This standard provides criteria, including dimensions, material and structural requirements for lightweight steel wall framing components designed for use in:

a. Non-loadbearing applications, typically the framing for interior partitions including studs with no axial load other than self weight and the weight of attached finishes and no lateral load other than nominal interior pressure differences.

b. Wind loadbearing applications, typically the framing for exterior walls including studs subject to lateral loads due to wind but no axial load other than self weight and the weight of attached finishes.

c. Axial loadbearing applications, typically the framing for interior or exterior walls including studs subject to axial loads in addition to those due to self weight and the weight of attached finishes. The axial loads may act in combination with lateral loads due to nominal interior pressure differences or wind.

The components covered in this standard include studs, tracks and rigid furring channels. This standard does not cover other cold formed steel framing components such as joists, resilient furring channels, girts or purlins.

This standard is intended to establish and encourage the production and use of standardized products. Deviations from the standard dimensions are acceptable, except for the stud depth (web), provided the product complies with all other provisions of this standard.

The testing and evaluation of a product against this standard may require the use of materials and/or equipment that could be hazardous. This document does not purport to address all the safety aspects associated with its use. Anyone using this standard has the responsibility to consult the appropriate authorities and to establish appropriate health and safety practices in conjunction with any applicable regulatory requirements prior to its use.