Cold-formed steel (CFS) framing has been successfully used in a variety of construction applications for many years. Common uses include nonstructural partitions and ceilings, exterior curtain wall and façade support, and complete load-bearing structures, including lateral force-resisting systems (LFRS). Recent advances in the understanding of CFS framing and ongoing research related to the design of seismic force-resisting systems (SFRS) are expected to expand the use of cold-formed steel framing into more complex, robust structural systems. This Guide focuses specifically on the use of cold-formed steel SFRS in buildings.
This Guide is written primarily with practicing structural engineers in mind but covers topics that may be of interest to building officials, students, and researchers. It has been developed with the understanding that cold-formed steel design is a specialty that many structural engineers have limited exposure to in either education or practice. Thus, it attempts to cover both introductory and advanced topics.