A comparison with light steel frame constructional building systems for housing

Abstract

Cold-formed profiles were first used together with the partition elements of the inner space and with roof systems (rafter etc.) due to their light weight. Approximately 1000 residences were built in 1992 in USA by means of light steel systems made of these profiles; whereas, this figure exceeds 30.000 residences today. In addition to USA, this system is commonly used in Japan, Canada, Australia and Europe. This system is preferred mainly due to its light structure, easy production opportunities, fast assembly, as well as clean construction site conditions not leaving any waste. Light steel structure systems being compatible with flexible planning thanks to its basic design principles are appropriate for earthquake regions and low-income families with its easy and cheap production costs. This study classifies light steel systems as stick, panel and box systems and highlights numerous of plan and facades when designed with respect to the modular design principle and generation of many alternatives on the basis of plan schemes consisting of 2 modules and combination estimations based on 3 flats.In this paper light steel frame constructional building systems design in residential housing are examined from the beginning of design stage to using stage by production methods as stick, panel and box system. And examined also façade design, plan alternatives and sub systems design. © IDOSI Publications, 2013.