ASTM C955-18e1
(Specification)Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing Members
Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing Members
ABSTRACT
This specification covers steel studs, runners (tracks), and bracing or bridging for screw application of gypsum panel products and metal plaster bases in load-bearing construction assemblies. Steel of lesser thickness shall be permitted in additional engineered products. Members shall be manufactured from steel meeting the requirements specified. The properties and strength of members shall be computed in accordance with the given specification. The steel members shall be free of defects that interfere with the purpose for which they are intended. Penetration test method provides a procedure for evaluating the member's ability to pull the head of a screw below the surface of the gypsum panel product. Five specimens of members shall be tested. If more than one test specimen fails to meet the requirements, two more test specimens shall be chosen for retesting. Report shall indicate all specimens meeting the requirements of this specification if the screw penetrated the steel and the screw spin out; or shall indicate all specimens failing if the screw did not penetrate the steel, or the screw spun out.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers cold-formed steel structural framing members (with a base steel thickness of not less than 0.0329 in. (0.836 mm)) in load-bearing (transverse and axial) construction assemblies. Steel of lesser thickness shall be permitted in additional engineered products.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-May-2018
- Technical Committee
- C11 - Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2018
- Refers
ASTM C11-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2018
- Refers
ASTM C11-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2018
- Refers
ASTM C11-17a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2017
- Refers
ASTM C11-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Effective Date
- 15-May-2017
- Refers
ASTM C11-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Effective Date
- 15-May-2016
- Refers
ASTM C11-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2015
- Refers
ASTM C11-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2015
- Refers
ASTM C11-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2013
- Refers
ASTM C11-10a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2010
- Refers
ASTM C11-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2010
- Refers
ASTM C11-08c - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2008
- Refers
ASTM C11-08b - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Effective Date
- 01-May-2008
- Refers
ASTM C11-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2008
- Refers
ASTM C11-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems - Effective Date
- 15-Jan-2008
Overview
ASTM C955-18e1 is the internationally recognized standard specification for cold-formed steel structural framing members. Developed by ASTM International, this standard sets quality and performance requirements for steel studs, runners (tracks), bracing, and bridging used in load-bearing construction assemblies with screw-applied gypsum panels or metal plaster bases. It outlines specifications for materials, manufacturing, and testing methods to ensure safe, consistent, and durable steel framing components used in modern buildings.
ASTM C955-18e1 is essential for professionals involved in architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing of structural steel framing systems. Compliance with this standard helps ensure building safety, structural integrity, and alignment with industry best practices.
Key Topics
Scope and Material Requirements
- Applicable to cold-formed steel structural framing members with a minimum base steel thickness of 0.0329 in. (0.836 mm).
- Members include studs, runners (tracks), bracing, and bridging used in both transverse and axial load-bearing applications.
- Permits use of lesser steel thicknesses in engineered products, subject to separate evaluation.
- Steel must meet requirements of ASTM A1003/A1003M and provide corrosion protection as specified in AISI S240.
Manufacturing and Dimensions
- Members must be manufactured to precise dimension and thickness requirements and free from defects that impact their intended use.
- Edge profiles are crafted to minimize burrs and sharp edges, improving worker safety and ease of installation.
- Factory punch-outs must follow specific placement, size, and spacing rules to maintain structural performance.
Testing and Inspection
- Standards specify the penetration test to assess the screw-holding capability in assemblies with gypsum panel products.
- Prescribes testing sample sizes and retesting protocols for consistency in quality.
- Inspection processes are agreed upon between producer and purchaser, with clear rejection and certification procedures.
Marking and Protection
- Products must be properly marked and identified in accordance with AISI S240 requirements.
- Protection guidelines for shipping and on-site storage to prevent damage and preserve material quality.
Applications
ASTM C955-18e1 is widely used in the following applications:
- Load-Bearing Structures: Specifies cold-formed steel members for use in primary and secondary load-bearing wall framing, floor, and roof truss assemblies in residential, commercial, and institutional construction.
- Screw-Applied Gypsum Panels: Provides standards for framing systems that interface with gypsum panel products and metal lath plaster assemblies, ensuring compatibility and durability.
- Prefabricated Steel Framing: Used in factory-built or modular construction, ensuring standardized quality and performance of steel components.
- Quality Assurance in Manufacturing: Applies to steel framing manufacturers for producing components that meet industry safety and reliability standards.
By adhering to ASTM C955-18e1, building professionals achieve improved structural integrity, safety, and consistency across various steel-framed construction projects.
Related Standards
Understanding ASTM C955-18e1 is enhanced by familiarity with related standards:
- ASTM A1003/A1003M: Steel sheet material requirements for cold-formed framing members.
- ASTM A653/A653M: Zinc-coated (galvanized) steel sheet specifications.
- ASTM C11: Terminology relating to gypsum and related building materials.
- AISI S100: North American specification for design of cold-formed steel structural members.
- AISI S240: Standards for corrosion protection and product identification in cold-formed steel framing.
Keywords: cold-formed steel, structural framing, steel studs, runners, tracks, bracing, gypsum panels, ASTM C955, load-bearing, steel construction standards, metal lath plaster, steel framing specification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C955-18e1 is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing Members". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers steel studs, runners (tracks), and bracing or bridging for screw application of gypsum panel products and metal plaster bases in load-bearing construction assemblies. Steel of lesser thickness shall be permitted in additional engineered products. Members shall be manufactured from steel meeting the requirements specified. The properties and strength of members shall be computed in accordance with the given specification. The steel members shall be free of defects that interfere with the purpose for which they are intended. Penetration test method provides a procedure for evaluating the member's ability to pull the head of a screw below the surface of the gypsum panel product. Five specimens of members shall be tested. If more than one test specimen fails to meet the requirements, two more test specimens shall be chosen for retesting. Report shall indicate all specimens meeting the requirements of this specification if the screw penetrated the steel and the screw spin out; or shall indicate all specimens failing if the screw did not penetrate the steel, or the screw spun out. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers cold-formed steel structural framing members (with a base steel thickness of not less than 0.0329 in. (0.836 mm)) in load-bearing (transverse and axial) construction assemblies. Steel of lesser thickness shall be permitted in additional engineered products. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers steel studs, runners (tracks), and bracing or bridging for screw application of gypsum panel products and metal plaster bases in load-bearing construction assemblies. Steel of lesser thickness shall be permitted in additional engineered products. Members shall be manufactured from steel meeting the requirements specified. The properties and strength of members shall be computed in accordance with the given specification. The steel members shall be free of defects that interfere with the purpose for which they are intended. Penetration test method provides a procedure for evaluating the member's ability to pull the head of a screw below the surface of the gypsum panel product. Five specimens of members shall be tested. If more than one test specimen fails to meet the requirements, two more test specimens shall be chosen for retesting. Report shall indicate all specimens meeting the requirements of this specification if the screw penetrated the steel and the screw spin out; or shall indicate all specimens failing if the screw did not penetrate the steel, or the screw spun out. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers cold-formed steel structural framing members (with a base steel thickness of not less than 0.0329 in. (0.836 mm)) in load-bearing (transverse and axial) construction assemblies. Steel of lesser thickness shall be permitted in additional engineered products. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM C955-18e1 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.060.10 - Walls. Partitions. Facades. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM C955-18e1 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C955-18, ASTM C11-18a, ASTM C11-18, ASTM C11-17a, ASTM C11-17, ASTM C11-16, ASTM C11-15a, ASTM C11-15, ASTM C11-13, ASTM C11-10a, ASTM C11-10, ASTM C11-08c, ASTM C11-08b, ASTM C11-08a, ASTM C11-08. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM C955-18e1 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
´1
Designation: C955 −18
Standard Specification for
Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing Members
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C955; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Table 1 was removed editorially in August 2018.
1. Scope* 2.2 AISI Standard:
S100 North American Specification for the Design of Cold-
1.1 This specification covers cold-formed steel structural
Formed Steel Structural Members
framing members (with a base steel thickness of not less than
S240 North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel
0.0329 in. (0.836 mm)) in load-bearing (transverse and axial)
Structural Framing—2015 Edition
construction assemblies. Steel of lesser thickness shall be
permitted in additional engineered products.
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1 Definitions:
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1.1 Definitions shall be in accordance with Terminology
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
C11.
and are not considered standard.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.1 members, n—studs, runners, tracks, bracing, bridging,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
accessories, or other items manufactured in accordance with
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
this specification.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2.2 structural member, n—a member in a steel framed
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
system in which the loading exceeds any of the following
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
conditions: a transverse load of 20 lbf/ft (290 N/m) of member
length, or an axial load, exclusive of sheathing, of 200 lbf
2. Referenced Documents
(890 N) per member.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A653/A653M Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated 4. Materials and Manufacture
(Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed)
4.1 Members shall be manufactured from steel meeting the
by the Hot-Dip Process
requirements of Specification A1003/A1003M.
A792/A792M Specification for Steel Sheet, 55 %
4.2 The minimum steel thickness (base steel) shall be not
Aluminum-Zinc Alloy-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process
less than 0.0329 in. (0.84 mm).
A875/A875M Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-5 % Alu-
minum Alloy-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process
4.3 Individual measurements before the application of pro-
A1003/A1003M Specification for Steel Sheet, Carbon,
tective coating shall be not less than 95 % of the specified
Metallic- and Nonmetallic-Coated for Cold-Formed
design thickness.
Framing Members
4.4 Members shall comply with the corrosion protection
C11 Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Building
requirements as listed in AISI S240, Section A4.
Materials and Systems
4.5 Edges of members shall be manufactured to minimize
burrs and sharp edges.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C11 on
4.6 Factory punch-outs, when provided, shall be located
Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems and is the direct responsibility
along the centerline of the webs of members and shall have
of Subcommittee C11.02 on Specifications and Test Methods for Accessories and
Related Products.
center-to-center spacing of not less than 24 in. (610 mm). Web
Current edition approved June 1, 2018. Published June 2018. Originally
punch-outs maximum width shall be the lesser of 0.5 times the
approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as C955 – 17. DOI:
member depth, d, or 2 ⁄2 in. (64 mm). Web punch-out length
10.1520/C0955-18E01.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), 1140 Connecticut
the ASTM website. Ave., NW, Suite 705, Washington, DC 20036, http://www.steel.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
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