What is the FIS Steel Framed Systems Forum?
The Forum was formed by manufacturers, engineers, suppliers and contractors involved in the design supply and construction of light gauge steel structures and facades, also known as steel framed systems (SFS).
What do we do?
Bringing industry together allows us to recognise the common issues around skills, education and understanding within the specification sector. By highlighting these issues the industry who are best-placed to advise on all these points can with the help of FIS peruse a programme of engagement and education.
In coordination with Steel Construction Institute (SCI) the group aims to jointly publish guidance that clearly defines the structural capacity of these systems and the correct engineering solutions required to meet the individual building needs.
This guidance will be used to educate the sector which has seen significant growth now the benefits of fast and sometimes offsite construction using these stems can offer developers.
The sector already has a number of skills which have been transferred from the drylining sector, but these need to be honed to install systems with a structural element and that’s a key objective for this Forum.
What are the issues that will need to be resolved for successful BIM implementation?
- Better procurement processes with contractors engaged earlier in the design process
- Better specification clauses that are meaningful to the sector
- Better ways of describing SFS in bills using SFS and NRM
- Skills development for the industry
Our vision
To provide readily accessible and relevant information to allow SFS to be designed, specified, costed and installed correctly and safely for contractors and occupiers of buildings alike.
Our mission
The objectives of the group are to:
- Develop technical standards as required
- Promote best practice in the market
- Educate and inform clients and specifiers about SFS
- Promote the products and skills of FIS members in this field
- Shape the market so that the correct adherence to standards is recognised and adhered to by all to the benefit of clients
Chairman of The FIS SFS Forum is Colin Kennedy, Managing Director of Veitchi Interiors: “Having seen this industry grow rapidly in the last 15 years, I feel that it is imperative that everyone specifying, designing and installing SFS understand it is a structural element of a building and must be treated with respect. There is an assumption in some quarters that this is just another stud system and although there are similarities in the way it looks, SFS is designed to carry a load from the cladding and be the main structure of the building itself. However, with FIS giving the SFS sector a voice through this forum we have seen competitors coming together to address these issues and provide the representation that’s required.”
Companies and organisations who have contributed to this group
ABM Construction
Dryspec SFS
Encon Group
EOS UK
Frameclad
Gypcraft
Horbury
Knauf
Macs Plasterboard
Metsec
MMC Engineer
Morgan Sindall
Newton
OCL Facades
Steel Construction Institute
Veitchi
Xella