Chapter 12, Problem 1RQ

To determine

Write how the members of light gauge steel framing are manufactured.

Explanation of Solution

Light gauge steel framing:

• The construction principle is similar to wood-framed construction; instead of wood framing, steel framings are utilized to construct the building.
• The construction materials utilized in this type of framing are non-combustible.
• The same procedure of sheathed, insulated wired, and the finishing in and out of the frame is same as that of the wood light frame building.
• The strength and stiffness of a member is based on the type of steel, its shape, and size.
• The accessories that should be needed to form a steel gauge framing member are end clips, web stiffener, foundation clip, V-bracing, joist hanger, flat strap bracing, and $1{\raisebox{1ex}{$1$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$2$}\right.}^{\prime \text{}\prime }$ cold rolled channel.

The method to manufacture a light gauge steel framing member is explained below:

• Initially, the sheet steel is fed from continuous coils by machines at room temperature to cold-work the metal and folds it into the structured-efficient shapes; this produces members that are stiff and long. Hence, these members are referred as “cold-formed metal framingâ€�, which is different from the heavy hot-rolled shapes that are used in structural framing.
• The feeding galvanized sheet produces a light gauge steel from continuous coils through machines and then it is folded at room temperature to make it long with a characteristic channel. The name “light gaugeâ€� means that the thinness of the steel sheet is produced from its members.
• A combination of the above-mentioned accessories is termed as light gauge steel framing. Without these basic elements, the members of a frame cannot be constructed. The above-said accessories are manufactured, and then they combine the individual joists to form a frame.