SASFA

SASFA

SUPPLEMENT

2017

The advantages of LSFB are discussed and explained – ranging

from speed of construction, enhanced insulation and the

resulting energy efficiency, low mass and the corresponding

logistical cost advantages, through to accuracy, ease of

installation of services and durability.

The correct terminology is dealt with, the major LSF

elements described and the properties of the major materials

used in LSFB are presented.

The second 1-day course,

Cold-formed steel and LSF design

to SANS 10162:2

, is aimed specifically at design engineers who

have to ensure the structural adequacy of LSF buildings.

The course begins with the fundamentals of plate buckling

theory, and contextualises this with thin-walled structural

elements as encountered in LSFB. Three buckling mechanisms

are generally considered: member buckling, local buckling and

distortional bucking.

The second half of this course is more practical in nature,

covering the design intent when dealing with LSF structures,

and highlights the design criteria provided in SANS 517.

Barnard says that education has been the foundation for

getting the advantages of the LSFB method understood in

South Africa. “It has also been essential in protecting and

enhancing the quality of building through its growth phases

and beyond,” he concludes.

TRAINING

– A CRUCIAL

ELEMENT IN SASFA’S SUCCESS

The extensive training undertaken by

SASFA over the years is certainly one

of the reasons for the growth in the

awareness of light steel frame building

as an environmentally friendly and

sustainable building method in

Southern Africa.

Recently, when SASFA conducted a 5-day training course to

SANDF contractors, it was the 23

time the course had been

run. This time the aim of the course was to qualify SANDF

foremen and artisans in LSFB, in preparation for a building

project comprising five three-story blocks of flats and offices.

More than 300 people have been certified through the

contractors training course and it has been key to the growth

of LSFB in this country as it teaches contractors how to build

with the product!

Training course for light steel frame

building (LSFB) contractors

The course is split into two main sections:

• Steel frame materials, components, and erection

(4 days). This

includes: steel making process and properties of coated

steel sheet, foundations, manufacturing of light steel frames

and trusses, construction tools, wallframe set-out, handling,

loads, floor and wall framing, roof structures, planning and

the installation of services.

• Internal lining, external cladding and insulation

(1½ days).

This covers the properties, manufacturing and benefits

of glasswool insulation, acoustics, energy efficiency,

environmental issues, storage and handling of glasswool and

tools and installation methodology.

This is followed by a section on gypsum plasterboard, covering

properties, storage and handling, cutting, tools and application

for walls, ceilings and finishing.

Finally fibre cement board for external cladding is addressed,

including the installation of the vapour permeable membrane,

sizes and availability of fibre cement – boards and planks, fixing

accessories, installation guidelines, and door and window

frame installation detail is presented.

The other core training programme is a series of CPD-

accredited courses –

SANS 517 Light Steel Frame Building

and

Cold-formed steel and LSF design to SANS 10162:2 – which

have become increasingly popular in line with the excellent

growth in popularity of LSFB in South Africa which is estimated

to be worth about R1-billion per annum.

The

SANS 517

1-day code course consists of an introduction

to LSFB, as well as an overview of the development of

this building method and industry in Southern Africa.