LSF (Light Gauge Steel Framing) is an innovative construction and installation technology using stainless steel frames and profile elements with a zinc coating. The yield strength of steel is 350 MPa, which allows the use of LSF in the construction of buildings up to nine floors high.
Application
Construction technology using LSF is unique in simplicity, which allows it to be used in the construction of load-bearing elements of buildings and structures for commercial and residential purposes. LSF is used for the construction of:
Shopping centers
Cottages
Gas stations
Low-rise houses
Hotels
Warehouses
Industrial premises
The technology easily adapts to the needs of repair and construction work, is convenient for the reconstruction and restoration of buildings, and is also in demand when creating fences in multi-story buildings.
The simplicity of installation and its profitability increases the scope of application of LSF. Now, in the cramped conditions of the city, there is no need to resort to heavy special equipment for:
Strengthening and restoration of premises
Reinforcement of ceilings
Construction of floor blocks
The creation of attics
Separately, it is worth noting that LSF does not require special conditions for the repair and construction of buildings in areas of high seismic hazard. The main advantage of technology is the speed of work.
The construction of buildings and structures using LSF from the company “AEGIS BUILDING PREFAB” is characterized by stable demand, especially in low-rise construction. The advantages of the developed methodology contribute to strengthening and increasing the interest of construction and installation organizations in LSF products.
The capacities of the AEGIS BUILDING PREFAB company use two production sites, allowing them to carry out:
Cold-Formed Steel Prefab Wall Panels
Installation
The name “prefabricated buildings” was given to light steel thin-walled structures (LSF), thanks to a truly record-breaking deadline for the construction of half-key houses. Now, to get a finished residential building, you do not need to spend months or even years. LSF technology allows you to reduce the time of all work to a minimum:
Up to 12 days – project development
About 30 days – from the first day of construction to the beginning of the finishing stage
No more than 30 days – a full range of finishing activities
After analyzing the duration of all the stages and comparing them with the competitive methods of building from brick, cinder blocks or wood, all the benefits and cost-effectiveness of using LSF technology become apparent.
A full range of advantageous characteristics emphasizes the high competitiveness of the innovative construction method:
LSF has a low rate of metal consumption equal to 30 kg / sq.m. in the construction of residential buildings;
A high-strength steel frame provides rigidity and reliability of the structure;
The finished building in its energy-saving parameters fully complies with international standards, and also meets the most stringent standards for resistance to temperature extremes;
Construction of buildings up to 8 floors high without the use of heavy metal structures;
Certificates confirming the highest quality of products issued for all elements used in high-speed construction of houses;
Highly qualified specialists of AEGIS BUILDING PREFAB guarantee excellent quality of all construction and installation and design works.
Reasons for choosing innovative LSF technology
Excellent technological and operational characteristics:
Precision manufacturing of thin-walled structures – thanks to the use of cold profiling lines;
Stability of the linear dimensions of the steel profile, independent of the conditions of construction and operation;
Construction of buildings with ideal horizontal and vertical surfaces – verified angles, proportional openings for windows and doors.
Strength parameters and a variety of applications
The main advantage of a thin-walled steel profile is significant stiffness and strength with low specific gravity. The LSF frame is lighter than a classic wooden frame and much stronger than reinforced concrete structures and brick walls. These features are of primary importance in the construction of buildings:
The maximum structural strength of the frame;
Long operational period;
Design reliability and mould stability;
Low weight load on the foundation;
Reduction in the cost of construction works.
Environmental Friendliness
Steel is characterized by the best environmental safety indicators among building materials and is equal in this parameter to wood. But unlike wood materials, the steel frame has biological inertness, making living in homes more comfortable – without affecting the human health of fungi, mould and protective chemical impregnations and resins necessary for wood. LSF Technology can Significantly Reduce:
Consumption of materials;
Terms of construction, installation and repair work;
Labour costs.
Internal Walls
For the assembly of internal walls, on which the supporting function is not assigned, a C-shaped profile is used. It is made of galvanized steel with high anti-corrosion performance. In addition to the external walls, the C-shaped configuration of the profile is also applicable for the assembly of other structural elements of the structure under construction. For the sheathing of the steel frame using any kind of sheet materials.
External Walls
The installation of external walls is carried out in compliance with the principles of assembly of ventilated facades. LSF, in this case, provides a sufficient implementation of the supporting functionality; the profile also serves as a good basis for high-quality finishing work using modern materials. Most often used for cladding: thermal panels with clinker tiles, siding, decorative brick and artificial stone, corrugated sheets and other highly aesthetic options.
The advantage of the steel frame that distinguishes LSF technology from other alternative solutions is its low weight, which can significantly reduce the total mass of the ground part of the building. The load-bearing capacity of LSF provides a margin of safety and rigidity sufficient for the construction and long-term operation of a multi-storey building.
Separately note the excellent sound-neutralizing and fireproof characteristics of LSF. With the right combination of steel elements with insulating materials, it is possible to achieve sound insulation indicators of 50 dB and increase the fire resistance of the entire structure for up to 2 hours.
LSTK for Floor Slab
Installation of floors is carried out using a C-shaped profile. It is considered the best alternative to the classic options for creating floors in the private construction of low-rise buildings.
According to the design data of the project, the bearing capacity of the steel frame is selected taking into account the permissible span and deflection indicators. The most sought-after solution is the LSF profile with deflection marking, which allows mounting frames for floors up to ten meters long while preserving the specified parameters of stiffness and strength. When installing the floor, the use of any finishing materials is permissible, the creation of classic cement screeds or the use of gypsum-cement mixtures is also allowed. Engineering networks are recommended to be located in the internal volume of ceilings.
The correct selection of insulating layers increases the fire resistance of the structure for up to three hours, and also provides an overlapping improvement in sound and heat insulation properties.
Roof Trusses
LSF is an ideal solution for creating roof trusses. Flammability, lightness, strength, biological inertness, resistance to deformation and full compliance with the requirements allow the use of a steel profile as the basis for any roofing material. The combination of properties makes LSF a worthy replacement for traditional wood and heavy metal elements.
The combination of low weight, high bearing capacity and a large area of finished farms allow the use of a galvanized steel frame to create spans up to 30 meters long. This makes it possible to lay open areas of extended dimensions in the project. The non-flammability of the steel frame allows you to save on the use of fire treatments and the installation of protective systems.
Individual Approach to Production
Among LSF profiles from the AEGIS BUILDING PREFAB company, it is possible to select both individual components and ready-made solutions. The latter is a complete set of frameworks for structural elements of buildings:
domestic;
outdoor;
roofing;
for floors, etc.
Under the individual requirements of the customer’s project, at the production processing stage, the profiles and parts are subject to all necessary operations using high-precision equipment:
by cropping;
crimp;
by marking;
perforation for fasteners and technological holes.
Such preparatory operations reduce the time spent on the installation of the building and, as a result, reduce costs.
Frame Construction
Frame construction is carried out in compliance with certain stages of work.
1. Foundation Site
The site is designed, calculated, cleared and prepared for the construction of the foundation. Based on the type of structure, choose between available options for foundations:
tape;
pile;
monolithic;
grillage;
block;
deep laying;
on screw piles.
2. Mounting the Frame
The duration of the work is about 4 days.
The fastening parts of the frame are carried out using a screwdriver or drill using self-drilling screws. At the same time, work is being done on the marking of door and window openings. Everything is carried out without the use of construction equipment – by 3-5 people.
3. Installation of Floors and Walls of the 2nd Floor
The duration of the installation of the walls on the 2nd floor is 3 days.
For floors, elements are selected taking into account the requirements for their characteristics:
panel-mounted bent profile;
bent profile – with beams;
reinforced profiled sheet, etc.
4. Engineering Networks
The duration of this stage is about 3 days.
Engineering networks are laid in the volume of walls or indoors using cable channels. 5. Installation of Heat, Wind and Waterproofing
The duration of this work is approximately 5 days.
Insulation is used:
in the volume of walls – basalt mineral wool and lightweight concrete;
for external walls – waterproofing materials;
before finishing the internal walls – vapor barrier
Neutralization of the influence of temperature bridges. 6. Roofing
Installation duration – 3 days.
Includes:
rafter system assembly;
laying of insulating coatings;
installation of the roof.
All work is carried out without the use of construction equipment.
7. Wall Decoration, Installation of Windows and Doors
The duration of the finishing work is approximately 4 days
At the end of the finishing work, door and window elements are mounted. 8. Exterior Work
Duration of work – up to 10 days.
Based on the preferences of the customer, work is carried out by:
painting the walls;
installation of siding;
brick or artificial stone finish;
applying plaster for painting.
9. Finishing Work at the Premises
Duration – 6 days.
The final work includes:
laying of internal communications;
wiring installation;
applying coatings;
grouting of tile joints;
other finishing operations.
10. Installation of Additional Elements
The duration of the stage is up to 3 days.
The construction of the frame structure is completed by installing additional roof elements, a drainage system and filing the roof. Even an approximate calculation of the duration of these stages shows the high speed of creating houses using LSF technology. The construction process is optimized based on the volume and terms of work.