July 2003, 124 pages
While certain applications of cold-formed steel (CFS) framing can be counted among today’s new and improved construction methods, only about one percent of new housing starts in the United States use CFS framing. A new guidebook, “Hybrid Wood and Steel Details–Builder’s Guide”, developed by PATH, provides the information and insights that builders need to construct hybrid cold-formed steel and wood homes.
Despite the availability of cold-formed steel framing, some basic barriers still impede the material’s adoption in the residential market. In particular, the building industry is generally reluctant to adopt alternative building methods and materials unless they exhibit clear quality or performance advantages. This guidebook attempts to fill the information gap for builders so that they can construct hybrid CFS and wood homes.
The information presented is applicable to detached one- and two-family dwelling, townhouse, and other attached single-family dwelling configurations. The publication also presents limitations of CFS framing, such as the general dimensions of the structure and the pressure per square foot of floor and wall dead loads.
The Guide is organized into three primary sections: materials, fasteners, and hybrid connection details of CSF framing. Each section contains diagrams, dimensions, and special comments. Hybrid connection details include the connections of floors, walls, roofs, and other components, such as stairs and kitchen cabinets.
