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About LSA, Inc. and our Light-Gauge Steel Framing Design Services

We’ve provided light-gauge steel shop drawings for commercial buildings, offices, apartments, dorms, stadiums, and more since 1992.

Light-Gauge Steel is Our Specialty

As a firm specializing in designing light-gauge steel framing, we are particularly excited about load-bearing metal studs in building construction. The design and building communities see the value and economy of metal studs as primary structural elements in buildings.

Designs Services All Over the Midatlantic

Our designs and detailed shop drawings have been utilized in various projects and applications including nursing homes, college dormitories, office buildings, and apartments.

Have a look at some of the designs we’ve completed for projects in PA, MD, NJ, DE, and NC, and then get in touch so we can talk about yours.

What to Expect From Design Services by LSA, Inc.

We can provide complete, well-engineered, economical designs for any of the light-gauge steel framing applications listed below.

Shop drawings usually include a floor plan, and sections and connection details. All of our drawings are created with CADD and backed by stamped calculations.

Curtain Wall Studs

Curtain Wall Studs have only wind (or lateral) loads applied to them. To prevent these studs from having axial loads applied to them, slide clips or deflection track is often used where the studs are attached to the rest of the structure (except at the base). Stud framing around openings (doors and windows) is usually designed for these projects in addition to the wall studs.

Load Bearing Studs 

Load Bearing Studs are like curtain wall studs in that the studs have to withstand lateral loading. However, axially loaded designs must also incorporate axial loads (loads parallel to the stud length). Essentially, the studs in such a design support the floor or roof above the studs, as well as the walls. Axially loaded studs are often used in buildings that will have wood or steel roof trusses. In such cases, the truss layout and specific truss design sheets are required to properly design the studs, headers, and header supports (jack studs). Axially loaded studs usually have to provide racking resistance for the structure, to prevent the building from tilting over. Racking resistance in metal stud walls can be provided by light-gauge steel shear walls with either X-strapping or sheathing attached to the studs. As with buildings with curtain wall studs, stud opening framing is usually provided with these designs.

Joists and Rafters 

Joists and Rafters are the horizontal members in a building that support flooring and the sloped members at the roof that support the roof sheathing, respectively. Both types of framing members can have a variety of loads on them including live, snow, gravity, wind (suction and pressure), and dead. Bridging spacing of these members often has a considerable effect on their strength.

McCarter Theatre, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ / James J. Martin, Inc., Moorestown, NJ

Stadium Seating Areas or Platforms 

Stadium Seating Areas or Platforms are often used in theaters, places of worship etc. They use a combination of axially loaded studs and joists.

Reflected Ceiling Plans

Reflected Ceiling Plans are coordinated with mechanical, electrical and sprinkler trades and show all items that penetrate the ceiling system (drywall, suspended acoustical tile, etc).

The engineers at LSA, Inc. are well-trained in all of the above light-gauge steel framing applications. Because LSA Inc. provides only design documents and is not a manufacturer, we can accommodate your component preferences.