CFSEI FAQ OF THE MONTH

CFSEI Hotline: 1-800-79STEEL

Allowable Screw Shear and Tension Capacities

Question

Why does the “Allowable Screw Shear and Tension Capacities” table in the SFIA “Technical Guide for Cold-Formed Steel Framing” list the Fy and Fu values the same (i.e., 33 ksi) for 18, 27 and 30 mil material thicknesses?

Answer

Material thicknesses 18, 27, and 30 mil steels are used for nonstructural framing applications. The North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Nonstructural Framing, AISI S220, Section A3.1 stipulates the following:

ASTM A1003 Table 3 (Mechanical Properties, Base Metal) lists minimum mechanical properties requirements for the various steel grades. However, Table 3 does not list minimum requirements for the tensile strength of NS grade steels. The tensile strength is needed to calculate screw capacities per AISI S100 Chapter J. Thus, the SFIA catalog conservatively provides allowable shear and tension capacities based on the minimum required yield strength for NS grade steel.

1.800.79STEEL

If you have any cold-formed steel (CFS) questions, contact CFSEI experts online or call CFSEI Hotline at 1.800.79STEEL.

Read more CFSEI “FAQ of the Month” questions and answers here:

CFSEI FAQ OF THE MONTH

CFSEI Hotline: 1-800-79STEEL

Additional Resources

• • Guidance on Out-of-Plane Bracing Forces for Load-Bearing CFS Walls During CLT Floor Panel Installation
  • FAQ: Does Limitation 2 of AISI S220, Section A1.2.1, Conflict with Limitation 3?
  • Ask an Expert: CFSEI Responds to a Question about the Anchored Leg of a Clip Angle

The post Understanding Allowable Screw Shear and Tension Capacities for Nonstructural Cold-Formed Steel Framing appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• SFIA Approves Updates to Code Compliance Certification Program
• Free Webinar: An Overview of Load Bearing Cold-Formed Steel Framing (September 19)
• SFIA Members Invited to Code Compliance Program Town Hall (Feb. 3)

 

The project earned recognition for redesigning the exterior framing around fixed structural conditions. Engineers also preserved a prefabricated delivery strategy, an accelerated schedule and complex construction sequencing.

Photos courtesy of Courtesy of KENPAT.

Designing Within Fixed Constraints

The six-story, 132,000-square-foot healthcare facility stands on an active hospital campus in downtown St. Petersburg. Portions of the post-tensioned concrete structure and cast-in anchorage embeds were already complete before ICS joined the project.

Curtain wall erection also had to begin within six weeks. Engineers quickly redesigned the system without altering the completed structure.

Construction progressed before installation of the prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) curtain wall system. Completing the building enclosure quickly reduced weather exposure on the coastal Florida project.

Engineering Around Existing Conditions

Already-installed embed plates and post-tensioned concrete framing limited conventional attachment strategies. Additional post-installed anchorage was prohibited to preserve the integrity of the post-tensioned concrete superstructure. The exterior framing instead had to adapt to the existing conditions.

ICS provided delegated engineering for the curtain wall. Engineers relied on measured field information and as-built conditions. They evaluated each interface individually. They developed framing details that redistributed loads into adjacent framing members where embed locations or capacities restricted conventional connections.

The approach preserved the structural integrity of the post-tensioned concrete. It also minimized field rework and maintained the architectural intent.

Embedded curtain wall anchorage rails (red arrows) were already cast into the post-tensioned concrete structure before ICS joined the project. Engineers designed the framing around the existing rails because post-installed anchorage was prohibited.

Preserving Prefabrication

The project used prefabricated CFS wall panels. Each panel incorporated CNC-rolled and pre-tooled CFS framing, sheathing, insulation and waterproofing. That delivery method demanded precise coordination between engineering and fabrication.

ICS developed the design in a BIM environment. The firm used internally developed digital conversion tools to communicate directly with KENPAT’s CNC roll-forming and pre-tooling equipment. The approach reduced the design-to-fabrication timeline. It also nearly eliminated manual errors associated with traditional PDF-based workflows.

Full-scale mockups validated framing geometry, attachment details and tolerances before production began. Rapid design-assist coordination refined connection logic and panel geometry. Those efforts improved fabrication efficiency, field fit-up and installation confidence.

Prefabricated CFS-framed panels were insulated, sheathed and weatherproofed in the factory. This approach enabled rapid onsite erection, a higher-quality envelope and safer working conditions.

Developing New Connection Details

Several façade conditions required framing members to bypass fixed embed locations. The solution also had to maintain continuous load paths without overstressing the existing anchors.

ICS developed custom hybrid HSS “donut” panels for those conditions. The panels accommodated fixed geometries while maintaining alignment and continuous load paths. Panel widths followed the as-built embed locations. Engineers tuned panel heights to match wind and gravity loads with available anchor capacity. Architectural features and control joints also influenced panel elevations.

The resulting details created a refined, repeatable solution for constrained conditions. KENPAT fabricated the assemblies efficiently using CFSl roll forming and in-house structural steel fabrication.

ICS engineered hybrid “donut” panels with built-up cold-formed steel (CFS) wind girts that nested over fabricated structural steel connections to HSS girts. The detail maintained continuous load paths while accommodating fixed embed locations.

Supporting Construction

Limited staging space complicated construction from the start. An active hospital campus, nearby development and surrounding roadways further restricted site access. Schedule disruptions later required crews to erect portions of the curtain wall out of sequence.

ICS supported the project throughout fabrication and installation. Engineers quickly answered field questions and verified revised load paths. The original design incorporated tolerance management, connection accessibility and erection clearances. Those decisions allowed prefabricated panels to install without conflicts with adjacent work.

This curtain wall panel diagram illustrates the fixed structural constraints that shaped the framing design.

Prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) wall panels arrive on site for installation. The panelized approach supported the project’s accelerated schedule and limited staging space.

Demonstrating Structural Performance

Hurricane Milton struck the project during construction. The storm caused significant regional damage, including failures at nearby construction sites.

The Bayfront Pavilion sustained no damage. Curtain wall fabrication and installation continued without hurricane-related delays. The exterior framing system performed as designed under severe weather conditions.

ICS transformed fixed structural constraints into a practical prefabricated curtain wall system. Disciplined engineering, coordinated fabrication and responsive field support kept the project on schedule. Those accomplishments earned national recognition from CFSEI.

A prefabricated curtain wall panel is hoisted into place. Panel sizes and detailing varied to accommodate as-built structural conditions across the façade.

Read the full case study from CFSEI.

Additional Resources

• CFSEI Announces 2026 Award Winners, Stipend Recipients and Distinguished Service Honoree
• Industrialized Construction Solutions Wins SFIA Award for 7-Story Apartments, Design Saves $1 Million
• Industrialized Construction Solutions Wins SFIA Sustainable Project Award for Las Vegas Industrial Park

The post Industrialized Construction Solutions Earns 2026 CFSEI Award for Orlando Health Curtain Wall System appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

       

Troy City Hall is taking shape inside the historic Proctor’s Theatre in downtown Troy, New York. The project creates a permanent municipal home while preserving a significant local landmark. Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing creates the interior walls and office layouts within the existing theater while preserving its historic character.

Inside the historic theater, crews are installing CFS framing to create modern civic spaces without compromising the building’s character. The framing forms the new Assembly Hall, government offices and public areas while fitting within the existing structure. Its lightweight design simplifies installation, and its strength and dimensional stability support precise construction.

The new Assembly Hall will accommodate approximately 140 people, more than doubling the capacity of the current council chambers. Completion is scheduled for late 2026, with the official opening planned for January 2027.

Read the full article. 

Scottsdale Steel Framing Shapes Retreat for Veterans

Eagles Landing is a cold-formed steel (CFS) barndominium designed to support veterans transitioning to civilian life. The Military Warriors Support Foundation is developing the retreat to provide housing and gathering spaces. SFIA member Scottsdale Construction Systems supplied the CFS framing technology that helped bring the project to life.

Crews assembled the 2,500-square-foot retreat live during METALCON 2025. They later disassembled the structure for transport to its permanent home in Montana. The retreat will serve veterans and Gold Star families. The project demonstrates how an all-steel framing solution supports sustainable, high-performance schools for future generations.

Read the full article. 

Steel Supports Net-Zero School Construction

Construction is transforming the Fort River Elementary School site in Amherst, Massachusetts. The new school will replace the existing Fort River and Wildwood elementary schools with one modern, net-zero learning environment. Crews are erecting structural steel and cold-formed steel (CFS) framing throughout the building. The steel system creates a durable structure for 575 kindergarten through fifth-grade students.

Structural steel and CFS framing create the framework for Amherst’s new net-zero elementary school.

As construction progresses, crews are installing CFS framing to define classrooms and interior walls throughout the school. Its lightweight design makes it easy to install and adapt as the building takes shape. CFS also provides strength, dimensional stability and precise framing, making it well suited for modern educational facilities. Structural steel and CFS create an efficient building system that supports long-term performance.

The recent topping-off ceremony marked a major construction milestone as crews placed the building’s final structural steel beam. Once complete, the school will generate its own energy through rooftop and canopy-mounted solar panels and geothermal heating. The project demonstrates how an all-steel framing solution creates sustainable schools for future generations.

Read the full article. 

Additional Resources

• Update #23: Cold-Formed Steel Advances Aquarium Design, Fire Resilience and Storm Recovery
• Update #22: Cold-Formed Steel Supports Wildfire Rebuilding, Courthouse Acoustics and Micro Homes
• 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

The post Update #24: Cold-Formed Steel Advances Historic Renovation, Veterans Housing and Net-Zero School appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Update #9: MAREK Builds Ismaili Center, ClarkDietrich Receives Certification for Connectors and U.S. Steel Invests in DRI
• Update #19: Cold-Formed Steel Used for Apartment Project, Pickleball Complex and Fire Station
• CFSEI Announces Winners of the 2025 Design Excellence and Creative Detail Awards

 

CEMCO’s current vice president of sales and marketing and Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) president Eric Larson will succeed Porter on Jan. 1, 2027. Porter will serve as executive advisor through June 30, 2027, supporting Larson during the leadership transition.

“Tom helped shape the growth of the cold-formed steel industry through decades of leadership and service as our association’s president,” says Don Allen, executive director of SFIA. “We congratulate him on an outstanding career and wish Eric Larson continued success in leading both CEMCO and SFIA.”

Legacy of Leadership and Industry Service

Porter joined CEMCO in 1987 as a sales representative, where he worked for the Poliquin family. He advanced through leadership roles that included vice president, executive vice president and, most recently, president and CEO.

Porter helped expand the use of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing systems throughout the construction industry. He participated in the American Iron and Steel Institute and became one of the original members of the Steel Framing Alliance. He also supported efforts to increase steel framing in residential construction.

Porter also became a founding member of the Steel Stud Manufacturers Association and later served as its president. 

In 2016, CEMCO joined the SFIA. Porter served on the SFIA board for eight years, including six years as president.

“My time at CEMCO has been deeply rewarding,” says Porter. “Over the years, I have watched our company navigate several recessions, the 2008–2009 financial crisis and COVID, emerging stronger and more resilient each time.”

Tom Porter, center, spent 39 years advancing CEMCO and the cold-formed steel (CFS) framing industry.

Tom Porter, left, Toshinori Kobayashi, center, and Ted Poliquin celebrate the partnership between CEMCO and JFE Shoji.

Leading CEMCO’s Expansion

Porter helped expand CEMCO from one manufacturing facility in City of Industry, California, to four production locations. The company now operates facilities in the East Bay, California, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and Commerce City, Colorado, in addition to the Southern California location.

CEMCO employs more than 500 people and has supplied CFS products for major commercial construction projects across the United States.

Porter also led CEMCO through its acquisition by JFE Shoji America Holdings, Inc., which closed in 2022.

“I owe my career to the many people at CEMCO whom I have had the privilege to work with and learn from over the past 39 years. Their hard work and dedication have made CEMCO the company it is today,” Porter says “I am also deeply grateful to the Poliquin family and to our new owners, JFE Shoji America Holdings, Inc. for trusting me in both my past and current roles.”

Tom Porter, left, joins Jill Bloom, group publisher of BNP Media, and Don Allen, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), during BUILD25 in Charlotte, N.C. Photo courtesy of John Wyatt of Walls & Ceilings and BNP Media

Tom Porter poses beside a pro-am leaderboard during one of his favorite pastimes. Porter plans to retire Dec. 31 after leading CEMCO through nearly four decades of growth and industry service.

Eric Larson to Lead CEMCO

Eric Larson started his career at CEMCO 33 years ago. Hired by Tom Porter as a sales representative, Eric spent 10 years as regional sales manager overseeing Southern California, Arizona and Nevada. 

In 2014 Larson was promoted to director of business development managing CEMCO Engineering, technical services, proprietary products as well as developing strategic relationships with industry partners. 

In 2018 Larson was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing where he currently leads the entire sales team as well as the marketing group. He has served on CEMCO’s executive committee for the past 12 years, is a former board member of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI) and currently serves as the president of SFIA. 

Eric Larson, left, will succeed Tom Porter as CEMCO president and CEO when Porter retires at the end of the year.

Read the full CEMCO news release. 

Additional Resources

• Inside CEMCO: How SFIA-Certified CFS Framing Is Tested, Tracked and Verified
• Eric Larson Takes the Helm as SFIA President, Eyes Growth, Innovation and Industry Education
• UCSC Family Student Housing, Featuring CEMCO Steel, Wins SFIA Low-Rise Category Honors

The post Tom Porter to Retire as CEMCO President and CEO appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Update #24: Cold-Formed Steel Advances Historic Renovation, Veterans Housing and Net-Zero School
• ABC Supply Interiors Acquires Wallboard, Inc.
• The Cold-Formed Steel Industry Loses a Legend: Dr. Wei-Wen Yu Dies at 102

 

• Philadelphia Inquirer Top Workplaces (eighth consecutive year)
• USA Today Top Workplaces (third year)
• Canada Great Place to Work (fourth consecutive year)
• Canada Best Workplaces (third consecutive year)

AD earned these honors based on results from an anonymous employee survey conducted by Energage LLC. The survey measures key drivers of engagement. It benchmarks results against data from millions of employees across thousands of organizations.

“What makes these recognitions meaningful is that they come directly from our associates and they reflect the culture our associates have built together over many years — one based on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to doing good work,” said Bill Weisberg, AD’s chairman and CEO.

AD also received multiple Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Awards for the fourth consecutive year. The awards recognized employee appreciation, employee well-being and professional development.

“Earning this recognition consistently speaks to the environment our team has built,” said Rob Dewar, president of AD Canada. “There’s a high level of trust across the organization, and that shows up in how people work and collaborate day to day.”

Read the original AD news release.

The post AD Receives Multiple Workplace Recognitions in 2026 appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

       

The Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion brings a two-story expansion to the Seattle waterfront. The project adds marine life exhibits and educational spaces while meeting demanding waterfront performance requirements. Cold-formed steel (CFS) played a key role in the interior construction, supporting the building’s distinctive design and durability.

CFS framing helped create sweeping radius walls, a large circular west-facing window and custom soffits. The project required precise coordination to achieve the building’s complex geometry while meeting demanding waterfront performance requirements. Durable construction and tight tolerances supported the project’s long-term performance.

Construction teams managed limited site access through carefully scheduled deliveries, with materials lifted by crane and installed the same day. Through detailed planning, clear communication and collaborative problem-solving, the team met aggressive deadlines and delivered a high-quality facility. The project earned the 2026 Outstanding Projects of the Year Award from The Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau.

Read the full article. 

Steel Trusses Strengthen Fire-Resilient Home Design

A new accessory dwelling unit in Los Angeles demonstrates how cold-formed steel (CFS) strengthens homes in wildfire-prone communities. The project sits in a high-risk Wildland-Urban Interface zone. CFS roof trusses helped create a durable roof system that improves long-term resilience.

A Los Angeles accessory dwelling unit uses cold-formed steel (CFS) roof trusses to create a durable, fire-resilient roof system.

The roof system uses CFS trusses, a metal deck and lightweight concrete to improve fire resistance. Closed-cell spray insulation eliminates traditional attic vents that can admit embers during wildfire events. The roof assembly reduces vulnerabilities while supporting efficient construction.

The 1,150-square-foot home demonstrates how CFS supports resilient residential design without significantly increasing construction costs. The project reportedly matched the cost of a comparable wood-frame accessory dwelling unit.

Read the full article. 

Steel Framing Meets Growing Climate Challenges

Extreme weather continues to challenge builders across hurricane and storm-prone regions. Developers can improve resilience by selecting cold-formed steel (CFS) for demanding conditions. CFS delivers strength, durability and reliable performance during severe weather. Rebuilding efforts in the Bahamas and planned projects in Puerto Rico highlight its value for resilient construction.

DreamWeaver has proposed a cold-formed steel (CFS) fabrication facility in Puerto Rico to expand local housing production following hurricanes and earthquakes.

CFS resists Category 5 hurricane winds through engineered framing systems and strong connections. It maintains structural integrity without warping, rotting or retaining moisture. Protective coatings improve corrosion resistance and extend service life. High wind resistance, long-term durability and dependable structural performance make CFS a strong choice for disaster-resilient buildings. The material’s lower risk profile may also reduce insurance costs.

A planned manufacturing facility in Puerto Rico will support housing recovery after hurricanes and earthquakes. Steel-framed homes exceed local emergency building code requirements and meet enhanced seismic standards. The homes assemble quickly and require simpler foundations because of their lighter weight. Experience in hurricane and earthquake regions continues to demonstrate steel’s value for resilient housing.

Read the full article. 

Additional Resources

• Update #22: Cold-Formed Steel Supports Wildfire Rebuilding, Courthouse Acoustics and Micro Homes
• 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

The post Update #23: Cold-Formed Steel Advances Aquarium Design, Fire Resilience and Storm Recovery appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Home Builders Turn to Steel as Wildfire Threats Intensify
• Fire Changes Everything: Why Cold-Formed Steel Is Reshaping Housing Construction
• Insurance Costs Are Re-Shaping Construction Choices — And the Data Speaks for Itself

 

Kindred Resort required an exceptionally complex roof system. Vaulted ceilings, multi-plane geometry, long spans and integrated mechanical systems created significant structural demands. McClure engineered, detailed and modeled the stick-framed CFS roof system.

Drawings courtesy of McClure. Photos courtesy of Negwer Materials.

McClure engineered a complex cold-formed steel (CFS) roof system to meet demanding snow, seismic and architectural requirements at Kindred Resort.

Meeting Structural Requirements

Kindred Resort sits in a mountain ski community. Design snow loads range from 100 to 200 psf. McClure designed the seismic lateral force-resisting system to generate approximately 20-kip drag forces across the roof diaphragms. The mixed CFS and HSS roof framing also resisted vertical seismic loads reaching 80 kips.

The roof system incorporated 12-inch-deep, 97-mil CFS joists throughout the vaulted roof areas. These members integrated with MiTek CFS trusses and strategically placed HSS members.

Complex site conditions demanded extensive engineering coordination. The firm invested 1,800 hours across 21 engineers, detailers and modelers over three years. The effort produced 35 drawing revisions and resolved more than 100 field engineering issues during construction.

The Kindred Resort roof system combines 12-inch-deep, 97-mil cold-formed steel (CFS) joists with MiTek CFS trusses and strategically placed HSS members.

Resolving Field Challenges

The project’s defining achievement was the firm’s response to more than 100 field conditions discovered during construction.

Installers, inspectors and the general contractor encountered inaccessible weld locations, misaligned embeds and substituted clip types. They also encountered conflicting truss webs, missing members and unexpected penetrations.

The engineering team developed practical solutions for every condition. These repairs prevented demolition, minimized tear-out and preserved the predominantly CFS roof system.

Engineered detailing resolved field conflicts. The solutions maintained load paths, preserved CFS framing and ensured code compliance.

Engineering Connection Details

Several RediCor interfaces required engineering redesign after embeds and anchors differed from the original design. Engineered retrofit details restored structural performance without removing completed construction.

Limited weld access created additional challenges. Face-mounted plates transferred loads to accessible locations while avoiding unreliable anchorage conditions. Revised details also addressed stacked plates, weld sequencing and anchor layouts.

Field inspections identified incorrect clips, partial welds and improvised connections within inaccessible joist locations. The engineering team performed evaluations, including finite element analysis, to verify connection behavior and fastener force distribution. ClarkDietrich tested several field-installed clip configurations.

The evaluations demonstrated that many modified connections remained structurally adequate. This eliminated costly retrofits while maintaining code compliance.

Engineers also evaluated joists for web crippling on a case-by-case basis. The evaluations reduced the number of required field corrections.

Preserving a CFS-First Roof System

The vaulted roof geometry created complex collector, drag and diaphragm conditions throughout the structure. Several drag elements turned corners and followed the vaulted roof geometry. These conditions required highly coordinated detailing to maintain continuous load paths.

The firm also adjusted drag routing to maintain diaphragm continuity without affecting the architectural design.

In several locations, drag lines did not extend to the roof edge as shown in the structural plans. Rather than removing completed wall assemblies, the firm engineered retrofit details that restored continuous load paths.

The roof system also carried vertical seismic forces reaching 80 kips. The design maintained a CFS-first structural strategy by introducing HSS trusses and ridge beams only where necessary. The selective use of HSS preserved the efficiency and design logic of the CFS framing system.

Award-Winning Engineering

McClure developed more than 100 engineered field solutions during construction. Each solution preserved constructability, maintained structural performance and kept construction moving.

Kindred Resort demonstrates how delegated CFS engineering can solve complex field conditions without sacrificing schedule or structural integrity. The project also highlights technical discipline, responsive engineering and practical detailing under demanding snow, seismic and architectural conditions.

Read the full case study from CFSEI.

Additional Resources

• CFSEI Announces 2026 Award Winners, Stipend Recipients and Distinguished Service Honoree
• McClure Guides Complex Cladding Replacement at Terminal Island Plant, Wins CFSEI Award
• McClure Earns 2025 CFSEI Design Excellence Award for Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The post McClure Wins 2026 CFSEI Award for Mountain Resort Roof System appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

       

The seven-story load-bearing cold-formed steel (CFS) residential building rises above a two-level concrete podium. Located across from Empower Field at Mile High, the development provides access to mass transit, bike paths and major sports venues.

An innovative CFS roof connection detail earned the recognition. The detail solved a complex horizontal lifeline attachment challenge while maintaining structural performance.

Martin/Martin engineered the CFS systems for the project. The firm completed the lateral analysis and lateral force-resisting system design. Martin/Martin also developed the LOD 400 model for the prefabricated CFS framing.

Images Courtesy of MKM Build Photography and Martin/Martin Inc.

Revival on the Platte is a seven-story load-bearing cold-formed steel (CFS) residential building in Denver, Colorado. Martin/Martin earned First Place in the 2026 CFSEI Creative Detail category for its innovative engineering.

Horizontal Lifeline Connection Challenge

The roof required a horizontal lifeline system to protect maintenance workers. The system needed to connect directly to the CFS roof framing.

HLL attachment to CFS systems presents unique challenges. Designers often integrate these systems during design or attach them to a concrete roof slab. The project team received HLL system information late in construction. The required spacing did not align with the typical wall layout.

Martin/Martin developed a detail that allowed installation after the roof structure was complete. The design also accommodated field tolerances. The detail incorporated joist blocking at HLL fastener locations. Shear wall hold-downs resisted the large impact loads imposed by the lifeline system.

Martin/Martin developed an innovative cold-formed steel (CFS) roof connection detail that solved a complex horizontal lifeline attachment challenge.

Innovative Engineering Solution

Martin/Martin centered the HLL over a typical joist instead of between joists. This reduced bending demand on the previously sized framing. Blocking between joists tied into the diaphragm. This approach dispersed shear and torsional loads across adjacent joists.

When loads acted parallel to the joist framing, the joists resisted the added point moment from the anchor. Clips at each joist end accommodated the additional shear loads.

Martin/Martin used shear wall hold-down anchors in an unconventional application. These anchors provided sufficient attachment strength. However, traditional bolted connections would not work. Instead, welds connected the hold-downs directly to joist stiffeners.

Another constraint emerged. No hold-down anchors that fit within the 10-inch joist depth provided sufficient capacity. Martin/Martin selected a larger hold-down and modified it to fit within the joist depth.

Innovative Roof Connection Detail

Designers should plan roof anchor systems alongside the primary structural system whenever possible. Martin/Martin adapted to late design input with an innovative solution. Blocking at installed joists distributed loads across multiple members rather than a single joist. Martin/Martin also used a nonstandard application of a shear wall hold-down to achieve the required attachment.

The detail solved a complex construction challenge while maintaining the structural performance of the CFS framing system.

Read the complete story about Martin/Martin’s award-winning CFS roof connection detail and view the complete design drawings submitted for the 2026 CFSEI Design Excellence First Place Creative Detail Award here.

Additional Resources

• CFSEI Announces 2026 Award Winners, Stipend Recipients and Distinguished Service Honoree
• Martin/Martin Wins Municipal/Cultural CFSEI Award for CSU Spur Hydro Water Project
• Martin/Martin Takes 2023 CFSEI First Place for Penn State’s Lasch Football Building Renovation

The post Martin/Martin Wins 2026 CFSEI Award for 7-Story CFS Residential Project in Denver appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

       

ABC Supply Interiors, formerly L&W Supply Corporation, has acquired the assets of Wallboard, Inc., a Butler, Wisconsin-based distributor of drywall, steel framing, insulation and related building materials.

The acquisition expands ABC Supply Interiors’ presence in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Wallboard, Inc. will continue operating from its Butler location with its existing team.

Founded in 1983, Wallboard has served contractors throughout southeastern Wisconsin from its facility at 13111 W. Glendale Ave.

“Wallboard, Inc. has earned its respected reputation by consistently taking care of contractors,” said Mark Woodsum, vice president of ABC Supply Interiors’ North Central Region. “That contractor-first mindset fits well with who we are, and we’re excited about what we can do together.”

With the Butler location, ABC Supply Interiors now operates eight locations in Wisconsin, including two in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.

Read the full news release from ABC Supply Interiors. 

The post ABC Supply Interiors Acquires Wallboard, Inc. appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Tom Porter to Retire as CEMCO President and CEO
• Update #24: Cold-Formed Steel Advances Historic Renovation, Veterans Housing and Net-Zero School
• The Cold-Formed Steel Industry Loses a Legend: Dr. Wei-Wen Yu Dies at 102

 

• Grade 4 assembly used 54 mil CFS studs spaced 16 inches on center
• Grade 3 assembly used 97 mil CFS framing spaced 12 inches on center

ASTM F2322 Evaluates Wall Assemblies

ASTM F2322 is the only known standard for evaluating the resistance of secure wall assemblies to physical assault. The standard was developed for detention and correctional applications. It subjects complete wall specimens to repeated impact loading that simulates aggressive physical attack.

ASTM F2322 impact grades indicate increasing levels of resistance to physical assault. Higher grades require wall assemblies to withstand repeated impacts from blunt and sharp weighted objects.

• Grade 3 indicates 200 impacts within 20 minutes
• Grade 4 indicates 100 impacts within 10 minutes

Intertek conducted ASTM F2322 testing on complete cold-formed steel (CFS) wall assemblies to verify impact resistance performance.

The testing agency may reposition the impactor throughout the test. It challenges joints, edges, fastener lines, framing locations and other potential weak points. The standard evaluates the performance of the complete wall assembly rather than single components.

“The mesh is only one piece of the equation,” says Christopher Little, senior category manager for ClarkDietrich. “If the framing is undersized or improperly detailed, the wall can fail at the studs or connections even when the mesh stays intact.”

“The only way to know a system truly performs is through documented, third-party testing of the complete assembly, framing included,” says Little. 

Third Party Testing Verifies Performance

Intertek Testing Laboratory in York, Pennsylvania, conducted the testing March 9-13, 2026. The published rating applies only to the tested assembly, including framing, reinforcement, mesh, attachments, finishes and transitions. Full test results are available upon request.

ClarkDietrich’s new modified Barrier Mesh has been third-party tested for impact resistance.

Read the full news release from ClarkDietrich. 

Additional Resources

• ClarkDietrich Launches Industry-First Embodied Carbon Calculator for Cold-Formed Steel
• ClarkDietrich Cuts Emissions to Help Builders Procure Lower-Carbon Products
• How to Specify Low Embodied Carbon Steel Framing for Construction Projects

The post ClarkDietrich Introduces ASTM F2322 Impact Tested Barrier Mesh Wall Systems appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• ClarkDietrich Introduces ASTM F2322 Impact Tested Barrier Mesh Wall Systems
• Scottsdale Delivers Innovative Thermal Solutions for Cold-Formed Steel Framing
• Industrialized Construction Solutions Earns 2026 CFSEI Award for Orlando Health Curtain Wall System

 

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.

      

Related Stories

• SFIA Approves Updates to Code Compliance Certification Program
• 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.

      

Related Stories

• Maxan Interior Systems Earns SFIA Honors for Sculptural CFS Canopy in Etobicoke, Ontario
• Salas O’Brien Wins 2025 CFSEI Creative Detail Award for Casino Hotel Tower
• Framing Excellence: The Trade Milwaukee Showcases Cold-Formed Steel Design Ingenuity