What is Loadbearing SFS?
Loadbearing Steel Framing Systems (SFS) are structural framing solutions made from cold rolled steel sections designed to carry vertical loads from floors, roofs, or walls in a building.
Loadbearing SFS can significantly enhance facade and drylining projects by providing a lightweight yet robust structural solution that integrates seamlessly with external cladding and internal partition systems. Loadbearing Steel Framing Systems (SFS) are integral to modern construction, providing the primary structural support for buildings.
What are the benefits?
Loadbearing Steel Framing Systems (SFS) are integral to modern construction, providing the primary structural support for buildings offering loadbearing structures capable of reaching up to 14 storeys.
The benefits of Loadbearing SFS include, but are not limited to…
– Speed and Efficiency. Prefabricated offsite, Loadbearing SFS components enable rapid on-site assembly, reducing construction time substantially compared to traditional methods. This leads to reduced site preliminaries, reduced plant costs, and an earlier ROI.
– Sustainability. Loadbearing SFS construction reduces onsite waste and lowers embodied carbon in the building fabric, resulting in a significant reduction in carbon emissions, contributing to eco-friendly building practices.
– Design Flexibility. The system accommodates various architectural designs, supporting multiple storey heights and diverse floor plans.
– Dimensional Stability. Steel frames resist pests, rot, and fire, this ensures a lifespan exceeding 60 years. This type of construction also eliminates shrinkage after completion, as it avoids traditional wet processes. Steel sections are resistant to creep, shrinkage, and warping under load, ensuring long term durability.
– Weight Reduction. A lightweight steel frame structure is notably lighter than a traditional structure, resulting in lighter and cheaper foundations and podium structures.
– System Robustness. Loadbearing SFS structures offer the option of a composite concrete floor, delivering a quality under foot feel to all levels of the building. We can also provide acoustic and durability upgrade options to all structural walls beyond regulatory performance.
– Increased Site Safety. When using pre-panellised Loadbearing SFS structures, the HSE states that site safety is improved by a factor of 5 through the reduction in site labour, reduced working-at-height and less waste on site resulting in less trip hazards.
Our personal focus is on having the earliest possible involvement with your project through this approach we can ensure that the Loadbearing SFS option is optimised to meet your specific project requirements.
Our Loadbearing SFS solution has been rigorously tested and certified to meet strict industry standards, with a strong focus on safety and sustainability.
Facades Applications
Support for Cladding Systems – Loadbearing SFS provides a stable backing structure for a variety of facade materials, including brick slips, curtain walling, and composite panels.
Structural Integrity – The system can handle vertical and lateral loads, ensuring the facade remains secure under wind loads and other environmental forces.
Thermal and Acoustic Performance – SFS systems can accommodate insulation and vapor control layers, contributing to the overall energy efficiency and acoustic performance of the building.
Drylining Applications
Internal Structural Partitions – Loadbearing SFS can form the primary internal walls, capable of supporting floors above or roof structures.
Speed of Construction – Once the steel frame is in place, drylining (plasterboard or other panel systems) can be installed directly onto the frame, streamlining the construction process.
Consistency and Accuracy – Prefabricated SFS components ensure walls are straight and true, minimising adjustments during drylining.
