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Cold Formed Steel naming

JStructsteel

JStructsteel

Structural
Aug 22, 2002
1,455
Question on naming cold formed steel.
Should I be using the SSMA nomenclature, or AISI, or can I use both?
Designing with Software, it lets me pick AISI, SSMA, Dietrich, or Dale Incor.

What is the "generic spec" I should use?
 
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I always used SSMA. Not sure I ever noticed an AISI naming convention.
 
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I call out studs as 600S165-58 or whatever, tracks as 600T150-58, and connectors as either "Clark Dietrich such and such or approved equal" or "Framing clip A" and then provide a schedule with your call outs and minimum capacities of the various forces and/or deflection allowances.

As for the spec/standard, AISI. All the load tables in the SSMA catalogue are based on AISI as I recall, and the nomenclature is the same.
 
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phamENG said:
I call out studs as 600S165-58 or whatever, tracks as 600T150-58, and connectors as either "Clark Dietrich such and such or approved equal" or "Framing clip A" and then provide a schedule with your call outs and minimum capacities of the various forces and/or deflection allowances.

As for the spec/standard, AISI. All the load tables in the SSMA catalogue are based on AISI as I recall, and the nomenclature is the same.
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I have also specified specific types of studs from a manufacturer that the contractor wants to use, for instance the bailey bent tab studs are called up as 600ST, if the contractor has made me aware that they are using this product. Then I provide the details I've created for the bent tabs etc. Or the redheader studs are a similar situation.
 
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Oh yeah - if you're working for the contractor or if the contractor is already on board and can tell you what he wants to buy, go for it.
 
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Coming back to this. Does the SSMA have sizing for Zee and Cee girts?

I used a 6Z2.25x105 designation and the metal building guy is stumped by it.

Hes used to 6", 12 gauge. That doesnt tell anything about flange.

Im worried!
 
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I use SSMA and never had a problem with wall studs. I am not aware of it applying to PEMB Z or C sections. There are several parameters that are difficult to call out unless you are speccing around some supplier or code. The yield stress of the steel, return lip radius & length are examples of details that affect the strength but rarely noted about a PEMB Z or C spec.

This is one area where any architects who are reading this need to brush up on. I see more architectural specs that just say 4" C or 8"Z and nothing else. Early in my career, I went to a job to see about adding an RTU to the roof bar joists. Noticed some REALLY flimsy 4" studs. They were thin, narrow flanged with no stiffening lips. It was not in my scope but I asked the builder. He showed me the specs, which said; 4" C and nothing else. Then showed me they were 4". There was no note saying to meet any stud profile, loading requirement or code. And yes, the code official gave it his official okey dokey. Since then, I stick my nose in where it does not belong just to learn that about 40% of the jobs have similar specs and outcomes.

Also, years ago I contacted the company that we used for canned specs. I wanted to talk to their PEMB and Cold-formed guru because of issues like this. They all claim they have experts in each subject that write their specs. Their guru had never heard of AISI, I had to tell him what it stood for. Then I had to explain that the AISI code governs cold-formed Zs and Cs. That is one reason architects think their canned specs address everything but they may not.
 
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Ron247 said:
I use SSMA and never had a problem with wall studs. I am not aware of it applying to PEMB Z or C sections. There are several parameters that are difficult to call out unless you are speccing around some supplier or code. The yield stress of the steel, return lip radius & length are examples of details that affect the strength but rarely noted about a PEMB Z or C spec.

This is one area where any architects who are reading this need to brush up on. I see more architectural specs that just say 4" C or 8"Z and nothing else. Early in my career, I went to a job to see about adding an RTU to the roof bar joists. Noticed some REALLY flimsy 4" studs. They were thin, narrow flanged with no stiffening lips. It was not in my scope but I asked the builder. He showed me the specs, which said; 4" C and nothing else. Then showed me they were 4". There was no note saying to meet any stud profile, loading requirement or code. And yes, the code official gave it his official okey dokey. Since then, I stick my nose in where it does not belong just to learn that about 40% of the jobs have similar specs and outcomes.

Also, years ago I contacted the company that we used for canned specs. I wanted to talk to their PEMB and Cold-formed guru because of issues like this. They all claim they have experts in each subject that write their specs. Their guru had never heard of AISI, I had to tell him what it stood for. Then I had to explain that the AISI code governs cold-formed Zs and Cs. That is one reason architects think their canned specs address everything but they may not.
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thanks, im sticking to the AISI nomenclature, and will just try to edumacate them.
 
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SSMA when I use SSMA shapes, ie wall studs and sometimes floor or roof framing, AISI when I use members similar to PEMB's, ie Z and CEE shapes for things like purlins and wall girts. I haven't encountered any challenges or confusion thus far from contractors, other than some like to list gages instead of mils which can be a pain sometimes.
 
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Aesur said:
SSMA when I use SSMA shapes, ie wall studs and sometimes floor or roof framing, AISI when I use members similar to PEMB's, ie Z and CEE shapes for things like purlins and wall girts. I haven't encountered any challenges or confusion thus far from contractors, other than some like to list gages instead of mils which can be a pain sometimes.
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I guess Im shocked someone in the business doesnt know AISI nomenclature, and also cant use google!

I send them a message educating them on the nomenclature, hopefully thats enough.
 
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In the past, I exclusively used SSMA nomenclature in my drawings and specifications. However, I found that a significant number of builders were unfamiliar with SSMA terminology, which often led to confusion and incorrect material orders—particularly with regard to gauge and member size.

To reduce errors and improve clarity, I’ve since shifted to directly naming the members with explicit descriptions, such as “12 Ga. x 6" x 1-5/8" CEE joists.”
 
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