PTMaterials and techniques for fixing structures in LSF (Light Steel Framing)
Everything you need to know!
This article was written with you in mind, so that you can make the best possible choices when purchasing fastening materials for light steel profile structures.
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Today our commitment is to you. We want you to get to know all the solutions for assembling LSF structures, especially the most practical and appropriate types of screws used in the assembly of LSF structures, as well as the profiles and their respective specificities.
We will even teach you how to calculate the weight of the profiles!
Stay with us until the end and be rewarded with valuable technical knowledge.
What are LSF structures?
- They are innovative metal structures, in light steel (with the initials LSF), executed through profiles and channels with spacing of about 40 to 60 cm between them.
- Opting for this construction method is opting for functionality and speed, as the entire process, from factory planning to assembly, takes place at record speed!
- They are flexible and become reinforced by the coating action of the structural plates, which have a very efficient structural safety, making them extremely safe against earthquakes and earthquakes.
How to choose the most suitable fixings for LSF construction?
Get to know all the solutions for assembling these practical structures.
The connection of the LSF structures can be carried out through mechanical or chemical processes, being of great importance the use of fixing materials that provide good structural resistance to the building.
These structures need an excellent fixation between all their parts, it is from the materials and structural fixation techniques that builders can achieve and guarantee the efficient anchoring of the structure and its foundation, as well as its seismic performance.
There are those who think that fastening materials are nothing more than screws and nuts, which do nothing more than fix a shelf to your wall, or fix two pieces together.
The small and very important piece should not be minimized, as it is small details such as its fit, dimensions and applications that, when applied correctly, will prevent wear and tear and future corrosion of the structure.
When these materials are not well selected and incorrectly applied, these small but important screws cause problems to the integrity and safety of your structure, this is our biggest challenge!
In reality, fastener materials are very important parts for the integrity and uniformity of its construction, these materials being so diverse, they have contributed to the advancement of mechanical engineering in several areas, such as naval engineering, aeronautics and civil engineering.
Thus, in this last area, constructions through innovative LSF structures are included.
Screws
All parts that make up the metal structure are interconnected by means of galvanized steel screws, applied through screwdrivers.
Our extensive range of fastening items is made up of both quality materials such as installation and maintenance equipment. We are specialists in this area and we guarantee quality at competitive prices, according to the current market.
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For this connections we have two types of screws:
- Self-tapping screws:
- Which are used in perforated profiles;
- Self-tapping screws:
- Applied to all types of profiles, whether or not they have holes.
Application of these screws in LSF structures
Some challenges in the selection of these screws are their dimensions and what relationships they must respect in line with other materials.
There are some rules that ensure the quality and safety in the application of these screws, such as:
- The screws for these fixings must have a length between 9 and 13 mm above the thickness of the panels to be joined;
- After fixing, a minimum of two to three turns of the thread must be visible;
- They must also respect the relationship between the diameter of the screws and the total thickness of the plates they join together;
- It is necessary to use self-drilling screws when the total thickness of the sheets exceeds 0.8 mm.
The following table shows the screw diameter in relation to the total thickness of the sheets to be joined:
| Diameter | Total thickness of the sheets to be joined |
|---|---|
| Ø 3,5 | until 2,8 mm |
| Ø 3,8 or Ø 4,2 | until 3,5 mm |
| Ø 4,8 | until 4,5 mm |
| Ø 5,5 or Ø 6,3 | until 6 mm |
Engineered profiles
What are? And how much do they weigh? We present to you right away!
The profiles used in the construction of prefabricated houses are made of galvanized steel sheets.
These profiles, along with other materials used, contribute significantly to reducing the weight of buildings and improving the structure's performance in the event of earthquakes.
To calculate the weight of each of these metallic elements we use the following formula:
| Development x Thickness = Section Area x Steel Density = Weight per linear meter of profile |
The term development refers to the width of a flat steel sheet before it is shaped and given its final shape.
| The average density of steel is 7,860 kg / m3 |
Let's move on to a practical example: The weight of C150 profiles
Development
The width of the flat plate before being cold-formed is obtained by adding all the sides of the section, in this case the value is:
| 15 + 43 + 150 + 43 + 15 = 266 mm |
Thickness
- The thickness of a C150 profile is usually 1.5 mm
Weight
- Using the formula above, we find that the weight of a C150 profile is:
| 266 mm x 1.5 mm = 399 mm² x 7.86 = 3.136 kg / ml |
In the following table you will find the specification, dimensions and average prices of structural profiles in Light Steel Framing!
| Specification | Dimensions | Average price |
|---|---|---|
| Structural C | 90 x 1,5 mm | from €7,27 per meter |
| Structural C | 150 x 1,5 mm | from €9,51 per meter |
| Structural C | 200 x 2,0 mm | from €15,31 per meter |
| Structural C | 250 x 2,5 mm | from €21,22 per meter |
| Structural U | 93 x 1,5 mm | from €38,38 per meter |
| Structural U | 153 x 1,5 mm | from €51,17 per meter |
| Structural U | 204 x 2,0 mm | from €82,78 per meter |
| Structural U | 255 x 2,5 mm | from €121,28 per meter |
| Omega LSF stick 6 meters | 45,3 x 2,0 mm | from 53,86€ unit |
| 3 meter angle bracket | 100 x 100 x 1,5 | from €21,40 each |
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Over 40 years of success stories and resilience, our company continues to grow along with all our customers, and it is for these professionals that we work so hard, to ensure that they have access to the excellence of our articles and fastening tools, and that through our wide range of products, they manage to achieve great results!
Didn't we tell you that you would learn a little more about materials and techniques for fixing LSF structures?!