Light gauge steel construction is very similar to wood framed construction in principle - the wooden framing members are replaced with thin steel sections.
The
steel used here is coated with zinc (called galvanized) or a mixture of
zinc and aluminum (called zincalume or galvalume by some) to protect it
from corrosion. The thickness of this coating can be varied to suit a
range of environments.
The
thicknesses of steel used here range from about 1 to 3mm for structural
sections, and 1 to 2mm for non-structural sections.
Like in wooden framed construction,
a frame of steel members is first constructed, and then clad with dry
sheeting on both sides to form a load bearing wall. Construction with
steel follows the platform frame system of house building. Connections
between members are made with self tapping self drilling screws.
Contractors
will usually order pre-punched sections - sections with factory-made
holes in them - so that wires and plumbing can be easily passed through
the walls. The gaps between members are filled with insulation.
This
form of construction can also be used for non-structural framing, such
as interior partitions or external cladding. In fact, this form of
construction was originally developed for interior partitions in offices.
