In recent years, floods have become increasingly common and devastating natural disasters, affecting communities and businesses worldwide, making them the most common natural disaster globally. As these extreme weather events accelerate, the frequency and intensity of floods are expected to rise, causing significant damage to infrastructure and properties. In response to this growing challenge, the construction industry is exploring innovative solutions to build back better with more resilience. One such solution gaining traction is the use of cold formed steel (CFS) framing. This modern method of construction offers numerous advantages that make it particularly suited for flood-prone areas. 

Introduction 

In the realm of residential construction, the impact of natural disasters cannot be underestimated. From hurricanes/cyclones and tornadoes to earthquakes and wildfires, various regions in the United States face the constant threat of Mother Nature's fury. In such high-risk areas, the choice of construction materials becomes paramount to ensure the safety, durability, and resilience of homes. One material that stands out as a game-changer in disaster-prone zones is steel framing. In this article, we will delve into the numerous benefits of using light gauge steel (LGS) framing in US residential construction, outlining why it should be the material of choice for developers aiming to build homes that are resilient against the forces of nature. 

There have been some significant natural disasters across the globe. These disasters have devastated communities beyond what they could have imagined. These communities now have the monumental effort to rebuild using a construction method that will be more resilient to these disasters in the future. 

Taynr based in Sacramento California have introduced FRAMECAD steel framing technology to their business and are now able to panelise CFS wall panels in a little over 2 minutes.

It is well established that not only is cold formed steel much lighter and more elastic than traditional materials like concrete and masonry, it also absorbs energy better by dissipating the force of seismic activity.

To test exactly how well CFS structures are capable of withstanding earthquakes and the fires that often follow them, in June 2016 a team of engineers from the University of San Diego in California constructed a six-storey CFS building.

And, they built it on top of the world’s largest outdoor seismic shake table!

Most interestingly, this was the tallest ever CFS structure to undergo tests on a shake table.