Design Opportunities for Light Steel Frame

Utilising light steel frame as the principle structural component in a building creates many design opportunities providing the build system is selected early in the design process. Engaging the manufacturers design team early ensures that their knowledge and expertise in the use of the system permeates through the design process.

Design programmes differ for each type of LSF system and working with the manufacturers designer and structural engineer enables the scheme to be value engineered and unnecessary cost can be eliminated. 

In load-bearing structures, engagement of the LSF designers and engineers at concept stage and prior to planning permission being granted is highly beneficial. This allows load-bearing lines to be identified from floor to floor to ensure efficient transfer of loads from the roof through the steel frame to the

substructure. This reduces both the amount of steel required and reduces/ avoids the requirement for introducing other elements such as hot rolled steel to transfer the load.

When specifying LSF, a critical part of the design process is identifying any unusual features or plant/equipment that will add load to the structure. These items such as balconies, green/brown roofs,

rooftop plant etc. can all be included but the structure should be designed to accommodate these elements from the outset.

Once the system is selected the focus should be to ensure architectural design freeze is achieved as soon as possible, using BIM modelling technology so that potential impact from late changes to the

design can be avoided.

Early engagement of the LSF  manufacturer/supplier maximises the benefits of using light steel frame.

The LSFA collaborate with the Steel Construction Institute (SCI) who are a trusted, independent

source of information and engineering expertise globally for over 30 years, and remain the

leading, independent provider of technical expertise and disseminator of best practice to the

steel construction sector. Throughout this Guide you will find links through to Useful Documents

published by the SCI and other leading industry organisations.

>>Download the full Specification and Engineering Guide via our Library

Image credit: Royal Sutton - Fusion Building Systems