Building Performance Knowledge Community

Who, by title or function, makes the decision to use cold formed steel in commercial applications. - low- and mid-rise buildings - so not bridges, etc.

Decision-makers may have either sole authority or share that authority with others.

Would you be so kind as to reply to this email and let me know how you view the decision-making process?  Is it a snapshot or a movie?  And, who by title or function, is part of that process?

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Kathy FLAMENT
President
Flament Associates, LLC
Rehoboth Beach DE
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The decision making process is iterative and may involve several entities; architect, owner/developer, contractor.  The decision to use  a specific system such as cold formed steel is based on market, and experience.  At times the building codes will also influence this process.

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David Collins FAIA
President
Preview Group, Inc.
Cincinnati OH
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There are several paths two are described here. Local custom- in the Massachusetts area there is a long custom of constructing steel framed building with metal stud back -up and various cladding from stone veneers to metal panel. We have many contractors versed on it some will even prefabricated it. Early cost models- simply cost models - comparing construction systems ------------------------------------------- David DeFilippo AIA Tsoi/Kobus Associates; Cambridge, MA Milton MA -------------------------------------------
Original Message: Sent: 01-23-2013 18:46 From: Kathy FLAMENT Subject: Who decides to use cold formed steel in light commercial? Who, by title or function, makes the decision to use cold formed steel in commercial applications. - low- and mid-rise buildings - so not bridges, etc. Decision-makers may have either sole authority or share that authority with others. Would you be so kind as to reply to this email and let me know how you view the decision-making process? Is it a snapshot or a movie? And, who by title or function, is part of that process? ------------------------------------------- Kathy FLAMENT President Flament Associates, LLC Rehoboth Beach DE -------------------------------------------

In a traditional Design-Bid-Build Delivery Process it would be the architect who decides what framing system is used.  However, the architect may or may not be the primary decider of the framing system.  In a Design-Build project delivery process the Contractor may be the primary decision maker.  If the Owner is experienced and undertaking a new project similar to past projects then the Owner may play a deciding role.

But, in any case the decision as to whether to use cold formed steel in a light commercial project or some other framing system should be a response to the requirements of the project.  Some of the factors which come into play include:
-  Building Code Requirements - fire-resistive construction
-  Construction costs
-  Project schedule
-  Structural considerations - height, number of stories, spans, etc.
-  Exterior wall finish materials / floor construction / roofing construction - overall assembly implications
-  Barrier performance design implications
    -    Back-up system for sheathing, air/vapor membranes
    -    Thermal desgin (this is where thermal bridging needs to be addressed)
    -    Condensation control
    -    Deflections / movements
-  Acoustical isolation design

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Micheal Lough AIA
Principal
Integral Consulting LLC
Chicago IL
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While architects are the lead design professional for buildings and structural engineers are responsible for the structural components; contractors and owners do on occasion heavily influence the decision to use cold formed metal framing (CFMF) for the building structure or exterior envelope.  The architect should always be involved in the decision as it impacts the architect's work in addressing building envelope performance, design detailing, specifications, and cost controls.  Structural engineers obviously have to be involved if the CFMF is load bearing.  Benefits, risks, and challenges resulting from system choices like this on a given project should be studied fully.  The architect and structural engineer both have a duty to approve any system or product they incorporate into their design including cold formed metal framing.  The owner, and contractor if involved, should be on board with the approach proposed.

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Drake A. Wauters, AIA
TDBP Advisory Group
Senior Technical Architect
Arlington, Virginia
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Do you mean cold-formed framing for exterior wall construction?

Such decisions would rarely be made by a single person.  Typically a joint decision of architect, structural engineer, owner, and also construction manager or contractor depending on project organization. 

What drives the decision?  Cost, exterior cladding material, climate, prevailing practice in the project area, etc.

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David Metzger FAIA
Chevy Chase MD
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