Why Steel
Need Speed? Pair Structural Steel with Timber Floors
Fast. Economical. Sustainable.
Hybrid systems featuring steel frames and timber floors are the ideal choice for residential buildings.
Mix and match for maximum effect. Build a structural steel frame and drop in cross-laminated timber panels.
The brand-new AISC Steel Design Guide 37, Hybrid Steel Frames with Wood Floors gives you the latest information to make these innovative structures a reality. The design guide is a multi-disciplinary review of the considerations that impact the structural design of hybrid steel-framed structures with mass-timber floors, including fire, acoustics, and sustainability.
Photo: John Horner
North Hall, Rhode Island School of Design
How do you erect a six-story student residence in 2.5 weeks? In a New England winter, no less?
Play to the strengths of your materials--use a steel frame and CLT slabs.
The 148 RISD students who live in the new 49,000-sq.-ft North Hall sleep on the cutting edge--which is much more comfortable than it sounds. They enjoy exposed timber ceilings, abundant daylight, and individually controlled thermostats.
Learn more about the project in a Virtual Steel Conference presentation by David J. Odeh, SE, PE, of Odeh Engineers, Inc., who worked on the project. There's also a free quiz available.