What size studs should be used for steel framing members in a remodeling project?
The AISI Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing – Prescriptive Method for One- and Two-Family Dwellings has been adopted by most major codes. It includes tables for calculating steel framing member size based on a number of factors. It also contains typical construction drawings. It can be purchased from the AISI at www.steel.org (look under “publications” in the left-hand navigation bar). Steel Frame House Construction by Tim Waite is another great resource. It is available from numerous online bookstores. An older version of the Prescriptive Method is available to download free from www.huduser.org/publications/doc/pm2.doc. Although the version does not contain construction details, it can be useful for determining member sizes and spans. Be sure that your project falls within the limits of applicability of any document.
