CFSEI Publishes New Technical Note on Mechanical Bridging and Bridging Anchorage of Axially Loaded Cold-Formed Steel Studs

by Jonathan McGaha | 23 February 2016 12:00 am

The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute[1] (CFSEI) has published a new Technical Note, “Mechanical Bridging and Bridging Anchorage of Axially Loaded Cold-Formed Steel Studs” (Tech Note W400-16). It provides a detailed discussion of the design requirements and methods to laterally brace (bridge) axially loaded cold-formed steel stud walls.

Cold-formed steel studs provide a cost-effective and extremely efficient structural solution for a typical mid-rise building. In recent years, the height of a typical cold-formed steel building has increased due to advancements gained through comprehensive research and testing on the behavior and design parameters of cold-formed steel. To ensure the integrity of the structure, the design engineer must fully understand the behavior and bracing requirements of a cold-formed steel load-bearing stud. This Technical Note examines the bridging and anchorage requirements, the methods to achieve them, and the current code requirements for buckling resistance.

The Technical Note covers:

• Design requirements for the bridging components of axially loaded cold-formed steel studs.
• A discussion of the methods to accomplish effective bracing of axially loaded cold-formed steel studs against both flexural and torsional buckling modes.
• A demonstration of bridging anchorage using flat strap cross-bracing, a welded diagonal brace, a strong-back stud, and a built-up section.
• A design example that compares two bracing design alternatives available to designers.

The Technical Note was written by Nabil Rahman, Ph.D., P.E., The Steel Network Inc[2]. This Technical Note is the latest in CFSEI’s continuing series of instructional documents on topics related to cold-formed steel framing for commercial and residential construction.

CFSEI Technical Notes are available free of charge to CFSEI members at www.cfsei.org[3]. Non-members can purchase them at the AISI Steel Store[4]. For more information on joining CFSEI, visit www.cfsei.org[3].

CFSEI maintains a Steel Framing Hotline to answer inquiries from construction professionals seeking cold-formed steel solutions for their projects. Suggestions for additional Technical Note topics are welcomed. The Steel Framing Hotline is accessible at 1-800-79-STEEL.

Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/news/industry-news/cfsei-publishes-new-technical-note/

---