Season's Greetings - Joyeuses fêtes

Project Profile: Eastern Ontario Christian Senior Housing Co-Op

Eastern Ontario Christian Senior Housing Co-Op: All Cold-Formed Steel Frame Construction

Location: Ottawa, ON

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION TEAM 

Architect: Christopher Simmonds Architect Inc. 

Structural Engineer: Cleland Jardine Engineering Ltd. 

General Contractor: Warlyn Construction Ltd. 

Steel Stud Contractor: Durabuilt Construction Inc. 

Steel Structure Supplier: Morin Bros. Building Supplies Inc. 

Steel Stud Suppliers: Bailey Metal Products Limited and Steelform Building Products Inc. 

Steel Floor and Roof Deck: Canam Inc. 

Shear Post System: The Steel Network 

Photographer: Gerry and Hubert Morin

The Eastern Ontario Christian Senior Housing Co-Op on Viewmount Drive in Ottawa is a good showcase for the use of steel. That’s the opinion of the project’s Structural Engineer, Colin Davies, of Cleland Jardine Engineering Ltd., who noted that steel was the obvious solution to the building’s design and construction challenges.

“Construction like this (balloon framing and TSN’s shear post system) hasn’t been used in Ottawa,” says Colin, explaining that the City has stringent design codes and recently introduced strict, seismic residential building standards. Ottawa sits on a known fault line and is ranked third for earthquake risk among Canadian urban centres. “The heavier the building, the higher the risk for earthquakes,” says Colin, noting that light-weight steel has an advantage over concrete material because it helps reduce both the weight of the building and thus the seismic loads.

The five-storey, 4,924m2 (53,000 sq. ft.) housing Co-Op consists of an all steel frame, steel cold formed “C” section floor joists for the floors and light steel framing for the walls. Bailey Metal Products Limited supplied studs for the first three floors and Steelform Building Products Inc. for the top two floors and the roof. 

Morin Bros. Building Supplies Inc. supplied the balloon framing for the steel structure. “It is a proven system with back-up testing for sound and fire rating,” emphasizes Gerry Morin. “It is a light weight system that is easy to frame with no welding. The floor system weighs less than 9.07kg (20 lbs.) per square foot and provides an STC of 58+. We were able to reduce the weight of the structure by a minimum of 771 metric tons (1,700,000 lbs.) which saved a lot of money on the foundation work due to the soil conditions.” 

The Steel Network supplied the shear post system for lateral loads. Explaining the advantages of this system, Gerry says, “The product is engineered to work in steel stud structures and is easy to install, supports the fire rating and lowers the cost overall for installation. It also helps to maintain the STC rating of walls because there is no double or triple stud posts. The high strength posts can be roll formed to 10 gauge. This system was important to the structural engineer in the quest to meet severe seismic code requirements and also save 45,359kg (100,000 lbs.) of steel.” 

Colin Davies agrees. “The skeleton is very efficient and the use of steel allows us to put the load bearing walls in the right places. Another positive factor is that a large percentage of the steel is recyclable so, at the end of the day, it saves material. Steel was an economical choice for a building of this nature. This building shows what can be done with the use of steel and it’s something we expect to see more of in the future.”

Click to download Case Study #76: Eastern Ontario Christian Senior Housing Co-Op: All Cold-Formed Steel Frame Construction

Le marbrage de la tôle d’acier prépeinte

Le marbrage, aussi appelé tachage de pression ou imprégnation, désigne un motif brillant irrégulier ou inégal sur la surface d’une tôle d’acier prépeinte. La photographie de la figure 1 illustre à quoi ressemble le marbrage. L’aspect marbré se forme lorsque les composants brillants présents dans la dernière couche prépeinte sont compressés ou aplatis lors de la fabrication et du procédé d’enroulement. Cet aspect est encore plus évident dans les teintes foncées et les produits brillants. On remarque aussi habituellement le marbrage au centre de la bande où le produit enroulé subit le plus de pression. 

Le marbrage se dissipera naturellement une fois la feuille déroulée et exposée à la température ambiante. L’aspect lustré naturel reviendra plus rapidement si la tôle peinte est exposée à la chaleur. Généralement, l’exposition au soleil est suffisante pour éliminer le marquage. La chaleur assouplira la surface de peinture aplatie et ramènera l’aspect lustré uniforme d’origine. Dans les cas les plus problématiques, le revêtement se rétablira naturellement une fois que la pression subie à l’intérieur de la bobine aura été supprimée et que le matériel aura été exposé au soleil pendant quelques heures à quelques jours. 

Les mesures suivantes peuvent être prises pour minimiser la gravité et la fréquence du marbrage 

• Sélectionnez une peinture d’apprêt qui possède le même degré de brillance et de dureté que la couche de peinture supérieure 
• Dans la mesure du possible, entreposez les bobines en position verticale 

Le marbrage est une réalité, mais il n’arrive qu’en de rares occasions qu’il soit permanent et ne puisse se dissiper dans des conditions normales. Une petite partie peut être chauffée au moyen d’un séchoir à cheveux ou d’eau chaude pour accélérer le processus et confirmer que le lot reprendra son lustre initial éventuellement. Le marbrage n’affecte que l’aspect esthétique et n’affectera pas les propriétés de résistance au vieillissement naturel du produit.

Cliquez pour télécharger Quelques mots sur la tôle d'acier #46: Le marbrage de la tôle d’acier prépeinte

Pressure Marking of Prepainted Sheet Steel

Pressure marking, also known as pressure mottling or imprinting, is an uneven or irregular gloss pattern on the face of a prepainted sheet steel. The photograph in Figure 1 shows what pressure marking looks like. The mottled appearance takes place when the gloss components in the prepainted top coat are compressed or flattened during the manufacturing and coiling process. The condition is more prevalent on dark colours and high gloss products. Pressure marking is also typically noted in the centre of the strip where the coiled product is under the most pressure.

The marking will dissipate naturally once the sheet has been un-coiled and left exposed to the ambient temperature. The natural gloss appearance will return faster if the painted sheet is subjected to heat. Typically exposure to sunlight is sufficient to remove the mottling. The heat will release the flattened paint surface and return the gloss to its original uniform appearance. In all but the most severe cases the coating will recover naturally once the pressure of being in a coil has been removed and the material exposed to the sun for a couple of hours to a few days. 

The following steps can be taken to minimize the severity and occurrence of pressure marking 

• Select a back coat that has a similar gloss level and hardness to the top coat
• Where possible store coils in a vertical position 

Pressure marking does happen, but only in very rare cases would it be permanent and not dissipate under standard conditions. A small section can be heated using a hair dryer or hot water to accelerate the process and confirm that the lot will return to its original gloss given time. Pressure marking is a cosmetic condition and will not affect the weathering performance of the product.

Click to download Fact Sheet #46: Pressure Marking of Prepainted Sheet Steel

Foudre et toit en acier

Lorsque le propriétaire d’une maison envisage l’achat d’un toit en acier, la question de savoir s’il va augmenter le risque d’un foudroiement se pose habituellement. Après tout, l’acier est très conductible, tout comme les matériaux utilisés dans les tiges de paratonnerre. Donc, n’est-il pas raisonnable de penser que le toit en acier va attirer la foudre? La réponse courte est NON, le toit en acier n’augmente ABSOLUMENT PAS le risque d’un foudroiement. 

À toutes fins et intentions, rien « n’attire » la foudre. La foudre se déploie sur une trop grande échelle pour être influencée par de petits objets au sol, y compris les toits en acier. L’emplacement de l’orage dans le ciel est le seul élément qui détermine où la foudre frappera le sol. Un éclair qui mesure plusieurs kilomètres de long, généré par un nuage qui se situe à plus de 10 à 16 kilomètres de haut, ne sera pas influencé par un objet de la taille de votre maison. 

Le traceur par bonds descendant d’un éclair ne « décide où frapper » que lorsqu’il est très près du sol. Lorsqu’un canal de foudre nuage-sol se forme, l’éclair frappera le sol à l’endroit où les charges d’opposition sont les plus grandes, dans la région électriquement active située directement sous l’orage. Si vous vous trouvez à cet endroit précis, vous serez frappé, même s’il n’y a pas de métal à l’intérieur d’un rayon de plusieurs kilomètres! Inversement, si vous vous tenez à plus de 150 mètres de cet emplacement, vous pourriez brandir votre bâton de golf ou votre parapluie dans les airs sans jamais dérouter la foudre, ne serait-ce que légèrement, de l’endroit où elle va frapper. 

L’acier est un conducteur d’électricité, mais les toits en acier n’attirent pas la foudre ni n’augmentent la probabilité d’un foudroiement. Quatre facteurs influent sur la probabilité d’un foudroiement :

• Topographie : une structure située sur une montagne ou une colline représente un risque de foudroiement plus élevé qu’une structure dans un champ. 
• La taille et la hauteur de la structure : une structure haute ou qui couvre beaucoup de terrain présente une probabilité plus élevée d’être frappée par la foudre qu’un petit bâtiment bas.
• L’emplacement relatif par rapport à des structures plus hautes : un édifice de petite taille et court situé à proximité d’une structure plus haute présente une plus faible probabilité de foudroiement que la structure plus haute.
• L’importance et la fréquence des orages à proximité de la structure. 

Toutefois, il arrive à l’occasion que la foudre frappe une maison. Si votre résidence est frappée, votre toit en acier dispersera l’énergie de façon sécuritaire dans toute la structure. Puisque les toits en acier ne sont ni combustibles ni inflammables, ils présentent une option à risque faible et souhaitable lorsque du mauvais temps sévit – particulièrement en cas d’orage.

Téléchargez Quelques mots sur la tôle d'acier #45: Foudre et toit en acier.

Steel Roofing and Lightning

When a homeowner is considering the purchase of a steel roof a common question is whether it will increase the risk of a lightning strike. After all, steel is highly conductive, just like the materials used in lightning rods, so doesn’t it stand to reason that the steel roof will attract lightning? The short answer is, NO, steel roofing will NOT increase the risk of a lightning strike in any way.

For all intents and purposes, nothing ‘attracts’ lightning. Lightning occurs on too large of a scale to be influenced by small objects on the ground, including steel roofs. The location of the thunderstorm overhead alone determines where lightning will hit the ground. A lightning bolt that is several miles long, generated by a cloud that is more than 6 to 10 miles high, is not going to be influenced by an object the size of your house.

The descending stepped leader of a lightning bolt doesn’t ‘decide what to strike’ until it is very close to the ground. When a cloud-to-ground lightning channel is forming, it is going to strike the ground where the opposing charges are greatest, directly underneath the storm’s most electrically active region. If you are standing at that exact location, you will be hit, even if there’s no metal within miles! Conversely, if you are farther than 500 feet from that location, you could wave your golf club or umbrella high in the air, but you won’t draw the lightning away, even slightly, from striking where it’s going to strike.

Steel does conduct electricity, but steel roofs don’t attract lightning or increase the probability of a lightning strike. Four factors affect the probability of a lightning strike:

• Topography: a structure located on a mountain or hill has a higher probability of a strike than one in a field.
• Structure size and height: a tall structure or one that covers a great deal of ground has a higher probability of a strike than a short or small building.
• Relative location in relation to taller structures: a small, short building near a taller structure has a lower probability of strike than the taller structure.
• Severity and frequency of thunderstorms in the structure’s vicinity. 

However, on occasion, lightning does strike a house. If your home were hit, the steel roofing would disperse the energy safely through the structure. Since steel roofing isn’t combustible or flammable, it’s a low risk and desirable roofing option where severe weather is concerned -- especially for lightning.

Download Fact Sheet 45: Steel Roofing and Lightning.

Redesigned SteelRoofSource.com Website Launched

We have redesigned the SteelRoofSource.com website. Everything you need to know about steel roofing for your home can be found on this site including:

• Features and benefits
• Styles and colours
• A Style and Colour Tool to see what a steel roof can look like on your home
• Find a contractor form with a mail-in rebate up to $500
• Contact information to CSSBI members who can supply your roof with high-quality, Canadian-made steel
• FAQ and if the answer you need is not there, an expert Forum where you can post your questions about steel roofing to be answered by industry experts.

And best of all, the site is now fully mobile compatible. You can access the site on your smart phone or tablet and still get all the info you need on steel roofing! Check out the new SteelRoofSource.com website today and if you are interested in a steel roof for your home, fill out our Find a Contractor form and receive a rebate up to $500 off the cost of your roof.

Updated Standards, Fact Sheet and Other Publication

At the CSSBI we are constantly working to ensure all of our publications are kept up-to-date to current building codes, building practices, etc.

We have just released the following publications with updated versions. You can click in the links below to download directly or you can go to our Resources section to view and download or order all of the publications we have available.

• CSSBI 20M-15: Standard for Sheet Steel Cladding for Architectural, Industrial and Commercial Building Applications
• CSSBI 23M-15: Standard for Residential Steel Cladding
• CSSBI B8-15: Buildings Incorporating Steel Building Systems: Responsibilities of the Parties Involved
• CSSBI SSF-13: Fact Sheet #13 - Position Paper on Oil-Canning: Specifying Wide Flat Panels in Metal Cladding

En français:

• ICTAB 20M-15: Norme pour le revêtement en tôle d’acier dans ses applications en architecture, dans l’industrie et bâtiments commerciaux
• ICTAB 23M-15: Norme pour le bardage résidentiel en acier
• ICTAB SSF-13: Quelques mots sur la tôle d'acier #13 - Recommandations sur la déformation : Spécifications des panneaux de revêtement métallique plats

Project Profile: Vale Health and Wellness Centre

Steel Building System Meets Unique Design Requirements

Vale Health and Wellness Centre - Port Colborne, Ontario

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION TEAM

Architects: MacLennan, Jaunkalns, Miller Architects (MJMA) 

General Contractors: Aquicon Construction 

Structural Engineer: Blackwell Structural Engineers 

Landscape Architect: PMA Landscape Architects Ltd. 

Steel Building Supplier: Steelway Building Systems 

The Port Colborne Vale Health and Wellness Centre is an expression of artistic design made possible by the use of steel as its main component. A custom-designed, pre-engineered steel building, VALE, as it is known, is a 13,000m2 (145,000 sq. ft.) multi-use facility that includes two NHL size rinks, a walking/ jogging track for all season use, six outdoor bocce courts and, through partnership with the YMCA of Niagara, an aquatic centre with a 25m (82 ft.) lap pool, leisure pool, gymnasium and fitness area.

“Steel was always considered as the primary structure,” explains Robert Allen, MacLennan, Jaunkalns Miller Architects, “as the principle program elements – arenas, gym and aquatics – all require long spans. The building design is unique in that the pre-engineered long span frames are used throughout the building. They have been carefully designed in order to create soaring interior spaces with plentiful natural light.”

The building features sloped sidewalls, skewed end walls and the primary exterior cladding element consists of sheet steel panels. “All roof and wall cladding is prepainted Galvalume AZ150, coloured QC18783 Bright White,” notes Bryan Hernandez, Sales Manager, Steelway Building Systems. The walls are .76mm (.0299”), struc seal wall cladding, AZM150 Galvalume substrate. The roof is .61mm (.0239”), RTL-24 profile roof panels, AZM150 Galvalume substrate and the roof liner is storm seal profile .61mm (.0239”), AZM150 Galvalume substrate. According to Bryan, the building consists of 871,577 kg (1,921,500 lbs.) of steel. 

“Steel was chosen due to its economy as well as its ease and speed of erection,” emphasizes Robert Allen, adding that the recycled content of the steel was a contributing factor in the building being recognized with LEED NC 2009 recycled content credits 4.1 and 4.2. Ben McDermott, Port Colborne YMCA Centre Manager has been enthusiastic about the new facility, located on Elizabeth Street in Port Colborne, since it opened in February 2013. Noting that it offers around 300 hours of programming per week to people of all ages and abilities, Ben emphasizes, “What the Centre brings to the City of Port Colborne is the gift of health. We want communities to be healthy, vibrant and we are here for the long term. This is a fully accessible charitable organization – no one is turned away.” 

VALE offers many benefits to the City of Port Colborne by continuing the YMCA’s tradition of helping to strengthen families, building volunteerism and charitable giving and increasing health and wellness.

Click to download the Project Profile for Vale Health and Wellness Centre in Port Colborne, Ontario.

Steel allows house to also be a sculpture

Original Article posted on Domain on October 20, 2015
Click to go to full article - Grand Designs steel house throws away the rule book

Scottish-born Sydney-based advertising creative Scott Lawrie, who has a fine arts background, drew his architectural inspiration from a sculpture by Gemma Smith.

Lawrie says he liked the way the form of the sculpture changed as he walked around it.

“I thought, what if I could get a house that looked like this – a house that would change as you walked around,” he says.

He told me the roof and walls would all be metal and that’s when it became a piece of sculpture. - Owner, Scott Lawrie

“I told Paul to make me nervous when he came back with the designs, and he did. But then he told me the roof and walls would all be metal and that’s when it became a piece of sculpture.”

Clarke’s design wrapped the roof and sides of the steel-framed house in stainless steel, while providing a dark-stained cedar front entry and a fully glazed wall and sliding doors at the rear to maximise the view.

The unconventional shape created the third drama – the challenge of a build where no angles were regular, the walls sloped and nothing was square. Because the house needed to be strong enough to withstand gale-force winds, almost four tonnes of steel was required for the framing.

Click to go to full article - Grand Designs steel house throws away the rule book

CFSEI Publishes New Technical Note on Load Path Considerations for Cold-Formed Steel Light-Frame Construction

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 6, 2015 —The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) has published a new Technical Note, “Chase the Loads: Load Path Considerations for Cold-Formed Steel Light-Frame Construction” (Tech Note G200-15). It provides insights into the complex vertical and lateral load path considerations for cold-formed steel framing, including the structural configuration and system effects that can result in load sharing, partial composite action, influence of assumed non-load bearing partition walls, and a redistribution of forces.

Additionally, the Technical Note “Design for Splicing of Cold-Formed Steel Wall Studs” (Tech Note W106-15a) has been updated to incorporate necessary changes to some of the calculations published in the original document. It covers design methods for the splicing of two cold-formed steel studs in a curtain wall or interior nonstructural wall condition. It replaces “Design for Splicing of Cold-Formed Steel Wall Studs” (Tech Note W106-15). 

These Technical Notes are the latest in CFSEI’s continuing series of instructional documents on topics related to cold-formed steel framing for commercial and residential construction. They are available free of charge to CFSEI members at www.cfsei.org. Non-members can purchase them at the AISI Steel Store. For more information on joining CFSEI, visit www.cfsei.org. 

CFSEI maintains a Steel Framing Hotline to answer inquiries from construction professionals seeking cold-formed steel solutions for their projects. Suggestions for additional Technical Note topics are welcomed. The Steel Framing Hotline is accessible at 1-800-79-STEEL.  

The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute comprises hundreds of structural engineers and other design professionals who are finding a better way to produce safe and efficient designs for commercial and residential structures with cold-formed steel. CFSEI members work together to develop and evolve industry standards and design methods, produce and issue technical bulletins, and provide seminars and online training to improve the knowledge and skills base of engineers and design professionals. For more information, visit www.cfsei.org. 

Contacts:
Maribeth Rizzuto, LEED AP-BD+C
Managing Director
Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute
Tel: 412.458.5821

Debbie Bennett
Manager, Construction Communications
Steel Market Development Institute
Tel: 202.452.7179

SMDI Announces Launch of New Website Dedicated to Using Steel for Building Construction

The Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), has launched a new website that focuses on using steel for building construction. The new site, located at www.buildusingsteel.org, provides information for engineers, architects, owners, building contractors, code officials and other construction professionals; allows easy access to design resources; directs users to additional steel construction associations with information on cold-formed steel framing, structural steel framing, steel deck, steel joists, metal building systems, and metal roof and wall systems; and provides a tool for users to contact cold-formed steel framing professionals with individual project questions.

“The new website evolved in response to requests from users of www.smdisteel.org for general and technical information focused on building construction,” said Robert J. Wills, P.E., Vice President, Construction Market Development, SMDI. “We also wanted to provide a platform where building professionals could quickly find technical information on a variety of steel construction products from our partner associations.” Wills said that information for other SMDI construction programs such as steel bridges, utility poles and pipe/tank markets is still located at www.smdisteel.org.

The new website, www.buildusingsteel.org, includes these categories:

• About Our Program - Includes information on proposals and positions to advance the steel industry in the construction marketplace under the principles of fairness, transparency and performance; introduces AISI staff and steel construction partners; and provides updated industry news.
• Why Choose Steel – Explores key benefits of steel including durability, strength/resilience, fire safety, product transparency, sustainability, energy efficiency, economic value, and adaptability and reuse. 
• Build Using Steel – Provides quick access to information related to cold-formed steel framing, structural steel framing, metal building systems, steel joists, steel deck, and metal roof and wall systems. It also provides links to the steel associations representing these products and their design guides/manuals/aids, research, webinar /seminar schedules and case studies. 
• AISI Design Resources – The library of AISI design resources is included here, with information on design guides/manuals/aids and standards, errata, research reports, papers and articles and a publications archive. The Ask an Expert section is included for users to receive personalized responses to their cold-formed steel framing project inquiries. 
• Contact Us – Provides access to the Ask an Expert section.

New Publication - Serviceability Design Criteria for Low Rise Steel Building Systems

Serviceability is an important aspect of design. It is only eclipsed by design for strength which is paramount. Design for serviceability addresses the performance of the structure with respect to its use, its interaction with non-structural elements and maintenance.

According to NBC 2010, Part 4, Structural Design, Sentence 4.1.3.4. (1), a building and its structural components shall be checked for serviceability limit states (SLS) as defined in Clause 4.1.3.1. (1)(a) under the effect of service loads for serviceability criteria specified or recommended in Articles 4.1.3.5. and 4.1.3.6. and in the standards listed in Section 4.3.

The National Building Code lists four areas of consideration when sizing structural members for serviceability limit states (SLS):

1. the intended use of the building or member;
2. limiting damage to non-structural members made of materials whose physical properties are known at the time of design;
3. limiting damage to the structure itself;
4. creep, shrinkage, temperature changes and pre-stress.

Download our CSSBI B15B-15 Serviceability Design Criteria for Low Rise Steel Building Systems to learn more about how to design for serviceability using a steel building system.

Project Profile: Sault College Academic Building

Eye-catching Resourceful and Innovative Design

Sault College Academic Building - Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION TEAM 

Architect: Tillmann Ruth Robinson with EPOH Inc. Architects and Consulting Engineers 

General Contractor: Ellis Don 

Steel Cladding Supplier: Agway Metals Inc. 

Light Steel Framing (girts and channels) Supplier & Installer: Flynn Canada 

Photography: Shai Gil Photography

Taking their cue from the breath-taking local landscape, the team at Tillmann Ruth Robinson Architects gave a much-needed facelift to Sault Ste. Marie College. The new 6,968m2 (75,000 sq. ft.) $21M academic building was designed to blend the new with the old. The new building includes a spacious front entry and exhibit space, plus flexible classrooms for aviation. A 743m2 (8,000 sq. ft.) interactive learning commons was added to provide the students with casual space to interact.

“This was the first time the college had a new building added to it in many years. It is an important gateway building for the college itself. We situated the building at the front entry. We wanted the design to reflect the college, as well as the community of Sault Ste. Marie, and its location”, explains Scott Robinson, Director of Design for Tillmann Ruth Robinson. “It is a blend of contemporary and natural materials. Along with the steel cladding we used natural stone and wood to reflect the surrounding geographical area.”

“Kids are hanging out in the common area. They now have a place to meet and socialize after class. It has a big impact on how students feel about the college, which is rewarding,” Robinson says. “The new area provides some non-academic social spaces that aren’t quite as formal as libraries. When people say they feel good about being there, that inspires us.” 

The Tillmann Ruth Robinson team faced a number of obstacles – but successfully completed the project in fourteen months to finish by March 2011. “The challenges we had were a tight budget as well as a tight timeframe. We had an aggressive construction schedule,” Robinson says. “We will take the architectural vocabulary we created here and use it on additional buildings on the campus.” 

“Not only does the new building provide great curb appeal, it is truly distinguishable as a Northern Ontario College,” states Dr. Ron Common, President, Sault College, “Sustainable design elements have been included in the planning of this complex that incorporates a local flavour such as indigenous plants, wood roofing, steel cladding and copper, the latter having historical significance to First Nations people, who account for 20% of Sault College students.” 

For the modern look of the building, Robinson and his team favoured steel, which was both costeffective and flexible enough to allow for innovative design. “Using steel allowed us to customize the panels and siding for a fresh modern look. It complemented the natural materials of stone and wood,” he says. “The more-modern materials reflect the forward-thinking vision of the school.” The preformed, prefinished steel cladding is 0.76mm (.0299”) Z275 (G90) galvanized with the 10000 Series paint system.

PREPAINTED STEEL CLADDING TYPES: 

     PMC-1: Agway HF-IINF, colour: QC3659 Grey Berry
     PMC-2: Agway HF-15NF, colour: QC3661 Pebble
     PMC-3: Agway 7-175, colour: QC3661 Pebble Material is .76mm (.0299”) prepainted Z275 

                   (G90) galvanized ASTM A653/653M Grade A

LIGHT STEEL FRAMING: 

Steel subgirts (“Z” bars, angles and channels) were manufactured from Z275 (G90) galvanized sheet steel in accordance with requirements of ASTM A653M Grade A, Structural Steel Quality Grade 22 (230).

Cement, steel oppose taller wood buildings

The province of Quebec has recently changed Building Codes to allow for taller wood structures. It is the opinion of the steel and cement industries that this change has real potential to negatively affect the public's safety and unfairly favours the wood industry in Quebec over the many steel and cement companies operating in Quebec and contributing to the economy there.

Below is an excerpt from an article from the Cambridge Times posted on August 19, 2015.

MONTREAL - Canada's cement and steel sectors say Quebec is favouring one industry and possibly putting public safety at risk by allowing wood to be used in the construction of buildings up to 12 storeys high.

The Cement Association of Canada said Wednesday that the province's new guide for the construction of taller wood buildings is primarily aimed at supporting Canada's forest industry.
"The government has a duty to protect the health of its citizens, not that of a particular industry," said association president Michael McSweeney.

The association added that the use of cross-laminated timber building systems is no more environmentally friendly than other building systems already recognized in the code, when considering the full life cycle of a building.

Hellen Christodoulou, Quebec regional director of Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, added that not enough research has been completed to ensure the safety of taller wooden buildings.
"The government has not studied this well. It's just a political move and it's problematic," she said in an interview.

Christodoulou added that the wood sector receives heavy subsidies not shared with the concrete and steel industries, which contribute substantially to the economy through taxes and jobs.

Click here to read the full article.

The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) has also created a webpage with links to many other articles on this subject.

#lovesteel Compilation Video

Worldsteel has created 18 #lovesteel films for a series of interviews with people from worldsteel member companies working in diverse roles, sharing what they love about their jobs.

The above video is a compilation of those videos. Click here to view all 18 of those videos from people working in the steel industry around the world.

Pilot study aims to make net-zero energy homes mainstream

Canadian Consulting Engineer website posted an article on June 26, 2015 about NRCan’s ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative and Owens Corning Canada's pilot project to build 25 Net-Zero Energy homes in four provinces. Click to read the full article.

The program involves five developers in four provinces. Each builder is constructing a set of NZE homes, to a total of 25. The focus is on conserving energy by maximizing the building envelope’s air tightness, along with the use of renewable energy technologies. So far they have photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, along with a hybrid heat-pump water heater. The PV panels are on the roof, and in one case on the facade. Other renewable technologies are being explored as the buildings progress.

This is exciting news for homeowners looking for a more sustainable home and for homebuilders looking to be on the forefront of technology and building principles.

Did you know that the CSSBI has its own Net-Zero Energy and Carbon Neutral research project? A number of years ago we started the research project to look into how you could build a retail building using a Steel Building System that could be carbon neutral. This project has proceeded over the past 5 years and several Phases have investigated various topics and ideas to create a carbon neutral steel building system for a retail space. If you are interested in learning more, click here to go to our dedicated website for the Carbon Neutral Steel Building System (CN-SBS) Research Project to read all of the details.