In 2026, the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) Expo comes to Long Beach, California. The conference will be held on May 18-20, 2026, Westin Long Beach Hotel. Recently, CFSEI announced the full program.

Attendees packed last year’s CFSEI Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina. More are expected this year.

2026 CFSEI Expo

May 18-20, 2026
Westin Long Beach Hotel
333 East Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90802

Register

Monday, May 18, 2026

Registration
1:00 – 2:00 pm

CFS – Tool Time Hands-On

2:00 – 4:00 pm

Welcome Reception

5:00 – 6:00 pm

Young Member Group Mixer

6:00 – 7:00 pm

Register

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Breakfast
7:00 – 8:00 am

Hindsight on Training Gaps and Improvements

Tuesday, May 19
8:00 – 9:00 am | Earn 1 PDH

The Younger Member Group will deliver a presentation identifying gaps in early-career job training within the cold-formed steel (CFS) profession. The session will highlight common challenges faced by emerging engineers and how those challenges are overcome with varying perspectives. Click for details

Panel speakers: (l to r) Alyssa Pease, P.E., raSmith; Daniel Church, Excel Engineering; Elizabeth Viox, McClure; Kamryn Miller, P.E., Simpson Strong-Tie; Lia Zhu, MTE Consultants

A Sticky Subject: Adhesives for Steel-to-Steel Connection

Kara D. Peterman, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Tuesday, May 19, 10:00 – 11:00 am
Earn 1 PDH

In 2026, structural adhesives are pervasive in facades, structural components, and even aircraft. But steel design specifications are silent on how to design an adhesive for steel connections. This talk shares research results from a 4-year experimental effort to determine the design space for adhered steel connections. Click for details

Kara D. Peterman

Gable End Framing

Jacob Thompson, P.E., S.E., TrusSteel
Tuesday, May 19, 10:00 – 11:00 am
Earn 1 PDH / 1 LU|HSW

Gable end framing at the ends of buildings requires special attention. The loads that need to be resisted come from many directions and proper detailing is vital to transfer these loads to the building foundation. This presentation will review the diverse ways to achieve gable end framing and more. Click for details

Jacob Thompson

Design Firm Risk Management Landscape

Robert Graham, Shipley & Associates Inc.
Tuesday, May 19, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Earn 1 PDH / 1 LU

Design firms operate in an increasingly complex risk environment where contractual obligations, project dynamics and client expectations can significantly impact exposure to liability. This session will examine practical strategies for identifying, assessing and controlling risk. Click for details

Robert Graham

Design Loads on Cold-Formed Steel Structures During Construction

Jesse Barnes, P.E., S.E., McClure
Tuesday, May 19, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Earn 1 PDH / 1 LU|HSW

Cold-formed steel (CFS) structures are subject to a range of temporary loading conditions during construction that are often excluded from design scopes. This presentation examines the application of ASCE 37-14, Design Loads on Structures During Construction, and its relevance to CFS framing systems. Click for details

Jesse Barnes

Improving Thermal Transmittance Estimation Accuracy in CFS Residential Envelopes using Response Surface Methodology: A Numerical-Based Approach

Nader Elhajj, P.E., FRAMECAD America
Tuesday, May 19, 2:15 – 3:15 pm
Earn 1 PDH / 1 LU|HSW

The global shift toward sustainable, energy-efficient construction has resulted in increasingly stringent insulation requirements in building codes. These changes present challenges for cold-formed steel (CFS) construction. While CFS offers many advantages, it is susceptible to thermal bridging due to steel’s high conductivity. Accurately evaluating thermal transmittance in CFS walls is therefore critical. Click for details

Nader Elhajj

Playing Nice with CLT

Clifton Melcher, P.E., S.E., Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
Hien Nguyen, M.S., P.E., Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
Tuesday, May 19, 2:15 – 3:15 pm
Earn 1 PDH

This presentation explores the integration of cross-laminated timber (CLT) with cold-formed Steel (CFS) to create a high performing hybrid structural system. By combining the strengths of both materials, designers can achieve a solution that is cost effective, offers flexible design opportunities, provides fire performance, and supports sustainable construction goals. Click for details

Clifton Melcher

Hien Nguyen

Register

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Breakfast
7:00 – 8:00 am 

Navigating Ethics, Liability, and Contracts in Cold-Formed Steel Delegated Design

Michael Castleman, McClure
Wednesday, May 20, 8:00 – 9:00 am
Earn 1 PDH / 1 LU

Ethical decision making is increasingly intertwined with legal responsibility and contractual obligations. This presentation explores the critical intersection of engineering ethics, liability, and contracts, offering insights tailored to professionals working with cold-formed steel and delegated design. Click for details

Michael Castleman

A Step-by-Step Methodology for Designing Mid-Rise Cold-Formed Steel Structures in North America

Sarah Majlesi, Canadian Institute of Steel Construction
Wednesday, May 20, 10:00 – 11:00 am
Earn 1 PDH / 1 LU|HSW

Designing multi-level structures with cold-formed steel requires careful decision-making during the earliest stages of a project. This presentation demonstrates a structured and practical approach to selecting lateral load-resisting systems and gravity load-bearing framing during the conceptual phase to avoid rework during the later stages of the project. Together with Building code seismic and imposed load requirements, the designer will have a clear roadmap to enter the structural analysis stage. Click for details

Sarah Majlesi

Building for the 21st century: Noncombustible Construction with Cold-Formed Steel

Carl Welty, The Banning Land Trust
W. Donald Wheeler, Wheeler Steel Framing Supply
Wednesday, May 20, 10:00 – 11:00 am
Earn 1 PDH / 1 LU|HSW

Cold-formed steel (CFS) construction offers a practical, affordable method for building noncombustible homes. Following each “urban wildfire,” studies emerge to understand the devastation, accompanied by extensive discussions about reducing fire risk. This presentation will demonstrate how CFS construction enables the building of noncombustible houses at costs comparable to conventional wood construction while simultaneously solving critical problems. Click for details

Carl Welty

Don Wheeler

Designing for Cold-Formed Steel Manufacturing and Assembly

Grant Doherty, Martin/Martin Inc.
Wednesday, May 20, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Earn 1 PDH / 1 LU|HSW

With the growing momentum behind pre-manufacturing, pre-fabrication, DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly), industrialized construction, and off-site construction, we find ourselves at the crossroads of a true revolution in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). This presentation will share lessons learned from being deeply immersed in the AEC industrial revolution. Click for details

Grant Doherty

Cold-Formed Steel Framing and Building Seismic Drift – What Happens to Our Framing When Buildings Move?

Kirsten Zeydel, S.E., Nevell Group, Inc.
Wednesday, May 20, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Earn 1 PDH

More about this session to come. Check back.

Kirsten Zeydel

What is Hot on the Hotline?

Patrick M. Hainault, P.E., R.A. Smith, Inc.
Andrew Newland, P.E., ADTEK Engineers, Inc.
Wednesday, May 20, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Earn 1 PDH / 1 LU

Cold-formed steel (CFS) design typically is not a course topic offered at universities. Therefore, engineers are on their own to self-educate. How? Many engineers take advantage of the highly successful CFSEI “Ask an Expert” page on the CFSEI website or the CFSEI Hotline, 1-800-79STEEL. Inquiries cover the gamut of CFS applications, and we respond to them promptly. This interactive Q&A session will focus on FAQs and your cold-formed steel design questions. Click for details

Patrick Hainault

Andrew Newland

Register

Earn 2 PDHs
Four Presentations

1. Enabling Seismic Performance-Based Design Pathways for Cold-Formed Steel Framed Buildings

Benjamin Schafer, Ph.D., P.E., F. SEI, Johns Hopkins University
Kevin Aswegan, P.E., S.E., Magnusson Klemencic Associates
Tara Hutchinson, PhD., P.E., University of California, San Diego

The objective of this talk is to initiate a broader technical discussion on the use of seismic performance-based design for cold-formed steel (CFS) framed buildings and to outline emerging pathways for its practical implementation.

Seismic performance-based design has fundamentally reshaped reinforced concrete structural practice in high seismic regions, particularly in California, enabling architectural and structural solutions outside of prescriptive code limits. In contrast, seismic design of CFS framing remains largely constrained by prescriptive provisions in ASCE 7, including limits on height, details and system applicability, despite growing experimental and analytical evidence of robust seismic performance. Click for details

Benjamin Schafer

Kevin Aswegan

Tara Hutchinson

2. From Artificial Hearts to Steel Skeletons: Algorithmic Assurance in Cold-Formed Steel Housing

Rodger Ford, FrameUpNow

FrameUpNow’s innovation Algorithmic Automation System (FUN) — a deterministic, rule-driven design engine inspired directly by medical device rigor. Built on “350 pages of specifications and more than 6,000 lines of code,” FUN converts traditional wood-frame ADU plans into perfectly engineered cold-formed steel (CFS) skeletons. Unlike probabilistic AI, the FUN system does not guess; it executes pre-defined structural engineering rules, International Building Code and California Residential Code requirements and manufacturing constraints with mathematical certainty. Click for details

Rodger Ford

3. A Web-Based App for Cold-Formed Steel Member Structural Calculations Built with Open-Source Software

Cristopher Moen, RunToSolve LLC

Imagine your company has developed a new family of cold-formed steel (CFS) cross-sections. You are pretty sure they work better than the industry baseline. However, you don’t quite have the right workflow tool to calculate and tabulate section and buckling properties that confirm improved structural performance.

In this presentation, we will introduce a web-based app that can quickly generate these results for you, graphically and in tabular formats, for multiple cross-sections at once. We will introduce the app, show how anyone can access it and provide a demo for how it works. This web app is a prototype, a glimpse into the future, of what can be done by our industry to advance engineering workflows with freely available, open-source software. Click for details

Cristopher Moen

4. SIN Floor: Advancing Cold-Formed Steel in Composite Floor Systems

Phil Reinders, Steelcon Inc.

Traditional composite floor systems often rely on heavy secondary framing and extensive shoring, adding both cost and complexity. SIN Floor introduces a new approach. This cold-formed steel (CFS) and concrete floor system combines two c-channels, a sinusoidally corrugated deck and a cast-in-place concrete topping to create a single, efficient structural panel. By embedding the steel sections within the slab and leveraging composite action, SIN Floor delivers long spans with reduced floor depth while eliminating the need for secondary framing or shoring. The result is lighter structures, faster construction, and improved sustainability. Click for details

Phil Reinders

Register

Additional Resources

• Register for the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20)
• Insights and Inspiration Take Center Stage at 2025 CFSEI Expo in Raleigh
• CFSEI Releases Updated Tech Note G500-25: Field Guide – Inspection Checklist for Structural CFS Framing

The post Get Ready for a Great Speaker Lineup at 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20) appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

       

At Structures Congress 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts, a technical session examined how to address those challenges in load-bearing CFS systems. The session, “Best Practices and Design Examples for Load-Bearing Cold-Formed Steel Structures,” addressed design, coordination and constructability.

Members of the ASCE/SEI Committee on Cold-Formed Steel Members developed and presented the session. They included:

• Zane Clark, P.E., S.E., Zane Clark Consulting
• Hyeyoung Koh, Ph.D., P.E., Washington State University
• Zhanjie Li, Ph.D., SUNY Polytechnic Institute
• Cheng Yu, Ph.D., P.E., University of North Texas
• Bill Zhang, Ph.D., P.E., S.E., Kansas State University

L-R (in photo above): Zane Clark, P.E., S.E., Zane Clark Consulting; Hyeyoung Koh, Ph.D., Washington State University; Bill Zhang, Ph.D., P.E., Kansas State University; Cheng Yu, Ph.D., P.E., University of North Texas; Zhanjie Li, SUNY Polytechnic Institute; Perry Green, Ph.D., P.E., Fellow, ASCE

Why Design Coordination Is Important

Today, many building projects delegate design to specialty engineers or panelizers. This approach improves efficiency but often introduces coordination gaps. These gaps occur when the engineer of record is not fully engaged.

• Successful CFS projects require clearly defined roles across the design team 
• Early coordination helps prevent conflicts
• Coordination ensures that load paths remain continuous from design through construction

The “Best Practices” session reinforced that message. Strong coordination, clear responsibilities and complete load paths drive successful outcomes in load-bearing CFS systems, the panelists said.

Load Path Continuity in CFS Wall Systems

Load-bearing wall systems function as integrated assemblies. Studs, tracks, bracing, sheathing and connections must work together to provide stability.

The ASCE/SEI session compared steel bracing systems with sheathing bracing. Steel bracing systems, such as cold-rolled channel and strap bracing, provide discrete restraint. These systems require explicit force design and detailing. Sheathing provides distributed restraint along the stud length. Designers often do not fully account for this contribution.

Brace force resolution emerged as a key design requirement. The theory was that forces accumulate along bridging lines and must be reconciled through a discrete load path. As has been found with more recent research – and is being entered into the latest framing standards – ordinary attached gypsum panel absorbs this bracing force more than adequately when it is used.

Proper alignment and detailing ensure load-bearing walls function as complete systems. Each component contributes to a continuous and reliable load path.

Most field issues relate to load path breakdowns. The session presenters noted common conditions that reduce performance. These include:

• MEP penetrations that weaken studs and interrupt load paths
• Misaligned or missing bridging that reduces bracing effectiveness
• Improper stud seating that creates gaps and introduce eccentric loading

Alignment and detailing also play a critical role. Misalignment introduces unintended bending. Poor detailing at openings, ledgers and supports concentrates loads in critical areas.

The takeaway is clear. Engineers must treat load-bearing walls as complete systems. Every component must contribute to a continuous and reliable load path, the presenters said.

Lateral Systems Demand Early Decisions

The ASCE/SEI session then shifted to lateral force-resisting systems. These systems include all elements and connections that resist wind and seismic forces.

Key standards include AISI S100, S240 and S400. These standards define design methods, framing requirements and seismic provisions. Early decisions in the design process remain critical.

Engineers must decide whether to follow full seismic detailing requirements under AISI S400 or design for higher forces with simplified detailing. This decision affects system behavior, detailing complexity and project cost.

In moderate seismic regions, this choice becomes especially important. Teams must balance lower design forces against the added detailing required to ensure energy dissipation.

Expected strength and overstrength concepts also play a central role. Non-yielding components must resist forces generated by yielding elements. This approach allows controlled energy dissipation during seismic events.

Lateral design extends beyond primary systems. Engineers must design the full load path, including:

• Collectors and drag struts
• Anchors and hold-downs
• Diaphragm and track connections

Each component transfers forces through the structure. Missing or under-designed elements can compromise overall performance.

The program also addressed floor, roof and ceiling systems within the overall load path. These systems act as diaphragms that transfer lateral forces to vertical elements. Proper diaphragm design and connection detailing remain critical to system performance.

Floor systems play a critical role in the load path, acting as diaphragms that transfer lateral forces to vertical elements, with proper design and connections driving performance.

Shear Walls and Strap-Braced Systems

The panelists gave practical guidance on shear wall and strap-braced system design. A structured approach to Type I shear walls includes checks for shear strength, overturning resistance, anchorage and drift, they said.

Aspect ratio and boundary conditions play a critical role in performance. Wall geometry influences system behavior and can limit design options. Hold-downs resist overturning forces but do not carry vertical loads. Engineers must ensure that anchorage and boundary elements provide adequate resistance, the panelists said.

Architectural layouts often introduce constraints. Narrow wall conditions can limit the use of standard shear walls. In these cases, alternative systems become necessary.

Strap-braced walls offer an efficient solution in constrained layouts. These systems act as tension-only braced frames and provide flexible placement options. However, they require careful detailing of connections and load paths to perform as intended.

Proprietary systems and moment frames may also provide viable alternatives. System selection should align with project geometry, loading and constructability.

Early system selection improves coordination and reduces redesign risk.

Coordination Defines Success

The final portion of the ASCE/SEI session addressed coordination and clearly defined roles. Delegation does not remove responsibility from the engineer of record.

The engineer of record must define performance requirements, establish load paths and review delegated designs. Clear direction during design reduces confusion during construction.

Common coordination challenges include:

• Conflicts between structural framing and MEP systems
• Incomplete load paths at openings and transitions
• Unclear responsibility for connection and detailing design

These issues often stem from gaps in communication and documentation. When roles are not clearly defined, coordination suffers and field issues increase.

A guided design exercise reinforced these concepts. Participants developed gravity and lateral systems for a sample structure. The exercise showed how early coordination improves constructability and system performance.

Key Takeaways

Cold-formed steel continues to expand as a structural solution. It offers efficiency, resilience and predictable performance across building types.

Successful projects require more than material selection. Engineers must approach CFS as a complete system. They must define load paths, coordinate across disciplines and carry design intent through construction.

Early collaboration remains essential. When project teams align from the start, CFS systems deliver efficient construction and reliable performance.

Additional Resources

• Does Delegated Design Make Sense for Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Interior Framing Applications?
• Research Finds Strap Bracing Superior to K-Bracing
• Designers: Update to SFIA’s 2025 Tech Guide for the Latest CFS Load and Span Tables

The post Best Practices for Load-Bearing CFS Design: Insights from Structures Congress 2026 appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

       

But these individual CFS components work together to deliver predictable performance, speed and flexibility. The 2025 Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) Industry Project and Product Awards reinforce that point: Teams choose CFS to reduce structural weight, improve tolerances and accelerate installation.

What Is Cold-Formed Steel?

CFS framing starts with structural-quality sheet steel, typically formed at room temperature into C-sections and other shapes. The process produces straight, consistent members for interior partitions, exterior walls, floors, roofs and engineered assemblies. BuildSteel’s “Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing 101: A Practical Guide for Designers, Builders and Owners” says teams choose CFS because it installs quickly, stays straight, resists fire and pests and supports prefabrication and panelization.

For architects and engineers new to CFS, the first lesson is simple: CFS is not just “metal studs.” 

CFS serves both nonstructural and structural applications, including:

• Partitions, soffits and ceilings
• Exterior walls and load-bearing walls
• Floor systems 
• Roof framing
• Engineered assemblies

Cold-formed steel (CFS) posts support the second floor of college sports facility. Image credit: ADTEK Engineers

CFS is more than just metal studs or light-weight steel. The BuildSteel CFS Framing 101 Guide says:

Architects: “CFS framing supports flexible layouts, straight lines and consistent dimensions.”

Engineers: “CFS framing systems support clean specifications that reduce ambiguity in submittals.”

In this CFS Framing: In Practice guide, we highlight real-world applications from recent SFIA award-winning projects. 

CFS Reduces Weight with No Performance Loss

Several projects used SFIA-certified steel framing products because CFS’s strength-to-weight ratio solved problems that heavier systems complicated.

Cost Savings Through CFS Load Path Design

At West Point II Apartments in Tucson, Arizona, Industrialized Construction Solutions used CFS to deliver a seven-story superstructure without a concrete podium. The team vertically aligned bearing walls from the upper residential floors to the foundations, eliminating concrete or red-iron transfer systems. Engineers also used built-up CFS stud packs instead of HSS members for shear wall hold-downs and balcony supports, saving more than $1 million while maintaining performance.

Achieving Long Spans with CFS Joists and Trusses 

At Kindred Resort/One River Run in Keystone, Colorado, the project used 12-inch CFS joists and CFS trusses to create lightweight vaulted ceilings and long, open spans. MiTek engineered the CFS trusses to transfer diaphragm loads and reduce dead load on the building.

Supporting Complex Interior Assemblies with CFS 

At the Mullin Transportation Design Center in Pasadena, California, CEMCO’s CFS products helped convert a former supersonic wind tunnel into a 31,000-square-foot education and design facility. The team used CFS in place of wood and structural steel in interior assemblies, reducing weight and supporting floating architectural features without added supports.

CEMCO’s cold-formed steel (CFS) framing products helped transform a historic Caltech wind tunnel into a unique education center.

CFS Supports Repeatable Construction

CFS appeals to project teams when schedule risk matters. Because members are consistent and dimensionally stable, teams can shift work off site, improve quality control and reduce job-site congestion.

Up to 3 Days Saved Per Floor

West Point II Apartments provides another practical lesson. The Tucson project used prefabricated CFS panels on a tight infill site with limited staging. The CFS framing process reduced the schedule by roughly two to three days per floor, and crews erected the structure in 75 days.

35 Buildings in 3 Months

At UCSC Student Housing in Santa Cruz, California, crews framed 35 residential buildings and two community centers in three months using panelized CFS production. ADCO Drywall and Metal Framing framed the walls off site, trucked the panels to the job site and craned them into place. CEMCO custom produced and cut materials to length, minimizing waste.

CFS Attachment Saves Labor, Waste

At 24th & Rio Grande Housing in Austin, Texas, ClarkDietrich supplied CFS framing for prefabricated exterior panels on a 30-story student housing tower. The team fabricated framing, sheathing, windows, vents, weatherproofing and EIFS off site. A drift track attachment method helped crews create a continuous exterior skin while reducing labor and material waste.

ClarkDietrich pre-cut CFS materials based on panelized shop tickets, which optimized usage and reduced waste at the 24th & Rio Grande Housing project.

CFS Can Create Complex Geometry

CFS also serves architects when design intent includes curves, slopes, radiused walls and unusual openings.

Framing Large Openings with CFS Headers

At Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino, raSmith engineered CFS framing for 30-foot-plus floor-to-floor heights, large openings, curved and sloped walls, soffits and multi-tiered column covers. In several nearly 30-foot-wide openings that originally called for HSS members, the team value engineered a CFS solution using a box header and additional studs framed like an L-header.

2-6 mm Tolerances Achieved

At the Westerly 2 South Tower canopy in Etobicoke, Ontario, Maxan Interior Systems used standard CFS studs and angles to form a free-flowing canopy. The team used 3D scanning and modeling to plan the geometry, then cut and fit each stud with precision. Field tolerances came in at 2 to 6 millimeters against a 10-millimeter allowance.

Executing Complex Geometry with CFS Framing

At the Populus hotel in Denver, CEMCO supplied 150 tons of CFS for interiors with no straight, 90-degree angles. The project team value engineered interior wall systems with CFS to provide strength, save costs and fulfill Studio Gang’s design intent.

The Populus project team value engineered the interior cold-formed steel (CFS) framing system to provide strength, save costs and fulfill the architect’s curvy window opening design.

CFS Can Reduce Building Weight

Cold-formed steel does not replace structural steel in every condition. But award projects show that it can reduce the amount of hot-rolled steel needed when engineers coordinate load paths early.

CFS Replaces Structural Steel

At Allston Labworks in Boston, T.J. McCartney installed 133 tons of CFS framing. The project used CFS in place of structural steel to support unitized and metal panel curtainwalls, reducing cost. The team also used BIM coordination and laser layout systems to maintain tolerances.

Using CFS Studs to Support Masonry Loads

At The Trade Milwaukee, raSmith tailored CFS framing to varying floor-to-floor heights, including extra-tall levels for professional athletes. Where possible, the team avoided structural steel in favor of CFS. In one late-stage condition, the team used installed CFS studs to support brickwork above first-level openings, avoiding added steel members and protecting the schedule.

R.S. Smith designed an elaborate cold-formed steel (CFS) framing system with multiple jambs and headers interconnecting at various levels to accommodate varying floor to floor heights.

CFS Supports Sustainability Goals

Cold-formed steel can also contribute to energy performance when teams use it as part of a coordinated envelope strategy.

Steel Panels Trump Tilt-Up Concrete

At Sunset & Decatur Industrial Park in Las Vegas, Industrialized Construction Solutions used load-bearing prefabricated CFS panels instead of tilt-up concrete for six warehouse buildings. The panels supported continuous exterior rigid insulation and cavity batt insulation. The system helped the project meet energy requirements and positioned the buildings for long-term operational savings.

The same project used 35-foot-tall CFS panels, long-span roof trusses and mezzanine joists. CNC roll forming allowed the fabricator to produce profiles on demand, avoiding schedule disruption and maintaining consistent tolerances.

Industrialized Construction Solutions designed the shell of Sunset & Decatur Industrial Park, Phase I, in Las Vegas. The project features long-span cold-formed steel (CFS) trusses.

CFS Rewards Early Coordination

For designers new to CFS, the biggest takeaway may be this: CFS performs best when architects, engineers, fabricators and installers coordinate early.

CFS at Its Most Custom

The Central Florida themed attraction by KHS&S Contractors shows why. The project used 550 tons of CFS across six connected structures, including long-span ceilings, tall walls, themed façades and complex rooflines. The team relied on 3D models, shop drawings and weekly coordination to keep framing aligned with the design intent. In one 175-foot wall, no sections over two to three feet repeated.

That project also shows CFS at its most custom. Nearly every stud, screw and angle was customized to match the architectural drawings and 3D sculpt model. In repetitive areas, the team prefabricated mansard roof trusses and flew them into place where access was limited.

What Designers New to CFS Should Remember

CFS is a lightweight, durable framing system made from sheet steel and formed into repeatable shapes. It can serve structural and nonstructural roles. It can reduce dead load, support prefabrication, improve dimensional consistency, contribute to fire and moisture-risk strategies and help teams execute complex geometry. 

But it is not a magic substitution. The award projects show that CFS works best when teams define performance requirements, separate structural and nonstructural scopes, coordinate load paths and engage CFS expertise early.

That is why project teams choose cold-formed steel framing: not as a replacement for every system, but as a precise, efficient solution when performance and constructability must align.

Locate trusted cold-formed steel (CFS) products and service suppliers near you using BuildSteel’s ultimate steel framing resource.

Next Steps for Beginners

1. Download: A Beginner’s Guide to Cold-Formed Steel Framing (PDF). 
2. Use a spec “cheat sheet”: Checklist for Architects and Engineers Writing CFS Specifications.
3. Stay aligned with current codes and standards: Complying with New Codes and Standards for Cold-Formed Steel Framing. 
4. Search for products and providers: The BuildSteel Product and Provider Directory

Additional Resources

• Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing 101: A Practical Guide for Designers, Builders and Owners
• Cold-Formed Steel Framing 101
• SFIA’s Steel Framing Learning Portal Has Metal Framing Education (24/7/365)

The post CFS 101 In Practice: Real-World Examples of Project Teams Using Cold-Formed Steel appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

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• Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing 101: A Practical Guide for Designers, Builders and Owners
• The Steel Network Debunks 5 Myths About Load-Bearing Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Studs
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“Perry has strengthened the technical foundation behind structural steel and cold-formed steel design,” says Don Allen, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA). “His contributions continue to influence codes, standards and how engineers approach structural stability.”

Featured Image: (left to right) Jennifer Goupil, P.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE, managing director of Structural Engineering Institute; Perry S. Green, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE; and Edwin Huston, P.E., S.E., F.SEI, M.ASCE, of Huston Structural Engineering and FY26 president of SEI.

Following a NASCC 2026 session in Atlanta, Don Allen, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA); Andy Newland, P.E., principal at ADTEK Engineers; Mohammad Adil Dar, assistant professor of structural engineering at BITS Pilani; Perry S. Green, Ph.D., P.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE; and Zhanjie Li, professor at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, gather for a photo.

Perry Green: Decades of Leadership

In the spirit of the Hardesty Award, Green has been a  longstanding member of the Structural Stability Research Council. He has supported the council’s transitions throughout his career and helped shape its direction. Peers consider him a historian of SSRC for documenting its history and preserving institutional knowledge.

His work includes inelastic members using high-performance and CFS framing. He also serves as a subject matter expert in the nuclear power plant industry. His work demonstrates broad knowledge and commitment to structural engineering and structural stability.

Perry S. Green, Ph.D., P.E., edited Cold-Formed Steel Connections to Other Materials: A Design Guide and has influenced CFS design standards for decades.

Recognized by the Engineering Community

Industry peers recognize Green’s impact and influence.

“Green embodies a unique blend of technical expertise, translational research and dedicated service to the stability community,” says ASCE. “[He] has been recommended by many of the prominent engineers and researchers in the structural stability community.”

Additional Resources

• ASCE’s Structural Engineering Institute Releases CFS Connection Guide
• Cold-Formed Steel Design Innovations Take Center Stage at 2026 NASCC: The Steel Conference
• CFSEI Releases Updated Tech Note G500-25: Field Guide – Inspection Checklist for Structural CFS Framing

The post Perry Green Receives Shortridge Hardesty Award for Advancing Steel Codes and Standards appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

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DreamWeaver Homes is advancing plans for its Puerto Rico manufacturing facility using cold-formed steel (CFS) framing. It is moving the facility into production. The company, based in Pennsylvania, is responding to repeated housing loss across the island. Hurricanes and earthquakes have damaged or destroyed more than 250,000 homes. Thousands of families still live in temporary conditions.

A 1,500 sq ft home built with cold-formed steel (CFS) framing weighs 65–70% less than concrete – reducing loads from up to 350 tons to as little as 80 tons. In Puerto Rico’s karst terrain, this lighter system improves safety, lowers foundation costs and expands buildability. Photo Credit: DreamWeaver Homes

DreamWeaver uses CFS framing to address the failures of traditional materials. Wood framing rots, burns and fails under hurricane-force winds. Concrete has become cost-prohibitive under 2018 building codes. Nearly 30% of Puerto Rico’s terrain is limestone with sinkholes and subsurface voids. These conditions drive foundation costs up to 40% of total construction cost.

Steel framing offers a lighter, noncombustible system. It lowers foundation demands and performs more reliably than wood or concrete.

The company has launched a $7.5 million Series A round. It will move the factory into production. The facility will produce high-volume CFS framing homes for Puerto Rico. These homes are engineered to exceed 2018 emergency building codes. They can withstand Category 5 hurricanes and meet seismic standards. The approach supports long-term resilience and aligns with disaster recovery funding.

Read the full article. 

Steel Framing Changes Construction Methods

India is rapidly expanding its infrastructure, with projects advancing at an accelerated pace. Developers face shrinking timelines and tighter capital scrutiny. They also face rising expectations for sustainability and structural reliability. For decades, reinforced concrete defined construction. However, it brings heavier foundations, longer curing cycles, limited flexibility and slower delivery. Today, India’s developers and engineers are shifting their approach to using more steel systems.

India’s infrastructure growth demands faster delivery and higher performance. Steel systems reduce foundation loads and accelerate construction schedules.

Wootz Buildsys is a pre-engineered buildings company in India. It is helping drive this transition by advancing steel solutions across many projects. Its focus on prefabricated steel framing systems improves construction speed, precision and consistency. This approach reinforces the value of performance driven building methods.

Across India, developers are recognizing the economic advantages of steel systems. These systems reduce foundation loads, accelerate timelines and support modular construction. Prefabrication helps limit site waste. Integrated insulation improves energy efficiency.

Read the full article. 

Steel Chassis Reshapes Modular Building Efficiency

MMC Modular, based in Australia, developed a system that rethinks modular construction from the ground up. Led by owner John Davis, the company focuses on solving long accepted problems of welded steel chassis. Davis draws on decades of experience across Australia, New Zealand and the United States. He identified issues with transport damage, labor demands and slow production. These challenges have limited modular growth.

MMC Modular’s ModFloor system uses cold-formed steel (CFS) framing to replace traditional chassis. It reduces weight, limits transport deflection and eliminates welding and cutting. Photo Credit: MMC Modular

Using cold-formed steel (CFS) framing, the ModFloor system replaces traditional chassis. It delivers a lighter, more consistent solution. The system minimizes deflection during transport. It removes the need for welding, cutting and skilled labor. CFS framing components arrive ready to assemble. Small crews can complete chassis builds in hours. MMC Modular supports this with proprietary rollforming machinery. This increases production speed and allows rapid profile changes. It enables more efficient and scalable manufacturing.

MMC Modular extends the system beyond the chassis. It integrates design and procurement into a single workflow. Builders can reuse designs and reduce engineering overhead. They can also streamline material supply. The steel-based system lowers transport damage and crane requirements. It also reduces reliance on concrete. This expands modular construction into remote and multi-level applications. It also improves delivery certainty.

Read the full article. 

Additional Resources

• Update #19: Cold-Formed Steel Used for Apartment Project, Pickleball Complex and Fire Station
• Update #18: Cold-Formed Steel Accelerates Housing Projects in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Brazil
• Update #17: Cold-Formed Steel Advances Healing Facility, History Center and Middle East ConTech
• Update #16: Cold-Formed Steel for Wildfire Recovery, Campus Housing and Martha Stewart Prefab Homes
• Update #15: Cold-Formed Steel for Student Housing, Greenhouse and Fire Station

The post Update #20: Cold-Formed Steel Used for Resilient Housing, Scalable Infrastructure and Modular Floor Systems appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• CFSEI Expo’s Emerging Technologies Session to Showcase the Future of Cold-Formed Steel Design (May 20)
• Cold-Formed Steel Design Innovations Take Center Stage at the 2026 NASCC: The Steel Conference
• Super Stud Cold-Formed Steel Joists Take Center Stage in Seoul Art Installation

 

Member purchases from AD suppliers increased 28%.

AD’s member count increased by 74 on a net basis during the quarter, primarily driven by the merger with The Commonwealth Group (TCG). AD members also acquired 9 fellow members and 14 companies outside of AD.

Chairman and CEO Bill Weisberg said, “Our strong start to 2026 reflects growth across our divisions, driven by member expansion, increased engagement, and the successful integration of The Commonwealth Group. We look forward to building on this momentum in the months ahead.”

Read the original AD news release.

Additional Resources

• 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
• AD Names 2025 LLC Board of Directors After Vote, Some Are New to the AD Board

The post AD reports robust member sales growth in the first three months of 2026 appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

       

Partnerships Strengthen Noncombustible Construction

SFIA continues to build momentum across the industry. Stronger participation and a more connected strategy drive that progress.

“Member participation is strong, and we have a lot coming up,” says Don Allen.

That progress depends on collaboration across the construction ecosystem. SFIA continues to expand partnerships within and beyond the steel industry. SFIA works with groups across the noncombustible construction space. These partnerships strengthen advocacy efforts and support fire-resilient building strategies.

Dozens of industry partners supported the CFS10 Project, advancing full-scale seismic testing of cold-formed steel (CFS) and demonstrating the collaborative strength of the steel framing industry.

“It’s important to have partners in the noncombustible arena when working with legislators,” says Allen. “That support helps drive policies that address risks like wildfires.”

Wildfires continue to reshape construction across North America. Longer fire seasons and persistent drought conditions increase both intensity and frequency. Builders now prioritize fire-resilient design and noncombustible materials. These strategies reduce ignition risk and protect structures.

CFS framing plays a critical role in wildfire mitigation. The noncombustible system resists flame spread and maintains structural integrity under extreme heat.

Industry Collaboration Expands Steel’s Impact

Collaborative efforts also align the industry around priorities like sustainability and material transparency.

SFIA continues to extend collaboration into adjacent markets. The association engages groups tied to wood construction where it adds value. That outreach supports hybrid systems and expands the role of CFS in integrated building design.

“We even have information about how load-bearing cold-formed steel can support floor slabs made of cross-laminated timber,” says Allen. “Partnering with other associations gives us leverage and background on the issues they’ve been working through.”

Together, these efforts position steel framing as a leading solution for resilient, transparent and performance-driven construction.

Prefabricated cold-formed steel (CFS) framing and CLT floors helped Western Michigan University cut the construction timeline of the Golden Oaks residence hall by 25%, creating a stronger and more sustainable student housing solution.

Code Alignment Advances Compliance

Code compliance remains a core focus for SFIA. Allen said the codes have remained consistent, but unclear definitions created confusion.

“The codes have been relatively similar for a long time,” says Don Allen. “However, the way they defined things was not very clear.”

Allen pointed to nonstructural framing as an example, where many professionals begin in the industry.

Codes require “G40 or equivalent” corrosion protection, but the language created confusion. Did that mean paint, galvanized coatings or newer materials like magnesium or aluminum?

“We’ve worked to define those requirements and incorporate them into the codes and ASTM standards,” says Don Allen. “We also coordinate with other associations to ensure alignment across the industry.”

SFIA partnered with the Gypsum Association and tool manufacturers. These efforts addressed jobsite issues such as screw spinout and improved field performance.

Members recently approved updates to the SFIA Code Compliance Certification program. The revised program maintains strict standards while reducing cost and time burdens.

“It will be just as stringent, but easier for members to comply,” says Allen.

The program also adjusts inspection frequency based on performance. This approach improves efficiency while maintaining accountability.

“We’re encouraging architects, specifiers and structural engineers to require certified, code-compliant products,” says Don Allen. “Through SFIA membership, manufacturers can demonstrate that compliance, which gives them a clear advantage in the market.”

Designers, builders and owners want systems they can trust. The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) certification program ensures products meet building codes and perform as intended. 

Delivering Value Across the Supply Chain

SFIA represents the full steel framing ecosystem. This structure delivers value at every level.

“Unlike associations that focus only on manufacturers, we represent the entire steel framing industry,” says Don Allen. “We span the full supply chain, from steel mills to contractors.”

Members gain access to market data, certification programs and technical resources.

“We track tonnage data across regions and combine it with market indicators,” says Allen.

Tech Support and BuildSteel

Allen pointed to data centers as a major growth driver. These projects demand large, complex and highly coordinated construction systems.

“Data centers have become a major consumer of steel framing,” says Allen. “SFIA supports these projects with contractor certification, along with truss and panel fabricator certification programs.”

These programs help ensure quality, consistency and performance across high-demand projects.

Members also gain visibility and technical support through BuildSteel. The platform highlights projects, shares short-form content and provides practical guidance for design and construction.

“If a member completes a project, they can submit it to BuildSteel and we help tell that story,” says Allen. “We also provide videos and technical resources that show the industry how to meet code and get the details right.”

SFIA members gain visibility and technical support through BuildSteel, which highlights projects, shares practical design guidance and helps tell the story behind successful cold-formed steel construction.

Participation Drives Member Value

SFIA provides a wide range of resources, but members must stay engaged to realize that value. Active participation drives results across the organization.

“The key is to get involved,” says Don Allen. “When you join an association, you need to participate.”

SFIA relies on committees, volunteers and industry expertise to move initiatives forward. Members help shape programs and priorities.

“We’ve got strong committees and great volunteers, but we always need more involvement from our members,” says Allen.

That engagement builds relationships across the industry. Members who participate gain connections, share knowledge and help move the industry forward.

Additional Resources

• SFIA’s Don Allen Shares Insights on Technology, Training and Code Advocacy on “If Walls Could Talk”
• SFIA Approves Updates to Code Compliance Certification Program
• Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing 101: A Practical Guide for Designers, Builders and Owners

The post SFIA’s Don Allen Shares Insights on Industry Priorities, Partnerships and Code Compliance on “If Walls Could Talk” appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Update #20: Cold-Formed Steel Used for Resilient Housing, Scalable Infrastructure and Modular Floor Systems
• Cold-Formed Steel Design Innovations Take Center Stage at the 2026 NASCC: The Steel Conference
• Super Stud Cold-Formed Steel Joists Take Center Stage in Seoul Art Installation

 

A project by Steelo, S.A., an Argentinian fabricator, illustrates this approach. The company delivered a modular warehouse designed for precision, repeatability and efficient large-scale deployment.

“With Steelo’s integrated engineering and manufacturing capabilities, modular steel buildings can now meet the most demanding performance criteria—sustainably and at scale,” says the article, “The Most Remarkable Commercial Structure Built with Scotpanel Technology,” by Scottsdale Construction Systems, an SFIA member.

Images provided by Scottsdale Construction Systems

 

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Building Technical Expertise

Founded in 2022, Steelo has focused on building technical capacity in cold-formed steel integrated engineering and fabrication.

The company supports residential and industrial projects, including housing, warehouses and oil and gas facilities. Its technical team works across the full project lifecycle — from design through fabrication and installation — with an emphasis on meeting established engineering standards.

Steelo operates a digitally driven fabrication environment that supports consistent, repeatable production. This approach improves coordination, reduces rework and supports reliable outcomes across project types.

 

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A post shared by Sicla Steel Framing (@sicla.argentina)

Delivering a Modular Warehouse Solution

A recent Steelo project centers on a modular warehouse that houses MYE, S.A.’s construction operations. Designed for scalability, the structure made use of prefabrication and modular deployment.

The building used panelized truss assemblies formed from 90 mm CFS sections, balancing load-bearing performance with efficient material use. The system met AISI S100-16 and CIRSOC 303 requirements.

Steelo manufactured all framing members in-house. Crews assembled the warehouse quickly on site. This reduced schedule risk and limited job site congestion.

A modular warehouse for MYE, S.A. uses prefabricated, panelized 90 mm cold-formed steel trusses to deliver scalable, efficient load-bearing performance.

Solving Complex Structural Challenges

The project required a 30-meter clear span using lightweight steel members — a constraint that ruled out conventional beam systems.

Steelo instead designed a catenary arch system that transfers loads primarily through axial forces rather than bending. A three-hinged configuration eliminated bending moments at the supports, which improved overall structural efficiency.

This strategy allowed the use of shallow, lightweight 90 mm CFS sections. Though light in weight, the CFS system maintained performance across the span.

Achieving the geometry required precise fabrication of repeated curved segments. Steelo’s consistent manufacturing tolerances ensured accurate fit-up during assembly. This reduced the need for field adjustments.

The bottom line: the Scottsdale roll former system allowed Steelo to:

• Fabricate each segment with millimetric accuracy
• Provide precise cut angles, hole locations and stud lengths
• Maintain repeatability, ensuring each piece fit seamlessly during on-site assembly
• Produce components significantly faster than manual or semi-manual fabrication methods
• Minimize human error through CAD-to-machine integration

Read the full article from Scottsdale Construction Systems. 

Additional Resources

• Scottsdale Delivers Innovative Thermal Solutions for Cold-Formed Steel Framing
• Scottsdale Posts Comprehensive Guide to Steel Framing for Modern Construction
• Scottsdale Posts Guide for Engineering Cold-Formed Steel Framed Homes

The post Scottsdale: Modular Steel Warehouse Showcases Large-Span Cold-Formed Steel Design appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Data Centers Drive Construction Growth, Opportunities for Cold-Formed Steel Framing Business
• FRAMECAD: Why Cold-Formed Steel Is Accelerating Data Center Construction
• Maxan Interior Systems Earns SFIA Honors for Sculptural CFS Canopy in Etobicoke, Ontario

 

“Cold-Formed Steel Framing and Building Seismic Drift: What Happens to Our Framing When Buildings Move?” focuses on drift — lateral displacement that occurs as a structure responds to seismic forces. Primary structural systems are designed to resist these forces. Still, interior and exterior framing must accommodate that movement without compromising function.

Featured image: Kirsten Zeydel, S.E., director of design at Nevell Group, Inc.

The 2026 CFSEI Expo will take place May 18-20, 2026, at the Westin Long Beach Hotel in Long Beach, California.

Kirsten Zeydel, S.E., Nevell Group

How Seismic Drift Affects Cold-Formed Steel Framing

The session, sponsored by ClarkDietrich Building Systems, an SFIA member, will address how drift affects cold-formed steel partitions, curtain walls and other nonstructural components. The presenter, Kirsten Zeydel, S.E., director of design at Nevell Group, Inc., will discuss common detailing approaches that allow framing to move independently from the structure, including slip tracks and deflection connections.

According to the session overview, Zeydel will also cover coordination between structural engineers and framing designers. That coordination is critical to ensure that drift limits, connection details and system tolerances align across disciplines.

Design Coordination and Code Considerations for Drift

Attendees can expect a technical review of how building codes and standards address drift and nonstructural performance. The session will highlight practical considerations for design and installation, including where failures or damage can occur if movement is not properly accounted for.

The topic reflects a broader industry focus on resilience. As seismic design evolves, attention has shifted beyond life safety to include post-event functionality and repairability. Cold-formed steel framing plays a role in that equation, particularly in mid-rise and commercial construction where nonstructural systems represent a significant portion of the building.

The session is part of the CFSEI Expo’s technical program, which offers professional development hours and focuses on advancing cold-formed steel design and construction.

Additional Resources

• Register for the 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20)
• CFS-NHERI and CFS10 Capstone Seismic Research to Take Center Stage in Keynote at 2026 CFSEI Expo
• CFSEI Expo’s Emerging Technologies Session to Showcase the Future of Cold-Formed Steel Design (May 20)
• Building for Fire: How Cold-Formed Steel Is Changing Noncombustible Construction (May 20)
• CFSEI Announces Speakers for 2026 CFSEI Expo in Long Beach, California (May 18-20)

The post CFSEI Expo to Feature Session on Cold-Formed Steel Framing and Building Seismic Drift appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• CFS10: UC San Diego Ready to Shake Up Seismic Standards with 10-Story Cold-Formed Steel Test
• NHERI Tallwood, Built on an Earthquake Simulator, Was Just Tested
• CEMCO and Simpson Strong-Tie Support NHERI 10-Story, Mass-Timber Building Shake Test

 

These safety benefits take on added importance as construction professionals observe Construction Safety Week from May 4–8, 2026. Founded in 2014 by members of the Construction Industry Safety Initiative and the Incident and Injury Free Executive Forum, the event promotes industry-wide education and awareness around job site safety.

Featured image: Cold-formed steel’s (CFS) noncombustible nature improves job site safety, while lowering insurance premiums. Photo courtesy of Scottsdale Construction Systems.

10 Ways CFS Improves Safety

1. Safer Job Sites Start Offsite

Off-site construction with lightweight, versatile cold-formed steel (CFS) panels transforms the building industry by streamlining schedules, reducing labor demands and optimizing structural design. Crews assemble panels and components in factories with stable conditions and repeatable processes. This approach reduces exposure to weather, congestion and unpredictable job site hazards. As a result, contractors create safer and more controlled job sites.

2. Faster Installation with Fewer Workers

CFS systems install quickly due to precision manufacturing and prefabrication. Crews complete framing faster with fewer workers and less specialized labor. This efficiency reduces total labor hours on site and lowers overall exposure to risk. Fewer workers improve spacing and trade coordination, boosting job site safety.

T.J. Wies Contracting prefabricated 277 bathroom pods and 224 headwalls for a healthcare project in St. Louis. Image courtesy of T.J. Wies

3. Noncombustible Material Reduces Fire Risk

Steel does not burn, reducing fire risk during construction. Crews avoid delays, shutdowns and safety incidents tied to combustible materials. This keeps workflows consistent and limits exposure to unplanned hazards. Fewer disruptions also reduce high-risk situations for workers and responders. CFS helps maintain steady, safer job site operations.

4. Lighter Materials Reduce Lifting Risk

CFS offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, making materials easier to lift and position. Crews can handle many components without heavy equipment. This reduces strain and lowers the risk of lifting injuries. Lighter materials also improve maneuverability in tight or elevated areas. Workers maintain better control during installation, improving job site safety.

Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing offers a strength-to-weight ratio that surpasses wood and concrete. Image provided by FRAMECAD. 

5. Fewer Adjustments, Safer Installs

Manufacturers produce CFS to strict tolerances, delivering straight and uniform members. Crews install components with minimal field adjustments. This reduces cutting, rework and the need for on-site modifications. Predictable materials improve planning and sequencing. As a result, teams reduce errors and improve safety.

6. Material Stability Improves Safety

Steel framing resists mold, rot, termites and moisture damage, so it remains stable on the job site. Crews do not need to manage materials that weaken or change condition during storage or installation. This reduces the risk of damaged components or unexpected issues in the field. Fewer damaged materials also mean less rehandling and replacement work. As a result, teams maintain safer and more predictable job site conditions.

R.A. Smith designed modular pods for the research lab at the Cleveland Clinic. Workers at an easy time move pod panels.

7. Cleaner Sites, Safer Crews

Precut studs and precision manufacturing cut down on waste from the start. Crews make fewer cuts in the field, so there is less scrap to manage. A cleaner job site improves visibility and reduces trip hazards. It also makes it easier for crews to move materials and stay organized. Less clutter helps the job run safer and more efficiently.

8. Better Coordination Through Digital Planning

Teams use Building Information Modeling with CFS to plan projects before work begins. By modeling the full structure, crews identify conflicts and resolve issues early. This reduces the need for on-site adjustments and last-minute changes, where risks are higher. Better planning also limits delays and keeps crews working in a steady, controlled sequence. With fewer surprises and clearer direction, teams reduce rework and raise job site safety conditions.

BIM streamlines cold-formed steel (CFS) framing by integrating design, engineering and manufacturing, allowing for automated, accurate 3D modeling.

9. Dimensional Stability Improves Structural Reliability

CFS does not shrink, warp or split like traditional materials. Crews rely on consistent material behavior during installation. This stability reduces unexpected movement and alignment issues. Assemblies remain true to design throughout construction. Reliable performance helps crews work safely and efficiently.

On an award-wining Industrialized Construction Solutions project, workers could move unsheathed, light-weight wall panels by hand.

10. Certification Improves Quality and Reduces Risk

The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) certification programs verify that cold-formed steel products meet building code requirements and perform as intended. Third-party audits and ongoing inspections ensure consistent manufacturing quality and compliance. This reduces the risk of material defects, installation issues and job site failures. Certified products also give contractors and inspectors greater confidence in system performance from design through installation. By improving quality control and preventing issues before they occur, certification supports safer and more reliable job sites.

Building Safer with Steel

Cold-formed steel framing helps contractors raise job site safety by improving control, reducing labor exposure and minimizing common hazards. As the industry prioritizes safety, steel framing remains a practical and proven solution.

Additional Resources

• Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing 101: A Practical Guide for Designers, Builders and Owners
• eBook: Strength in the Face of Disaster: How Cold-Formed Steel Framing Keeps Buildings Safe
• 10 Ways Steel Framing Solves Modern Construction Challenges

The post Construction Safety Week: 10 Ways Cold-Formed Steel Framing Creates Safer Job Sites appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Breaking Free from Wood: Steel Framing for Homes Facing Hurricanes, Wildfires and Other Hazards
• CFS 101 In Practice: Real-World Examples of Project Teams Using Cold-Formed Steel
• Steel—Doing It Right®: Excellence in Cold-Formed Steel Training

 

The conference placed a significant spotlight on CFS, both in education and in standards development. Hosted by the American Institute of Steel Construction, the event featured a dedicated CFS track.

Don Allen, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), attended several sessions. His takeaway: CFS’s capabilities are expanding, and is the industry’s ability to model, test and apply it in complex structures.

Mark V. Holland, P.E., chief engineer at Paxton & Vierling Steel Co., Omaha, Neb., raises a point on cold-formed steel (CFS) standards during a Steel Conference session. Holland serves on the American Institute of Steel Construction Committee on Specifications and chairs the AISC Manual Committee.

Left to right, Tom Sputo and Ken Charles of the Steel Deck Institute, SFIA Executive Director Don Allen, and Keenan Loomis of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction mingle at NASCC: The Steel Conference in Atlanta.

The Steel Conference: CFS Sessions

Here are a few of the CFS sessions held recently at The Steel Conference.

The 10-Story Story: Flying High with Cold-Formed Steel and the CFS10 Effort

One of the most closely watched sessions focused on the CFS10 project, an ongoing research effort exploring the feasibility of a 10-story cold-formed steel building.

Researchers outlined the results of the CFS structural system design and full-scale shake table testing. The work examines CFS’s structural and nonstructural performance under seismic conditions. It showcases the value of using repeatable framing systems and the technologies required to scale them vertically.

Leading the discussion were Benjamin Schafer, professor at Johns Hopkins University, and Tara Hutchinson, professor at the University of California, San Diego.

Tara Hutchinson, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego, highlighted the growing viability of cold-formed steel (CFS) in tall structures at NASCC: The Steel Conference.

Schafer emphasized the importance of translating research into practical design standards. Schafer’s work continues to shape design, particularly in how engineers predict the strength and stability of cold-formed steel components.

Hutchinson, who has led several landmark shake table test programs, detailed the experimental side of the CFS10 effort. Her research focuses on large-scale testing to better understand how systems behave under multi-hazard conditions, particularly seismic loading.

Together, the session underscored a central theme: cold-formed steel is no longer limited by traditional height assumptions. With validated research and evolving design methods, the pathway to mid-rise and taller applications is becoming clearer.

The CFS Magic 8 Ball: Cold-Formed Steel Connections Primer

While the CFS10 session looked at system-level performance, another session drilled into a critical component of that performance: connections.

“The CFS Magic 8 Ball” session focused on the fundamentals of cold-formed steel connections and their role in predicting system behavior.

Presenters emphasized that connection behavior often governs overall structural response. By understanding those mechanics, engineers can better anticipate how entire systems will perform under load.

The session featured Cris Moen, founder and CEO of RunToSolve, along with Kara Peterman, associate professor at UMass Amherst, and Shahab Torabian, senior project manager at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger.

Moen highlighted the growing role of computational tools in advancing structural analysis and design, particularly as software becomes more capable of modeling complex behaviors.

Kara Peterman, Ph.D., associate professor at UMass Amherst, talks about cold-formed steel connection behavior during “The CFS Magic 8 Ball” session at NASCC: The Steel Conference.

Shahab Torabian, Ph.D., P.E., S.E., Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, discusses steel sheet shear wall fasteners at NASCC: The Steel Conference.

Peterman focused on research into thin-walled steel members and infrastructure systems, tying connection performance to broader questions of stability and sustainability.

Torabian brought a practitioner’s perspective, drawing from experience in mission-critical and high-performance structures. His work in nonlinear analysis and performance-based design reinforced the need for precision in connection modeling — especially under extreme loading conditions.

Frames and Systems

The “Frames and Systems” session brought together research and practice across structural behavior, connection detailing and emerging design tools. Presentations ranged from laboratory testing of cold-formed steel members to frame stability considerations and the use of large language models in structural design.

Mohammad Adil Dar of the University of Sheffield presented testing on web crippling behavior in built-up cold-formed steel I-beams composed of lipped channels. Perry Green, Ph.D., P.E., examined how slotted end connections in HSS vertical bracing affect frame stability. Zhidong Zhang of the University of Virginia introduced a framework for applying large language models to structural steel design. The session was moderated by Craig Quadrato of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates.

Mohammad Adil Dar, University of Sheffield, presents research on web crippling behavior in built-up cold-formed steel (CFS) I-beams during the “Frames and Systems” session at NASCC: The Steel Conference.

SSRC 2026 Beedle Award Presentation

At NASCC: The Steel Conference, Benjamin W. Schafer received the 2026 Lynn S. Beedle Award from the Structural Stability Research Council. The award recognizes his contributions to structural stability research and cold-formed steel design.

In his presentation, Schafer reflected on the evolution of stability research through his Ph.D. students and collaborators at Johns Hopkins University. The session traced developments from early studies of thin-walled columns. It also covered advances in system behavior, reliability and imperfection modeling.

The presentation highlighted contributions that underpin widely used tools and methods, including the Direct Strength Method and CUFSM. These tools have shaped modern approaches to analyzing and designing cold-formed steel members and systems.

Schafer emphasized the role of collaboration in advancing the field. The session abstract describes progress driven by both analytical and experimental methods. It also points to sustained collaboration among researchers studying complex structural behavior.

The presentation connected decades of research to current applications, including wind turbine towers and modular steel systems. It showed how ongoing work in stability continues to influence engineering practice. It also shapes the next generation of structural research.

Benjamin W. Schafer, winner of the 2026 Lynn S. Beedle Award, discusses a post-buckling journey of 25 years.

CFS Research to Practice

Across sessions, a consistent message emerged: the gap between research and real-world application continues to narrow.

From full-scale seismic testing to improved connection modeling, the tools available to engineers are becoming more sophisticated — and more actionable.

That aligns with the broader mission of NASCC, which focuses on delivering practical insights that attendees can apply immediately in design and construction.

For the steel framing industry, the implication is clear. As research advances and standards evolve, the material’s role in modern construction will continue to expand — not just in efficiency and speed, but in structural ambition.

Several SFIA members and their parent companies showcased their innovations at NASCC: The Steel Conference.

Additional Resources

• CFS-NHERI and CFS10 Capstone Seismic Research to Take Center Stage in Keynote at 2026 CFSEI Expo
• CFS10’s Trial by Fire: Photos from UC San Diego’s Burn Tests Prove CFS’s Resilience
• SFIA Approves Updates to Code Compliance Certification Program

The post Cold-Formed Steel Design Innovations Take Center Stage at 2026 NASCC: The Steel Conference appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

       

In Seoul, artist Lotus L. Kang is using exposed steel joists from Super Stud Building Products as a central element in her work Chora Chora. It’s part of the Chora exhibition on view through May 10 at Kukje Gallery, located in the Samcheong-dong area of Jongno-gu, a central cultural district in Seoul, South Korea.

Super Stud is a member of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA). Kang is a Canadian-born, New York–based contemporary artist recognized for immersive, materially responsive installations that merge sculpture, photography and architecture.

Artist Lotus L. Kang chose a cold-formed steel (CFS) joist with a patented hole pattern from SFIA member Super Stud Building Products for Chora Chora (at left).

Chora Exhibition at Kukje Gallery

Chora Chora features Super Stud’s cold-formed steel (CFS) joists, known for their distinctive large, round web openings. The patented hole pattern, originally developed during SFIA Executive Director Don Allen’s tenure at Super Stud, has become a recognizable design feature. When left exposed, the joist has strong visual appeal.

In Kang’s work, the joists form a courtyard-like structure layered with fabric and projected imagery. The installation explores space, memory and the idea of “in-between” conditions — where forms exist between solid and void. The open geometry of the steel framing reinforces that concept, allowing light and imagery to pass through the structure.

“Forms emerge from states that are neither fully solid nor fully void, but suspended in between,” Lotus L. Kang writes in an Instagram post announcing the exhibition.

The title draws from the concept of “chora” articulated by the Bulgarian-French philosopher, Julia Kristeva, which describes a primordial space prior to fixed meaning or form. Likened to a mother’s womb, “chora suggests a generative field — receptive, rhythmic, and continuously in flux,” Kang writes.

Artist Lotus L. Kang

An Aesthetically Pleasing Steel Stud

Super Stud personnel — Lori Ann Tardif, Malini Ramsamujh, Giancarlo Sanchez, Matt Bell and Brittany Morais — supported the project. They collaborated with the artist and project team to supply and adapt the joists for the installation. The system’s precision and repeatable geometry made it well-suited for the sculptural application.

The project reflects a broader trend: architects and artists increasingly specify exposed CFS components for both structural performance and aesthetics. The clean lines, consistent geometry and engineered openings offer flexibility beyond traditional building applications.

For SFIA, the installation underscores how steel framing continues to expand into new use cases — from high-performance buildings to creative expression.

While serving as marketing and technical services director at Super Stud, Susanne Allen worked on earlier projects with Ms. Kang using the same joist design. Now SFIA’s manager of advertising, she said the joists have appeared in a range of exposed applications because of their visual appeal.

“The hole pattern design is aesthetically pleasing, which is why the joist has been used in so many places where it’s left exposed,” she says.

In Seoul, that combination is on full display — with steel framing not just supporting the space, but helping define it.

Additional Resources

• Eastern Metal Building Products Acquires Super Stud Building Products
• Conversion to Steel: ADTEK Wins SFIA Award for Wagner College Locker Rooms
• SFIA 2026 Annual Meeting Features Newly Approved Certification Program, Industry Awards and More

The post Super Stud’s Cold-Formed Steel Joists Take Center Stage in Seoul Art Installation appeared first on BuildSteel.org.

      

Related Stories

• Update #20: Cold-Formed Steel Used for Resilient Housing, Scalable Infrastructure and Modular Floor Systems
• CFSEI Expo’s Emerging Technologies Session to Showcase the Future of Cold-Formed Steel Design (May 20)
• SFIA’s Don Allen Shares Insights on Industry Priorities, Partnerships and Code Compliance on “If Walls Could Talk”