Since the development of the first specifications for cold-formed steel (CFS) building construction in 1946, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has been working to develop design standards to improve performance and accessibility for designers and structural engineers. These standards have progressed over the years to incorporate the latest technologies in materials and design. Looking into 2016, AISI is working with engineers, designers, researchers, and other stakeholders to update its suite of design standards to reflect research advancements and innovations in cold-formed steel design.
Cold-formed steel structures have the potential to deliver high-efficiency building designs by utilizing minimal material and advanced geometric shapes in structural members. Until recently, standards focused on design of the individual cold-formed steel structural members—making it difficult for designers and engineers to take full advantage of the capabilities and benefits of cold-formed steel members working together as a system.
Addressing this issue, the AISI standards currently in development will improve on the previous editions by introducing a more comprehensive and useful suite of standards for professionals. These standards are intended to be adopted into the 2018 model codes including the International Building Code (IBC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 5000, Building Construction and Safety Code.