Proposed 2-Story Residential Cold-Formed Steel Structure
Project Details
This project involves the comprehensive structural design and engineering of a two-story residential building utilizing a cold-formed steel (CFS) framing system. The engineering scope required modern solutions for the entire structural assembly, including roof trusses (RT1-RT5), floor trusses (F1-F33), shear walls, headers, and structural steel beams and columns. The primary structure utilizes high-strength cold-formed steel C-sections (such as 350CU150 and 550CU200) integrated with structural steel HSS columns and beams to ensure a lightweight yet high-performance assembly. The design process included a rigorous structural analysis to ensure the building could safely withstand environmental and occupancy loads. The structural elements were engineered in accordance with ASCE 7 standards (ASCE 7-16 and ASCE 7-22), AISC 360-16, ACI 318-19, and the 2018 Arizona Building and Residential Codes. Special attention was given to lateral load resistance through the use of shear walls sheathed with 7/16″ OSB structural panels, providing stability against wind speeds of 115 MPH (Exposure C) and requirements for Seismic Design Category B. The foundation system features independent reinforced concrete footings and a 4″ thick slab-on-grade, all supported by 18″x18″ concrete pedestals designed to perform reliably under a soil bearing capacity of 2,500 psf..
Role
Structural Engineer/Designer
Services Provided
The scope of services includes the preparation of comprehensive structural calculations and structural drawings for the proposed structure. Structural calculations shall include complete loading analyses for wind, seismic, dead, and live loads in accordance with the governing building codes and site conditions. The work shall encompass the structural analysis and design of all primary and secondary structural elements, including foundations, shear walls, load-bearing walls, columns, beams, headers, trusses or rafters, ridge beams, and structural connectors. The calculations will verify that all structural components are capable of safely supporting and transferring both gravity and lateral loads through a continuous and code-compliant load path from the roof framing down to the foundation system.
The services shall also include the preparation of a complete set of structural drawings required for permitting, coordination, and construction. The drawing set shall include a Foundation Plan indicating the layout and sizing of footings and foundation elements; First and Second Floor Framing Plans showing framing layouts and structural member sizes; and a Roof Framing Plan identifying rafters, trusses, ridge beams, and related framing components. The structural drawings will also include First Floor and Second Floor Shear Wall Layout Plans illustrating the lateral force-resisting system, a Structural Building Section to clarify vertical load paths and framing relationships, and typical structural details, general notes, and specifications necessary to communicate design intent and construction requirements. All documents shall be prepared to facilitate efficient plan review and accurate field implementation while ensuring compliance with applicable codes and engineering standards.