Carpentry & Building Construction

Chapter 29: Steel Framing Basics

Chapter Summaries

Section 29.1 Steel as Building Material
Steel frame houses are designed using the performance or the prescriptive method. Residential steel framing is either stick-built, panelized, or pre-engineered.

Section 29.2 Steel Framing Tools
Most tools used in steel framing are electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically powered. In some situations, a gasoline engine may power larger tools. A few hand tools, such as clamps, are also used. Mechanical fasteners, such as screws, nails, and pins, attach steel framing members. Framing screws attach steel to steel. Sheathing screws attach exterior sheathing to steel. Processes such as welding and clinching are also used.

Section 29.3 Steel Framing Methods
Floor joists are laid out starting from the same end of the building as the roof members. The layout may be from one end wall to another or from one side wall to another. Joist flanges must all be oriented in the same direction. Load-bearing walls support the weight of the house above them. Each stud must butt tightly inside its track to properly carry the axial load. Interior nonload-bearing walls are not intended to carry axial loads and are typically used built to enclose rooms. All rafters must be cut with the flat sides facing in the same direction. The flat side of the rafter at the top track must contact the flat side of the ceiling joist. Either the common rafter method or the calculation method can determine the height of the roof ridge.