Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Light Gauge Steel Construction System
Light gauge steel has been used in the construction industry in the developed countries for the last few decades, mainly for non-load bearing interior partition walls in high-rise buildings constructed in reinforced concrete or structural steel. It is also very widely used in commercial buildings interior partitions.
The use of LGS load-bearing studs and components are now becoming more and more common in low (single story) to medium rise building (four to eight storey), particularly in residential homes, apartments and condominiums. Light Gauge Steel Construction system is a pre-engineered & pre-fabricated quick build dry construction system. The key advantages are consistency in quality & controlled project implementation timing.
LGS construction system can be classified under two board categories:Modular Construction: Modular consists of actually pre-fabricating the walls and floor components into sections, usually in the factory under controlled conditions.
The modules are built in sections with doors and windows openings already built into the wall panels. The finished modules are than put on to a trailer and transported to site. The major benefit of this method is the speed of erection as the modules are simply 'craned' into place on site as the wall panels is already pre-assembled.
On Site Construction: There are several innovative systems available today, which consist of ready-made panels, or pre-cut and pre-drilled framing members, which only require easy assembly at site. This system has been used particularly for Industrial and Commercial buildings where large spans and standard building sizes are the norm.
Advantages of LGS Systems
Stable supply of steel means little fluctuation in price. With steel framing, walls remain straight and true. That means fewer callbacks due to nail pops and shrinkage cracks. Because materials can be pre-cut to desired lengths, there is almost no waste.
Steel is a non-combustible material and does not contribute fuel to a fire, or be susceptible to fire.
Cut-to-length material reduces in-field cutting and waste up to 75%. Framing members are manufactured with pre-punched holes for running piping and electrical wiring, minimizing preparation work for other trades. Steel's light weight also makes for easier on-site handling.
MPROVED CONSTRUCTION QUALITY
Galvanized steel studs are corrosion resistant and dimensionally stable, eliminating nail popping and reducing cracking so often associated with wood shrinkage and expansion. Steel studs will not warp, split, rot, settle, shrink, or attract termites.
Steel is inert and does not emit fumes, gases, vapour or support the growth of moulds & fungi (which can potentially caused some health problems).
Steel has one of the highest strength to weight ratios of any construction material. Steel framing can weigh only one-third as much as traditional construction produces, reducing seismic loads. Lower weight means easier maneuverability and lower foundation costs.
It is dimensionally stable - it does not expand or contract with moisture content.
Because studs are attached with screws, they can be easily moved to assure accurate attachment of wall board and other construction components. Steel framing also makes remodeling easier because complex shapes are easy to fabricate. Changed are easy. Simply put your screw gun in reverse and back out the screw.
DESIGN FLEXIBILITY
Multiple product dimensions and thickness of steel components gives the builder greater flexibility in determining cost-effective framing solutions. Steel can also provide greater strength for loner floor spans and higher walls. Steel frames can be finished with virtually any type of material and can be easily remodeled.
crew labor time and costs can be reduced compared to wood framing.
ECYCLABLE
All steel products are 100% recyclable. The amount of steel recycled over the past decade has extended the life of nation's landfills by more than three years.
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