Tech Note G200-21: Chase the Loads: Load Path Considerations for Cold-Formed Steel Light-Frame Construction
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Summary: Engineering students are admonished to “chase the loads” in their structural analysis and design courses. A “load path” is the direction in which each consecutive load will pass through framing members and the connected members of a framing assembly. The load path sequence begins at the point of load application, both vertical (gravity, wind uplift or seismic vertical) and lateral, on the structure and works all the way down to the footing or foundation system, ultimately transferring the load of the structure to the foundation. This Tech Note provides insight into the load path considerations for cold-formed steel framing.
This Technical Note updates and replaces CFSEI Technical Note G200-15
Disclaimer: Designs cited herein are not intended to preclude the use of other materials, assemblies, structures or designs when these other designs demonstrate equivalent performance for the intended use. CFSEI documents are not intended to exclude the use and implementation of any other design or construction technique.
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Tech Note B009-20: Structural Versus Nonstructural Cold-Formed Steel Framing
Summary: This Tech Note defines structural and non-structural cold-formed steel framing. It lists code definitions that can be used to categorize framing in question.
Disclaimer: Designs cited herein are not intended to preclude the use of other materials, assemblies, structures or designs when these other designs demonstrate equivalent performance for the intended use. CFSEI documents are not intended to exclude the use and implementation of any other design or construction technique.

Tech Note B004-20: Introduction to Cold-Formed Steel Framing Standards
Summary: The AISI Committee on Framing Standards was established in 1998 with a mission to eliminate regulatory barriers and increase the reliability and cost competitiveness of cold-formed steel framing in residential and light commercial building construction through improved design and installation standards. This Tech Note summarizes the efforts and work products of the Committee.
Disclaimer: Designs cited herein are not intended to preclude the use of other materials, assemblies, structures or designs when these other designs demonstrate equivalent performance for the intended use. CFSEI documents are not intended to exclude the use and implementation of any other design or construction technique.

Tech Note 551e: Design Guide: Permanent Bracing of Cold-Formed Steel Trusses
Summary: Prefabricated and site fabricated cold-formed steel trusses have proven to be efficient and structurally-sound roof structures. While roof trusses are the major component of the structural roof system, permanent bracing is also required to complete the system and ensure that it performs as designed. In this Tech Note, the basic requirements and design parameters for permanent bracing of cold-formed steel roof systems will be reviewed.
Disclaimer: Designs cited herein are not intended to preclude the use of other materials, assemblies, structures or designs when these other designs demonstrate equivalent performance for the intended use. CFSEI documents are not intended to exclude the use and implementation of any other design or construction technique.

Tech Note D200-12: Corrosion Protection for Cold-Formed Steel Framing in Coastal Areas
Summary: Cold-formed steel framing may be subject to corrosion when exposed to moisture and salt, both of which are prevalent in coastal areas. The 2003 edition of this technical note, based on guidelines published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA 1986) for metal connectors used in wood-framed construction, described the cause of accelerated corrosion in buildings located near the ocean and some larger saltwater bays, as well as the variation in the corrosive environments within a typical building. The 2007 update incorporated the results of a corrosion study by Dr. Ian Robertson of the University of Hawaii Department of Civil Engineering, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (SFA 2006). The influence of terrain and wind direction on corrosion rates was added to the original document. This 2012 update includes revised referenced documents and improved guidance on the proper storage of materials. This technical note outlines available corrosion-resistant materials for cold-formed steel framing members
and makes recommendations for buildings at various distances from the ocean and for different exposure conditions within an individual building.
Disclaimer: Designs cited herein are not intended to preclude the use of other materials, assemblies, structures or designs when these other designs demonstrate equivalent performance for the intended use. CFSEI documents are not intended to exclude the use and implementation of any other design or construction technique.

Tech Note 562-22: Powder-Actuated Fasteners in Cold-Formed Steel Construction
Summary: Power-actuated fasteners (PAF’s) are industry standard for attachment of cold-formed steel (CFS) steel framing members, usually track, to concrete, CMU or steel structural elements. “Power-actuated” is the broad category used to refer to fasteners which are driven directly through the CFS and into the substrate, using a powder, gas, compressed air or electro-mechanically driven tool. Efficient installation of framing systems is greatly enhanced by the use of PAF’s. For CFS-to-steel applications, the specification AISI S100 addresses all relevant limit states with equations and safety/ resistance factors. For CFS-to-concrete, limited guidance is provided but not all limit states are covered. This technical note will provide design guidance based on AISI S100, as well as installation and good detailing practice.
This Technical Note updates and replaces CFSEI Technical Note 562
Disclaimer: Designs cited herein are not intended to preclude the use of other materials, assemblies, structures or designs when these other designs demonstrate equivalent performance for the intended use. CFSEI documents are not intended to exclude the use and implementation of any other design or construction technique.

Tech Note B008-20: Basic C-Shaped Wall Stud Behavior
Summary: Although cold-formed steel framing shares some limit states with hot-rolled steel, cold-formed steel framing and specifically C-Shaped studs exhibit unique behaviors when subjected to various loading conditions. This Tech Note gives an overview of those unique behaviors that need to be considered when designing C-Shaped cold-formed steel members.
Disclaimer: Designs cited herein are not intended to preclude the use of other materials, assemblies, structures or designs when these other designs demonstrate equivalent performance for the intended use. CFSEI documents are not intended to exclude the use and implementation of any other design or construction technique.

Tech Note B003-20: Introduction to Building Codes
Summary: The International Code Council develops a suite of building codes that are considered nationally to be the model codes for the building industry. Local jurisdictions adopt, and in some cases amend, the codes and they become the law of the jurisdiction for building design and construction. The adopted building codes are intended to provide minimum requirements to provide a safe building environment. Among other requirements, the code dictates the maximum allowable size of a building based on its intended use, materials used in construction, fire resistance rating of structural elements, and the presence of automatic sprinkler systems. The International Building Code establishes all design loads to be applied to the building or structure. The building code also relies on references to other standards and specifications to ensure the provisions reflect the current industry practice. For cold-formed steel framing, the IBC references the American Iron and Steel Institute’s suite of framing standards as the accepted design methods and procedures.
Disclaimer: Designs cited herein are not intended to preclude the use of other materials, assemblies, structures or designs when these other designs demonstrate equivalent performance for the intended use. CFSEI documents are not intended to exclude the use and implementation of any other design or construction technique.

Tech Note F602-20: Screw Connections with Other Materials or Gaps Between the Plies
Summary: Screws are the most common connection type for connecting cold-formed steel members to one another. It is also common for gaps to be provided between members in the form of other materials such as gypsum or insulation, but unfortunately, the current standards do not provide clear direction for the design of screwed connections with gaps in the material. This Tech Note will summarize available test data and propose design guidance based on the available test data.
Disclaimer: Designs cited herein are not intended to preclude the use of other materials, assemblies, structures or designs when these other designs demonstrate equivalent performance for the intended use. CFSEI documents are not intended to exclude the use and implementation of any other design or construction technique.