Prefabricated steel framing is quickly becoming the preferred building method among the world’s leading owner/developers and construction firms.

Prefabrication of cold formed steel (CFS) framing, often used in modular construction, involves the precise offsite production of CFS parts, which are then transported to the job site, assembled into the required framing structures and lifted into place. This allows onsite and offsite operations to run in tandem.

Key advantages of prefabricated steel framing 

By using prefabricated cold formed steel in frames and facades, in conjunction with the intricate engineering, design and manufacturing, construction firms improve their operations in these key ways:

1. Versatility and flexibility in design

Lightweight, yet strong, prefabricated steel can meet a wide array of specific, unique design needs. The design-led approach simplifies many aspects of construction.

Computer-aided engineering for CFS components is done in advance and the material is accurately cut and sized for quick, uncomplicated assembly. CFS parts are produced offsite in a controlled factory setting with advanced manufacturing systems, to suit the unique parameters of the project.

Once materials are brought to site, trusses, wall panels, and other structural components can be rapidly assembled and craned into place.

The result? More technical design possibilities! Supporting greater flexibility and efficiency on the job site, prefabricated steel framing addresses multiple functions and applications.

2. Reduced risk

Building with prefabricated steel reduces on-site construction activity, which in turn lessens risks to labor teams and helps ensure a high-quality final product.

The ease of assembly with cold formed steel framing helps eliminate the chances of injuries or even fatalities among onsite workers. It’s easy to conduct any number of quality assurance and quality control checks, ensuring a compliant, safe and finished building with superior durability whether it’s during manufacturing or onsite installation.

Overall, prefabrication yields less disruption of on-site work, reduced potential for accidents, and easier overall management of job site dynamics.

3. Precision and accuracy

With  design-led process for prefabricated steel construction, accuracy and precision are assured from the start.

The world-leading state-of-the-art BIM software and manufacturing systems allows CFS framing to produced at exact project requirements, ensuring the structure is fully compliant with engineering standards.

As errors are eliminated from the start, the precision of the  system reduces the potential for mistakes and leaves minimal waste and off cuts.

4. Faster construction and increased productivity

Building with prefabricated cold formed steel shortens project timelines in many ways, instantly making construction workflows more efficient.

First, prefabricated CFS components come ready for assembly. No additional straightening or refinement is needed, so erection can begin without delay. Detailing and finishing work takes place ahead of schedule, and project completion and occupancy also happen sooner.

The shorter overall timeline also translates to a reduced chance of accidents and other liabilities. From a management perspective, the focus can remain on fast, efficient onsite operations, even for ambitious commercial or residential designs.

5. Higher profitability

Construction using prefabricated CFS can be more profitable overall than traditional building methods.

The African Steel Synergy process makes fast, accurate production and assembly of steel framing possible, and multiple components can be built at the same time — a huge advantage in terms of time and cost savings. The need for more expensive, skilled workers is also reduced, as framing assembly is relatively uncomplicated, safe and can be handled by lower-skilled labor.

Craning the components into place saves even further on the costs of safety precautions, scaffolding and insurance. This faster construction cycle reduces the total project cost and allows faster occupancy of the building, increasing development cash flow.

Prefabricated construction is a faster, safer, more profitable and more productive approach for developers and owners.

The design-led  process brings it all together in a streamlined, end-to-end methodology, from design and engineering to construction and finishing. Prefabricated CFS framing assures more efficient, better-controlled projects.