The LSF construction system (Lightweight Steel Frame)

“Lightweight Steel Framing”-LSF is the internationally known designation for the constructive system in which the structure consists of cold shaping galvanized metal profiles of reduced thickness (in the order of one millimeter) and, consequently, of very low weight (mild). The first buildings built in LSF date back to the early twentieth century, where it was attempted to replicate the wood construction, which at the time was the most usual constructive system, for example in the United States of America (USA). The building system in LSF allowed to overcome some of the gaps in wood construction, such as its vulnerability to fire, termites and moisture variations, with the added advantage of having a superior mechanical strength, very useful during the occurrence of extreme atmospheric conditions, e.g. hurricanes and tornadoes.
The first prototypes of housing in LSF were presented at the Chicago World Exposition (USA) in 1933, in which these houses were presented as the “Houses of the Future”[1]. It was also in the USA that emerged the first code/regulation of structure sizing in LSF published in 1946 by the AISI “American Iron and Steel Institute”, [2]designated “Specification for the Design of Light Gage Steel Structural Members”.
After the Second World War, due to the enormous devastation of buildings that occurred during the same period, the urgent need for reconstruction in countries such as Germany, France and Japan, environmental concerns of forest protection, increased price of timber and Experience gained in the use of steel during the years of war, the prefabrication and the mass construction of structures in LSF has undergone a new impulse.
The construction of interior divider elements (e.g. compartmentalization walls) in LSF is another niche market where this constructive system has gained very significant expression due to
Its competitive advantages. For example, the SFA “Steel Framing Alliance[3]” announced that in 2004 in the U.S., 81% of the interior partition walls were executed in LSF. Currently, according to the reports provided by the SFIA “Steel Framing Industry Association[1]”, 30 to 35% of all non-residential buildings in the USA are built with structural and non-structural elements in LSF.
In Portugal, the traditional construction in reinforced concrete and brick masonry continues to dominate the domestic market, with people wishing to build their home, a great aversion to change to innovative constructive systems, for fear that something will run Less good or even bad. Despite this, several companies conceived in the national market, design and execution of buildings in LSF that have been asserted in a very positive way and given evidence of the advantages inherent in this innovative constructive system. In fact, the crisis that arose in the sector of
National construction, as a consequence of the international economic crisis at the end of the first decade of this millennium, led to many construction companies “closing doors”, others looking for new opportunities abroad, and others still betting on Innovative constructive systems to distinguish themselves from competition, presenting several gains as is the case of LSF constructions (e.g. economic, speed of execution, better performance, adequacy to industrial prefabrication in series, Improved quality assurance and control, reduced weight and ease of transport, durability and serviceability, etc.). Given the inherent characteristics of the construction system in LSF, in particular its lightness and its high potential for prefabrication, this system has a great potential to be used in the market of rehabilitation of buildings and also for export to Countries where the housing market is still eager for new homes and where the resources to build them in a traditional way are very scarce or non-existent (e.g. some countries of the African continent).

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Light Steel Framing (LSF) is a construction system that uses light steel profiles as the main structure for the construction of buildings. In this system, the structures are composed of light steel profiles, usually made of galvanized steel, designed to allow quick and efficient assembly on the construction site.

It is already an alternative to the traditional method of construction in concrete and masonry, with several advantages in its use. In terms of sustainability, the following stand out:

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• Energy efficiency: LSF allows thermal insulation to be incorporated more easily, reducing the need for energy consumption for heating and cooling buildings. This results in lower energy use and, consequently, reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• Less waste of materials: LSF components are manufactured with precision off-site, reducing the waste of materials during construction. In addition, the steel used in the system is recyclable, which contributes to reducing environmental impact.
• Lower carbon footprint: The production and transportation of LSF components generate less carbon emissions compared to conventional building materials such as concrete.
• Reusability and recyclability: The materials used in LSF, such as steel and insulation, can be reused or recycled at the end of the building’s life, reducing environmental impact and contributing to the circular economy.
• Improved indoor air quality: The LSF system allows the efficient installation of ventilation systems, improving indoor air quality and providing a healthier environment for occupants.

Advantages over the traditional model are also identified in construction:

• Speed of construction: LSF uses prefabricated components that are assembled on site quickly and efficiently, resulting in reduced construction time compared to traditional methods.
• Weight: The lightweight steel used in LSF is lighter than other building materials, making it easier to handle, transport and assemble on site.
• Architectural flexibility: LSF offers greater design flexibility, allowing for different configurations and architectural adaptations. It is possible to create open spaces, wide spans and varied architectural forms with the system.
• Strength and durability: The steel used in LSF is a strong material, able to withstand significant structural loads and resist adverse weather conditions, resulting in durable, long-lived buildings.
• Less labor requirement: LSF requires less labor compared to traditional methods due to rapid assembly and the use of prefabricated components.

The adoption of LSF has, for all these reasons, grown worldwide in recent decades, and is already widely used in countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia. In Portugal, adoption can be considered relatively recent, but the trend is growing as more industry professionals and owners become familiar with the benefits of this system and gain experience in its use.

It is essential to take into account the cost impact of LSF construction compared to traditional construction methods, with some cases having a slightly higher initial value due to the costs associated with manufacturing the light steel profiles and assembling the system. However, it is also important to consider that it offers benefits that can offset this higher initial investment, namely through time efficiency (faster construction due to more efficient assembly of components on site) and cost efficiency (cost savings in relation to labor and less waste of materials) throughout construction.

It should be noted that the choice between LSF and traditional construction methods must take into account several factors such as location, specific design, chosen materials and available labor, as well as durability, design flexibility and sustainable considerations. We therefore recommend that each project is assessed individually taking into account all the factors mentioned above.

Awareness of its benefits such as reduced construction waste, energy efficiency and architectural flexibility have contributed to the popularity of LSF, will you use it in your next project too?

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