Fusion Steel Framing (Hill Partnership)

Description of the Fusion Steel Framing Light Gauge Steel Frame Building System

Manufactured in the United Kingdom, factory completed floor, wall and roof cassettes are transported to site and assembled upon a prepared sub-structure or podium (constructed by others) and structurally interconnected to provide composite action in accordance with the structural engineer’s fixing specification to meet the requirements of the UK structural codes and as specifically designed for each structure. Floor and external wall cassettes are pre-boarded in the factory. The foundations and sub-structure are site specific and constructed by others, and are not part of Fusion Steel Framing Ltd. remit. External wall claddings, insulation (except Thermashield), internal finishes, fixtures, fittings and services are by others.

The sub-structure must be constructed to meet the level and out-of-true tolerances specified by the system designer. Steel shim packers must be used where required. Maintenance of the specified tolerances is critical in achieving accurate assembly of the system on site. The sub-structure must be designed to be structurally stable have a minimum 60 year service life. The structural elements are structurally interconnected to provide composite action in accordance with the requirements of the UK structural codes and as specifically designed for each structure.

Limits of Scope

• Maximum 10 storeys and 30m height subject to structural analysis (with the incorporation of hot-rolled steelwork to achieve structural design parameters);
• Panels in contact with the foundations/sub-structure must be fully isolated from contact with moisture from the ground and external sources, and be a minimum 150mm above finished ground level;
• Where a light gauge steel frame ground floor occurs over a void next to the ground, the void must be cross-ventilated to a minimum standard of 1500mm2 /linear metre, or 500mm2/m2 of floor area;
• Minimum 50mm ventilated and drained cavity behind conventional masonry cladding;
• Minimum 25mm drained cavity behind external wall claddings, or as required by the system designer [open jointed and rainscreen systems utilising pressure equalisation may require a wider cavity to be effective];
• Some latent defects insurers may require a minimum 15mm drained cavity behind insulated render and insulated brick slip systems, in all exposure areas. This is intended to minimise the risk of water penetration damaging the structural frame, particularly at openings in the walls;
• Thermal checks must be undertaken to ensure that there is no risk of interstitial condensation and/or cold bridging which may impact the durability of the panels;
• Fusion Steel Framing Ltd must be contracted for the design, manufacture, supply and erection of the structure;
• A qualified structural engineer suitably experienced in the design of this type of structure must be engaged for the structural design and analysis.