LGSF FAQ’s

Only non-load bearing walls can be changed with the approval of the engineer.
Yes, insulation materials are selected according to the climate conditions of the location of the house.
Yes, when necessary precautions to protect the steel load bearing system are taken, fireplace and barbeque can be installed.
This question cannot be easily answered without having additional information. The amount of steel depends on many factors such as:
  • The complexity of the structure
  • The number of rooms and walls in the building
  • The number of stories (levels)
  • The environmental conditions (wind load, snow load, seismic load, etc.)
  • The occupancy classification of the building (residential, office, commercial, etc.)
  • The steel profile, thickness, and yield strength available for the job
Once the required factors are known, the designer can look at the building and perform a quick check to estimate the weight of the steel per square meter or foot. Some companies have developed a rule of thumb based on their product (equipment, steel, and software). FrameCAD system for example, estimates that for a one story residential building the weight of steel is approximately 18 kg/m2 and for a two story building the weight is approximately 25 kg/m2. These weights are approximate and cannot be used for estimating or designing projects.
3 -4 storeys . However introducing hybrid construction (Hot and cold rolled steel) can achieve more than 12 storey.
One of the biggest advantages of cold-formed steel is its high strength to weight ratio. This allows manufacturers and framers to fabricate long trusses that can reach up to 25 meters. Moreover, one should check on the transportation limitations when trusses exceed 15 meters.
It is varies with the design. We estimate the amount of material required for a particular design and use that for our cost basis. On some designs that are common or that we have done before and have a cost history we estimate on a square foot basis.
There are code approved plastic grommets that allow to be used. No conduit is required by the electrical code. Your electrician or the local building inspector should be able to find it in the later editions of the NEC (National Electric Code).
In the past few years there have been many code changes that address steel framed residential construction. The latest editions of the major national codes (SBC, BOCA, UBC, ABC.) all have new sections and revisions that address residential steel framing. Excalibur has never had a house where local building officials would not approve our design.
The easiest way is to get a magnet and place it on the wall to find the exact location of each stud.
Torch cutting is not permitted for cold-formed steel members. There are many tools available to cut the steel.
There are many sources where you can find information about the design and construction of cold-formed steel framing. A lot of that information can be found on the web site. The following are some recommended resources that you can check out:
Light gauges steel is much lighter than concrete. As a matter of fact light gauge steel weighs approximately 5 psf (35 kPa) while concrete weight ranges from 30 to 70 psf (207 to 482 kPa). Therefore, you should be able to reduce the amount of concrete used in the foundations. Your structural or foundation engineer should be made aware of the loads acting on the concrete so that he or she can design the foundations accordingly.
The white powder (also called white rust) is an indication that the zinc coating is performing its intended function, to protect the steel. Zinc is a sacrificial element which means it sacrifices its life to protect the life of the steel. When steel becomes exposed to corrosive environment the zinc starts working by covering the steel with white powder.
There are many green programs worldwide with the most popular ones originated in the USA or Europe. The following is a summary of these programs:
LEED for Homes
  • Created by the U.S. Green Building Council for residential & multi-family construction
  • Participation is voluntary
  • 136 total points available
  • 4 certification levels
Certified 45-59
Silver 60-74
Gold 75-89
Platinum 90-136
Green Building Standards (ANSI 700)
  • Created by NAHB (in the USA) for residential & multi-family construction
  • Participation is voluntary
  • 697 total points available
  • 4 certification levels
Bronze 222
Silver 406
Gold 558
Emerald 697
Green Globe (released by the Green Building Initiative (GBI))
  • Created by the Green Building Initiative for commercial buildings & major renovations
  • Participation is voluntary
  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is used as primary means of determining point values
4 Globe 850-1000 points
3 Globe 700-840 points
2 Globe 550-690 points
1 Globe 350-540 points
LEED New Construction
  • Created by the U.S. Green Building Council for new commercial buildings or major renovation projects
  • Participation is voluntary
  • 110 total points available
  • 4 certification levels
Certified 40-49
Silver 50-59
Gold 60-79
Platinum 80-110
Depending on the location natural gas, LPG or air conditioner can be used. Mechanical and electric instalment pipes are mounted in the walls and ceilings on the spots that are identified at the stage project.
It takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on the size of the building after the subbasement concrete is poured.
It depends on the project selected, however it is more cost efficient than a reinforced concrete house which is the same size and of the same quality.
The density depends on the grade of the steel, but 7.85 g/cm3
The life expectancy or the service life of light gauge steel components depends on many variables such as, but not limited to:
  • Location of the steel component in the building
  • Coating thickness of the steel component
  • Function of the steel member (load bearing or non-load bearing)
  • Environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity, weather patterns, etc.)
  • Class of exposure
  • Cladding materials
  • Quality of construction
Service holes that are punched through the webs of steel members are typically used for:
  • Electric wiring
  • Plumbing
  • Bracing
No, it doesn’t get bug-infested, doesn’t deflect, wear off or burn. Galvanised steel doesn’t corrode.
There are three main design methods that are recognized interantionally:
  • Allowable Stress Design (ASD)
  • Load Resistance Factored Design (LRFD)
  • Direct Strength Method
There are several different methods for wall anchorage depending upon the design loads and the seismic loads. The most common methods are anchor bolts and powder actuated fasteners (PAFs). There are design equations for anchor bolts in all light gauge specifications and codes.
Yes. TV’s, pictures, cabinets, and other fixtures can be hung from a steel framed wall using connectors and screws. For this particular question, #10 self drilling tapping screws can be used for hanging the LCD TV.
Yes, fabricated loadbearing members ensure high quality for reasonable prices, shorten the construction period, reduce the labour costs; steel is long-lasting.
There are no standard shapes for CFS like that of hot rolled steel. However, the most common shape MGI used is the 89 mm and 150 mm C-stud.
Yes, the most important precaution to be taken against earthquake is to lessen the weight of the building. Steel buildings are 5 to 10 times lighter than reinforced concrete buildings. Steel absorbs the earthquake energy to a great extend and saves you and your belongings.
No, galvanised structural steel is used. Steel coated with galvanise doesn’t corrode. Following are the typical coating used for projects.
Units Coating Weight
Imperial Units G30 G40 G60 G90 G115 G140 G165
SI Units Z90 Z120 Z180 Z275 Z350 Z450 Z500
No, protection system transmits the lightning to land.

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