Bibbee brings more than 20 years of commercial and operations leadership experience in industrial supply distribution. He has built and led high-performing commercial teams throughout his career. His experience will support AD as the organization expands its national account capabilities.

In his new role, Bibbee will lead AD’s National Accounts Program. He will work with AD leadership, members and supplier partners to strengthen AD members’ competitiveness across the network.

“Shannon’s experience and transformational leadership will be instrumental in the development of our National Accounts Program,” said Bill Weisberg, AD’s Chairman and CEO. “The timing of his hire is intentional as we continue to advance conversations about the prospective acquisition of supplyFORCE.”

AD and the supplyFORCE boards continue to complete the required approval process. The proposed transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and shareholder and board approvals. AD expects to close the acquisition during the third quarter of 2026.

Read the full AD news release. 

Related News

• AD Member Sales Reach a Record $58 Billion Through First Six Months of 2026
• AD Receives Multiple Workplace Recognitions in 2026
• AD and The Commonwealth Group, An Alliance of PHCP distributors, Announce Their Intent to Merge

The post AD Appoints Shannon Bibbee as President of National Accounts appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• raSmith Adds Daniel Stadig to Cold-Formed Steel Engineering Group
• CEMCO Promotes Steve Farkas to Senior Director
• CEMCO Names Bryce Koleszar Southwest Regional Sales Manager

 

The Element Hotel in Richmond, Virginia, demonstrates those advantages. US Frame Factory fabricated the project’s framing package using technology from Scottsdale Construction Systems, an SFIA member. The 110,000-square-foot, 8-story hotel used load-bearing CFS wall framing and floor joist systems as its primary structural package. The project demonstrates how coordinated detailing, precision manufacturing and efficient installation support large-scale hospitality construction.

In the article, “A Steel Framed Hotel Made with Advanced Roll Forming Technology,” Scottsdale Construction Systems highlights the project’s coordinated framing approach. The system allowed CFS wall framing and floor joists to work together efficiently throughout the building.

Images provided by Scottsdale Construction Systems.

The 8-story Element Hotel in Richmond, Virginia, used load-bearing cold-formed steel (CFS) walls and floor joists as its primary structural framing system.

Coordinating Design and Fabrication

The project team spent one year planning before fabrication began. A structural engineer completed the building design. US Frame Factory fabricated the framing package using Scottsdale’s KFS Framemaker 1622 and KFS Framemaker 1420. The roll forming technology manufactured the wall and floor systems for the multi-story structure.

The project team selected CFS instead of wood because of the building’s height. The lower floors also required careful coordination where CFS framing connected with structural steel.

The framing package included load-bearing CFS walls and floor joist systems throughout the building.

Load-bearing cold-formed steel (CFS) framing integrated with structural steel on the lower floors to create a coordinated structural system.

Fabrication for Efficient Installation

Fabrication required approximately 8 months. A 12-person framing crew erected the structural package.

Factory-produced framing components provided consistent dimensions and precut members. The repeatable framing package helped crews maintain alignment throughout the hotel’s guest room layouts.

The framing required close coordination among CFS wall panels, floor joists, structural steel and the concrete core. That coordination supported an organized installation sequence while maintaining the building’s structural layout.

Factory-produced cold-formed steel (CFS) framing components maintained dimensional accuracy and improved installation throughout the hotel’s repetitive floor plan.

Fire-Rated Floor Systems Enhance Performance

The Element Hotel incorporated load-bearing CFS floor joists within a tested 2-hour fire-rated floor and ceiling assembly. The assembly did not require a concrete topping slab.

The floor system supported room spans of 15 to 20 feet. Engineers also used 24-inch-on-center CFS wall framing throughout guest rooms and corridors.

Together, the wall and floor systems created a coordinated framing package for multi-story hospitality construction.

The tested two-hour fire-rated floor assembly integrated load-bearing cold-formed steel (CFS) floor joists without requiring a concrete topping slab.

Designing for Structural Performance

Engineers designed the framing system for a 112-mph basic wind speed. The project also met Wind Exposure Category B, Seismic Design Category B and Site Class D requirements.

The structural design accommodated 20-psf roof dead loads and 20-psf roof live loads. Engineers also designed for 25-psf floor dead loads and 40-psf floor live loads. Corridors supported 100-psf live loads.

The engineering team coordinated the load-bearing CFS framing with the structural steel frame. That coordination maintained structural performance throughout the building.

The steel framing package totaled approximately $1.25 million, or about $11.34 per square foot. That figure excluded labor and sheathing.

Engineers coordinated the load-bearing CFS framing with structural steel while meeting wind, seismic and floor loading requirements.

A Model for Hospitality Construction

The Element Hotel demonstrates how coordinated engineering, fabrication and installation support efficient multi-story hotel construction. The project combined load-bearing CFS walls, floor joists and structural steel into an organized framing system.

The project also highlights the advantages of offsite manufacturing. Factory-produced framing components improved consistency before reaching the jobsite. The framing package supported efficient field installation and repeatable construction quality.

The Element Hotel demonstrates how coordinated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing, offsite manufacturing and advanced roll forming technology supported efficient multi-story hospitality construction.

The Element Hotel shows how coordinated CFS framing, advanced roll forming technology and offsite manufacturing support precise, repeatable construction. Scottsdale Construction Systems helped deliver a precise, buildable CFS framing package.

Read the full article from Scottsdale Construction Systems.

Additional Resources

• Scottsdale Case Study: Wood-to-Steel Conversion Advances Hotel Construction Project
• Scottsdale: Modular Steel Warehouse Showcases Large-Span Cold-Formed Steel Design
• Scottsdale Delivers Innovative Thermal Solutions for Cold-Formed Steel Framing

The post Scottsdale Case Study: Cold-Formed Steel Framing Advances Mid-Rise Hotel Construction appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

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

 

The project transformed the arena’s west upper concourse into a two-level, 6,800-square-foot gathering space. Engineers designed the CFS framing to support heavy occupant and construction loads while integrating with the existing arena structure.

Photos courtesy of Salas O’Brien.

The Modelo® Bridge transformed Barclays Center’s west upper concourse into a two-level, 6,800-square-foot gathering space supported by cold-formed steel (CFS) framing.

Building Within an Existing Structure

The Modelo Bridge created a new gathering space by over-framing the existing tiered structure. The bi-level platform created approximately 10 feet of buildup over the existing arena structure.

Engineers coordinated the new framing with the existing arena structure. The platform supported public assembly while preserving the architectural vision for the space.

Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing created the Modelo® Bridge’s elevated platform by building approximately 10 feet above the existing arena structure.

Designing for Multiple Load Conditions

The platform framing required more than conventional floor loading. Engineers designed the CFS framing system for live loads, interior pressure, maintenance loads, seismic forces and guardrail loading.

The design also accommodated construction equipment, including scissor lifts weighing up to 1,000 pounds.

Salas O’Brien incorporated bridging posts to resist in-plane axial forces from vertical loads. Bracing in all directions provided lateral stability throughout the platform system. The company also provided loading information for the building engineer’s analysis of the existing structure. This coordination supported the overall structural design.

Bridging posts, multidirectional bracing and coordinated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing enabled the Modelo® Bridge platform to support complex loading conditions.

Coordinating Complex Geometry

The bridge tower introduced another layer of complexity. New CFS framing wrapped existing superstructure elements on one side while mirroring those shapes on the other.

Salas O’Brien developed a coordinated digital model to guide the framing layout. The model coordinated crossing tiebacks where framing interfaced with adjacent structural steel and bridge elements.

Digital coordination simplified framing around the irregular geometry. It also improved constructability before installation began.

A coordinated digital model guided the CFS framing layout and coordinated crossing tiebacks with adjacent structural steel and bridge elements.

Supporting the Architectural Vision

The Modelo Bridge draws inspiration from the bridges connecting Brooklyn with New York City’s boroughs. Its framing supported a two-level gathering space overlooking the arena and surrounding skyline.

CFS framing created the structural platform while accommodating railing support, soffits, fascia and Fan Deck bar ceilings. The system also supported the open gathering spaces required for fan events and entertainment.

Inspired by New York City’s iconic bridges, the Modelo® Bridge creates a two-level gathering space overlooking the arena and downtown Brooklyn.

Delivering a Constructible Solution

Salas O’Brien combined CFS framing, coordinated modeling and detailed load analysis. Together, these strategies transformed an existing arena concourse into a new multi-level destination.

The framing addressed demanding gravity, lateral and construction loads without compromising the existing structure. Coordinated detailing also simplified installation where new framing intersected existing steel.

Together, these strategies delivered a constructible CFS solution that supported the renovation’s architectural vision and long-term structural performance.

Read the full case study from CFSEI.

Additional Resources

• Salas O’Brien Wins 2024 CFSEI Award for the Denver International Airport Concourse Expansion Design
• Salas O’Brien Wins 2024 CFSEI Award for Colorado Convention Center Expansion
• Salas O’Brien Design Cuts Costs, Receives 2025 CFSEI Creative Detail Award for Hotel Tower

The post Salas O’Brien Receives 2026 CFSEI Award for Barclays Center CFS Platform appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

       

• Same-store sales of existing members grew by 10%
• Member purchases from AD suppliers increased 24%
• Member count increased by 79 on a net basis during the first half of the year
• Members acquired 28 non-AD companies

“Our strong first-half results reflect the growth of our members, the addition of new members to our community, and the strength of member partnerships with AD suppliers,” said Bill Weisberg, AD chairman and CEO. “We look forward to working closely with our Owner-Members and member-elected governing groups to build on this success through the end of the year.”

Read the original AD news release.

Additional Resources

• AD Receives Multiple Workplace Recognitions in 2026
• AD Member Sales Reach a Record $100 Billion in 2025
• AD and The Commonwealth Group, An Alliance of PHCP distributors, Announce Their Intent to Merge

The post AD Member Sales Reach a Record $58 Billion Through First Six Months of 2026 appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• AD Receives Multiple Workplace Recognitions in 2026
• AD reports robust member sales growth in the first three months of 2026
• ClarkDietrich to Showcase High-Performance Framing, Finishing Innovations at BUILD26

 

The design addressed exterior and interior spaces exceeding 80-feet in height. Engineers also accommodated 140-mph Exposure C wind pressures, extensive glazing and aircraft-inspired architectural forms.

Photos courtesy of Chris Grundy, ICI Colorado and Martin/Martin, Inc.

The U.S. Air Force Academy Visitor’s Center challenged engineers to frame spaces exceeding 80-feet in height while accommodating 140-mph wind loads and aircraft-inspired architecture.

Engineering for Height and Wind

The 32,000-square-foot visitor center resembles an aircraft taking flight. Four roof levels rise successively, with each level increasing in slope. Tall clerestory walls define the exhibit area below the stepped roof. Their height created demanding lateral stability, vertical load and deflection-control requirements.

Martin/Martin designed the walls for 140-mph winds and Exposure C conditions. Engineers selected CFS framing to provide strength and rigidity without adding excessive structural weight. Connections, bracing and deflection control required particular attention. Each component had to support the tall walls while preserving the intended geometry and constructability.

Engineering Efficient Clerestory Walls

Exterior walls used 10-inch CFS studs with intermediate structural steel supports. These supports eliminated the need for full-height clear-span framing. The arrangement reduced individual stud spans and improved structural efficiency.

Martin/Martin also introduced stud splices to divide the walls into manageable sections. Shorter members simplified fabrication, handling and installation. The spliced framing still provided the continuity required for the tall exterior wall system.

Intermediate structural steel supports and stud splices reduced stud spans, making the visitor center’s 80-foot clerestory walls practical to fabricate and install.

Framing Around Louvers and Curtain Wall

Large curtain wall areas and a louver bank complicated the exterior framing. The louver configuration prevented conventional vertically spanning studs with jamb framing.

Engineers developed horizontal built-up CFS girts composed of nested studs and tracks. The girts spanned laterally between structural columns. Stud framing provided gravity support for the horizontal members. Martin/Martin developed connection details for varying structural support conditions around the exterior walls.

The stepped roof geometry and extensive overhangs drove the design of the tall cold-formed steel (CFS) wall system and supporting framing.

Forming the Aircraft-Inspired Soffits

Curved soffits help establish the visitor center’s aircraft-like profile. Their shape resembles the lower surface of an airplane wing.

Traditional straight framing could not produce the required curvature. Engineers incorporated Radius Track framing to form the aircraft-inspired soffits. The system translated the architectural geometry into repeatable CFS framing. It also allowed the soffits to follow the building’s changing roof forms.

The stepped roof required cold-formed steel (CFS) framing that could support tall clerestory walls while maintaining the aircraft-inspired architectural profile.

Radius Track framing formed the curved soffits that help give the visitor center its aircraft-inspired appearance.

Supporting Tall Interior Spaces

The exhibit areas required interior framing within spaces more than 80-feet tall. Access requirements also called for walkable ceiling systems.

Martin/Martin engineered walkable ceilings spanning up to 24-feet. The company also designed the supporting interior walls and related framing connections. These systems provided access above the exhibits while accommodating the scale of the visitor center’s interior spaces.

Interior cold-formed steel (CFS) framing supports exhibit spaces exceeding 80-feet in height while accommodating walkable ceilings and maintenance access above.

Balancing Form and Performance

Martin/Martin used several CFS framing strategies to resolve height, wind and complex geometry. Intermediate supports and stud splices made the clerestory walls practical to fabricate and install. Built-up girts supported exterior elements where conventional framing was not possible. Curved soffits and long-span walkable ceilings extended CFS framing throughout the building.

Together, these systems preserved the visitor center’s aircraft-inspired form while meeting demanding structural and construction requirements.

Completed cold-formed steel (CFS) framing supports the visitor center’s stepped roof, tall clerestory walls and aircraft-inspired architectural design.

Read the full case study from CFSEI.

Additional Resources

• Martin/Martin Wins 2026 CFSEI Award for 7-Story CFS Residential Project in Denver
• 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 Receives CFSEI Award for U.S. Air Force Academy Visitor’s Center appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Salas O’Brien Receives 2026 CFSEI Award for Barclays Center CFS Platform
• Architectural Detail: Raymond Group Wins SFIA Award for 8th & Figueroa Tower in Los Angeles
• CEMCO Wins SFIA’s Architectural Design Detail Award for the Interiors of Denver’s Populus Hotel

 

The clarification does not change ASTM E136’s technical requirements. Instead, it removes ambiguity in the pass-fail criteria, helping to ensure that laboratories test building products and report results consistently.

That consistency matters because cold-formed steel (CFS) framing systems include non-steel materials, such as structural sheathing, cladding and fire-resistant boards for bracing, load transfer and thermal performance. These materials must also satisfy code requirements for noncombustible construction.

Builders and designers should specify noncombustible floor panels that comply with ASTM E136 to help ensure assemblies meet code requirements. Image courtesy of NEXGEN, an SFIA member

Structural Sheathing for Modern Construction

Section 703.3 of the IBC requires these materials to pass the ASTM E136 combustibility test for Types I, II, III and IV construction. Updated language in ASTM E136 clarifies how laboratories test these materials and determine pass-fail results.

On projects where combustible construction is permitted, designers and builders have long used plywood and oriented strand board with CFS framing for structural applications, including floor diaphragms, roof diaphragms and shear walls. Plywood also has long served as the structural subfloor and flange bracing for floor, roof and wall assemblies built with cold-formed steel.

As demand for noncombustible construction grows, manufacturers have introduced alternatives to plywood. Designers have used concrete and gypsum toppings over steel decks for decades. But they have sought lighter, more sustainable systems that avoid the water and added weight of those assemblies.

Structural sheathing products have emerged as one solution. They are lighter and thinner than concrete-over-steel floor systems and can serve as vertical shear walls or sloped roof sheathing. Many of these products use glass-fiber reinforcement with either portland cement or magnesium cement. One product also combines laminated sheet steel with cement board.

ASTM E136-compliant floor panels help create noncombustible floor assemblies that satisfy IBC requirements for Types I through IV construction. Image courtesy of NEXGEN, an SFIA member

Enhanced Clarity, Greater Compliance

Steel framing has been used for more than a century. Yet code organizations revise building codes and standards every few years. Even when technical requirements remain unchanged, ambiguous language can lead to inconsistent interpretation in the field.

ASTM E136 illustrated that problem. The need for clarification centered on Section 15.2.1 of the 2021 edition and earlier versions of the standard. This section establishes the pass-fail criteria for the vertical tube furnace test used to evaluate building materials.

Previous versions of the section stated:

The recorded temperatures of the surface and interior thermocouples do not at any time rise more than 30°C (54°F) above the stabilized furnace temperature measured at T2 prior to the test.

The word “and” created confusion. A limited number of testing laboratories interpreted the language to allow a passing result when only one thermocouple — internal or external — exceeded the temperature limit while the other did not. Under that interpretation, laboratories would classify a test as failing only if both thermocouples exceeded the limit. That interpretation did not reflect the standard’s intent. Neither thermocouple was supposed to exceed the prescribed temperature.

Most testing laboratories did not interpret the standard that way. Nevertheless, ASTM members brought the issue before the ASTM E05 committee, which approved language clarifying the requirement. ASTM incorporated that clarification into ASTM E136-2022, and the International Code Council adopted it in the 2024 IBC.

The updated ASTM E136 standard now separates the requirement into two distinct provisions, specifying that neither the internal nor external thermocouple may rise more than 30°C (54°F) above the stabilized furnace temperature for a material to pass the test.

ASTM E136 now clarifies that both internal and external thermocouples to remain within a prescribed temperature limit for materials for a panel to qualify as noncombustible. Image courtesy of NEXGEN, an SFIA member

Assessing Combustibility

The vertical tube furnace test determines whether a material qualifies as noncombustible for use in Types I through IV construction under Chapter 7 of the IBC.

The test subjects a material sample to rigorous heat that simulates a fire.

Technicians attach two thermocouples to the specimen — one on the surface and one at its center — before placing it in a vertical tube furnace operating at 750°C (1382°F) for 30 minutes. During the test, technicians continuously monitor and evaluate the specimen’s response to heat and flame.

To qualify as noncombustible, the specimen temperature cannot exceed 30°C above the stabilized furnace temperature. If the material loses less than 50% of its weight, flaming cannot continue beyond the first 30 seconds. If weight loss exceeds 50%, the specimen cannot exhibit flaming at any point during the test.

By establishing these performance criteria — and clarifying the language that governs them — ASTM E136 helps ensure that tested building materials will not ignite, burn or contribute significant heat to a fire.

In 2024, manufacturers of magnesium oxide sheathing products formed the Magnesium Oxide Building Products Association to advance understanding and adoption of MgO products in the North American construction industry. MgOBPA members recognized that inconsistent interpretations of ASTM E136 allowed some products marketed in North America to be classified as noncombustible despite not meeting the standard’s intended pass-fail criteria. The association sought to raise awareness of the issue within the construction industry.

Supporting the Specification of Steel Systems

Clear, consistent language in building codes affects how designers specify materials, how laboratories test them and how code officials approve them for use in noncombustible construction.

The recent clarification helps ensure that testing laboratories, manufacturers and code officials evaluate materials using the same pass-fail criteria.

For the steel framing industry, that consistency matters. Cold-formed steel is noncombustible. It is well suited for Types I through IV construction, where fire-performance requirements rank among the industry’s most demanding. As designers and builders seek more sustainable alternatives to concrete fill and plywood, they can have greater confidence that products meeting ASTM E136 and the 2024 IBC comply with code requirements.

Manufacturers and testing laboratories increasingly evaluate modern MgO boards as components of complete wall and floor assemblies that combine noncombustible structural steel framing with compatible fire-rated sheathing and floor systems.

With the clarified ASTM E136 language now reflected in the 2024 IBC, the industry is better positioned to specify and build noncombustible assemblies with greater confidence, supporting safer and more resilient buildings.

Additional Resources

• Fire Changes Everything: Why Cold-Formed Steel Is Reshaping Housing Construction
• Update: Insurance Costs Are Re-Shaping Construction Choices — And the Data Speaks for Itself
• Data and Noncombustible Materials Hold the Key to Safer Construction, Says SFIA’s Don Allen

The post Clarifying ASTM E136: Reinforcing Consistency in Noncombustible Material Testing appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• SFIA Clarifies Use of Steel Posts Within Cold-Formed Steel Wall Cavities
• Continuity of Fire Resistance in CFS Structures — SFIA Answers 5 Questions
• Update #23: Cold-Formed Steel Advances Aquarium Design, Fire Resilience and Storm Recovery

 

Fournier joined Matt Stillwell of SFIA member FRAMECAD on the Steel Framing Connections podcast. Their conversation explored how engineering, manufacturing and DfMA, Design for Manufacturing and Assembly, can improve CFS project delivery.

Mid-Rise Construction Favors CFS

Fournier believes CFS framing’s greatest opportunity lies in buildings between 5 and 10 stories. At that height, CFS framing can compete with post-tensioned concrete, structural steel and traditional wood framing.

According to Fournier, CFS framing in many mid-rise applications provides:

• Competitive performance against post-tensioned concrete, structural steel and wood framing
• Noncombustible construction for code-driven projects
• Greater building height as land prices increase
• Improved schedule certainty through prefabrication and panelization
• Greater precision through offsite manufacturing

Current market and code trends continue reinforcing those advantages.

Higher land costs continue driving taller building construction. Many projects still fall within the mid-rise range where CFS framing performs well. Building codes also continue increasing demand for noncombustible construction.

Fournier pointed to assisted living facilities as one example. These facilities often require noncombustible construction because many residents cannot self-evacuate. Buildings also transition to steel once they exceed roughly 85 feet. At that height, wood construction reaches practical code limits.

Those market and code trends continue expanding opportunities for CFS framing in mid-rise construction.

Integrated Steel Solutions designed and manufactured the exterior, interior and floor panel cold-formed steel (CFS) framing for the Good Samaritan – Founder’s Crossing senior living community in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Photo Credit: Integrated Steel Solutions

DfMA Improves Project Delivery

Design for Manufacturing and Assembly guides every project before fabrication begins.

Engineers optimize each design before fabrication begins. They standardize member sizes and refine details for production.

“We’re able to economize our design,” says Fournier. “If there are member sizes our machines don’t run, we convert them so our machines can run them, panelize them and improve construction efficiency.”

Fournier believes education remains one of the industry’s greatest challenges. Many owners, contractors and designers continue relying on familiar construction methods. He expects successful projects and continued industry outreach to drive broader adoption of CFS framing.

Engineering Supports Offsite Manufacturing

Fournier said successful panelization begins long before fabrication. Engineering teams must determine whether offsite manufacturing makes sense for each project.

Not every building benefits from panelization, he said. When it does, engineers complete the design and production planning before fabrication begins. Panels then arrive at the jobsite in installation sequence.

“We’re trying to take the complexity out of the field,” says Fournier. “We design it, manufacture it and deliver it so contractors can simply erect it without solving complex problems on site.”

He added that factory production standardizes repetitive tasks while reducing field layout and onsite fabrication. Delivering panels in erection sequence allows crews to focus on installation instead of building framing in place.

Panelized cold-formed steel (CFS) framing moves complexity from the jobsite to the factory, helping streamline installation and improve productivity. Photo Credit: FRAMECAD

Precision Expands Design Possibilities

Fournier said advances in automated manufacturing continues to expand what engineers can accomplish with CFS framing.

Roll-formed members leave the production line with millimeter-level precision, he said. Steel framing remains dimensionally stable, resists moisture-related movement and often requires less lifting equipment because of its light weight.

Those capabilities support hospitals, schools, assisted living facilities and sports venues. They also enable precision framing for large LED video displays in Times Square and major sports stadiums.

Fournier pointed to one seven-story hospital project as an example. The contractor initially planned to enclose only 2 floors before winter. After several weeks of installation, the team enclosed the entire building before cold weather arrived. The project showed how manufacturing-led construction can accelerate schedules without sacrificing quality.

Fournier said that philosophy also guides customer relationships. He recommends the framing system that best supports each project’s goals.

Additional Resources

• FRAMECAD Launches “Steel Framing Connections” Podcast Focused on Real-World CFS Projects
• FRAMECAD: Cold-Formed Steel Framing Accelerates Brazilian Soccer Stadium Expansion Project
• FRAMECAD: Why Cold-Formed Steel Is Accelerating Data Center Construction

The post Scott Fournier Discusses Mid-Rise Cold-Formed Steel Construction on FRAMECAD Podcast 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
• 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

 

The Findlay Community Center serves Cincinnati, Ohio, with recreation, childcare and wellness facilities under one roof. The $46 million, 60,000-square-foot building combines structural steel with cold-formed steel (CFS) framing. Together, the systems provide the strength, flexibility and efficiency needed for a community center in a dense urban setting.

• Structural steel forms the primary building frame and creates column-free spans for the gymnasium, pool and roller rink
• CFS framing integrates with the structural frame to form interior walls, soffits and enclosure systems

CFS is light weight reduces dead loads, while its dimensional stability supports precise layouts and efficient installation. Together, structural steel and CFS framing balance structural performance with construction efficiency.

A confined urban site demanded careful construction coordination throughout the project. Limited site access, phased construction and nearby buildings reinforced the advantages of combining structural steel with cold-formed steel.

Read the full article.

Prefabricated CFS Speeds Multi-Family Construction

Vista Pointe at Port Imperial is a 9-story waterfront condominium community in West New York, New Jersey. The development includes 73 residences and more than 11,000-square-feet of resident amenities overlooking the Hudson River. 

Prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) load-bearing wall panels support the building’s structural system. The panels demonstrate how prefabricated CFS supports off-site construction in multifamily housing.

Prefabricated CFS offers advantages on multifamily projects with demanding site logistics and limited staging areas. According to Klover, such wall systems improve coordination, reduce on-site labor and accelerate construction on projects. 

Vista Pointe highlights how prefabricated CFS supports efficient construction on complex residential projects.

Read the full article.

Steel Framing Cuts Residential Construction Time by 20–30%

The Indigo housing development in Peterborough, England, earned the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ East of England Residential Development Award. The nine-story project includes 315 affordable homes. It is the largest residential development completed by the housing association. Judges recognized the project’s innovation, commitment and dedication, citing its use of cold-prefabricated formed steel (CFS) framing.

The award-winning Indigo development in Peterborough, England, used prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing to reduce construction time by 20 to 30% while improving quality and energy performance.

Off-site manufactured CFS framing reduced construction time by 20 to 30% compared with traditional methods. Factory-built components improved construction quality while streamlining installation. Judges also noted the building’s high environmental performance, helping reduce residents’ energy costs.

The award highlights the growing role of modern construction methods in residential development. The project demonstrates how prefabricated CFS framing improves affordable housing construction.

Read the full article.

Additional Resources

• Update #24: Cold-Formed Steel Advances Historic Renovation, Veterans Housing and Net-Zero School
• 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

The post Update #25: Cold-Formed Steel Framing Supports Community Center, Waterfront Condominium and Residential Development appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Update #25: Cold-Formed Steel Framing Supports Community Center, Multifamily Housing and Hybrid Classroom Design
• CFS Trusses by MiTek® Steel Framing Accelerate Construction Schedules
• CFSEI Announces 2026 Award Winners, Stipend Recipients and Distinguished Service Honoree

 

Stadig brings more than 20 years of structural engineering experience. He specializes in new building and renovation design, cold-formed steel engineering and forensic investigations of distressed structures. His experience includes structural system design, building information modeling, 3D coordination, project management and construction inspection. Throughout his career, he has contributed to structural engineering projects across a wide range of markets, including aerospace, aviation, commercial, education, government, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, residential and science and technology.

Industry Leadership Strengthens Engineering Team

Stadig is an active leader within the structural engineering profession. He has served in several leadership positions with the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI), including vice chair, chair, executive committee member and emerging technology committee chair. He is also a member of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI) and has authored technical publications on CFS design and construction.

“Daniel’s extensive structural engineering experience and technical knowledge make him a valuable addition to our team,” said Pat Hainault, co-director of structural services and cold-formed group leader. “His expertise in cold-formed steel engineering and experience leading complex projects across multiple industries complements raSmith’s commitment to providing responsive, high-quality solutions to clients nationwide.”

Stadig holds a master’s degree in structural engineering from Mississippi State University and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Marquette University. He is a licensed professional engineer whose technical expertise and industry leadership further strengthen raSmith’s cold-formed steel engineering capabilities.

The post raSmith Adds Daniel Stadig to Its Cold-Formed Steel Engineering Group appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

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• CEMCO Promotes Steve Farkas to Senior Director
• CEMCO Names Bryce Koleszar Southwest Regional Sales Manager
• CEMCO Promotes Garret Koleszar to Vice President of Sales, Effective January 1, 2027

 

July 23, 2026 — For decades, questions about steel framing durability have centered on one issue: moisture. Moisture and condensation can facilitate corrosion, making moisture management one of the most important considerations in cold-formed steel (CFS) design.

Yet research and decades of building experience show that several factors effectively control corrosion. They include protective metallic coatings, strategic building design and the inorganic nature of steel.

Those strategies allow galvanized CFS members to perform far beyond the lifespan many assume. Studies cited in this article predict service lives of 300 to more than 1,000 years for framing protected within a building envelope. Unlike organic framing materials, steel also remains dimensionally stable because it does not absorb moisture, warp, shrink or support mold growth.

Understanding why requires more than simply looking at steel itself. Long-term performance depends on coating technology, moisture control, ventilation, material compatibility and thoughtful building design. Together, these factors determine how effectively cold-formed steel resists corrosion and delivers long-term durability.

Understanding that performance requires examining the mechanisms that govern corrosion, moisture management and long-term durability.

Protective metallic coatings, proper building design and the inorganic nature of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing work together to minimize the effects of moisture and condensation.

How Moisture Affects Cold-Formed Steel Durability

1. The Mechanism of Corrosion

Corrosion occurs only when moisture acts as an electrolyte. To prevent this, manufacturers typically galvanize cold-formed steel members with zinc or zinc-aluminum alloys, providing a physical barrier and moisture management. Furthermore, the zinc provides sacrificial cathodic protection. If cut edges or scratches expose the steel, the surrounding zinc corrodes preferentially to protect the substrate.

• Barrier Protection: To prevent this, manufacturers typically coat cold-formed steel members with zinc (galvanized) or zinc-aluminum alloys. This coating provides a physical barrier that prevents moisture from contacting the steel substrate.
• Cathodic Protection: When cut edges or scratches expose the base steel, the zinc coating protects it sacrificially. Because zinc is more electronegative than steel, it corrodes first and protects the adjacent steel.

2. Time of Wetness and Atmospheric Conditions

The corrosion rate of zinc correlates with the “time of wetness” and air pollutant concentrations. While rainfall can wash away protective corrosion products, moisture from condensation often evaporates, leaving behind a stable patina (such as zinc carbonate) that slows further degradation.

In climate-controlled indoor environments, standard coatings can protect framing for centuries. Conversely, partially sheltered exterior areas may stay damp longer, requiring more robust protection.

3. “Warm Frame” and Interstitial Condensation

Modern CFS construction often employs “warm frame” design, keeping the steel within the building’s thermal envelope. Keeping the steel above the dew point minimizes the risk of interstitial condensation. Research indicates that galvanized steel performs exceptionally well in a properly maintained warm-frame application. Its predicted design life exceeds 200 years.

4. Wet Storage Stain (White Rust)

“White rust” or wet storage stain can occur if closely stacked galvanized sheets trap moisture before installation. While this rapid formation of zinc hydroxide is unsightly, it is usually superficial. It does not compromise the coating’s long-term effectiveness after the material dries and installers put it in place.

5. Interaction with Other Materials

Moisture can facilitate reactions between CFS and adjacent materials. Galvanic corrosion with dissimilar metals, like copper, requires an electrolyte to be present. Additionally, while wet concrete is alkaline and can attack zinc, the reaction ceases once the material cures. Designers must also ensure installers place barriers between CFS and certain pressure-treated woods containing corrosive chemicals.

6. Dimensional Stability and Resilience

As an inorganic material, CFS does not absorb moisture, preventing the warping, shrinking, or expansion common in organic framing. In flood scenarios, CFS does not retain water, facilitating faster drying of the structure. It also does not support the growth of mold or mildew, contributing to healthier indoor environments.

Cold-formed steel framing resists corrosion through protective metallic coatings, effective moisture management and thoughtful building design.

Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing uses zinc or zinc-aluminum galvanized coatings to create a protective barrier against moisture and corrosion.

How Long Does CFS Framing Last?

Studies on the life expectancy of galvanized steel framing in typical residential applications demonstrate exceptional longevity.

According to the NAHB Research Center’s Galvanized Steel Framing for Residential Buildings research report, zinc-coated steel framing installed within a building envelope has a predicted service life ranging from approximately 300 to more than 1,000 years, depending on the exposure environment. Monitoring at residential test sites representing rural, urban and industrial environments found corrosion rates low enough to project a service life exceeding 300 years for a standard 10 µm zinc coating.

In semi-exposed areas, such as attics or crawl spaces, the design life remains substantial. Predictions suggest 200 years for insulated roofs and 100 years for uninsulated roofs. Longevity ultimately depends on proper moisture control. That includes weather-resistive barriers and proper ventilation to keep the framing dry.

How OSB Cladding Affects a Building’s Lifespan

Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is a standard sheathing material for CFS structures. While CFS framing can last centuries, OSB generally has a predicted service life of 60 to 100 years, depending on moisture management.

Keeping OSB moisture content below 20% helps prevent fungal decay and structural strength loss. Using 11 mm OSB as a shear diaphragm meets industry standards, such as AISI S240, provided builders protect it from extreme wetting cycles during and after construction.

H. Çağatay Alıca works in engineering services at Arkitech Advanced Construction Technologies.

Additional Resources

• SFIA 158: Introduction to Galvanized Steel – Coatings, Corrosion and Durability (On-Demand Course)
• Expert Sources Say Steel Framing is the Ideal Anti-Mold Solution
• 10 Reasons to Frame Your Next Project with Steel

The post Moisture and the Performance of Cold-Formed Steel Framing appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

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• Building Stronger, Safer Structures: How Cold-Formed Steel Excels in Hurricane Zones
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• Expert Sources Say Steel Framing is the Ideal Anti-Mold Solution

 

Saudi Arabia’s expanding gigaproject program is increasing demand for faster, more predictable construction methods. Saudi-based modular construction company Tamimi PEB is helping meet that demand. Its projects include the Qiddiya Contractors Camp and NESMA Oxagon Village. Its manufacturing facilities in Jubail and NEOM produce more than 100 modules each day. 

Investments in automated cold-formed steel (CFS) wall framing systems and semi-automated finishing lines increased productivity by 35%, notes an article in Construction Week.

The $1.09 billion Qiddiya Contractors Camp in Saudi Arabia uses modular cold-formed steel (CFS) structures to accommodate 40,000 workers. The development combines residential units with dining and recreation facilities designed for rapid deployment.

Steel-based modular construction allows manufacturing and site work to progress simultaneously. Tamimi PEB runs design and manufacturing in parallel through its Integrated Project Delivery Engineering methodology. Volumetric modular units arrive on site up to 95% complete. This approach can reduce conventional construction schedules by up to 40% while improving delivery certainty.

The modular strategy also delivers environmental benefits. It generates up to 35% less construction waste than conventional building methods. The model also reduces site traffic through fewer vehicle movements. Tamimi PEB uses high-performance building envelopes and renewable energy technologies to improve energy efficiency by 38% across its developments.

Read the full article.

Prefabricated Steel Framing Supports Wisconsin Housing

Located in Madison, Wisconsin, 301 Vanilla offers a new approach to middle-income housing using prefabrication. Developed by Sala Hars, the project combines cold-formed steel (CFS) framing with modular interior components to create adaptable apartment layouts.

 

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CFS framing and modular interior components form a prefabricated system that simplifies construction and improves coordination. Major building components, from wall panels to cabinetry, are fabricated off-site and assembled on location. Steel wall systems provide vertical support and acoustic separation while reducing construction time and material waste.

The project demonstrates how industrialized construction can support high-quality housing without sacrificing design. Local brick masonry complements the prefabricated structural system, creating a building that reflects Madison’s architectural character. Along with mass timber floor panels, CFS framing supports flexible housing projects throughout Wisconsin.

Read the full article.

CFS Chassis Advances Modular Construction in Australia

Australia’s modular construction industry is adopting new approaches to improve efficiency and reduce transportation challenges. MMC Modular developed ModFloor, a cold-formed steel (CFS) chassis system that replaces traditional welded steel chassis beneath modular buildings. Company director John Davis, who created the system, says the chassis addresses deflection, skilled labor demands and costly transport repairs.

CFS framing forms the foundation of the prefabricated chassis. Crews assemble the components without welding, measuring or cutting. A 3-person crew can assemble a chassis measuring about 49 by 13 feet (15 by 4 meters). The assembly, which includes an insulated floor panel, takes about 3 hours to produce. The company has also developed proprietary roll-forming equipment that increased production speed by 500%, while supporting multiple steel profile sizes.

MMC Modular also produces CFS stacking systems for multi-level modular buildings. The company further provides integrated digital design, procurement and manufacturing services. Together, these innovations reduce labor requirements, improve production efficiency and expand modular housing opportunities across Australia.

Read the full article.

Additional Resources

• Update #9: MAREK Builds Ismaili Center, ClarkDietrich Receives Certification for Connectors and U.S. Steel Invests in DRI
• 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

The post Update #10: CFS Aids Saudi Gigaprojects, Wisconsin Housing and Australian Modular Housing appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Prefabricated Steel Framing and CLT Hybrid Design Cuts Student Housing Construction Timeline by 25%
• Panel Prefabrication for an Austin, Texas, High Rise, Featuring ClarkDietrich Steel, Wins SFIA Honors
• Update #16: Cold-Formed Steel for Wildfire Recovery, Campus Housing and Prefab Construction

 

The engineering team combined point-cloud data, BIM/VDC modeling and structural detailing to resolve 3 demanding framing conditions. These included a dual-curved lobby ceiling, compound-geometry exterior soffits and congested existing conditions.

Photos courtesy of Mirage Builders, Inc. BIMs and drawings courtesy of Lochsa Engineering, LLC.

Construction images show the dual-curved lobby ceiling taking shape from coordinated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing. Point-cloud data helped define stud and track locations across the compound geometry.

Defining the Design Challenge

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority began renovating the convention center campus in 2023. The work extended design elements introduced with the West Hall’s 2021 opening. Renovations included a new Central Hall Grand Lobby and enclosed concourse connections. Improvements also modernized the North, Central and South Halls.

Much of the work occurred within an existing facility containing legacy structural elements and dense building systems. Irregular architectural forms added another layer of complexity. Traditional layout methods could not reliably define framing locations across the project’s compound curves. Field measurements alone could not reconcile the intended geometry with as-built conditions.

Lochsa combined point-cloud surveys with coordinated digital modeling. The firm’s coordinated model connected the existing structure, architectural surfaces, MEP systems and CFS framing.

The Las Vegas Convention Center renovation modernized the North, Central and South Halls while introducing a new Central Hall Grand Lobby and enclosed concourse connections.

Engineering the Dual-Curved Lobby Ceiling

The main lobby features a Sno Cone-like ceiling with surfaces curving across multiple axes. Its geometry also transitions between interior and exterior zones. Compound curvature made conventional framing layouts impractical. Small dimensional variations could affect the ceiling profile across a large area.

Lochsa developed a high-resolution CFS framing model from point-cloud data. Engineers mapped exact stud and track locations along the curved surfaces. The model identified deviations between the existing structure and the architect’s intended geometry. It also coordinated framing around ceiling-level MEP systems.

Precise digital layout references helped installers maintain the required curvature tolerances. The coordinated model reduced uncertainty before framing reached the field.

The Sno Cone ceiling’s dual-curved geometry challenged conventional framing methods.

Point-cloud surveys and coordinated cold-formed steel (CFS) modeling defined precise stud and track locations to support the ceiling’s complex form.

Framing Compound-Curve Soffits

Exterior perimeter soffits followed long, radius-driven curves around the building. Their framing also changed pitch and angle with the evolving roof geometry. Those transitions produced compound curves at façade and weather-barrier interfaces. Each soffit segment required distinct geometry and attachment conditions.

The Virtual Design Coordination team modeled each segment’s radius, slope and connection logic. Lochsa’s structural engineers then designed and detailed the supporting framing. The model defined stud curvature and track flexing from the actual arc geometry. It also located connections to the primary structure and coordinated changing roof angles.

Resolving these conditions digitally gave installers precise layout information. The process limited field adjustments and maintained continuity around the building perimeter.

The exterior soffits followed long, radius-driven curves while changing pitch and angle around the building perimeter. Coordinated digital modeling defined the framing geometry before construction, reducing field adjustments and maintaining continuity.

Point-cloud surveys and coordinated digital modeling connected the existing structure, architectural geometry, MEP systems and cold-formed steel (CFS) framing. The integrated model resolved complex existing conditions before construction began.

Coordinating Structural and MEP Systems

Existing structural elements and dense MEP systems conflicted with several proposed soffits and bulkheads. Standard framing layouts could not preserve the required clearances.

Lochsa developed a specialized bulkhead framing system with vertical drops spaced 4-feet on center. The regular drop zones created defined pathways for mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

Engineers designed the CFS members, connections, intermediate braces and blocking required for structural continuity. The model established stud and track locations within each drop zone. Detailed coordination verified framing depth, member spacing, brace connections and attachment logic. It also maintained ceiling alignment through interference areas.

The framing system accommodated existing conditions without relying on improvised field solutions. Standardized drop locations gave multiple trades predictable coordination zones.

Existing structural elements and dense MEP systems left little room for conventional framing. Lochsa’s specialized bulkhead framing system created predictable coordination zones while maintaining structural continuity and ceiling alignment.

From Model to Construction

Structural engineering and virtual design coordination continued throughout the renovation. Lochsa worked with the CFS contractor, general contractor and architect to refine the framing. Daily coordination identified dimensional conflicts before installation. The process also supported sequencing through the project’s most congested areas.

Fabrication-level detailing gave field crews defined framing locations and attachment requirements. High-fidelity models reduced layout work, adjustments and rework.

Lochsa reported zero dimensional change orders related to the coordinated framing. The coordinated effort demonstrated how structural engineering and VDC guided construction on this complex renovation.

Structural engineering and virtual design coordination continued throughout construction to refine the cold-formed steel (CFS) framing. Fabrication-level detailing and high-fidelity models reduced layout work, minimized rework and resulted in zero dimensional change orders.

Award-Winning Engineering

Lochsa transformed irregular architectural surfaces and constrained existing conditions into coordinated CFS framing systems. Point-cloud data connected the design geometry to the existing building.

Detailed engineering resolved compound curves, structural attachments and MEP interference before construction. The resulting models provided predictable framing outcomes across three technically demanding conditions.

That integration of engineering, digital coordination and constructability earned Lochsa First Place in the Municipal category.

Read the full case study from CFSEI.

Additional Resources

• Design of the LA Chargers’ New Training Hub Wins CFSEI Award for Lochsa Engineering
• Lochsa Engineering Takes Top 2024 CFSEI Design Excellence Award for The (W)rapper in L.A.
• Research, Resilience and Real-World Solutions Shape the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California

The post Lochsa Engineering Wins 2026 CFSEI Award for Las Vegas Convention Center Renovation appeared first on BuildSteel.org.