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AISI Codes, Standards and Design Guides on Cold-Formed Steel Framing

J. W. Larson, P.E., F. ASCE 1
1

Director of Construction Standards Development, American Iron and Steel Institute,

1140 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 705, NW, Washington, DC 20036; PH (601) 6916334; email: jlarson@steel.org

Abstract
To enable the increased use of cold-formed steel framing, the American Iron
and Steel Institute (AISI) in its role as an ANSI-accredited standards development
organization has been actively turning state of-the-art research and industry practices
into a suite of design and installation standards. In 2004, AISI released updates to its
General Provisions, Header Design, Prescriptive Method and Truss Design Standards.
In 2005, the AISI completed a Code of Standard Practice. A Steel Stud Brick Veneer
Design Guide and a Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design Guide have also been
developed to assist practicing structural engineers and architects to design coldformed steel framing systems. This presentation will provide an introduction to these
significant industry documents.
Introduction
The efforts of AISI in standards development began with the sponsorship of
research at Cornell University under the direction of Professor George Winter and the
first publication of the AISI Specification in 1946. This initial work was started
because the acceptance and the development of cold-formed steel construction in the
United States faced difficulties due to the lack of an appropriate design specification.
Various building codes made no provisions for cold-formed steel construction at that
time (Yu et al., 1996). AISI has continued its efforts in this area, under its Committee
on Specifications, with a very significant activity being the continuous improvement
of the Specification through ongoing investments in research and development. The
latest Specification is the 2001 Edition with 2004 Supplement (AISI, 2004a).
In 1997, the AISI Construction Marketing Committee authorized the
formation of the Committee on Framing Standards (COFS). This was done due to the

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increased interest in cold-formed steel for residential and light commercial framing
and the sense that there were a number of design issues that were not adequately
addressed for this emerging market. (Bielat and Larson, 2002).
The COFS established as its 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. The committee also established as its primary objective: To
develop and maintain consensus standards for cold-formed steel framing,
manufactured from carbon or low alloy flat rolled steel, that describe reliable and
economical design and installation practices for compliance with building code
requirements.
The COFS organized itself under the same ANSI-approved operating
procedures that govern the Committee on Specifications. These procedures provide
for balance between producer, user and general interest categories; voting, including
the resolution of negatives; public review, interpretations and appeals. Numerous task
groups have been added under various subcommittees; however, the main committee
always maintains control of all decisions through the balloting process.
In its first few years, the COFS accomplished many things. The committee
established subcommittees and task groups, recruited active members and conducted
many meetings. By 2001, the COFS had completed four standards for cold-formed
steel framing; namely, General Provisions, Truss Design, Header Design, and a
Prescriptive Method for One and Two Family Dwellings. In 2003, a Commentary to
the Prescriptive Method, including design examples, was completed.
But by no means had the COFS completed its mission. It continued to improve
the existing standards. In 2002 it began working on standards for Wall Stud Design
and Lateral Design, and began leading an effort to develop an industry Code of
Standard Practice.
General Provisions Standard
The General Provisions standard addresses those things that are common to
prescriptive and engineered design. It provides a link between all of the industry
stakeholders and code enforcement agencies, ensuring everyone is on the same page
with respect to the basic requirements of cold-formed steel framing. It provides
general requirements for material, corrosion protection, products, member design,
member condition, installation, and connections. There were two significant changes
included in the 2004 edition of the General Provisions standard (AISI, 2004b); cutting
and cut edge protection, and alignment framing tolerances.
In the section on materials, the standard now states, Additional corrosion
protection is not required on edges of metallic-coated steel framing members, shop or

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field cut, punched or drilled. And, in the section on cutting and patching the standard
requires that All cutting of framing members be done by sawing, abrasive cutting,
shearing, plasma cutting or other approved methods. These two provisions really go
hand-in-hand, and recognize zinc's ability to galvanically protect steel at cut edges
when proper cutting techniques are employed (AISI, 1996).
The second change is in the section on alignment framing tolerances. Based on
testing at the University of Waterloo (Fox, 2003), an additional limitation was added
to address those cases where the bearing stiffener is located on the backside of the
floor joist. The previous limitation alone, that each joist, rafter truss and structural
wall stud shall be aligned vertically so that the centerline (mid width) is within 3/4
inch (19 mm) of the centerline (mid width) of the load bearing member beneath,
could result in a significant misalignment in the load path, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Potential Misalignment in Load Path

The new limitation prescribes a maximum distance of 1/8 inch (3 mm) from
the web of the horizontal framing member to the edge of the vertical framing member,
as well, when a bearing stiffener is located on the backside of the horizontal framing
member.
Truss Design Standard
The Truss Design standard applies to cold-formed steel trusses used for load
carrying purposes in buildings. Without such a document, the industry would be at a
significant disadvantage with respect to competitive materials. The standard is not just
for design. It also applies to manufacturing, quality criteria, installation and testing as
they relate to the design of cold formed steel trusses. The requirements of the truss

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standard apply to both generic C-section trusses, as well as the various proprietary
truss systems and were developed, in part, based on extensive research at the
University of Missouri-Rolla.
For the 2004 edition, the Truss Standard (AISI, 2004c) was revised to
recognize the Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) method. This was not
included in the previous edition because the industry is still heavily rooted in
Allowable Strength Design (ASD). However, with the elimination of the 1/3 stress
increase from ASD, the industry feels that there may now be compelling reasons to
use LRFD.
Header Design Standard
The Header Design standard is aimed at giving design professionals the tools
they need to design headers over door and window openings in buildings. The design
methodologies are based on testing at the NAHB Research Center, the University of
Missouri-Rolla and industry, and were developed under the guidance of Dr. Roger
LaBoube of the University of Missouri-Rolla. The Header Design standard provides
general, design and installation requirements.
The only substantive change to the Header Standard for 2004 (AISI, 2004d)
was the addition of single L-headers, shown in Figure 2. Based on testing at the
NAHB Research Center, single L-headers will be allowed for openings up to 4 feet
wide. The design methodology is very similar to that for double L-headers (LaBoube,
2003), except specific limitations are defined based on what was tested.

Figure 2: Single L-Header

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Prescriptive Method
The Prescriptive Method for One- and Two-Family Dwellings is essentially an
updated version of previous building code submittals. The document has gone
through the rigorous consensus process, earning it ANSI recognition, giving it instant
credibility and making it easily accepted by the various building codes. The standard
incorporates the latest cost saving developments of the Steel Framing Alliance, such
as the L-header, coupled with the latest engineering and load combination
developments, such as the LRFD provisions of the AISI Specification.
Significant changes approved for 2004 (AISI, 2004e) include a typical wall-tofloor connection detail, a change to the provisions to allow direct connection of wall
track to floor sheathing, based on testing at the NAHB Research Center (NAHB,
2003), details to illustrate the various ceiling joist top flange bracing options,
including new provisions for using cold-rolled channel or hat channel, and a detail for
connecting an uplift strap to a back-to-back header. In 2004, the Commentary to the
Prescriptive Method (AISI, 2004f) was also updated.
Wall Stud Design Standard
The Wall Stud Design standard (AISI, 2004g) addresses general requirements,
loading, design and installation of cold-formed steel wall studs. It addresses certain
items not presently covered by the AISI Specification, including load combinations
specific to wall studs, a new, more rational approach for sheathing braced design, and
methodologies for evaluating stud-to-track connections and deflection track
connections. It should be noted that the sheathing braced design provisions in section
D4.1 of the previous edition of the Specification have been eliminated.
Included in the Wall Stud Design standard is a requirement that when
sheathing braced design is used, the wall stud shall be evaluated without the sheathing
bracing for the dead loads and loads that may occur during construction or in the
event that the sheathing has been removed or has accidentally become ineffective. The
load combination is taken from ASCE 7-02 (ASCE, 2002) for special event loading
conditions.
Sheathing braced design in the Wall Stud Design standard is based on rational
analysis assuming that the sheathing braces the stud at the location of each sheathingto-stud fastener location. Axial load in the stud is limited, therefore, by the capacity of
the sheathing or sheathing-to-wall stud connection.
Provisions are provided for the stud-to-track connection, and recognize that
when the track thickness is equal to or greater than the stud thickness, an increase in
web crippling strength can be realized. This increased strength is attributed to the
favorable synergistic effect of the stud-to-track assembly. The provisions are based on
research conducted at the University of Waterloo (Fox and Schuster, 2000) and the

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University of Missouri-Rolla (Bolte, 2003). Provisions are also provided for a Csection wall stud installed in a single deflection track application.

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Lateral Design Standard

The Lateral Design (AISI, 2004h) standard addresses general and design
requirements for walls and diaphragms that provide lateral support to a building
structure. This standard addresses design requirements for shear walls (Type 1 or
segmented and Type 2 or perforated), diagonal strap bracing (that is part of a
structural wall), wall anchorage and diaphragms. Previously, these requirements were
scattered among various building code provisions, design guides, technical notes and
research reports. The intent of this document is to pull them together into one
document that is recognized by the codes. A companion Commentary has also been
developed to help provide further technical substantiation of the provisions.
The requirements for Type I shear walls in the Lateral Design standard were
based on studies by Serrette (1996, 1997, 2002). This series of investigations included
reverse cyclic and monotonic loading and led to the development of the design values
and details for plywood, oriented strand board, and gypsum wallboard lightweight
shear wall assemblies.
The requirements for Type II shear walls, also known as perforated shear
walls, in the Lateral Design standard were based on recognized provisions for wood
systems. Research by Dolan (1999, 2000a, 2000b) demonstrated that the design
procedure is as valid for steel framed systems as for all wood systems.
Also included in the Lateral Design standard are new provisions for estimating
the deflection of Type I shear walls. This method considers the bending, overturning,
shear and inelastic effects and is based on a recent study at the University of Santa
Clara (Serrette and Chau, 2003).
Design values for diaphragms with wood sheathing were developed by
Serrette (LGSEA, 1998), as was the methodology for determining the design
deflection of diaphragms, which was based on a comparison of the equations used for
wood frame shear walls and diaphragms, coupled with similarities in the performance
of cold-formed steel and wood frame shear walls.
Code of Standard Practice
In 2005, the COFS developed of an industry Code of Standard Practice for
Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing (AISI, 2005). It covers general requirements,
classification of materials, contract documents, installation drawings, materials,
installation, quality control, and contractual relations.

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This document, developed by the COFS, was reviewed by several peer

committees within the industry. It defines and set forth accepted norms of good
practice for fabrication and installation of cold-formed steel structural framing. It is
not intended to conflict with or supercede any legal building regulations, but serves to
supplement and amplify such laws and is intended to be used unless there are
differing instructions in the contract documents. Other industries have such
documents. This one was patterned after these other documents, but was tailored to
the needs of cold-formed steel structural framing industry.
Steel Stud Brick Veneer Design Guide
In 2003, under the auspices of its Committee on Specifications, AISI released
the Steel Stud Brick Veneer Design Guide (AISI, 2003). This document provides
background on the key issues and industry references, provides definitions and
explanations of terms, describes the function and behavior of the various components,
and provides an understanding of overall system behavior and design considerations.
Several design approaches are described and a clear set of recommendations is
provided for the designer and installer. The recommendations in the guide are based
on significant industry references, which are cited, with particular emphasis on a
comprehensive long-term investigation funded by the Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporation. The recommendations include suggestions about the bracing of the stud
system, the type of brick ties and what design load must be used for them, the amount
of movement that is safely permitted for crack control, and insulating techniques in
different climates to help prevent condensation within the wall and encourage drying
of wall cavities that may experience some moisture. The document includes a very
extensive bibliography.
For the designer or builder preparing to install a brick veneer system over steel
studs, this resource provides excellent insight into how the system should be
designed, detailed and installed. Proper anticipation, mitigation and management of
heat, air and moisture within the wall system can go a long way to preserving the
integrity of the overall building.
Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design Guide
In 2002, also under the auspices of its Committee on Specifications, AISI
released the Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design Guide (AISI, 2002). This document
provides a basic introduction to design methods, loads and load combinations, design
strength determination, member design as a function of bracing and design strength of
connections. But the bulk of this document is devoted to the solution of four detailed
design examples. Each example starts with the applied loads and illustrates how to
analyze load paths, determine member and connection forces, select members,
establish proper bracing conditions, design bracing, and design connections.

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Figure 3: Wind Bearing In-Fill Wall

Design Example #1, for a wind bearing infill wall (Figure 3), is based on the
sheathed design approach which assumes that the sheathing is structurally adequate to
resist the torsional component of loads not applied through the shear center and to
resist the effects of lateral instability. Members are de-signed using simple beam
theory. All connections are fastened with self-drilling screws. Design Example #2,
also for a wind bearing infill wall, is based on welded connections and an unsheathed
design approach where the secondary effects of torsion and lateral instability are
included. Design Example #3, reviews three alternative methods for framing strip
windows with cold-formed steel framing. Detailed design calculations are presented
for the third alternative, studs outside the face of the structure. The calculations
assume welded connections and an all steel system where the restraint of the
sheathings is ignored. Design Example #4 covers the design of a cold-formed steel
framing floor system bearing on a steel stud wall with a window opening (Figure 4).

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Detailed calculations are included for all elements including the stud bridging and its
anchorage.

Figure 4: Cold-Formed Steel Floor System Bearing on a Steel Stud Wall

Conclusions
The American Iron and Steel Institute has effectively leveraged its experience
and expertise in standards development to support the growing needs of the coldformed steel framing industry. Charged with a mission, to eliminate regulatory
barriers and increase the reliability and cost competitiveness of cold-formed steel
framing through improved design and installation standards, the Committee on
Framing Standards has built on the internationally recognized AISI Specification and
developed and published six ANSI-accredited consensus standards.
The model building codes have adopted these Standards for Cold-Formed
Steel Framing, which include General Provisions, Truss Design, Header Design, Wall
Stud Design, and Lateral Design, as well as a comprehensive Prescriptive Method for
One and Two Family Dwellings. AISI also helps facilitate the development of industry
recommendations and guidance, including an industry Code of Standard Practice and
design guides on Steel Stud Brick Veneer and Cold-Formed Steel Framing. These
documents have widespread application and are available from AISI (www.steel.org)
and Steel Framing Alliance (www.steelframingalliance.com).

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Acknowledgements
The members of the AISI committees, subcommittees and task groups
responsible for bringing these standards to fruition are to be commended for their
time and effort. It is through the participation of representatives from steel producers,
fabricators, users, educators, researchers, and building code officials in this consensus
process that such progress is made. The partner organizations, Steel Framing Alliance,
Light Gauge Steel Engineers Association, Steel Stud Manufacturers Association,
Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute and Center for Cold Formed Steel Structures,
are to be thanked for their active participation. Particular gratitude is owed to the
American Iron & Steel Institute and the Steel Framing Alliance, and their members,
for their long-term vision for this market and financial support of this technical effort.
References
American Iron and Steel Institute (1996), Durability of Cold-Formed Steel Framing
Members, Washington, D.C., 1996.
American Iron and Steel Institute (2002), Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design Guide,
Washington, D.C., 2002.
American Iron and Steel Institute (2003), Steel Stud Brick Veneer Design Guide,
Washington, D.C., 2003.
American Iron and Steel Institute (2004a), North American Specification for the
Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members, 2001 Edition with 2004
Supplement, Washington, D.C., 2004.
American Iron and Steel Institute (2004b), Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing
General Provisions, 2004 Edition, Washington, D.C., 2004.
American Iron and Steel Institute (2004c), Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing
Truss Design, 2004 Edition, Washington, D.C., 2004.
American Iron and Steel Institute (2004d), Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing
Header Design, 2004 Edition, Washington, D.C., 2004.
American Iron and Steel Institute (2004e), Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing
Prescriptive Method for One and Two Family Dwellings, 2004 Edition,
Washington, D.C., 2004.
American Iron and Steel Institute (2004f), Commentary on the Standard for ColdFormed Steel Framing Prescriptive Method for One and Two Family
Dwellings, 2004 Edition, Washington, D.C., 2004.
American Iron and Steel Institute (2004g), Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing
Wall Stud Design, 2004 Edition, Washington, D.C., 2004.
American Iron and Steel Institute (2004h), Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing
Lateral Design, 2004 Edition, Washington, D.C., 2004.
American Iron and Steel Institute (2005), Code of Standard Practice for Cold-Formed
Steel Structural Framing, 2005 Edition, Washington, D.C., 2005.
American Society of Civil Engineers (2002), Minimum Design Loads for Buildings
and Other Structures, ASCE Standard 7-02, Reston, VA, 2002.

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Bielat, K.R., Larson, J.W. (2002), AISI Committee on Framing Standards Enabling
the Widespread and Economic Use of Steel Framing, Proceedings of the 16th
International Specialty Conference on Cold-Formed Steel Structures, St.
Louis, MO, 2002.
Bolte, W. G. (2003), Behavior of Cold-Formed Steel Stud-to-Track Connections,
Thesis in partial fulfillment of the degree Masters Science, Department of
Civil Engineering, University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO, 2003.
Dolan, J.D. (1999), Monotonic and Cyclic Tests of Long Steel-Frame Shear Walls
with Openings, Report No. TE-1999-001, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
State University, Blacksburg, VA.
Dolan, J.D., and Easterling, W.S. (2000a), Monotonic and Cyclic Tests of LightFrame Shear Walls with Various Aspect Ratios and Tie-Down Restraints,
Report No. TE-2000-001, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University,
Blacksburg, VA.
Dolan, J.D., and Easterling, W.S. (2000b), Effect of Anchorage and Sheathing
Configuration on the Cyclic Response of Long Steel-Frame Shear Walls,
Report No. TE-2000-002, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University,
Blacksburg, VA.
Fox, S.R. (2003), The Strength of Stiffened CFS Floor Joist Assemblies with Offset
Loading, American Iron and Steel Institute, Washington, DC.
Fox, S. R., and Schuster, R. (2000), Lateral Strength of Wind Load Bearing Wall
Stud-to-Track Connections, Proceedings of the 15th International Specialty
Conference on Cold-Formed Steel Structures, University of Missouri-Rolla,
Rolla, MO, 2000.
LaBoube, R.A. (2003), Summary Report on Strength of Single L-Headers,
American Iron and Steel Institute, Washington, DC, 2003.
Light Gauge Steel Engineers Association (1998), Lateral Load Resisting Elements:
Diaphragm Design Values, Tech Note 558b-1, Washington, DC, 1998.
NAHB Research Center (2003), Hybrid Wood and Steel Sole Plate Connection
Walls to Floors Testing Report, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, Washington, DC, 2003.
Serrette, R.L. (1996), Shear Wall Values for Light Weight Steel Framing, Final
Report, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA.
Serrette, R.L. (1997), Additional Shear Wall Values for Light Weight Steel
Framing, Final Report, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA.
Serrette, R.L. (2002), Performance of Cold-Formed Steel-Framed Shear Walls:
Alternative Configurations, Final Report: LGSRG-06-02, Santa Clara
University, Santa Clara, CA.
Serrette, R.L., and Chau, K. (2003), Estimating the Response of Cold-Formed SteelFrame Shear Walls, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA.
Yu, W.W., Wolford, D.S., Johnson, A.L. (1996), Golden Anniversary of the AISI
Specification, Proceedings of the 13th International Specialty Conference on
Cold-Formed Steel Structures, St. Louis, MO, 1996.

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