Code Compliance 

Issue: Substitution of Code-Approved Cold Formed Steel Framing Connectors with Non-Approved or Uncertified Methods

Problem

Pressured by current economic conditions and shrinking project budgets, some framing contractors and supply yards have begun looking for cheaper framing connections at the expense of building performance and the design team’s liability. This trend by contractors and suppliers may jeopardize the original design intent of the professional engineer and architect for the project. Substituting code-approved connectors with random connectors of questionable origin is not only risky but might also lead to liability issues and litigation.

A Typical Scenario

A code-approved connector is specified on the design drawings by the design professional because it meets load rating, material specification, and manufacturing quality control requirements. Often a quote for an “equivalent” connector that is cheaper than the specified one is presented as an option or “equivalent” product. The decision is then made to switch or swap out to the “equivalent” cheaper connector. Unfortunately, when this occurs, the supplier/framing contractor failed to pay much attention to code approval, product evaluation and quality control issues:

  • Is the “equivalent” connector made from mill certified steel?
  • Is the “equivalent” connector code-approved and does it have an ICC-ES evaluation report?
  • Is the “equivalent” connector’s performance the same as original specified connector?
  • Any jeopardized design issues or professional liability issues

In many situations, the supplier/framing contractor did not research all of the above, looking instead only at the immediate bottom line price

 

Code compliance connection

 

This type of situation is common. In this curtain wall, one screw is expected to resist the horizontal loads in a structural stud while simultaneously allowing for vertical deflection of the primary frame. It is unknown how structural movement is being allowed, because the screw is rigidly attached to the stud. The ‘cost-cutting’ measures do not meet basic performance specifications to accommodate structural deflection. Subsequent questions involve how web crippling of the stud is addressed, the horizontal load resistance capacity of the screw, and material certification of the clip (white rust has appeared).

Recommendations

For a registered architect or engineer two concerns are equally important: public safety and building performance — and these are the issues being addressed whenever a design professional specifies a particular product or assembly. For this reason, designers should always clearly define acceptable product performance and specify when and how substitute products can be used.

What does a valid ICC-ES evaluation report mean to the designer and owner?

  • Product will perform as described in the ICC-ES evaluation report
  • Professional liability is greatly reduced
  • Long term building performance is achieved
  • Quality Control is strictly maintained per ICC requirements
    • Manufacturing facilities are inspected to guarantee quality control
    • Products are made from mill-certified ASTM-approved steel

Recommended Specifications for Cold Formed Steel Connectors:

Clear instructions and concise data are needed to create proper Specifications and General Notes for construction documents. Specifications and General Notes should:

  • Clearly specify when and how alternative products, including connectors, are used
  • Alternative products should be accompanied by supporting documentation to ensure that building performance and safety are not compromised
  • Documentation for substitution should be reviewed carefully to ensure that liability is not increased by such substitution
  • Define the data required to qualify as an “Acceptable Alternative” connector:
    • The minimum required information for the substitution of a framing connector are:
      • Submission of valid ICC-ES evaluation report and review of acceptance criteria for the alternative connector
  • If an ICC-ES report is not available (ask why), the following items must be submitted for an alternative connector:
    • Independent test report, load-deflection curves, and calculations for factor of safety per AISI Specification (AISI S100, Chapter F)
    • Quality control manual from the manufacturer to ensure QC process and traceability of connector
    • Steel mill certification or independent material test report to ensure the use of ASTM-approved steel
    • Alternative connectors must have equal or greater performance including design loads and serviceability limits
  • Special inspections may be required to ensure that any alternative connector installed adhere to published manufacturers’ guidelines.

Summation:

Setting standards and clear instructions for use of alternative products is required to reduce confusion and limit liability.

Product substitution without clear direction and specific required information will negatively affect building performance and increase professional liability.

Ensuring building performance and reducing professional liability are serious issues that require increased communication efforts.

Please review and implement the items into a project’s specifications and general notes to protect liability and reduce your exposure to future problems associated with non code-approved product substitutions.

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