Kathy ~
re: Steel framing, cold rolled steel, plans examiners etc.
This is primarily a choice of the architect and owner. I sometimes see the choice to use wood on small buildings to suit the contractor. Plans examiners do not make or force these decisions. They simply review the design for code compliance and all 50 states are using codes based on the ICC model codes. (see iccsafe.org). However, plans examiners and building officials may be asked for their opinions on the pros and cons of a particular construction type if an architect is struggling with a choice. Planning commissions and zoning boards would rarely force the use of steel construction as a matter of land use or aesthetics unless its part of a specially adopted code or ordinance.
As for the qualifications of plans examiners, they are usually very well trained on the code merits of steel construction via ICC and state certifications. In Ohio for example, to review and recommend plan approval you must be a licensed design professional and have Master Plans Examiner certification by the state of Ohio. There is also mandatory continuing education in addition to the CE requirements of the state license to practice architecture or engineering. Hence, you're preaching to the choir when it comes to a preference for non-combustible construction because they understand the long term safety and welfare benefits better that most people.
As an aside, the code versions and state modifications will vary because of a 3 year model code adoption cycle. You may also see additional codes for some building types also regulated by NFPA codes and standards like NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). NFPA 70 (National Electric Code), NFPA 13 (Sprinkler Code) and NFPA 72 (Fire Alarm Code) are used almost universally across the nation.
The decision to use steel framing and cold rolled steel usually boils down to the preferred construction type and whether or not the building is sprinklered in order to achieve an allowable area the works best for the project. The two most common construction types are V-B (wood frame - most combustible) and II-B (steel frame - noncombustible). An easy way to get a larger allowable square footage is to sprinkler a building or make it non-combustible. There are a lot of other accrued benefits to being both non-combustible and sprinklered. (see IBC table 503 for a good start)
To be clear, I'm referring here to steel in commercial construction. It is much less common in residential construction unless you get into multistory/multifamily residential projects which still often lean toward wood construction with sprinklers. One of the reasons is that there is a big preference for pre-engineered wood trusses and this sets the stage for type V-B combustible construction. If you wanted to revolutionize the multifamily construction industry, I'd start with the cost, design, production and delivery of pre-engineered trusses using cold rolled steel. The cost may be higher for trusses but it would be interesting to know what the total building costs would be if its all steel vs.all wood. That's why sprinlkler systems are so prevalent now - they give a big boost to cutting overall costs of constructing and owing a building.
Hope this helps.
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Terry Welker AIA
Chief Building Official
Master Plans Examiner
City of Kettering
Kettering OH
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