The American Iron and Steel Institute Committee on Framing Standards is developing a new standard for nonstructural members. AISI S220, North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing – Nonstructural Members, is targeted for completion at the end of 2011 and publication in 2012.

AISI S220 will be applicable to commonly recognized nonstructural members such as wall studs used in interior partition walls. It will also be applicable to other members, as long as they meet the nonstructural definition and limitations.

“Currently, the design and installation requirements for nonstructural members are found in a variety of documents-including the standards for structural members-which could cause confusion among engineers and building officials,” Jay Larson, P.E., F. ASCE, Managing Director, Construction Technical Program, said. “Gathering this information into one standard will allow the steel industry to have a clear understanding of design requirements for members in the nonstructural category, while making it easier for design professionals to specify and building officials to approve steel for building projects.”

AISI’s codes and standards work is conducted under the Construction Market Council of the Steel Market Development Institute, a business unit of AISI, which oversees the industry’s investment in advancing the competitive use of steel by meeting the demands of the marketplace.

For more information on SMDI’s Construction Market program, visitwww.smdisteel.org.