In an effort to promote efficient, safe use of member companies' products, several manufacturers formed the Light Gage Structural Institute in 1989. The Light Gage Structural Institute (LGSI) is a nonprofit organization composed of member companies who manufacture light gage cold-formed sections. Those members, while cooperating to advance the state of the art in the metal component and metal building industries, continue to compete in a robust and highly competitive market for their products. The LGSI members have adopted, and follow, an Antitrust Policy that requires all members to avoid any type of conduct which is anti-competitive or violative of any federal or state antitrust laws.
Companies that are members of LGSI conform to a set of bylaws and standards that ensure their compliance with the various policies set forth by the Institute.
Specification advances incorporated in the 1986 and 1996 American Iron and Steel Institute Specification provide a framework for reaching the goals of LGSI member companies. The expanded LGSI manual, "Light Gage Structural Steel Framing System Design Handbook," is the result of LGSI's ongoing efforts. It builds on the success of the previous edition which was widely used throughout the metal component and metal building industries.
Important new provisions include:
- Revised material thickness values which incorporate efficiency in design
- Continuous load tables that include optimized lap sizes and discrete brace points
- Shear-bending and axial-bending tables
- Bending and axial values for sections that support through-fastened panels
- Tables for hat sections
Example calculations and other design aids are intended to assist industry professionals in the safe and efficient use of member companies' products.
This manual contains a wide range of sections, most of which are produced regularly by one or more member companies. Check with your LGSI supplier to determine the availability of specific sections. Member companies may also manufacture sections that are not included in this manual. The sections that are unique to their organization are required by the Institute to comply with the same design guidelines as the sections in this manual.
Loseke Technologies, Inc. used its computer programs to prepare the included data. The following notes should be reviewed carefully before using this information.
- The information must be used in accordance with associated notes and specifications.
- Values assume both flanges of sections are continuously supported laterally unless specifically noted otherwise.
- Strict adherence to all applicable codes and to accepted engineering practices is required.
- For conditions that are not specifically covered in this manual, contact a Light Gage Structural Institute member and/or your engineer.
- Neither Loseke Technologies, Inc. nor the Light Gage Structural Institute can verify or be responsible for the adequacy of sections selected for any application.