold Sponsor Hilti showcased its tools and Nuron cordless platform to engineers Bala Surampudi, P.E., of GPLA and Maihon Ali of George Mason University during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California.

Silver Sponsors

Silver Sponsor and SFIA member Grabber featured its new TrueShear shearing press during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Jason Roxburgh, the tool’s product developer, demonstrated how the tool can improve field productivity.

Ken Charles of the Steel Deck Institute visits with Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, of Johns Hopkins University during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach. SDI participated as a Silver Sponsor of the conference.

Alyssa Pease, P.E.,  of SFIA member raSmith works on a structure at CFSEI Expo Silver Sponsor Simpson Strong-Tie’s “Tool Time” booth at the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach. Whether it was a dollhouse or doghouse remained open for debate.

Jonathan Moore of Silver Sponsor Integra Steel Truss showcased its cold-formed steel (CFS) truss systems and offsite framing capabilities during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach.

Silver Sponsors Continued

Silver Sponsor Aerosmith Fastening Systems displayed its innovative fastening tools and fasteners during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Aerosmith systems eliminate the need for predrilled holes and reduce time-consuming screwing in the field.

Israel Vigil and Jonathan Fox from Silver Sponsor Argos Systems highlighted the company’s Vertex BD cold-formed steel (CFS) design software during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Vertex BD streamlines projects from detailing to manufacturing to construction.

ASC Steel Deck showcased its structural floor and roof deck profiles during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. The company’s steel deck systems are fully tested for commercial construction applications. ASC Steel Deck participated as a Silver Sponsor of the conference.

Silver Sponsor BECK featured its fastening systems during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. The fourth-generation family business combines decades of fastening expertise with a portfolio of more than 34,000 products across multiple industries and applications.

Silver Sponsors Continued

Kevin Engmann and Chad Onorfio from Silver Sponsor DragonBoard highlighted the company’s floor panel system during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. DragonBoard is designed to install quickly on cold-formed steel (CFS) joists using standard tools.

Silver Sponsor MAX USA Corp. featured its line of construction tools during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. MAX products include pneumatic nail guns, high-pressure compressors and steel fastening tools.

Silver Sponsor MBA Metal Framing featured its framing systems and accessories during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. Ryan Fogarty and Steve Spicknall touted the company’s studs, track, jamb and header systems, web stiffeners and framing accessories.

Silver Sponsor New Millennium featured its engineered steel framing and floor systems during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. The company manufactures steel joists, joist girders, roof deck and composite floor systems.

Silver Sponsor NEXGEN highlighted the company’s MgO-based construction products during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California. NEXGEN products are designed to support resilient and sustainable structures.

Representatives of Silver Sponsor Stockton Products showed Karl Schroeder, P.E., Devco Engineering, its products during the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach. The company’s product line includes accessories and components for cold-formed steel (CFS) framing.

Additional Resources

• More Than 250 Engineers Gather in Long Beach for 2026 CFSEI Expo (May 18-20)
• Attendees Profited from a Great Speaker Lineup at 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20)
• Guidance on Out-of-Plane Bracing Forces for Load-Bearing CFS Walls During CLT Floor Panel Installation
• CFSEI Releases Tech Note J200-26: Vibration of Cold-Formed Steel Joist Framed Floors

The post Research, Resilience and Real-World Solutions Shape the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California appeared first on BuildSteel.org.