In the US, the framing industry is changing rapidly. Concrete contractors are becoming a rarity and timber continues to offer challenges due to inferior material and a lack of availability. These days, US construction companies are turning more and more to cold-formed steel (CFS), and FRAMECAD partner Intellisteel is revolutionizing how these steel-framed structures are built.
While Intellisteel’s advanced process for manufacturing and assembly uses the FRAMECAD manufacturing equipment and software packages to develop cold formed steel framing and paneling directly on-site in mobile factories, the planning is done well in advance. It begins when the architect completes their design for a project, and Intellisteel converts the plans into a cold-formed steel (CFS) frame design using FRAMECAD’s software suite. From there, Intellisteel looks at areas where they can add their expertise, like identifying how and where structural and non-structural steel can be reduced to lessen the need for foundations, or other design and cost benefits.
Once Intellisteel’s design is confirmed, the real action and innovation happen on the job site. Utilizing the FRAMECAD manufacturing equipment and software packages as a part of its process, Intellisteel works hand in hand with the general contractor and the framers to produce every structure from the foundations upward using their proprietary on-site mobile factories. They manufacture panels and trusses to be erected quickly and easily, allowing for instant flexibility to make changes – unlike pre-fabricated panels that are shipped in from off-site. This approach not only accelerates the construction timeline but also ensures a more seamless integration of design changes, ultimately leading to a more efficient and cost-effective building process that adapts to evolving project requirements and enhances overall project success and durability.
Discover how constructing Sage Park was a "walk in the park" for the Intellisteel Group by reading their full case study here.