CFS Stick Framing
Project:
The Pet Hospitals
(Collierville & Lakeland TN locations)
Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing has been around in commercial construction interiors since the 1960s. In recent years heavier gauge CFS framing substituted for structural steel or wood framing has taken off. This new use can significantly reduce construction costs, due to lower material and trade labor cost for this technology. CFS buildings also streamline construction timelines by taking advantage of off-site prefabrication.
Structural CFS and wood are similar "stick frame" systems that provide both gravity and lateral load resistance. The lateral load resistance comes from sheathing the studs in plywood to create a shear wall. The gravity load resisting headers and studs in turn are braced and strengthened by the plywood sheathing.
Labor is cheaper because no welding is usually required, all is held together by self-drilling screws. Occasionally, long spans or slim assemblies require the use of traditional hot rolled or welded steel shapes. When this occurs the CFS is fastened to the hot-rolled shape to create a composite structure.
Economy & Performance
CFS studwall construction is similar to wood construction, however CFS has the benefit of being of uniform properties and is available in 40 ft lengths. We specify primarily Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and fasteners, which provide high load capacity, simple specification, fast assembly, and easily verified installation.
Seismic & Wind Tough
Here studwalls support a steel bar joist and metal deck roof. Once plywood is added, the finished assembly makes an excellent shear wall capable of resisting strong wind and earthquake forces.
Large Lightwell
Hot rolled structural steel beams were only used in one key location: to frame out the large lightwell.
CFS Makes Sense
Most buildings of this type are built of a post and beam steel frame, with exterior CFS studwalls used only to support the brick. Yet those same studwalls, only in a heavier gauge, can support all the building weight. Many buildings up to 4 stories or more can be framed entirely in CFS.
Exceeds Expectations
Until recently it was difficult to build structural CFS in the mid-south because of difficulty in finding experienced labor. This has changed in recent years as more crews gain experience with the details of implementing CFS as primary structure.
Field Support? Yes
An interior lightwell illuminates the interior. OZER provides extensive field support as necessary to ensure the the structure is completed per the drawings and specifications.
Seismic & Wind Tough? Yes
Plywood sheathing is the final component of the structure. Once completely fastened to the supporting studs with a specified screw pattern, the assembly can easily handle the earthquake forces specified by the 2015 Building Codes.
Economical & Beautiful Designs
The double cantilever over the front facade seems like it's floating, but the extended ends of the bar joists can easily support these lightweight materials. Even with the weight of an added brick veneer.
Design Fully Realized
The finished building has a sharp and modern facade. With entry and office areas seemingly carved out of the brick box. Thanks to a great design by Warren Arch & cs studio Architecture.
Open for Business
The Pet Hospitals Lakeland TN location is ready to serve your pets.