light gauge framing

[5747hazel]

I posted a question in one of the forum but for some reason it was deleted. I don't know who did it. now I am asking it again. Does anybody have any experiences of framing a whole multistoried building with cold formed? what program do you use? Thanks

 

[phamENG]

Simpson Strong Tie has a basic software package for light gauge design. SteelSmart System is a much heavier duty program with a lot more features. Cost is relative to the capabilities of the program.

A 3 story building is not a good place to learn light gauge unless somebody is looking over your shoulder. The behavior of light gauge isn't quite the same as structural steel due to its thickness and shape. There are a lot of seemingly minor details that are much more important than they may look at first glance. There are a lot of details that need to be worked out. Also, be mindful of material thickness specs. A gauge thickness really isn't regulated by anyone. You're always better off giving an actual thickness in mils, inches, etc.

Also, is this kind of construction common in your area? If not, the contractor will likely be a drywall contractor accustomed to putting up 26 gauge partitions and you'll need to watch him like a hawk.

 

[r13]

Check out on AISI website, there are lots of stuffs useful to you.

 

[5747hazel]

thanks phamENG. I don't think it is common which is why I am asking. not sure we are going for full cold form yet. we or I might be the first to get it accomplished. there are volumes of AISI books to study. Vertex BD says it can do it with Australia and European codes. I guess we are kind of behind. theoretically it can be done with self made spreadsheet I guess.

 

[phamENG]

The really powerful CFS programs can be hard to justify for small to medium sized firms that only do a handful of large CFS projects a year. That's one reason it's become a popular delegated design item. The level of effort required by the designer is usually much higher than most want to deal with, so SSEs do them in bulk and take advantage of the economy of scale. That said, you should have a thorough understanding of anything you delegate as you're still the one holding the bag if things go wrong.

If there are other viable options, I'd suggest taking them. If you want to get into light gauge, take some courses and start small. Once you have a good feel for it, start scaling it up as your skill and comfort allow.

 

[5747hazel]

I totally agree.

 

[5747hazel]

thanks retired13. I have been on AISI stuff for a while. we might need to start from small. say a fire station or a penthouse.

 

[r13]

Browse through the links on its site, there is a reputable source that offers design software.

 

[r13]

Try this link, Link, and check out "AISI Design Resources" tab

 

[Aesur]

Historically I have done this mostly by hand, using AISIWIN and CFS 11.