The Steel Framing Industry Association has launched a certification program to ensure that cold-formed steel connectors meet quality guidelines, building codes, and ASTM standards.
Association officials say they want to boost the consistency of quality for steel building components. The program includes laboratory tests, on-site inspections and unannounced audits to ensure certified steel products meet standard tolerances for shape, material thickness, and corrosion protection.
The group hopes that certification will increase the use of steel in construction as building codes have changed to allow more wood to be used to construct tall buildings. About a quarter of non-residential construction uses cold-formed steel, and another quarter relies on wood framing.
Improved confidence in the quality of steel should help preserve and even take market share in commercial construction, such as of dormitories and motels, the association says.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 25, 2016
LEED Dynamic is worth the effort, says commercial real estate executive
San Diego office tower is California’s first office building to receive LEED Dynamic plaque in recertification.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2016
Ontario planning to spend $7 billion on wide-ranging climate change plan
Includes financial incentives to retrofit buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2016
Facility managers say Internet of Things, analytics will impact maintenance soon
More reliable data needed for optimal results from the technology.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2016
Industry leaders call for wider use of bamboo as a building material
Benefits include seismic resiliency and sustainability.
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2016
Asphalt roofing group publishes updated shingle installation guide
Technical manual provides best practices for roofing professionals.
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2016
EPA proposes new stormwater discharge regulations for construction sites
Would apply to sites of one or more acres.
Roofing | May 16, 2016
New guide focused on increasing energy and structural performance with raised-heel trusses
Higher trusses simplify attic ventilation, leave more space for insulation.
Codes and Standards | May 11, 2016
Current California seismic codes provide safety, resiliency, but needed upgrades present challenge
Los Angeles requires seismic retrofits, but other cities do not.
Codes and Standards | May 10, 2016
Apple spars with Cupertino, Calif., mayor over strained city infrastructure
Apple’s new ‘spaceship’ campus project prompts questions about whether the company should pay more to offset traffic woes.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2016
Safety Stand-Down yields proposals to boost construction safety
One example: Gilbane encourages safety harnesses for all working above 6 feet.
