Steel is an engineered product with consistent chemical and mechanical properties and that can be precisely controlled to meet a user’s requirements for strength, formability, durability, ductility or any combination of these, along with many other characteristics. This ability has enabled the development of a new generation of nonstructural cold-formed steel framing that is lighter without sacrificing structural performance, and new coating technologies that are cost-effective and durable.

This webinar will explore how engineers and manufacturers are able to control the material characteristics of steel, then how these principles are applied to manufacturing the current industry standard studs and the new generation of nonstructural cold-formed steel framing. Following a discussion of the structural basics relating to performance, including how the new generation of products perform regarding fire resistance and acoustical performance, the webinar will conclude with suggestions on writing specifications that focus on the required performance of the new generation on cold-formed steel framing.

Larry W. Williams, APR, is Executive Director of the Steel Framing Industry Association, the industry organization dedicated to expanding the market for cold-formed steel through Promotion, Advocacy, Education, and by providing a positive environment for Innovation. The SFIA’s 1,500 members come from virtually every facet of the construction industry, including steel mills, coil coaters, stud and connector manufacturers, component fabricators, engineers, researchers, suppliers/distributors, and builders and framing contractors.

ClarkDietrich Building Systems is the leading manufacturer of a full-line of interior framing, exterior framing, metal/lath accessories, floor framing, interior finishing products and clip/connectors for commercial/residential construction. Quality manufacturing, national distribution, engineering services and strong customer service position ClarkDietrich as the largest manufacturer of cold-formed steel framing in North America. www.clarkdietrich.com/