Steel Frame Structure: How Wall, Floor, and Roof Systems Work in LGSF
Overview
Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF) is widely used in the construction of multi-story buildings due to its efficiency and versatility. While traditionally seen as too expensive for some properties, advancements in steel frame structures have made them more accessible and popular globally. Unlike wood, structural brickwork, or concrete construction, which are favored in different parts of the world, LGSF has emerged as a preferred choice due to its numerous advantages.
Global Usage of Steel Frame Structures
LGSF is not limited to a specific region but is increasingly used in the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. It is created through a cold-formed process that does not involve heat, allowing steel producers to manufacture lightweight yet high-tensile steel sheets. These sheets are coated with a zinc alloy that protects the steel from corrosion, making the resulting buildings stronger, more robust, and easier to build.
The advantages of LGSF are substantial and difficult to overlook. One key benefit is the use of pre-fabricated and pre-assembled steel modules, which reduce site work, minimize material waste, and enhance construction quality. The inherent strength and non-combustible properties of steel allow LGSF structures to withstand fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes, meeting the highest seismic and wind load standards.
Wall System in LGSF
Load-Bearing Walls: A load-bearing wall supports vertical loads from the structure above or lateral loads from the wind. Both internal and external walls can be load-bearing. For solid floor slabs, the frame is secured in place using brickwork anchors, hammer-driven nails, mounting shell anchors, or chemical anchors.
Bracing is often required for walls to resist wind loads, which can be achieved with bracing straps or sheets.
Noggins may be used to provide lateral resistance to wall studs.
Lintels are designed to withstand wind loading under sheet metal roofs and support downward loads under tile roofs.
Non-Load-Bearing Walls: These internal walls do not bear truss loads. They do not require angle lintels or noggins, and the top plate is made from a minimum of G550 cold-formed steel.
Wall Details and Connections: Steel framing is secured to the floor frame via the bottom plate after all panels have been correctly aligned and plumbed. For concrete floor slabs, the frame is anchored using masonry anchors, and wall panels are connected with self-drilling screws.
Wall Cladding and Partitions: Reflective foil sarking or fiber cement sheeting can be attached to steel frames with self-drilling screws. Steel sheet cladding is also affixed in the same manner.
Wall Openings:
External Doors and Windows: Timber or steel frames can be used interchangeably.
Internal Doors: Timber door frames are fixed to jamb studs with screws or nails.
Roof System in LGSF
The roof structure in LGSF is typically a steel truss system designed for metal sheets or tiles, incorporating C75 and C100 sections as chord and web members.
Key Features:
Compatible with various roof designs like gable, hip, Dutch, and cable.
For tiled roofs, wooden-style trusses with purling are used, spaced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Ideal for industrial, residential, and airport terminal buildings due to its lightweight, durable, and waterproof nature.
Requires less maintenance and offers better corrosion resistance with galvanized or coated steel sheets.
Supports creative designs with curved and straight purling frames.
Environmentally Friendly: LGSF roofs are made from ozone-friendly materials, promoting sustainability by reducing the need for new construction materials and encouraging recycling.
Easy Transportation and Assembly: The lightweight nature of LGSF roofs allows for easy transportation and quick assembly on-site, unlike traditional systems that are more rigid and challenging to manage.
Floor System in LGSF
LGSF flooring systems use cold-formed steel members to provide cost-efficient and safe solutions for buildings.
Fire Resistance: Steel floor systems serve as fire compartment boundaries, offering significant fire resistance, which can be enhanced using composite panel systems and external insulation.
Thermal and Structural Performance: LGSF floors outperform conventional systems in terms of thermal and structural efficiency. They are composed of C sections that provide a sturdy and sound-proof base, eliminating squeaky sounds and offering better sound insulation between floors.
Sequential Composition: LGSF floor components are manufactured in factories and delivered to construction sites in precise sequences, minimizing material loss and ensuring efficient assembly.
Improved Fire and Environmental Performance:
Using 100% eco-friendly materials, LGSF floors require no maintenance throughout their working life and offer additional floor space due to the reduced width of external walls compared to conventional brick walls.
Conclusion
Light Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF) technology is revolutionizing the construction industry by providing robust, eco-friendly, and efficient building solutions. Its versatility in wall, floor, and roof systems makes it a superior choice for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
If you’re planning a construction project and want to explore the benefits of LGSF, allaboutlgsf designs and supplies light gauge steel frames across India. Contact us at allaboutlgsf@gmail.com to get a custom quote for your project.