EQ in the future
EQ coatings are moving the cold-formed steel stud market forward in respect to corrosion performance. Another advancement in requirements for nonstructural steel framing lays ahead in the form of the new industry standard, American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) S220, North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing–Nonstructural Members. This standard has been adopted by the 2015 International Building Code (IBC), which also references ASTM C645. However, AISI S220 will likely replace ASTM C645 as the universal industry standard for the specification of nonstructural steel framing in the future. Thus far, no major changes have been made regarding coating requirements. Similar to ASTM C645, AISI S220 states nonstructural members employed in cold-formed, steel-framed construction must have a protective coating conforming to ASTM C645 G40 minimum or a protective coating with an equivalent corrosion resistance.
Conclusion
Steel studs are strong, non-combustible and they must be able to endure the environment through their transport to the jobsite, the construction process, and any number of variables that occur on a building over its lifetime. Specifying proven products, such as steel studs with EQ coatings for nonstructural framing, can help create a more affordable, sustainable, and durable structure.
Gregory S. Ralph is the vice president of business development for ClarkDietrich Building Systems and also oversees the professional engineering firm, ClarkDietrich Engineering Services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Purdue University and serves on the Standards Council for the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and the Steel Framing Industry Association’s technical committee. Ralph can be contacted by e-mail at greg.ralph@clarkdietrich.com.
