CFS Designer User Manual: Comprehensive Guide to Cold-Formed Steel and HSS Analysis Software

Table of Conten
CFS Designer User Manual

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 2
DISCLAIMER ................................................................................................................................................ 2
Section Database ............................................................................................................................................ 2
Program Description ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Notation .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
CFS Designer’s User-Friendly Features ................................................................................................... 3
Analysis Methods ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Axial Loads ................................................................................................................................................... 4
Beam Input.................................................................................................................................................... 5
Bearing Lengths ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Boxed and Back-to-Back Members........................................................................................................... 5
Built-Up Members ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Cantilever Deflection ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Codes and Specifications ........................................................................................................................... 7
Code Year ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Cold-Work of Forming ................................................................................................................................. 7
Diagrams ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Distortional Buckling .................................................................................................................................... 8
Flexural Bracing ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Floor Joists.................................................................................................................................................... 9
General Interactions...................................................................................................................................... 10
HSS Sections ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Interaction Details ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Interaction Summary (Cold-Formed Members) ..................................................................................... 12
Interaction Summary (HSS Members) .................................................................................................... 15
Kneewall ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
Load Modifiers ............................................................................................................................................ 17
New Model ................................................................................................................................................... 18
Open Files ................................................................................................................................................... 18
Point Loads ................................................................................................................................................. 18
Printing ........................................................................................................................................................ 19
Punched Webs ........................................................................................................................................... 20
Rafters .......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Reactions/Connections ................................................................................................................................. 21
Save ............................................................................................................................................................. 23
Section Type ............................................................................................................................................... 24
Section Properties...................................................................................................................................... 25
Shear Walls - Simple .................................................................................................................................... 25
Shear Walls - Stacked ................................................................................................................................... 26
Sloped and Partial Span Loads................................................................................................................ 29
Span Lengths ............................................................................................................................................. 30
Stacked Walls............................................................................................................................................. 30
Uniform Loads ............................................................................................................................................ 32
Wall Stud ..................................................................................................................................................... 33
Wall with Openings ...................................................................................................................................... 34
Wind or Earthquake Loads ....................................................................................................................... 37
WorkSpace Report ....................................................................................................................................... 38
X-Braces – SIMPLE ..................................................................................................................................... 38
X-Braces – STACKED................................................................................................................................. 40
Y-Y Axis Orientation ................................................................................................................................... 43
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INTRODUCTION
CFS Designer is a Windows-based program for analyzing single and multi-span Cold-Formed
Steel (CFS) studs, joist, track, channel and zee sections and certain types of CFS assemblies. In
addition, CFS Designer has the ability to analyze HSS sections per the AISC “Steel Construction
Manual,” 13th edition.
Cold-Formed Steel calculations are based on the “North American Specification for the Design of
Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members”. The 2001 edition with the 2004 Supplement, the 2007
edition (AISI S100-07), the 2010 Supplement (AISI S100-07 w/s2-10), the 2012 (AISI S100-2012)
and 2016 editions (AISI S100-16) are supported. All calculations are based on the US provisions.
Most calculations use the ASD methodology. Stacked Shear Walls and Stacked X-Braces include
an option for LRFD designs.
Where Specification sections or equations are referenced in the body of this document the
reference to the most current edition of the Specification is used.
HSS section calculations are based on the AISC “Steel Construction Manual”, 13th edition (ASD
only).
DISCLAIMER
The developers have extensively verified this software and its documentation. However, in using
the software and documentation, the user accepts and understands that no warranty, expressed
or implied, is made with regard to the accuracy of the results of the software. The software is
intended for use by qualified professionals familiar with the design of cold-formed steel systems
and AISC based HSS design. The user must understand the basis for calculations and
independently verify results.
Section Database
CFS Designer Standard Cee and Track sections are from the AISI ‘Standard for Cold-Formed
Steel Framing – Product Data’, AISI D100-17.
Program Description
CFS Designer is an analysis and design tool intended to simplify the tasks involved in selecting
appropriate members in cold-formed or HSS framing systems. Single and multi-span members
with cantilevers can be modeled with uniform, concentrated and partial span or sloped bending
loads as well as axial loads. Single, back-to-back, boxed or built-up cold-formed sections can be
used For HSS sections, only single members are considered.
Input is accomplished from simple graphics screens with the members and loads are displayed
proportionately. Changing input modes (e.g. from uniform loads to point loads) is as simple as
clicking a tab.
CFS Designer analyzes members to determine reactions, shear, moment and deflection at each
node (i.e. reaction or point load) as well as 1000 intervals along each member segment (i.e. each
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span or cantilever). Then, using the input section, interactions are checked based on the
provisions of AISI S100 for CFS sections or the AISC 13th edition for HSS.
For individual member design, an Interaction Summary, Interaction Details or shear, moment and
deflection diagrams can be viewed and printed.
Convenient Design Tools for designing Walls with Openings, X-Braces, Shear walls, Floor Joists
and Rafters are also included.
Notation
CFS Designer uses the ASD provisions of the AISI Specifications – Except the Stacked X-Brace
and Stacked Shear wall tool which uses ASD or LRFD. In later editions of AISI S100, the
‘allowable load’ quantities are listed as Rn/Ω. However, for simplicity this manual and the program
output use the notation Ra where Ra = Rn/Ω for ASD.
CFS Designer’s User-Friendly Features

• See the member in its correct orientation (vertical or horizontal) by selecting ‘Wall Stud’ or
‘Beam/Joist’
• Get instant feedback on a member’s suitability with the Status Bar located in the lower left
of the screen.
• Save entire projects in one location with easy access to each model associated with the
project.
• Use the Connector Output to help select the appropriate Simpson Strong-Tie connector
for your application
• View a comprehensive summary of member design, including moment ratio, deflection,
combined bending and shear, combined bending and web crippling and combined
bending and axial interactions from the ‘Beam Input’ form - allowing interactive design of
Wall Studs and Beam/Joist members.
• Several tool tips have been added to allow user to quickly understand design or
explanation on inputs
The following alphabetical listings describe the basic input, output and
functionality of the program.
Analysis Methods
CFS Designer uses successive integration to determine shear, moment, curvature, slope and
deflection of the modeled members. Each member span and cantilever is divided into segments
for purposes of integration. The number of segments can be varied from 100 to 1000. To change
the number of integration steps, Click ‘Integration Steps’ on the right side of the Toolbar. From the
dropdown list select the level precision you wish to use. The default is set to 1000 integration
steps and it is recommended that this value be used.
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Because small errors can occur through the integration process, for very long beams there may
be some residual deflections at, for example, an end support. However, a comparison of
magnitude of this deflection to the deflection inside adjacent spans will show that the
approximations are quite accurate.
Axial Loads
Axial loads, either compression (+) or tension (-) can be modeled on one or more spans. To enter
axial loads, from the ‘Model/Uniform Loads’ tab of the ‘Beam Input’ form, enter the axial load
associated with a given span. A different axial load can be entered on each span.
Effective lengths (bracing intervals) for buckling perpendicular to the plane of bending and for
torsional buckling are input from the same tab. These values are entered in the ‘Axial KyLy’ and
Axial KtLt’ dropdowns adjacent to the ‘Axial Load’ input. Separate lengths for KyLy (KxLx for y-y axis
orientation of members though the KyLy notation is used hereafter for convenience.) and KtLt can
be entered for each span. Note that for HSS sections, the value of KtLt is not used in calculation
as the section is torsionally stable.
The Bracing Settings input box in this tab offers convenient ways to enter unbraced lengths when,
for example, the unbraced length is the same for all spans or if for each individual span the axial
unbraced lengths are identical to the flexural unbraced lengths. From the ‘Brace Settings’
dropdown, select ‘1-Setting’ if a single unbraced length is used on all spans and cantilevers.
Select ‘Per Span’ from ‘Flexural Input’ if the axial bracing for each span matches the flexural
bracing for that span. Select ‘Manual’ the value of KyLy and KtLt for each span and cantilever will
be entered individually.
For S100-2012 if the axial bracing is entered as “Sheathed” allowable axial loads will be
calculated in accordance with the “North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing –
Wall Stud Design,” 2007 edition [Wall Stud Standard]. Note that sheathing braced design is not
applicable to the 2004 edition of the code. When the code is set to S100-2016, AISI S240-15
“North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Framing” is used for sheathing
braced design.
For sheathing braced design, maximum allowable axial load values for ½” and 5/8” gypsum
sheathing along with #6 and #8 screws are included. The maximum nominal axial load of the stud
is taken from Table B1-1 of the Wall Stud Standard.
For the S100-2007 and later code editions, distortional buckling must also be considered. To
enter distortional buckling inputs, kφ and Lm, select the ‘Distortional Buckling’ tab and enter the
appropriate values for each span. The determination of appropriate values of kφ and Lm can be
challenging. Conservatively, kφ = 0 and Lm = ‘None’ can be selected. Otherwise, consult the
NASPEC and other published literature regarding the determination of these variables.
Axially loaded boxed and back-to-back members require input of interconnection spacing. The
interconnection spacing is entered in ‘Member Settings’ area. USER NOTE: AISI S100 requires
specific end connections and interconnection strength for boxed and back-to-back
members. These provisions should be reviewed carefully and applied to all designs using
such members.
When viewing Interaction Summary information, compressive loads are followed by “(c)” and
tensile loads are shown as “(t)” rather than the +/- format that is used for input. In this way, there
is no confusion about what type of load is being checked in the interaction equations.
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Details such as the nominal stresses and the actual value of the several interaction equations can
be viewed by clicking on the Toolbar.
Beam Input
CFS Designer includes a module for design of beam. To design Beams, select from
the main toolbar and then click .
CFS Designer uses a graphics screen to model all member input. By selecting the appropriate
tab from this screen, span lengths, uniform loads, axial loads, flexural and axial bracing, load
multipliers for strength and deflection, point loads, sloped and partial span loads, bearing lengths,
and distortional buckling inputs are all entered and edited.
Members can be oriented vertically (Wall Studs) or horizontally (Beams/Joists). Select the
orientation from the ‘Mode’ input box of the ‘Model/Uniform Loads’ tab.
Bearing Lengths
Bearing lengths are used in the calculation of allowable web crippling loads. CFS Designer uses a
default end and interior bearing length of one inch.
To change the bearing length at any support, select the ‘Reactions/Connections’ tab, then enter
the appropriate lengths.
Bearing lengths for point loads are entered as part of the point load data.
Boxed and Back-to-Back Members

CFS Designer can analyze cee and channel members in five configurations including: Single,
Back-To-Back, Boxed, Built-up and Y-Y axis. Back-to-back and boxed configurations are
commonly used in applications such as headers, jambs, posts or beams.
To select the member configuration, use the dropdown in ‘Member Settings’. It is assumed for
back-to-back and boxed configurations that the members are adequately interconnected for the
section to behave as one member. AISI S100 (Section I1.2) includes specific requirements
regarding interconnection of boxed and back-to-back compression members.
Note that Boxed or Back-to-Back member input is not available for Y-Y axis orientations, custom
zee shapes or HSS sections.
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The treatment of multiple members in the interaction checks is discussed under the heading for
the particular interaction.
Built-Up Members
CFS Designer can analyze cold-formed members consisting of up to six stud or track type
sections in their strong (x-x axis) orientation. To analyze a built-up member, input the span, load,
bracing, bearing lengths, distortional buckling and warping torsion information then select
Built-Up from the member configuration drop-down. A special ‘Built-Up’ tab will appear
allowing the input of up to six sections.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO INPUT THE SPAN AND LOAD DATA INFORMATION FIRST, AND THEN
MOVE TO THE BUILT-UP MEMBER FORM. If ‘Built-up’ is selected from a screen other than the
main data entry screen, the span, load and bracing information may not be properly saved and
proportioned to the sections making up the built-up member.
Built-Up members are limited to sections that can be selected from the section database drop-
downs. No custom shapes are allowed.
To input a section, select the section from the ‘Section Type’ drop-downs and click the ‘Add Built-
Up Section’ button. The section will be added to the built-up member spreadsheet. In addition,
the flexural and axial stiffness table as well as the analysis summary table will be updated.
To delete a section, click the button adjacent to the section you wish to delete.
Bending loads (uniform, sloped, partial span and concentrated) are proportioned to each section
in the built-up member based on flexural stiffness (i.e. moment of inertia). Similarly, axial loads
are proportioned based on the axial stiffness (i.e. area).
Each section in the built-up member is treated as an individual section with the loads proportioned
as noted above. The unbraced length (axial and flexural), and distortional buckling inputs for each
section is taken as the initial input values. Due to the number of possible configurations for a built-
up member, no attempt is made to analyze the stability effect of the built-up member.
The summary output on the Built-Up form shows the maximum values of several key design
parameters. The maximums shown represent the maximum for the given section at any point
along its length. For flexure, the value of M/Ma is taken as the maximum moment ratio for positive
moment (allowable moment is calculated based on the input flexural bracing) or the absolute
value of maximum moment at any point divided by the allowable moment considering yield (local
buckling) and distortional buckling.
The ‘Interaction Summary’ or ‘Interaction Details’ for any member of the built-up section
can be viewed by clicking the appropriate Toolbar button.
Cantilever Deflection
For beam input, wall stud module and wall with opening module users have the option of
determining the deflection at the cantilever based on 2 x cantilever length or 2 x (cantilever length
+ inflection point).
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2 x cantilever will check the delfection based on the cantilever span and deflection only. It will assume full
curvatuve is 2 x cantilever length and will check that versus the cantilever deflection
2 x (Cantilever + Span inflection) will check the delfection based on the cantilever span + length from the
cantilever support to the point of maximum deflection. It will double that length to get the full curvature and
then compare that to the def;ection of the cantilever + the maximum deflection at the adjacent span.
Codes and Specifications

For cold-formed members, CFS Designer uses the “North American Specification for the Design
of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members,” [AISI S100]. Specification editions from 2004 through
2016 can be selected as the basis for section property calculations and interaction checks. Only
US provisions (ASD) are included. The term “Specification” or “S100” are used interchangeably in
this manual to mean AISI S100.
For HSS sections, CFS Designer uses the AISC “Steel Construction Manual” 13th edition, ASD
provisions.
Code Year
For cold-formed members, the “North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel
Structural Members,” [AISI S100] editions from 2004 through 2016 can be used. The current
Code Year setting is displayed in the lower left of ‘Member Settings’.
To change the Code Year setting, select ‘Code’ from the Toolbar (upper right corner). Select the
Code Year you which to use from the dropdown list. For files with multiple models, Code Year
changes will be applied to all models within the file.
For HSS Sections, only the AISC 13th edition, ASD is available. As such, the code year settings
noted above do not apply for HSS sections and ‘AISC 13th Edition, ASD’ is displayed for the Code
Year.
Cold-Work of Forming
AISI S100 allows the design yield strength to be increased for certain members based on the
elevated yield strength caused by cold working. CFS Designer uses these provisions where
applicable. Some Building Codes, however, do not allow this increase in strength. For this reason,
CFS Designer allows the user to override the cold-work of forming increases.
To override the cold-work of forming increase, select ‘Cold-Work of Forming’ from the Toolbar
(upper right corner) and select ‘Ignore Cold-Work on All Sections’.
Diagrams
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Shear, Moment and Deflected Shape diagrams for Beam Input and Wall Studs can be viewed by
selecting the ‘Diagrams’ tab. Once in the diagram-viewing tab, choose the type of diagram you
wish to view by using the dropdown box at the top of the graph.
Maximum and minimum values of the selected quantity are given above the graph. By clicking on
the graphic screen at any location along the curve, the location and value of the selected quantity
at that location will also be displayed.
X-Distance can be user entered in the input box and the corresponding shear, moment or
deflection will be displayed
The horizontal scroll bar at the top of the graph can also be used to view the value of the graphed
quantity at any location along the horizontal axis.
Distortional Buckling
The 2007 and later editions of AISI S100 include provision for distortional buckling of flexural and
axial members respectively. These provisions apply only to Cee, Lipped-Zee and I (back-to-back
cee) shapes with stiffened flanges, and can be the controlling limit state for many design
scenarios.
Distortional buckling differs from local and torsional-flexural buckling in both the mode shape and
buckling half-wave length. Methods of accounting for restraint of distortional buckling also differ
from other forms of buckling. Rotational restraint to resist distortional buckling can be provided by
sheathing of sufficient strength and stiffness, or discrete bracing capable of preventing the
distortional buckling mode shape from forming.
Rotational restraint provided by attached materials is accounted for via the factor kφ. Little
guidance is provided in the NASPEC as to what value of kφ is appropriate for various systems. For
additional information regarding distortional buckling in general, and the determination of kφ
specifically, CFSEI Tech Note G100-08 “Design Aids and Examples for Distortional Buckling”
written by Ben Schafer, PhD, PE and published by the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute
(CFSEI) is recommended reading.
Note that for gypsum sheathing, the current published recommendations are to use kφ = 0.
Enter the variables for distortional buckling by selecting the ‘Distortional Buckling’ tab. Values of
kφ for flexural and axial capacity, and Lm can be entered for each span and cantilever. Note that
the input Lm is used for both flexural and axial loads.
In Design Tools (e.g. Walls with Openings, Floor Joists etc.), distortional buckling inputs are also
included. For Walls with Openings, the value of kφ entered is used for both flexural and axial
capacity.
Flexural Bracing
Cold-formed flexural members in their strong axis orientation can be modeled with any unbraced
length. CFS Designer defaults to an unbraced length of 60 inches for flexural calculations.
Therefore, it is important to consider the actual bracing conditions when building the model.
Because there are no provisions in the Specification for determining bracing requirements in the
zone of negative moment near supports of multi-span members, CFS Designer considers only
“positive” moment when comparing to the allowable moment based on stability. Positive moment
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is taken as the maximum value of moment between 0.2L and 0.8L of the span. Note that it is
possible for the maximum value of ‘positive moment’ to fall outside 0.2L and 0.8L on any given
span. The user must carefully consider the actual values of moment and moment gradient when
interpreting results for discretely braced flexural members. Proper consideration must be given to
bracing near supports to ensure stability in this region of rapidly changing moment.
Flexural bracing for a Wall Stud or Beam/Joist model is input from the ‘Wall Stud’ or ‘Beam
Input’ tab. Enter the value in the ‘Flexural Bracing’ dropdown. A value may be selected from the
list or entered manually.
Note that for Y-Y axis bending of CFS members, the Specification does not give provisions for
flexural stability. As such, CFS Designer forces the flexural bracing inputs to be ‘FULL’ when the
Y-Y axis member orientation is selected. The design of such members should ensure that flexural
instability is not a viable limit state.
Floor Joists
CFS Designer includes a floor joist design tool to aid in the analysis of multiple load cases
required for members with alternate span live loads. To use the Floor Joist design tool click
from the main toolbar and then click .
Enter span and cantilever lengths exactly as you would for a typical CFS Designer Beam-Input
model.
Dead Load and Live Load are input as pressures (psf) as opposed to line loads (lb/ft) that typical
CFS Designer Beam/Joist models use. The Floor Joist Design Tool uses the input Joist Spacing
to convert the input pressures to line loads.
Total Load and Live Load deflection limits are entered via the ‘Deflection Limits’ dropdowns.
Reaction Bearing lengths and Distortional Buckling inputs are entered just as they are for
standard Beam/Joist models. For distortional buckling be sure to consider the minimum value of
kφ in the compression zone of multiple span members since compression can occur in both the
top and bottom flanges.
CFS Designer will analyze the members for six (6) different load cases simultaneously:
1. DL + LL (All spans)
2. DL + LL (Even spans)
3. DL + LL (Odd spans)
4. LL only (All spans)
5. LL only (Even spans)
6. LL only (Odd spans)
Note that the ‘LL only’ cases are for checking the Live Load deflection only. Strength
comparisons will always be controlled by DL + LL cases.
The analysis results for each load case and the controlling load case(s) can all be viewed from the
Floor Joist modeling screen. The ‘Result Summary – All Load Cases’ box shows the maximum
values of Total Deflection, Live Load Deflection, Moment ratio, Combined Bending and Shear
Interaction and if web stiffeners are required at any supports.
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The ‘Result Summary – Selected Load Cases’ box allows you to view the values of Total
Deflection, Live Load Deflection, Moment ratio, Combined Bending and Shear Interaction and if
web stiffeners are required at any supports for one specific load case. Use the dropdown in the
upper right of the box to select the load case you would like to preview.
To view a more comprehensive Floor Joist output, click on the Toolbar. A Summary
Report will be generated showing the maximum value of each of the various design parameters
and which load case generated the maximum value.
General Interactions
There may be instances where an analysis is performed with a program other than CFS Designer,
but the complex interactions of AISI S100 still need to be checked.
The General Interactions module allows the user to enter moments (x-x and y-y axis for single
cee and channel members or x-x only for zee shapes, boxed or back-to-back members), axial
loads and shear forces derived from any source, unbraced lengths in each direction (x, y and
torsion) and distortional buckling inputs. CFS Designer then creates a simple output showing
bending and axial as well as bending and shear interaction values for the selected member with
the input forces and unbraced lengths.
For editions of AISI S100 prior to the 2010 Supplement, combined bending and shear interaction
is checked only for the unreinforced webs.
To access the General Interactions module, click from the main design toolbar and the
click .
For AISI S100-2007 and later KyLy and KtLt can be input as “Sheathed” to use the provisions of
the 2007 Wall Stud Standard or AISI S240-15. When sheathing braced design is designated, a
value of KyLy = 24 inches is used in the calculation of Pcry for combined bending and axial
interactions and the maximum allowable load is limited in accordance with the Wall Stud
Standard.
For flexural stability calculations, Cb can be entered or calculated from MA, MB, MC and Mmax in
accordance with AISI S100. The specific values of Cmx and Cmy can also be entered for combined
bending and compression interactions.
Some model building codes allow load combinations that include wind or earthquake forces to be
reduced for strength checks. Such load multipliers can be entered in the dropdown labeled ‘Load
Multiplier for Strength Checks.’
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To view the complete General Interactions input and output, click on the Toolbar.
HSS Sections
CFS Designer analyzes and designs Wall Stud and Beam/Joist models using HSS sections as
well as cold-formed members. All HSS design is done in accordance with the AISC “Steel
Construction Manual” 13th edition (ASD).
To utilize HSS sections, select ‘HSS’ from the ‘Section Type’ dropdown in ‘Member Settings’.
Select the member size from the toolbar dropdown. Also, select the orientation ‘Strong’ or ‘Weak’
and the yield stress, Fy.
Note that the properties and the compactness check for the selected section are shown under
‘HSS Summary’ at the bottom of the screen.
To return to designing cold-formed sections from the cold-formed member database select ‘AISI
S201 Standard’ from the ‘Section Type’ dropdown.
Interaction Details
For Wall Stud or Beam-Input models that are not fully braced for flexure or have axial loads
applied, details of the interaction analysis can be viewed and printed. To view the interaction
details, click on the Toolbar.
For X-X axis bending of single and back-to-back cold-formed members that are not fully braced,
CFS Designer uses the provisions of AISI S100, Section F2, using the input bracing intervals as
the KtLt and KyLy distances. Cb is determined using Eq. F2.1.1-2 using the moment values for the
segment containing the point of maximum moment. For bracing intervals entered in inches
(rather than “NONE”, “Mid-Pt.” etc.) it is assumed that the bracing interval is centered on the point
of maximum moment.
For boxed members, Section F2.1.4 is used for flexural stability.
The maximum “positive” moment is taken as the absolute maximum value of moment between
0.2L and 0.8L of an individual span, or as the exterior 0.8L of cantilevers. The Specification gives
no guidance with regard to bracing of members near supports with moments. However, all
members must have adequate bracing at supports. See ‘Flexural Bracing’ above for more details.
The maximum positive moment and the location of this moment (in global coordinates) are given
along with the input bracing intervals. The various intermediate inputs used to determine Mn are
shown along with the allowable moment for the span and bracing condition modeled.
For axially loaded members, CFS Designer uses Chapter E and Section H1.2 of AISI S100. The
interaction details provide applied loads, effective lengths, buckling stresses and the allowable
axial load. For S100-2012 and earlier, each of the interaction equations from AISI S100, Section
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C5 is listed with the associated intermediate inputs. Note that if P/Pa > 0.15, Eq. C5.2.1-3 does not
apply. If this is the case, the value of Eq. C5.2.1-3 will be listed as “NA”.
For HSS sections webs and flanges are checked for compactness per section B4 of the AISC
“Steel Construction Manual” 13th edition. For members with Noncompact or slender elements, the
nominal moment capacity is determined in accordance with section F7.2 and F7.3 of the AISC
Manual.
Interaction Summary (Cold-Formed Members)

An interaction summary for Wall Stud or Beam/Joist models can be viewed by clicking
on the toolbar.
Flexural and Deflection Check: For each span and cantilever, the maximum moment, Mmax, and
the maximum moment ratio (Mmax/Maxo) are listed. The maximum positive moment (taken as the
maximum value of moment between 0.2L and 0.8L), the flexural bracing, the allowable moment
with the listed bracing and the ratio of positive moment to allowable moment with bracing are also
listed. Finally, the deflection and the deflection ratio are tabulated. The deflection ratio for
cantilevers is based on user input (2 x cantilever length or 2 x (cantilever length + inflection point).
The maximum allowable deflection is not input as part of the model. Therefore, the deflections
must be verified to be within allowable limits. For more on cantilever deflection, reference
Cantilever Deflection.
Definitions of printout terms:

• Span – The span or cantilever for which moment and deflection information is given.
• Mmax - The maximum applied moment anywhere along the span before application of
any load modifiers.
• Mmax/Maxo – The ratio of Mmax and the section’s yield moment, Maxo. This ratio does
include the load modifier for strength.
• Mpos – The maximum positive moment (see above for how this value is determined).
• Bracing – The maximum unbraced length for flexure.
• Ma(Brc) – The allowable moment considering flexural instability based on the input
unbraced length.
• Mpos/Ma(Brc) – The ratio of maximum positive moment over allowable moment
considering flexural stability.
• Deflection (in) – The maximum deflection anywhere along the span or cantilever. This
value includes the load modifier for deflection.
• Deflection Ratio – The ratio of span length to maximum deflection. For cantilevers, the
span length is taken as twice the cantilever length. This value includes the load modifier
for deflection.
Distortional Buckling: When using the AISI S100-2007 and later, distortional buckling input and
output are also displayed. Inputs include kφ and Lm. Output quantities include the allowable
distortional buckling moment, Ma-d, and the ratio of maximum applied moment to Ma-d.
Combined Bending and Web Crippling: For each reaction or point load, the applied
concentrated load or reaction is listed along with the bearing length and the maximum moment at
the location of the concentrated load or reaction. The value of the interaction equation listed is
based on AISI S100, Eq H3-1a for single or boxed members and Eq H3-2a for back-to-back
members. If the applied concentrated load or reaction exceeds the allowable load, or if the
interaction equation exceeds its limit, web stiffeners are required and will be tabulated accordingly.
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For members analyzed in their Y-Y axis orientation, the web crippling strength is calculated using
the flat width of each flange. The total allowable web crippling load is taken as twice the minimum
value for either flange.

• Reaction or Pt Load – The label given to the reaction or point load as seen on the
graphic model.
• Load P –The value of the reaction or point load. This value does not include the load
modifier for strength.
• Bearing –The bearing length used in the determination of the allowable web crippling
load.
• Pa – The allowable web crippling capacity.
• Pn – The nominal web crippling capacity.
• Mmax – The value of bending moment at the location of the reaction or point load. This
is used in the Combined Bending and Web Crippling interaction. This value does not
include the load modifier for strength.
• Intr. Value - The value of the Combined Bending and Web Crippling interaction.
• Stiffeners Required? – The indicator as to whether or not web stiffeners are required.
This can be ‘YES’ if the reaction or point load exceeds Pa, or if the interaction exceeds
the limits of the Specification.
Combined Bending and Shear: The maximum shear is listed at the location of each point load
or reaction along with the moment at that location. An adjustment factor to the shear is also listed.
This factor is used to reduce the allowable shear if a punchout is located near the edge of bearing
of the concentrated load or reaction. If punchouts occur near concentrated loads or reactions, the
model must indicate it by checking the box ‘Punched Near Support’ in the
‘Reactions/Connections’ tab, or ‘Punched Near Point Load’ in the ‘Point/Sloped Loads’ tab. If
no punchouts are specified near the load or reaction, the value of this factor is 1.00. The ratio of
applied shear to allowable and the ratio of applied moment to allowable are listed.
For code years prior to 2010, interactions are also listed for both stiffened and unstiffened webs in
accordance with AISI S100, Section C3.3. If M/Ma <=0.5 or V/Va <=0.7, the interaction equation
for stiffened webs need not be checked and will be listed as “NA”. For the 2010 Supplement to
AISI S100, the ‘Stiffened’ interaction is not applicable and only the unstiffened interaction is
displayed.
For the AISI S100-2007 and earlier, if the unstiffened interaction exceeds 1.0, web stiffeners must
be used. If the stiffened interaction exceeds 1.3, the member is overstressed even with stiffeners
and a different member must be used.
For the 2010 Supplement and later editions of S100, if the unstiffened interaction exceeds 1.0, a
different member must be selected.
For members analyzed in their Y-Y axis orientation, the shear strength is calculated using the flat
width of each flange. The total allowable shear is taken as twice the minimum value for either
flange.
For members with partial span loads, the maximum combined bending and shear interaction may
occur within the span (i.e. not at a reaction or concentrated load). As such, for partial span loads,
CFS Designer checks combined bending and shear throughout the span. For punched members,
combined bending and shear is checked for both the punched and unpunched condition since the
exact layout of punchouts is seldom known at design time. Also, for partial span loads the
interactions are checked only for the case of unstiffened webs. For distributed loads, web
stiffeners are not practical. If a partial span load is distributed over a very short distance of the
beam, it should be analyzed as a concentrated load.
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• Reaction or Pt Load – The label given to the reaction or point load as seen on the
graphic model.
• Vmax –The value of the maximum shear force at the location of the reaction or point
load. This value does not include the load modifier for strength.
• Mmax – The value of bending moment at the location of the reaction or point load. This
is used in the Combined Bending and Shear interactions. This value does not include the
load modifier for strength.
• Va Factor - The value of the shear capacity reduction factor due to punchouts near the
reaction or point load. If none of the check boxes for punchouts near supports or point
loads have been checked, this value will be 1.0.
• V/Va – The ratio of the maximum shear force to the allowable shear.
• M/Ma – The ratio of the applied moment to the allowable moment at the location of the
reaction or point load. Note that Ma for this ratio is the moment at yield.
• Intr. Unstiffened – The value of the Combined Bending and Shear interaction for
unstiffened members. Note that if this value exceeds 1.0 the member is overstressed
unless stiffeners are provided.
• Intr. Stiffened - The value of the Combined Bending Shear interaction for stiffened
members. Note that if this value exceeds the Specification limits the member is
overstressed and an alternate member should be selected. For the 2007 NASPEC, the
limit is 1.3.
• M+V Intr.(2010 Supplement and later) – The value of the Combined Bending Shear
interaction for unstiffened members. In the 2010 Supplement, stiffeners are defined as
shear stiffeners. In earlier editions of AISI S100, stiffeners were defined as bearing
stiffeners. If the value displayed exceeds 1.0 the member is overstressed.
Combined Bending and Axial Load: If any element has a non-zero axial load, the results of the
combined bending and axial check are tabulated for each span and cantilever.
The applied axial load is listed, followed by a “(c)” for compressive or a “(t)” for tensile loads. In
addition, the unbraced length parallel to the axis of bending (KyLy for X-X axis bending or KxLx for
Y-Y axis bending) and torsional (KtLt) bracing intervals are listed. The maximum value of KL/r is
also given.
For AISI S100-2007 and later designs, the distortional buckling inputs, kφ and Lm are displayed.
The allowable axial load is listed (followed by a “(c)” if the applied load is compressive or a “(t)” if it
is tensile). The axial load ratio “P/Pa” and interaction value are also listed. The moment used in
the interactions is the absolute maximum value of moment anywhere on the span or cantilever.
For designs based on AISI S100-16, the stability provisions of Section C1.2, Direct Analysis
Method Using Amplified First Order Elastic Analysis is used. For the design of most cold-formed
steel framing members, first order load effects due to lateral translation of the structure, Plt and
Mlt, are zero. CFS Designer only accounts for P-δ effects via the B1 amplifier. CFS Designer does
not include P-∆ effects.
The value of the effective length factor, Kx (Ky for Y-Y axis bending orientations), for cantilevers is
dependent on the stiffness of the back span. For a perfectly stiff back span (i.e. a true fixed
base), K = 2. Therefore, the value of the effective length factor for cantilevers has a minimum
value of 2 and increases as the length of the back-span increases (and its stiffness decreases).
The equation K = 2 + 0.77(Lspan/Lcant)0.7 provides a good approximation of K for ratios of Lspan/Lcant
up to about 30 in simple span conditions. Beyond this span ratio and for multiple spans it
becomes more conservative. The above equation is used for approximating K about the axis of
bending for cantilevers with axial loads.
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CFS Designer requires as an input the interconnection spacing for all boxed and back-to-back
members. If the input spacing exceeds the maximum allowed, CFS Designer alerts the user via a
validation error. The validation error message indicates what the maximum allowable
interconnection spacing can be.
There are specific requirements for end connections and the strength of the
interconnections (welds or mechanical fasteners) in the Specification. It is critical that the
designer understands these requirements and incorporates them as well as the spacing
input into CFS Designer.

• Span – The span or cantilever for which axial load information is given.
• Axial Ld – The value of the input axial load. This value does not include the load modifier
for strength.
• Bracing KyLy – The input effective weak axis unbraced length.
• Bracing KtLt – The input effective torsional unbraced length.
• Max Kl/r – The maximum value of the ratio of KL/r (slenderness ratio).
• K-phi – (S100-2007 and later) the input value of the distortional buckling factor, kφ.
• Lm – (S100-2007 and later) the input discrete bracing interval for distortional buckling.
• Allow Ld - The allowable axial load, tension or compression.
• P/Pa – The ratio of applied axial load to allowable axial load. This ratio includes the load
modifier for strength.
• Intr. Value – The value of the combined bending and axial interaction. Note that for
compression, there are up to (3) interaction equations that are checked with the
maximum interaction value shown.
Definition of printout terms (wall stud summary report)

• Max. Axial – The max axial required or allowed on the span or cantilever
• Max. Shear – The max shear required or allowed on the span or cantilever
• Max. Moment – The max moment (MaFy or MA-dist) required or allowed on the span or
cantilever
• Moment Stability The max positive moment required or allowed on the span or cantilever
• Shear/Moment - The max shear moment interaction on the span or cantilever. Note this
is checked at discrete points so it does not necessary look at maximum moment or
maximums shear on span or cantilever occurring at the same location.
• Axial/Moment - The max axial moment interaction on the span or cantilever. Note this is
checked at discrete points so it does not necessary look at maximum moment or
maximums axial on span or cantilever occurring at the same location.
• Deflection – The maximum deflection anywhere along the span or cantilever. This value
includes the load modifier for deflection.
• Required – The actual force on span or cantilever required to be supported.
• Allowed – The allowable load for the member selected
Interaction Summary (HSS Members)
An interaction summary for HSS member design can be viewed by clicking on the
toolbar.
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Flexural and Deflection Check:.For each span and cantilever, the maximum moment, Mmax, is
listed. The results of the compactness check for flanges and webs are also given. The nominal
plastic moment, Mp, is provided along with the effective section modulus, Seff, for sections with
slender flanges. Ma is also listed.
Finally, the deflection and the deflection ratio are tabulated. Note that for cantilevers the
deflection ratio is based on twice the input cantilever length. Also, the maximum allowable
deflection is not input as part of the model. Therefore, the calculated deflections must be verified
to be within allowable limits.
Support Reactions:
The value of the reaction at each support point is provided.
Allowable Shear: At each reaction or point load, the value of the maximum shear force is listed.
The shear parameters, h/tw, SQRT(KvE/Fy) and Cv per AISC G2.1.b are also presented. Finally,
allowable shear force, Va and the ratio Vmax/Va are given.
Combined Bending and Axial Load: If any element has a non-zero axial load, the results of the
combined bending and axial check are tabulated for each span and cantilever.
The applied axial load is listed, followed by a “(c)” for compressive or a “(t)” for tensile loads. In
addition, the unbraced length parallel to the axis of bending, KyLy, is listed along with the maximum
value of the slenderness ratio, KL/r. The results of the local buckling check for flanges and webs
is provided under the heading “Slender?” For members with slender elements, the value of Qa is
given. Note that HSS sections are composed of only stiffened elements. Therefore, Q = Qa (Qs =
1.0) per section E7 of the AISC Manual. The p-δ amplifier, B1, is listed based on AISC equation
C2-2. Note that the second order effects due to joint translation, P-∆, are not included in
CFS Designer since the amount of joint translation is unknown. Where P-∆ moments are
significant, a separate analysis is required. The allowable axial load, Pn/Ω = Pc, is listed.
Finally, the interaction value per AISC section H1 is given.
The value of the effective length factor, Kx, for cantilevers is dependent on the stiffness of the
back span. For a perfectly stiff back span (i.e. a true fixed base), K = 2. Therefore, the value of
the effective length factor for cantilevers has a minimum value of 2 and increases as the length of
the back-span increases (and its stiffness decreases). The equation K = 2 + 0.77(Lspan/Lcant)0.7
provides a good approximation of K for ratios of Lspan/Lcant up to about 30 in simple span
conditions. Beyond this span ratio and for multiple spans it becomes more conservative. The
above equation is used for approximating K about the axis of bending for cantilevers with axial
loads.
Kneewall
To design kneewalls with CFS Designer, click on from the main toolbar and then click
.
Input model dimension in the kneewall schematic on the left side of the input screen. Anchor
spacing is input in the parameters section. Also, in parameters is the orientation of the kneewall.
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For kneewalls resting on structure below, select “Base”. For kneewalls suspended from structure
above, select “Overhead”.
Loads are entered as factored ASD uniform or point loads. It is important to select between live or
wind load for anchorage design. Uniform wall pressures and point loads at top of the stud framing
– for example, at a sill or top of a rail for determining moments and shear for use in stud, clip and
anchor design. Clicking on the ‘Point Load’ button brings up a handy point load calculator that will
apply the appropriate point load based on user-input pressures and tributary width.
Vertical loads are also entered and are used to determine axial loads on the studs.
Where seismic design is required, check the box labelled ‘Seismic Forces’. When the seismic box
is checked, an option to select Category C, D, E of F is enabled. ASD factored Seismic forces are
entered for members and fasteners based on seismic design requirements for nonstructural
components. The overstrength factor, Ω0, used for design of anchors in concrete resisting seismic
forces can also be input.
Input the unbraced length of the stud framing in the dropdown labelled ‘Bracing Distance’. This
value will be used for both flexural and axial strength determination. If ‘Wind’ is selected in the
load inputs, a Load Modifier for deflection can also be entered. Distortional buckling inputs Kφ and
Lm are input from the ‘Distortional Buckling’ tab.
On the right side of the screen in the R1 (base) connection design. First select a layout based on
the number of clips and anchors to be used at each anchor stud. Next if anchor design is to be
based on cracked concrete, check the box labelled ‘Cracked Concrete’. Also, support geometry
and concrete strength, f’c, is entered here. Note C1 is the edge distance in the direction of loading
and C2 is the edge distance in the direction opposite the loading. However, CFS Designer checks
the worst case as if load is applied both directions. Lastly select your RCKW clip and its
anchorage.
To view or print the kneewall output click on the toolbar.
Load Modifiers
Strength: Some Building Codes allow loads to be modified for load combinations including wind,
seismic or multiple transient loads. CFS Designer allows the input of any value for the load
multiplier for strength. For complex load combinations, the user can modify the loads before
entering them in the model and use a strength modifier of 1.0. As an alternative, the total
‘nominal loads’ can be entered in the model along with the appropriate strength modifier based on
the applicable Building Code’s load combinations.
Deflection: IBC 2000-IBC 2009 Table 1604.3, note f. allows ASD wind load to be multiplied by 0.7
for checking “component and cladding” deflection limits. In IBC 2012 through IBC 2018, Table
1604.3 indicates that the factor is 0.42, but is based on LRFD pressures. ASD load combinations
include a 0.6 factor for wind, effectively restoring the deflection factor to 0.7 (0.42/0.6) for ASD
pressures.
To accommodate this, CFS Designer allows the application of a deflection modification factor.
The deflection modification factor will be applied to all bending loads when determining the
deflection and deflection ratio. When designing members with lateral loads from wind only using
the IBC, a value of 0.7 can be entered in the deflection modifier dropdown box. If lateral loads are
17
generated from wind in combination with other load types, a value greater than 0.7 would apply
since the IBC only permits wind loads to be modified for deflection checks. The appropriate factor
can be calculated as (0.7xWind + Other Bending Loads)/(Wind + Other Bending Loads).
New Model
To clear all of the inputs and start a new project, click on the Toolbar. All input boxes,
dropdowns and check boxes will be cleared or returned to their default value.
The project Workspace will also be cleared.
Open Files
To open a project that has been saved, click on the Toolbar and select the project from
the file Open dialog box.
Point Loads
Up to twelve Point Loads can be entered on any Wall Stud or Beam/Joist model. To enter Point
Load information, from the Beam Input or Wall Stud screen, select the Point/Sloped Loads tab.
Select the number of Point Loads to be entered by clicking the up or down arrow of the Point load
counter.
(image from beam input, wall stud module image similar for lateral points)
Enter the magnitude of the Point Load. For Wall Stud models, positive point loads act to the left.
For Beam/Joist models, positive point loads act downward. Enter the location at which the load is
applied. For Wall Stud models, this is the Y-Distance. For Beam/Joist models, this is the X-
Distance.
Enter the bearing length of the point load. This length will be used in web crippling calculations. If
the member will have a web perforation (i.e. punchout) within 1.5 times the web depth of the edge
of bearing, click on the box labeled “Punched Near Ptld?” The allowable web-crippling load will
be reduced to account for the punchout. For example, if a six-inch joist has a punchout with its
nearest edge within nine inches of the edge of bearing of the point load, the “Punched Near
Ptld?” box should be checked.
To delete a Point Load, set its Load value to zero. To delete all Point Loads click ‘Reset Point
Loads’
To modify existing point load data, simply update the information in the Point Load spreadsheet.
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For the Wall stud module, the user also has the ability to add gravity point loads. Up to 5 gravity
point loads can be entered.
Printing
Each of the various reports, including Interaction Summary, Interaction Details, Section
Properties, Workspace Reports and Summary Report for Design Tools or Diagrams are displayed
in a printable format. Use the print options from your .pdf viewer to generate paper copies or save
to other formats.
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Punched Webs
Many cold-formed steel members are supplied with web punchouts to accommodate certain types
of bridging or to pass conduit or pipe through. Punchouts reduce the strength of the member for
axial load, shear and web crippling. Flexural strength is reduced for many punched members as
well. Shear and web crippling are only reduced in the region of the punchout. If there are no
punchouts near the edge of bearing for a reaction or point load, they need not be considered (for
what constitutes ‘near’ a reaction or point load, see the Specification). Allowable axial loads are
reduced by the presence of punchouts anywhere along the member length.
For Y-Y axis bending of punched members with the web in compression, the web is treated in the
same fashion as for axial loads. For Y-Y axis bending of punched members with the web in
tension, the net area of the web is considered.
The Specification places certain limits on the punchout size and bearing length of members for
applicability of the reduction factors. If these limits are not met, CFS Designer will display a
validation error message. Calculations will not proceed until the validation error is corrected.
Rafters
CFS Designer includes a module for design of roof rafters. To design rafters, select Joist
Framing from the main toolbar and then click .

Rafter inputs include the span and cantilever dimensions (horizontal projection) and the slope.
Slope may be entered as the slope ratio X:12, or in degrees by selecting “:12” or “degrees”
respectively from the slope units dropdown. Loading can include dead, live, snow, outward wind
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and inward wind and are input separately for the span and cantilever. Loads are entered in psf.
The loads are converted to uniform line loads based on the input rafter spacing.
‘Pinch Axial Loads’ can be included by checking the box . When

this box is checked, the rafter is modeled as if the top reaction is horizontal only as may be the
case for rafters that do not have a bottom tie or solid ridge beam.
Flexural bracing for the span and cantilever can be entered via the Flexural Bracing dropdowns.
Bracing is entered in the same fashion it is entered for a general beam analysis. When ‘Pinch
Axial Loads’ are included, the axial bracing (KyLy = KtLt) for the span is entered via the Axial
Bracing dropdown.
For AISI S100-2007 and later designs, the distortional buckling factors, kφ and Lm are input in the
Distortional Buckling input box. For cases with outward and inward forces, be sure to consider the
value of kφ and Lm on both the top and bottom side of the member.
Enter the member spacing in the Rafter Spacing dropdown.
Up to six load combinations can be input from the ‘Load Combination’ tab. For each combination,
enter the load factor applicable to the load type shown for that column.
The basic analysis results for each load combination and the controlling load combination(s) can
all be viewed from the Rafter modeling screen. The upper right output summary box shows the
maximum values of Deflection, Moment ratio, Combined Bending and Shear Interaction and if
web stiffeners are required at any supports. If ‘Pinch Axial Loads’ are included, the value of the
combined bending and axial interaction is also presented.
The ‘Results – Selected Load Combination’ box allows you to view each of the output quantities
for the Load Combination shown in the Select Load Combination dropdown.
To view or print a complete Summary Report for the Rafter analysis, click on the
Toolbar.
Reactions/Connections
Bridging and structural connections can be included in Wall Stud designs. To choose a
connection type, select the ‘Reactions/Connections’ tab then select the type of connection from
the graphics dropdowns under the Connections heading.
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Beam Input Module: For fixed (rigid) clips, the gravity load is determined by the worst case ASD
axial load in any of the input boxes. If multiple fixed clips are specified the worst case ASD axial
load is used for all fixed clips. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT MEMBER AXIAL LOADS ARE
NOT ADDED TOGETHER TO DETERMINE THE REACTION, BUT ONLY THE WORST CASE IS
USED.
Wall Stud Module: The Wall stud module determines the gravity reactions by equally splitting all
gravity load to all pins. Example, if a total of 2000 lbs gravity load acts on a stud with 1 pin
support, that pin will support 2000 lbs of vertical reaction. If the same stud with 2000 lbs gravity
load acting on it had 3 pin supports each pin would support 2000/3=666.7 lbs of vertical reaction.
For the example below the gravity reaction used for any of the connections would be 500 lbs.
The lateral loads for fixed or deflection clips are based on the calculated lateral load for the free
body diagram.
The connections are sorted into rigid or deflection clips by the selection of roller or pin on the
support. If the reaction is a roller, circle support on screen, the connection will be deflection clips.
If the reaction is a pin, triangle support on screen, the connection will be a rigid clip. To change
support type left click on the reaction. The connections can also be filtered between steel,
concrete or show all.
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Simpson has included all of our slide and fixed clip by-pass connectors into CFS Designer and in
addition have included stud to track connection, calculation per AISI S240, and slip track design,
calculation per AISI 240 and slotted slip track, capacities based on minimum of Cemco SLT and
SLP-TRK. Also note for the slip track and slotted track a ¾” gap is assumed as well as a 1.5” min
offset for calculating tension created from the gap. Stud spacing is assumed to be 16” for
determining beff and capacity is assumed to occur away from the edge.
The connections are set up such that you first select the connector and then select the anchorage
for that connector. CFS designer will provide the interaction for the connector and anchorage
seperately making it easier to understand what is controlling the design.
To include connection designs in the Summary Report, select ‘Connector Output’ from the Project
Settings area of the Toolbar and select ‘Include’. Recommended structural and bridging
connections will be shown based on your selections and the structural requirements of your
model.
Reference Strongtie.com for other all notes. Note some notes for the specific clip selected can be
found in the tool tip next to the connections text. It is the responsibility of the Designer to verify the
strength and stability of the structure for the loads imposed by the cold-formed steel framing
connectors.
Save
CFS Designer can save multiple Beam Input or Design Tools models in a single project file. Each
model for the project can then be opened from the Project workspace on the left side of the input
form. In the example below, several models have been Saved under Project ABC.
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The projects can also be organized by right clicking on the heading and selecting the appropriate
organization.
To Save a project, click or then select the location and name under which you
would like the project to be saved.
To view or edit an individual model from the saved project, click on the model name in the project
area on the left side of the input form.
To delete a model from a project, click on the ‘Trashcan’ icon to the left of the model name.
Section Type
Cold-formed steel sections can be entered via a database, or by manually entering the section
dimensions from a graphic input screen. HSS section entry is via database only.
To enter a cold-formed section from the section database, select ‘AISI S201 Standard’ from the
Section Type dropdown. Then use the Section dropdown boxes to select the web depth, flange
size/type and the thickness. The yield point, Fy, is entered in the dropdown labeled ‘Fy [ksi]’. The
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member configuration (Single, Back-to-Back, Boxed, Built-Up, or Y-Y Axis) is also entered form
the Member Settings area.
If the section you wish to analyze is not in the database, you can enter the dimensions and steel
properties manually. To do so, select ‘Custom CFS’ from the Section Type Dropdown.
From the Section Input screen, enter the type of member (C-Stud, Channel Stud, Track, Lipped Z
or Unlipped Z), the member nominal dimensions, punchout dimensions if any, and the steel
properties. You can also enter a special section name in the ‘Section Name’ text box at the top of
the form or CFS designer will select a name for you as follows
AAAXBBB_CC-DD (EE ksi)

AAA = stud width
X = S for Stud, T for Track, C for Channel Stud, Z for lipped or unlipped Z)
BBB = flange width
CC = lip width
DD = mils
EE = Fy
For HSS sections, select ‘HSS’ from the Section Type dropdown and then choose the HSS shape
from the Section dropdown. The yield point, Fy [ksi] and the axis for bending (Strong or Weak) are
all entered from the Member Settings area.
Section Properties
Section Properties of cold-formed sections can be viewed by clicking on the Toolbar.

Input dimensions and steel properties are displayed along with gross and effective properties.
Distortional buckling allowable moment at kφ = 0 and Lm unbraced are displayed for sections with
stiffened flanges (AISI S100-2007 and later). For single sections, torsional properties are also
given.
Properties of HSS sections can be viewed in the HSS Summary at the bottom of the modeling
screen.
Shear Walls - Simple
Simple Shear Wall design is intended for use with element and component design or other
designs where special seismic considerations are not required. For design of building lateral
force resisting systems or other situations requiring consideration of seismic overstrength and drift
limits, the Stacked Shear Wall design module should be used.
To design Simple Shear walls with CFS Designer, click on the Toolbar and select
Simple .
25
Enter the Height and Length of the shear wall in the dimension boxes in the shear wall schematic.
Wind and seismic shear forces are entered from the ‘Load Data’ tab.
For IBC 2009-2012, CFS Designer uses published shear wall capacities from AISI S213-07 ‘North
American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing – Lateral Design’ 2007 edition as adopted in
the 2009 IBC or the 2010 Supplement (S213-07/S1-09 as adopted in the 2012 IBC). For IBC
2018, shear wall capacities are taken from AISI S240-15. AISI S240-15 uses a single safety factor
for wind or seismic forces.
The Code has specific requirements regarding analysis, design and construction of cold-
formed steel shear walls. It is critical that the designer understand and incorporate these
requirements into the design.
From the ‘Shear wall Data’ tab choose the relevant IBC and select a sheathing type and fastener
spacing. CFS Designer uses these inputs to determine allowable shear forces as well as
maximum allowable aspect ratios. The allowable values are shown in the Results area on the
upper right of the screen. If any of the code allowable values is exceeded, the value will appear in
red on screen.
Chord Stud data is entered from the ‘Chord Data’ tab. CFS Designer calculates the chord stud
axial force based on the maximum wind or seismic shear and the geometry of the wall. Since
shear walls are often bearing walls additional axial load and moment can also be included. In
addition, some Building Codes allow loads caused by wind or seismic forces to be reduced for
strength checks. This factor can be entered in the ‘Load Multiplier for Strength Checks’
dropdown. Note that the Load Multiplier will be applied to axial and flexural loads in the interaction
checks. The Load Multiplier applies only to the chord design – not the unit shear forces on the
panel.
The unbraced length of the chord for both axial and flexural loads is entered in the dropdowns
‘Axial Bracing’ and ‘Flexural Bracing’ respectively. These values will be used for KyLy and KtLt for
determination of axial and flexural capacity. KxLx is the height of the shear wall. For the AISI
S100-2007 and later distortional buckling inputs kφ and Lm are also required.
CFS Designer also calculates the gross uplift at the anchor locations – including any anchor
offsets. Enter anchor offsets (distance from the anchor to the end of panel), in the dropdown
labeled ‘Hold down/A.B. Offset (each end).’ The effect of a non-zero offset value is to decrease
the base width effective for resisting overturning – thus increasing the uplift and chord forces. The
amount of the increase is equal to (Shear wall Length)/(Shear wall Length – Offset).
The seismic increase factor is a simple multiplier on uplift forces which are required by some
building codes.
To view or print the Shear wall input and output, click on the Toolbar.
Shear Walls - Stacked
Stacked Shear Wall design is available for single or multi-story shear wall designs, including the
special seismic provisions of AISI S400-15/S1-16. CFS Designer Stacked Shear Wall designs use
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AISI S240-15 for non-seismic provisions. Both of these Standards reference AISI S100-2012 for
member design. Therefore, even if Code is set to AISI S100-2016 from the main CFS Designer
toolbar, Stacked Shear Wall designs will use AISI S100-2012 for design of the chord studs.
To design Stacked Shear Walls with CFS Designer, click on the Toolbar and select
Stacked .
Input the number of levels, story heights and shear wall width in the shear wall schematic on the
left side of the input screen.
Load inputs are entered via the ‘Load Data’ tab. Stacked shear walls in CFS Designer v2.5 are
based on LRFD. Future versions will include an ASD option. Load combinations from ASCE 7-05,
7-10 and 7-16 are supported.
Input Seismic Design Parameters in accordance with the applicable building code. For seismic
design category A, additional seismic inputs are not required and output will not include seismic
design data. For all other seismic design categories, calculations will include overstrength, Ω0 and
the deflection amplification factor, Cd where appropriate.
From the ‘Load Data’ tab, top of wall wind and seismic unfactored shear forces should be entered
for each level. CFS Designer will apply load factors in accordance with the selected code.
Additional unfactored chord axial dead (D), live (L), roof live (Lr), snow (S) and wind (W) loads can
be input for each level. Similarly, additional applied chord moments can be input. CFS Designer
will include all of these loads, combined in accordance with the selected ASCE7 code, when
checking chord stud and hold-down interactions.
Sheathing type, framing thickness and fastener spacing are input from the ‘Shear Wall Data’ tab.
Available sheathing types include 15/32” Structural 1 Sheathing, 7/16” OSB, various steel sheet
thickness’ and GWB. Sheathing one or two sides can also be selected. It should be noted that for
seismic design per AISI S400-15/S1-16, for 15/32” Structural 1 Sheathing and 7/16” OSB, the
framing thickness selected must match the actual framing thickness installed. Thicker steels
should not be used as this may reduce the ductility of the system.
Chord studs and Holdowns are selected from the ‘Chords and Holdowns’ tab. Chord member
size, yield point and configuration for each level are input. Chord bracing inputs are also specified
from this tab. Finally, holdowns are selected for each level. The stacked holdown configuration,
often used at upper stories of multi-story structures, is intended to represent the condition
illustrated below:
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STACKED HOLDOWNS
Base holdowns are typically specified at the lower level, foundation conditions.
BASE HOLDOWN
The holdown quantity can be set to 1 or 2. Select 1 if holdowns are used on only 1 side of the
chord. Select 2 if holdowns are to be installed on both sides of the chord.
The Axial Exposed Rod Length is the overall length of rod between holdowns for stacked
conditions, or from the holdown to the foundation in single conditions and impacts the calculated
shear wall deflection due to rod elongation.
Tie or Holdown offsets can also be input. The offset is used to reduce the resisting lever arm used
to calculate chord and holdown vertical forces.
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To view or print the Stacked Shear Wall Summary Report, click on the Toolbar
Seismic shear wall deflection calculations are based on AISI S400-15/S1-16 E1.4.1.4 for wood
structural panel shear walls or E2.4.1.4 for steel sheet shear walls. For wind, deflection
calculations are based on AISI S240-15 B5.2.5.
For multi-story shear walls, deflections at each level are based on cumulative overturning forces.
Lower and intermediate level deflections are based on total shear and overturning forces using a
cantilever beam model. So, for example, at level 1 of a 3-story model, the cantilever beam
deflections include contributions from shear (PL3/3EI) and top of wall moment from chord forces
above (ML2/2EI).
Deflections of stories above the lowest level also include the impact of rotation of the top of the
shear wall below. As compression chords shorten and tension chords and holdowns lengthen
below a given level, the base of the level (i.e. top of level below) rotates causing additional shear
wall deflections in levels above. CFS designer includes the cumulative effect of these rotations
over the height of the shear wall stack. The diagrams below illustrate the concept of deflections
due to top of story rotation.
Sloped and Partial Span Loads
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Sloped and partial span loads are entered from the ‘Beam Input’ form’s ‘Point/Sloped Loads’ tab.
Up to six (6) separate loads can be entered.
To enter Sloped or Partial Span Load, first input the quantity of such loads in the ‘Sloped Loads’
counter.
Each Sloped or partial span load requires four inputs: Start Load, End Load, X-Start and X-End
(Y-Start and Y-End for Wall Stud models). The ‘Start Load’ is the value of the distributed load at
its leftmost end in lb/ft. ‘End Load’ is the value of the distributed load at its rightmost end in lb/ft. X-
Start is the location of the leftmost end (i.e. ‘Start Load’ location). ‘X-End’ is the location of the
termination of the load (rightmost end) where the load value is the ‘End Load’. Note that X-Start
and X-End are measured from the left end of the model (Y-Start and Y-End are measured from
the bottom of Wall Stud models) – not an individual span. As such, a sloped or partial span load
may extend over several spans and/or cantilevers.
The loads will appear on the Beam/Joist or Wall Stud schematic once applied.
To clear all Sloped and partial span loads, click ‘Reset Sloped Loads’. If you wish to clear
individual load values, enter ‘0’ in each input box associated with that load.
Partial span loads can create critical zones of combined bending and shear within a span away
from concentrated loads or reactions. As such, when partial span or sloped loads exist, CFS
Designer checks combined bending and shear along the span as well as at points of concentrated
loads and reactions.
Span Lengths
One, two or three continuous spans with or without cantilevers at each end can be modeled from
the Beam Input and Wall Stud screens. The number of spans as well as the various span and
cantilever lengths are input in the ‘Model/Uniform Loads’ tab of the ‘Beam Input’ form.
Select the number of spans (one, two or three) by clicking the Span counter
Input the length of each span and cantilever in the Span text box. To add a cantilever, check the
appropriate check box for the Top or Bottom cantilever (Left or Right Cantilever for Beam/Joist
models). After the span length is entered, the beam will be re-scaled to show the spans upon the
next click of the mouse.
Stacked Walls
The CFS Designer Stacked Walls tool allows users to design load-bearing wall framing for multi-
story structures including gravity loads as well as out of plane wind and seismic forces. To design
Stacked Walls, from the main tool bar, then select Stacked Walls .
From the Models tab, up to eight (8) levels can be included in a Stacked Wall design. To increase
or decrease the number of levels, click the Levels counter.
To modify the member settings for a given level, click on the stud wall at the level of interest and
make the appropriate changes in the ‘Member Settings’ box that is common to most CFS
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Designer modules. The interaction value for each level is displayed immediately below the
member designation in the Stacked Wall graphic.
Axial and flexural bracing are input similar to other CFS designer modules and can be entered
manually (i.e. Flexural bracing, Axial KyLy and Axial KtLt entered individually for each level), as “1
Setting” (i.e. a single bracing input is used for Flexural Bracing, Axial KyLy and Axial KtLt at every
level), or “Per Level from Flexural Input” (i.e. Flexural Bracing is input for each level and Axial
KyLy and Axial KtLt are set to that same value).
For each level, The Wall Height and Stud Spacing are entered in the input boxes associated with
that level.
The Supported Member Tributary Length input for each level represents the length of supported
floor or roof joists or trusses tributary to the wall, not the overall span length. For example, a 20-
foot-long simple span floor joist has a tributary length of 10 feet. For multi-span floor or roof joist
members, one half of the adjacent span length can be used as a conservative estimate of
tributary length for end supports. For interior supports of multi-span members, or members with
cantilevers the tributary length should be determined from the maximum anticipated joist
reactions.
Gravity Load Eccentricity is also input for each level. This value represents the offset of the
applied axial load at the given level to the stud’s strong-axis center of gravity. For example, in a
ledger-framed system where joists attach to the inside stud flange, the Gravity Load Eccentricity is
Stud Depth/2. Only gravity loads from the supported floor or roof members immediately above a
particular stud wall are used to determine the eccentric moment. For determination of moment
and deflection, the eccentricity is assumed to occur only at the top of the stud. Eccentric axial
loads are assumed to be applied to the inboard stud flange. All loads from walls above are
assumed to act concentrically on studs below. Weak axis eccentricity is not included.
Dead, Live, Snow, Wind and Seismic loads are all entered from the Loads tab. In addition,
specific rules regarding application of the loads can also be entered.
If the ‘Apply LL Reduction’ checkbox is checked floor live loads are reduced in accordance with
ASCE 7-10, 4.7.2.
If ‘Axial Load redistribution each Level’ is checked, axial loads from walls above are redistributed
based purely on the relative stud spacing. In order to accomplish this, particularly if the stud
spacing varies between floors, a load distribution member capable of redistributing the loads is
required. Design of the load distribution member is not included in the CFS Designer Stacked
Walls module. If unchecked, axial loads from studs above are assumed to be supported directly
by studs below. This requires that the stud spacing at each level be less than or equal to the stud
spacing of the level above and that the stud spacing at the upper levels be a multiple of the
spacing below (e.g. 24” o.c. at Level 3 and 12” o.c. at Level 2).
Checking ‘Top Level is a Roof’ causes CFS Designer to consider Roof Snow load and Roof Wind
Uplift and to treat the live load input for the uppermost level as Roof Live load. If unchecked, Roof
loads are not considered and Live load at the uppermost level is considered Floor Live load.
To account for the weight of walls above that are supported by lower level walls, the wall dead
load “Wall D” is input for each level. Note that the wall dead load of a given level is not
considered in the design of the stud wall at that level, only the levels below.
Wind pressures may be reduced for deflection determination in accordance with IBC 2012 thru
IBC 2018 Table 1604.3, footnote f. This footnote allows a reduction factor of 0.42, based on LRFD
level wind forces. For ASD level wind forces used in CFS Designer, the appropriate factor is
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0.42/0.6 = 0.70. The Load Modifier for Deflection is entered in the Loads Tab of the Stacked Walls
module.
Gravity loads (D, L, Lr and S) for each level are input in pounds per square foot (psf). Main wind
force resisting system (MWFRS) and component and cladding (C&C) wind loads are also entered
in (psf). Seismic lateral and vertical loads are determined based on the input Wall and Floor or
Roof dead load, D and the input ASD level seismic coefficients. For example, if a wall dead load
of 10 psf and a horizontal seismic coefficient, Eh = 0.3 is input, the seismic out of plane lateral
load is 0.3(10) = 3 psf. The vertical seismic coefficient is applied only to dead loads and is
assumed to act downward.
Ten individual Load Combinations can be entered from the Load Combinations tab. Default
combinations are provided to match those in ASCE 7-10, and IBC 2012 thru IBC 2018.
Note that the CFS Designer default load combinations use load factors of 1.0 for Wind (W)
and Seismic (E) loads on the assumption that both are ‘pre-factored’ to ASD levels as is
common for design of cold-formed steel. Alternatively, the user may choose to input wind
and seismic loads at strength design levels and use the 0.6 and 0.7 factors specified in
ASCE 7-10.
Note that the defaults use MWFRS wind pressures in combination with dead (D), floor live (L),
and roof live (Lr) or snow (S), and consider C&C wind loads only in combination with dead load.
AISI S211-07/S1-12 and AISI S240-15 specify combined bending and axial forces be based on
MWFRS wind loads, and bending alone be considered using C&C wind loads. Since dead loads
would be present at all times, CFS Designer default load combinations include dead loads in
combination with C&C wind loads. The default Load Combination Name and load factors can be
modified by simply changing the values in the input boxes. To restore the Load Combinations to
the CFS Designer defaults, click ‘Restore Defaults’
Distortional buckling parameters for the studs at each level are input from the ‘Distortional
Buckling’ tab. Kφ for flexural and axial capacity as well as the distortional buckling unbraced
length, Lm, can be entered for each level individually.
A Member Summary for all levels including the maximum interaction, deflection and deflection
ratio as well as whether or not web stiffeners are required can be viewed simultaneously with the
Stacked Wall graphic model by expanding the Member Summary in the lower portion of the
screen.
A complete summary of inputs, maximum interactions and deflections for all levels can be
displayed and printed by clicking ‘Summary Report’ from the Toolbar. A more detailed report
showing the forces, interactions and deflections for each load combination at the selected level
can be viewed and printed by clicking ‘Interaction Details’.
Uniform Loads
CFS Designer offers multiple ways to enter Uniform Loads from the Beam Input form’s
‘Model/Uniform Loads’ tab. Uniform loads can be entered in lb/ft (Spacing set to “NA”), or in psf
in conjunction with an input member spacing. Loads entered in psf will be converted to ‘lb/ft’ line
loads by multiplying the input pressure by the Spacing divided by 12.
If the uniform loads are constant across all spans and cantilevers, check the ‘Use 1-Setting for
Uniform Load’ checkbox and enter the load in the text box below.
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If the Uniform Load varies from span-to-span, uncheck the ‘Use 1-Setting for Uniform Load’
checkbox and enter the Uniform Load for each span in the ‘Uniform Load’ text box associated
with that span.
Wall Stud
CFS Designer uses a graphics screen to model all member input. By selecting the appropriate
tab from this screen, span lengths, spacing, uniform loads, axial loads, flexural and axial bracing,
load multipliers for strength and deflection, point loads, sloped and partial span loads, bearing
lengths, and distortional buckling inputs are all entered and edited.
To return to the wall stud screen from any other screen, click . Wall Stud can be found
in the Wall Framing drop down in the Design Tools section.
Members are oriented vertically for (Wall Studs). Wall Studs Module is similar to Beam Input
except it is geared towards wall framing rather than horizontal beams. Wall Stud module allows
users to enter gravity load in plf or psf and also allows up to 5 vertical point loads placed anywhere
along the span.
Wall Stud Module also allows the import of wind load from the wind module or manual enter of
lateral loads. Selecting the check box ‘Import’” will allow user to select the Wind module, load
condition and enter the top of parapet elevation (as required). Note: The program will calculate
tributary area based on user defined selection in the wind module. See Wind Module for more
explanation. Also note top of parapet height is allowed to change in each wall module as wind
load on parapet per code changes based on the top of parapet height and therefore one job may
have 4 or 5 different parapet heights.
Gravity load is entered in two different ways in wall stud module. The cladding weight is entered in
model/uniform loads tab in ASD Uniform load section under gravity
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Axial Point loads are entered unde the Point /Sloped Loads tab
Gravity Load Note for Connections: The Wall stud module determines the gravity reactions by
equally splitting all gravity load to all pins. Example, if a total of 2000 lbs gravity load acts on a stud
with 1 pin support, then that pin will support 2000 lbs of vertical reaction. If the same stud with
2000 lbs gravity load acting on it had 3 pin supports than each pin would support 2000/3=666.7
lbs of vertical reaction)
Wall with Openings
CFS Designer automates the process of designing single story walls with openings. Wall studs,
headers (vertical and lateral), sills and jamb studs can all be designed from one form. Wall with
Openings, can be designed by selecting from the main toolbar and then click
on the Toolbar.
Note that support for lateral and vertical load on headers is designed using separate
elements – not as composite ‘box’ headers. Composite box headers generate excessive
compressive stresses into the ‘lateral’ members and are seldom economical due to the
interconnection requirements to make a true composite section.
Input the wall span, parapet and opening width along with the head and sill dimensions in the
appropriate text and dropdown boxes.
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Input the Basic Wind Pressure and Parapet Pressure by selecting a value from the associated
dropdown or by typing a value in the dropdown box.
Load and bracing data are input from the ‘General’ tab of the Wall with Opening form.
Header Vertical Loads can be entered in (psf) and (plf) units. For headers that carry only the
weight of the wall above, input the wall dead load in psf in the wall self-weight input. The header
uniform load will be calculated as the dead load multiplied by the height of wall above the header,
including the parapet. This load if the “Exclude Self Weight in Axial Calc” is not checked will also
add a tributary axisl load to the jamb and typical stud for the self-weight. If the box is checked then
it will not add this tributary load to the stud design, but will add it for the connection design. If the
header carries additional vertical load, the load can be entered in plf by adding load in the
additional header load in ‘plf’. This load will only be applied to the head and not the wall stud. Load
can also be added as a point load in the “Additional Stud Axial Load” input. Note that the axial
load is entered in lb/stud – not lb/ft. If load is added here the point load will be divided by the
stud spacing and added as a uniform load. The “Additional Stud Axial Load” will also be applied to
the wall stud as an axial point load.
Lateral loads can be modified for both strength and deflection as allowed by certain building
codes. Enter Load Multipliers for Strength or Deflection in the associated dropdown boxes. All
elements carrying lateral loads will be designed based on the input modifiers. For example, if a
0.75 is input as the strength modifier, wall studs, sills, header (lateral) and jambs will include the
0.75 factor in all strength calculations – including axial load on jambs.
Stud spacing, as used in design of wall studs as well as jambs, is entered in the Stud Spacing
dropdown. Flexural and Axial Bracing for both Wall Studs and Jambs is entered in the Flexural
Bracing Dropdowns. If Jamb Axial Bracing is input as ‘Head/Sill’, the unbraced lengths KyLy and
KtLt will be the maximum value of the sill height or the distance between the head and sill.
Lateral pressures on the surface of the framed opening are distributed differently for various types
of window/door or open systems. As such, CFS Designer allows the user to specify that the
lateral pressures be distributed as: Head/Sill Only, Jambs Only, 4-Ways or Open.
If ‘Head/Sill Only’ is selected, lateral pressures on the surface of the opening will be distributed
equally to the header lateral and the sill. If ‘Jamb Only’ is selected, lateral pressures on the
surface of the opening will be distributed horizontally to the jambs. If ‘4-Ways’ is selected, lateral
pressures will be distributed to the header, sill and jamb assuming a line of distribution at 45
degrees from each corner (sometimes called a ‘hip roof’ distribution). If ‘Open’ is selected, the
opening surface will be assumed to transfer no lateral loads to header, sill or jamb.
When using the AISI S100-2007 and later, distortional buckling inputs can also be entered for
each element from the ‘Distortional Buckling’ tab. Recall that distortional buckling will only apply
to sections with lip-stiffened flanges in single, back-to-back or built-up configurations. Enter the
values of kφ and Lm for each element as appropriate. Note that for jambs, the values of kφ and Lm
will be used for both flexural and axial capacity determination.
Member Settings for all members are located directly right of the image. To change the member
settings, change the selection in the drop downs for Section, flange, gauge Fy, configuration, and
screw spacing (as applicable). The Design Summary Preview is automatically updated as the
section dropdowns are modified.
For Built-up sections, choose ‘Built-Up’ from the Member Settings section configuration dropdown.
A ‘Built-Up Section’ entry form will appear that allows entry of up to (4) stud or track elements. To
add an element, define the element from the Section Type dropdowns and click ‘Add Built-Up
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Section’. To delete an element, click on the Trashcan icon to the left of the element you wish to
delete.
As sections are added or deleted from the Built-Up member, the various output quantities (Max
Defl., M/Ma etc.) will be updated.
To return to the Wall with Opening modeling form, click the ‘Wall with Opening’ tab.
To view or print the Walls with Openings Summary Report click on the Toolbar.
Header types with have 5 different options to choose from (Single Member, ProX header, Box
(lateral combined), Box (lateral top, bottom) and Vert. strongback, Lateral track).
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For Jamb and Stud Connection Tabs
Lateral loads are calculated based on the loading and free body diagram. The gravity reaction is
calculated based on the user defined gravity loads. The gravity reaction is limited to the bottom
connection. For all other connection information, reference the Beam input connections in the
manual.
An option for bringing a member from the wall with

opening to the beam input module is available. This can
be done by right clicking on the component name in the
member setting you want to bring in the beam input or
by left clicking on the component on the image to make
it active and then right clicking to bring up option to
move to beam input.
You may bring in any member of the wall with opening module (Wall Stud, Jamb, Header
(Vertical), Header (Lateral) or Sill) to the beam input module
Wind or Earthquake Loads

See Load Modifiers above.
Wind Module
CFS Designer includes a module for components and cladding wind load. To design Wind, select
Wind Module from the main toolbar.
By selecting the appropriate wind data, building data, Enclosure classifications the load will be
generated based on the selected code.
Users have the ability to customize the report based on including parapet load, max height only
and roof elements.
Users can import loads to the wall stud module. The tributary area for calculating the loads will be
based on the user selection in the wind module. The user will have the option of calculation for
span based on the span length^2/3, element spacing,10 sqft, 50 sqft, 100sqft or than can input
any tributary area. For cantilevers the options will be similar options.
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WorkSpace Report
A Workspace Report including Interaction Summary Reports for all models within a project can be
generated by clicking on the Common Tasks area of the Toolbar.
The content of the report for each model matches that described above for each type of model
(e.g. Beam/Joist, Wall with Opening, X-Brace etc.).
The workspace report can be organized by Model or Custom. If ‘Model’ is selected user can
choose from ‘Entered Order’ or ‘Alphabetically’ by selecting the appropriate radio button.
Organizing based on model will always organize within each design tool. Selecting Custom will
allow user to organize models in any order they chose regardless of the design tool.
X-Braces – SIMPLE
The Simple X-Brace tool is intended to assist in the design of basic tension-only strap braced
walls that don’t require the more robust input and output associated with high-seismic design or
multi-story braces. Simple X-Braces use ASD input and output.
To design Simple X-braces select on the Toolbar to dropdown the X-Brace choices
and click on the ‘Simple’ icon.
Enter the height and width of the X-Brace in the dimension boxes in the brace diagram.
Wind and seismic shear forces are entered from the X-Brace ‘Load Data’ tab. In addition, a ‘Load
Modifier for ASD Strength Checks’ can be entered for sizing straps, chord studs and strap
connections. Design forces are multiplied by the input value for strength checks. The ‘Load
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Modifier for ASD Strength Checks’ is generally 1.0 but may be permitted to be reduced to 0.75 in
certain codes.
Strap data is entered in the ‘Strap Data’ tab. Braced walls can be designed with straps on one or
both sides of the wall. Note that when a one-sided strap brace is selected, the eccentric moment
from the strap is automatically incorporated into the chord stud design.
Enter the strap yield point in the ‘Fy’ dropdown. The width of the strap can be entered numerically,
or designated as ‘Design’. If the strap width is entered as ‘Design’, CFS Designer will determine
the minimum strap width required for the input forces, brace geometry, strap thickness and strap
yield point, Fy. Similarly, strap thickness can be input as a numeric value or as ‘Design.’ If the
strap thickness is entered as ‘Design’, CFS Designer will determine the minimum strap width
required for the input forces, brace geometry, strap width and strap yield point, Fy. Note that only
one input parameter can be designated as ‘Design.’
Data required for design of Simple X-Brace chord studs is entered in the ‘Chord Data’ tab. CFS
Designer calculates the axial force on chord studs based on the maximum wind or seismic shear
and the geometry of the brace. Since braced walls are often bearing walls, additional axial load
and moment can also be incorporated
The axial and flexural unbraced length of the chord is entered in the appropriately labeled
dropdowns. These values will be used for KyLy and KtLt for determination of axial and flexural
capacity. KxLx is the height of the shear wall. For the 2007 and later NASPEC distortional buckling
inputs kφ and Lm are also required.
Strap connection data is input from the ‘Strap Connections’ tab. Connections can be designed
for separate vertical and horizontal force components or for pure tension. There are three options
for Connection Type: Strong-Drive FPHSD screws, Welds, or Generic Fasteners.
If Strong-Drive FPHSD is selected, the ‘Available Strength’ dropdown will be populated with
fastener allowable shear loads (lb/fastener) for #10 and #12 Strong-Drive FPHSD for a variety of
steel thickness’. Allowable shear loads for Strong-Drive FPHSD are based on ICC ESR 3006
(LARR 25670). If the thickness or steel yield point associated with the selected Available Strength
is greater than the input strap thickness or yield point, a validation error will be displayed until the
inconsistency is corrected.
If ‘Welds’ are selected, the ‘Available Strength’ dropdown will include allowable shear strength
(lb/in) for fillet welds for a variety of steel thickness and steel ultimate stress, Fu. Users can also
input values not included in the dropdown list. CFS Designer will not validate the weld strength
relative to strap inputs so it is critical that the weld strength input is consistent with the properties
of the strap and the substrate to which the strap will connect.
If ‘Generic Fasteners’ are selected, the ‘Available Strength’ dropdown will include allowable shear
strength (lb/fastener) for a variety of screw sizes, steel thickness and ultimate stress, Fu. Users
can also input values not included in the dropdown list. CFS Designer will not validate the fastener
strength relative to strap inputs so it is critical that the fastener strength input is consistent with the
properties of the strap and the substrate to which the strap will connect.
To view or print the X-Brace Summary Report, click on the Toolbar.
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X-Braces – STACKED
The Stacked X-Brace tool is intended to assist in the design of up to 8-story tension-only strap
braced walls for Wind and Seismic forces, including the expected strength and overstrength
requirements of ASCE 7 and AISI S400-15/S1-16. CFS Designer Stacked X-Brace designs use
AISI S240-15 for non-seismic provisions. Both of these Standards reference AISI S100-2012 for
member design. Therefore, even if Code is set to AISI S100-2016 from the main CFS Designer
toolbar, Stacked X-Brace designs will use AISI S100-2012 for design of the chord studs.
LRFD and ASD design methods are supported.
To design Stacked X-braces select on the Toolbar to dropdown the X-Brace choices
and click on the ‘Stacked’ icon.
The number of Levels, up to 8, can be set by clicking the up/down arrows in the Levels selector or
by typing a value. The story heights are input via text boxes on the left side of the graphic and the
brace width is input at the bottom of the graphic.
From the Load Data tab, select the code to be used for Load Combinations. All loads for Stacked
X-Braces should be input as unfactored load in accordance with the selected code. CFS Designer
will factor the loads based on the selected code and LRFD or ASD design method. Hovering over
the tool tip adjacent to ‘Code for Load Combinations’ will display the load combinations considered
for each available code selection. Seismic Design parameters should be entered in accordance
with the applicable building code. The values of Ω0 and Cd are per ASCE 7, Table 12.2-1. The
Seismic Design Category and SDS are project specific values.
Enter the unfactored Wind and Seismic shear forces at each level by expanding the ‘V @top of
Level’ box. Additional Chord Axial Loads - Dead (D), Live (L), Roof Live (Lr), Snow (S) and Wind
(W) and Additional Applied Chord Moments Loads - Dead (D), Live (L), Roof Live (Lr), Snow (S),
Wind (W) and Seismic (E) can similarly be entered by expanding the appropriately labelled boxes.
Additional Chord Axial Loads and Applied Chord Moments will be factored for LRFD or ASD load
combinations per the selected code.
The Strap Data tab allows input of all pertinent data related to the strap bracing for each level.
First, select whether straps will be on one or two sides for each level. Note that for straps on one
side, an eccentric moment equal to the strap vertical force times ½ the chord web depth will be
included when checking chord combined bending and axial interactions.
In addition to providing the yield point, Fy, AISI S400 requires the input of the ultimate stress, Fu,
and the expected material property factors Ry and Rt. Ry is used to determine the strap expected
strength (Strap Texp = AgRyFy). When designing strap connections, chord studs and other capacity
protected components per AISI S400, seismic forces are required to be based on the strap
expected strength, or the seismic forces per the applicable building code, including overstrength –
whichever is less.
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Gross and net strap width input is also required at each level, in addition to strap thickness. Net
strap width should be input as the gross strap width less any width lost for holes, for example at
fasteners. Strap net area, in combination with the ultimate stress, Fu, and the material expected
strength factor, Rt, are used to verify that the net section requirements of AISI S400 are met. If the
input strap properties are such that welded connections are required, validation warnings will
appear. Tool tips are available to help determine the appropriate values of Ry and Rt for various
steels.
The Chords Track and Holdown Data tab is where member inputs for chord studs, top track and
holdowns are input. The Top Track data is only used if a high aspect ratio (h:w > 1.9) is input.
High aspect X-Braces require consideration of weak-axis bending of the chord studs due to frame
action. CFS Designer uses the formulas in AISI S400 to determine the chord weak-axis bending
moment. Note that AISI S240-15 limits the aspect ratio of X-Braces to 2:1 unless a rational
engineering analysis is performed which includes joint flexibility and end moments in the design of
the chord studs. CFS Designer uses the AISI S400 formulation for the rational analysis and
applies the provisions at the slightly more conservative h:w > 1.9 limit.
Chord sections are input by expanding the Chord Stud spreadsheet and entering the chord
section at each level. For Boxed, Back-to-Back, (3) Boxed or (4) chord configurations, the
interconnection spacing is required to determine the available axial strength. Refer to the AISI
North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members for
interconnection requirements (AISI S100-12, Section D1.2)
At any level that exceeds the h:w limit of 1.9, the top track section must also be entered. Note that
CFS Designer does not verify the capacity of the top track to transfer X-Brace forces. See AISI
S240 and AISI S400 for design requirements related to collectors and splices.
The Chord Bracing Inputs spreadsheet allows input of flexural and axial discrete bracing, KyLy and
KtLt as well as distortional bracing inputs Kφ and Lm. Tool tips are available to assist in selecting
appropriate values for distortional buckling parameters.
Holdown and Tie Data are entered in the appropriately labelled spreadsheet. For each level, a
variety of Simpson Strong-Tie holdowns can be selected from the ‘Tie or Holdown’ dropdown. The
Configuration can also be set to ‘Stacked’ or ‘’Base’. Stacked should be selected if a holdown is
used both above and below the level in question with a rod tie between the holdowns. Base
should be selected if the holdown is anchored to a solid structural element such as a foundation.
Examples of stacked and Base holdowns are shown below.
STACKED HOLDOWNS
41
BASE HOLDOWN
The holdown quantity is entered in the “Quantity” dropdown. Select 1 if a holdown is used on only
(1) side of the chord stud. If holdowns are to be used on each side of a chord, select 2.
The ‘Axial Exposed Rod Length’ is used in deflection calculations to calculate rod elongation. The
length of rod in tension should be entered.
Based on the selected holdown, CFS Designer will lookup the holdown capacity, rod size and
deflection data needed for calculation. The user must verify in the Summary Report of the
selected holdown capacity is adequate for the maximum tension. CFS Designer does NOT design
the anchorage of the holdown to supporting structure (e.g. foundation). The user must design the
anchorage independently.
X-Brace deflections are calculated based on principles of mechanics and include contributions
from strap elongation, compression chord shortening, tension chord elongation, holdown
deformations, and anchor rod elongation.
For multi-story shear walls, deflections at each level also include the effect of cumulative
overturning forces. Lower and intermediate level deflections are based on strap elongation and
overturning forces using a cantilever beam model. So, for example, at level 1 of a 3-story model,
the cantilever beam deflections include contributions from shear (PL3/3EI) and top of wall moment
from chord forces above (ML2/2EI).
Deflections of stories above the lowest level also include the impact of rotation of the top of the
braced wall below. As compression chords shorten and tension chords and holdowns lengthen
below a given level, the base of the level (i.e. top of level below) rotates causing additional
deflections in levels above. CFS designer includes the cumulative effect of these rotations over
the height of the x-brace stack. The diagrams below illustrate the concept of deflections due to top
of story rotation.
42
To view or print the X-Brace Summary Report, click on the Toolbar
Y-Y Axis Orientation
CFS Designer allows the analysis of cold-formed single C-Studs, Channel Studs and Track in
their y-y axis orientation. To analyze a member for Y-Y axis bending, select ‘Y-Y axis’ from the
section configuration dropdown of in ‘Member Settings’.
The flexural capacity of members in this orientation can be dependent on the orientation of the
member relative to the loading (i.e. web in compression, or flange tips in compression). CFS
Designer calculates the moment capacity of the sections in both orientations and uses the
minimum value. For channel and track type sections, when calculating the effective section
43
modulus, the distance from the neutral axis to the extreme fiber is measured to the extreme
‘effective’ fiber as opposed to the extreme fiber of the full section.
For members with web punchouts with the web in compression, the effective properties are
calculated using the ‘unstiffened strip’ approach for uniformly compressed elements with
perforations presented in AISI S100.
The flexural stability of cee’s and channels is not predictable using equations given in the
Specification. As such, CFS Designer forces the flexural bracing to ‘FULL’ when Y-Y axis
orientations are analyzed.
The Specification also does not specifically address web-crippling of web elements without
‘flanges’. The user should give careful consideration to the possibility of this limit state in their
designs.
44

CFS Designer User Manual: Comprehensive Guide to Cold-Formed Steel and HSS Analysis Software

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Table of Conten

CFS Designer User Manual

CFS Designer’s User-Friendly Features

be viewed by clicking on the Toolbar.

the main toolbar and then click .

Boxed and Back-to-Back Members

Codes and Specifications

from the main toolbar and then click .

details, click on the Toolbar.

For boxed members, Section F2.1.4 is used for flexural stability.

Interaction Summary (Cold-Formed Members)

Definitions of printout terms:

Definitions of printout terms:

Definitions of printout terms:

Definition of printout terms (wall stud summary report)

Interaction Summary (HSS Members)

To view or print the kneewall output click on the toolbar.

The project Workspace will also be cleared.

Framing from the main toolbar and then click .

‘Pinch Axial Loads’ can be included by checking the box . When

Enter the member spacing in the Rafter Spacing dropdown.

AAAXBBB_CC-DD (EE ksi)

Section Properties of cold-formed sections can be viewed by clicking on the Toolbar.

Shear Walls - Simple

Shear Walls - Stacked

Sloped and Partial Span Loads

or decrease the number of levels, click the Levels counter.

in the Wall Framing drop down in the Design Tools section.

Wall with Openings

An option for bringing a member from the wall with

Wind or Earthquake Loads

Wind Module from the main toolbar.

generated by clicking on the Common Tasks area of the Toolbar.

and click on the ‘Simple’ icon.

To view or print the X-Brace Summary Report, click on the Toolbar.

and click on the ‘Stacked’ icon.

Y-Y Axis Orientation

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