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
th
Manual, 13 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) and the 2012 edition (AISI
S100-2012) are supported. All calculations are based on the US provisions and ASD
methodology.

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.
th
HSS section calculations are based on the AISC Steel Construction Manual, 13 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 D100-13.

1 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

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
span or cantilever). Then, using the input section, interactions are checked based on the
th
provisions of AISI S100 for CFS sections or the AISC 13 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, Shearwalls, Floor Joists
and Rafters are also included.

Notation
CFS Designer uses the ASD provisions of the AISI Specifications. In later editions of AISI S100,
the allowable load quantities are listed as Rn/. However, for simplicity this manual and the
program output use the notation Ra where Ra = Rn/.

CFS Designers 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 members 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.

2 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

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.

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.

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.

For sheathing braced design, maximum allowable axial load values for 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 2007 and later NASPEC editions, distortional buckling must also be considered. To enter
distortional buckling inputs, k and Lm, select the Distortional Buckling tab and enter the
appropriate values for each span. The determination of appropriate values of k and Lm can be
challenging. Conservatively, k = 0 and Lm = None can be selected. Otherwise, consult the
NASPEC and other published literature regarding the determination of these variables.

3 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

Note that sheathing braced design is not included in the 2004 NASPEC Supplement. As such, if
sheathing bracing is selected when designing with the 2004 NASPEC Supplement, a validation
error message will appear and sheathing bracing will not be allowed.

Axially loaded boxed and back-to-back members require input of interconnection spacing. The
interconnection spacing is entered in Member Settings area. USER NOTE: The NASPEC
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.

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 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.

To return to the beam-modeling screen from any other screen, click .

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.

4 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

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. The NASPEC (Section C4.5) include 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.

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 affect 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.

5 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

Codes and Specifications
For cold-formed members, CFS Designer uses the North American Specification for the Design
of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members, [NASPEC]. The 2010 Supplement, 2007 edition, or
the 2004 Supplement to 2001 edition can be selected as the basis for section property
calculations and interaction checks. Only US provisions (ASD) are included. The term
Specification or NASPEC are used interchangeably in this manual to mean the NASPEC.
th
For HSS sections, CFS Designer uses the AISC Steel Construction Manual 13 edition, ASD
provisions.

Code Year
For cold-formed members, the North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel
Structural Members, [NASPEC] 2010 Supplement, 2007 edition, or the 2004 Supplement to the
2001 edition 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.
th
For HSS Sections, only the AISC 13 edition, ASD is available. As such, the code year settings
th
noted above do not apply for HSS sections and AISC 13 Edition, ASD is displayed for the Code
Year.

Cold-Work of Forming
The NASPEC 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 over-ride the cold-work of forming increases.

To over-ride 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

Shear, Moment and Deflected Shape diagrams can be viewed by clicking on the
Toolbar. 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.

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 the NASPEC Sections C3.1.4 and C4.2 include provision for
distortional buckling of flexural and axial members respectively. These provisions apply only to

6 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

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 k. Little
guidance is provided in the NASPEC as to what value of k is appropriate for various systems. For
additional information regarding distortional buckling in general, and the determination of k
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 k = 0.

For general member modeling and analysis, enter the variables for distortional buckling by
selecting the Distortional Buckling tab. Values of k 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 k 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
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 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.

7 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

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 Design Tools portion of the Toolbar.

Enter span and cantilever lengths exactly as you would for a typical CFS Designer Beam/Joist
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
k 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.

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.

8 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

General Interactions
There may be instances where an analysis is performed with a program other than CFS Designer,
but the complex interactions of the NASPEC 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) and axial
loads 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 interaction values for the selected member with the input forces and unbraced lengths.

To access the General Interactions module, click on the Toolbar.

For the 2007 and later editions of the NASPEC KyLy and KtLt can be input as Sheathed to use
the provisions of the 2007 Wall Stud Standard. 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 the NASPEC. The specific values of Cmx and Cmy can also be entered for
combined bending and compression interactions.

Some 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.

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
th
Construction Manual 13 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
S-201 Standard from the Section Type dropdown.

9 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

Interaction Details
For members 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 Section C3.1.2 of the Specification, using the input bracing
intervals as the KtLt and KyLy distances. Cb is determined using Eq. C3.1.2-11 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 C3.1.2.2 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 Sections C4 and C5 of the Specification and
the 2007 Wall Stud Standard if the members are modeled as sheathed. The interaction details
provide applied loads, effective lengths, buckling stresses and the allowable axial load. In addition,
each of the interaction equations from Specification section 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
th
Steel Construction Manual 13 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. Note that the deflection ratio
for cantilevers is based on twice the input element length of the cantilever. The maximum

10 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

allowable deflection is not input as part of the model. Therefore the deflections must be verified to
be within allowable limits.

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 sections 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 2007 and later NASPEC, distortional buckling input and
output are also displayed. Inputs include k 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 NASPEC Eq C3.5.1-1 for single or boxed members and Eq C3.5.1-2 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.

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.

Definitions of printout terms:

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.

11 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

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 Suupport 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 NASPEC 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 NASPEC, the
Stiffened interaction is not applicable and only the unstiffened interaction is displayed.

For the 2007 and earlier NASPEC 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 NASPEC, 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.

Definitions of printout terms:

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 only) The value of the Combined Bending Shear interaction
for unstiffened members. In the 2010 NASPEC Supplement, stiffeners are defined as

12 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

 shear stiffeners. In earlier Specifications, 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 2007 and later NASPEC designs, the distortional buckling inputs, k 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.

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).
0.7
The equation K = 2 + 0.77(Lspan/Lcant) 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.

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.

Definitions of printout terms:

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 (2007 and later NASPEC) the input value of the distortional buckling factor, k .
Lm (2007 and later NASPEC) 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.

13 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

Interaction Summary (HSS Members)

An interaction summary for HSS member design can be viewed by clicking on the
toolbar.

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 Q a is
given. Note that HSS sections are composed of only stiffened elements. Therefore, Q = Q a (Qs =
1.0) per section E7 of the AISC Manual. The p- 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/ = 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
0.7
the back span increases (and its stiffness decreases). The equation K = 2 + 0.77(L span/Lcant)
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.

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

14 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

nominal loads can be entered in the model along with the appropriate strength modifier based on
the applicable Building Codes 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, 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
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 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.

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.

15 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

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.

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.

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.

16 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

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, click on
the toolbar.

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
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 2007 and later NASPEC designs, the distortional buckling factors, k and Lm are input in the
Distortional Buckling input box. For cases with outward and inward forces, be sure to consider the
value of k and Lm on both the top and bottom side of the member.

Enter the member spacing in the Rafter Spacing dropdown.

Up to four load combinations can be considered. For each combination, enter the load case
followed by the load factor for that case.

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.

17 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

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.

For fixed by-pass clips (FCB clips), the gravity load (lb/ft of member length) is entered
for use in determining the vertical shear force in the connection. If multiple FCB clips
are specified the dead load is distributed equally between all FCB clips. IT IS
IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT MEMBER AXIAL LOADS ARE NOT CONSIDERED IN
THE DESIGN OF CONNECTIONS. IF MEMBER AXIAL LOADS ARE PRESENT, THE
Gravity Load for Connection Design value SHOULD BE ADJUSTED TO ACCOUNT
FOR THESE LOADS.

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.

For simplicity, connector-to-structure anchorage is set to #12-14 self-drilling screws with

a minimum Pss = 2845 lb and a minimum Pts of 2595 lb. Self-drilling screw capacity
assumes minimum 3/16 base steel with Fy = 36 ksi. Reference Strongtie.com for other
anchorage solutions. Anchorage design loads are for the anchors only. 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.

18 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

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.

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
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.

19 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

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.

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 k = 0 and Lm unbraced are displayed for sections with
stiffened flanges ( 2007 and later NASPEC). 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.

Shearwalls

To design Shearwalls with CFS Designer, click on the Toolbar.

Enter the Height and Length of the shearwall in the dimension boxes in the shearwall schematic.

Wind and seismic shear forces are entered from the Load Data tab.

CFS Designer uses published shearwall 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). The Code has specific
requirements regarding analysis, design and construction of cold-formed steel shearwalls.
It is critical that the designer understand and incorporate these requirements into the
design.

From the Shearwall Data tab choose the 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 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
shearwalls 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.

20 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

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 shearwall. For the 2007 and
later NASPEC distortional buckling inputs k and Lm are also required.

For shearwalls with panels on only one side, the vertical chord forces are not aligned with the
centroid of the chord studs. To account for the moment induced by this eccentricity, the user can
check the box labeled Include Eccentric Moment for Sheathing One Side Only. This moment
will be added to the Addnl Moment input described above.

For some seismic designs, the strength of the chord members is required. To include the
strength of the chords in the output, check the box labeled Show Chord Strength (1.7 * Pa) for
Seismic Checks.

CFS Designer also calculates the gross uplift at the anchor locations including any anchor
offsets and seismic increase factors. 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 (Shearwall Length)/(Shearwall
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 Shearwall input and output, click on the Toolbar.

Sloped and Partial Span Loads

Sloped and partial span loads are entered from the Beam Input forms Point/Sloped Loads tab.
Up to five (5) 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.

21 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

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. 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.

Uniform Loads
CFS Designer offers two ways to enter Uniform Loads from the Beam Input forms
Model/Uniform Loads tab.

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.

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 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. To design a

Wall with Openings, 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.

22 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

Input the wall span, parapet and opening width along with the head and sill dimensions in the
appropriate text and dropdown boxes.

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 is input from the General tab of the Wall with Opening form.

Header Vertical Loads can be entered in (psf) or (plf) units. For headers that carry only the weight
of the wall above input the wall dead load in psf by selecting the psf radio button. The header
uniform load will be calculated as the dead load multiplied by the height of wall above the header,
including the parapet. If the header carries additional vertical load, the load can be entered in plf
by selecting the plf radio button.

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 Bracing for both Wall Studs and Jambs is entered in the Flexural Bracing
Dropdown.

Load-bearing wall systems can be designed by adding axial loads to the wall studs. To design a
load-bearing wall, check the box labeled Axial Load Bearing. Enter the design axial load on the
studs and the Axial Bracing to be used for determining allowable axial loads. Note that the axial
load is entered in lb/stud not lb/ft. The Stud Axial Load entered will be added to the Header
Vertical Loads and carried to the jambs as axial load. Any entered Header Vertical Load is in
addition to the stud axial loads and is used to account for things like the weight of cladding
material above the header.

Jamb Axial Bracing is entered from the associated dropdown. 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 2007 and later NASPEC, 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 k and Lm for each element as appropriate. Note that for jambs, the values of k and Lm
will be used for both flexural and axial capacity determination.

To design a wall element click on the element you wish to design it will be red when selected.
For the header, toggle between Lateral and Vertical design by clicking the header. With the

23 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

element selected, choose the Section, Fy and configuration from the Member Settings
dropdowns. The Design 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
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.

Wind or Earthquake Loads

See Load Modifiers above.

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.).

X-braces

To design X-braces (tension only braces) click on the Toolbar.

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 Strength Checks factor can be entered for sizing straps, chord studs and strap

24 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

connections. Design forces are multiplied by the input value for strength checks. The Load
Modifier for Strength Checks factor is generally 1.0 but may be permitted to be reduced to 0.75 in
certain codes.

For seismic design, the connection forces may be required to be increased above the value used
for sizing other X-brace components. The value of this increase as prescribed by the building
codes can be entered in the dropdown labeled Seismic Increase Factors Strap
Connections. This factor can be entered as a numeric value, or as Strap Strength. If Strap
Strength is selected, the connections will be sized to resist the ultimate strength of the strap
(Areastrap*Fu-strap)

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. If the Seismic Increase Factors Strap Connections from the Load Data tab is
entered as Strap Strength, the strap ultimate stress, Fu, must also be input.

Data required for design of 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 shearwall. For the 2007 and later NASPEC distortional buckling
inputs k and Lm are also required.

For some seismic designs, knowledge of the strength of the chord members is required. To
include the strength of the chords in the output, check the box labeled Show Chord Strength
(1.7 * Pa) for Seismic Checks. The output Chord Stud Strength will be shown as 1.7 times the
allowable pure axial load in the chord.

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

25 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15

minimum value. For channel and track type sections, when calculating the effective section
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 the NASPEC.

The flexural stability of cees 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.

26 (C) 2014 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. F-CF-CFSUSRGD15