WEBINAR ON COLD-FORMED STEEL DIAPHRAGM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

October 9, 2025 | 3:00 p.m. Eastern

Presenters: Zane Clark, P.E., S.E., Ian Micklethwaite, P.E.

The analysis and design of floor and roof diaphragms is a fundamental aspect of cold-formed steel structures. The shape of diaphragms in mid-rise cold-formed steel (CFS) structures are usually complex and irregular due to the most common occupancy of these types of structures – namely, residential occupancies such as dormitories, hotels, and apartments. These occupancies necessitate long, narrow floor plans organized around corridors, often incorporating many turns. Understanding how to approach these complexities is critical. An advantage for engineers familiar with cold-formed steel design is that a significant number of structures have diaphragms composed partially or entirely of cold-formed metal deck. Examples may include bare metal deck at the roof level, gypsum concrete fill over metal deck, and concrete over noncomposite or composite metal deck. The specifications for the design of these deck and diaphragm components (SDI/AISI S100, North American Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members, AISI S310, North American Standard for the Design of Profiled Steel Diaphragm Panels) are the same as those used to design other cold-formed steel elements.

This webinar will review the code requirements and industry guidelines for diaphragm design, as well as the basics of the analysis and design of diaphragms such as determination of internal forces and design of components of the diaphragm including chords and collectors. From there it will take an introductory-level approach to AISI S310 and metal deck analysis, including diaphragm stiffness and strength calculations, applicable limit states, and relevant design factors. How these become the diaphragm shear strength and stiffness capacity tables that engineers are used to seeing will be briefly demonstrated. The presentation will conclude with design examples addressing conditions such sloped diaphragms, chord continuity, large diaphragm openings, and collector design. The examples will demonstrate that even challenging diaphragm scenarios can be detailed and addressed successfully.

Webinar Materials

• Presenter’s notes
• Evaluation Form
• Attendance Form

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is for engineers, architects, building officials and contractors.

Register Today

Format

Web-based seminar using "Go To Meeting" technology.

Duration

 1+ hour of lecture, followed by discussion and questions. (1.5 hours total).

Cost

Presenters

Zane Clark, P.E., S.E.

Zane Clark, P.E., S.E. has a decade of experience evaluating and designing a wide variety of structures. His specialized expertise in the design of cold-formed steel comes from years of design, project management, and quality control work on many load-bearing CFS structures, often at 10+ stories and with complex CFS lateral force resisting systems. Having consulted for contractors and architects, he brings to the table solutions that work for both. He is highly familiar with the building and material codes, the latest design guidance from technical organizations, and engineering best practices. Zane is a member of the ASCE/SEI Committee on Cold-Formed Steel Members and speaks on CFS construction at regional and national events, webinars, and trainings.

Ian Micklethwaite, P.E.
ASC Profiles

Ian Micklethwaite is the primary Design and Technical Engineer for the Steel Deck Division of ASC Profiles, which is actively involved in the Steel Deck Institute (SDI). Micklethwaite has been working in the cold-formed steel (CFS) industry for the past eight years. Currently, he works on composite floor and roof deck design, which includes design modification to reflect ongoing building code updates as well as new product research and development. Previously, Micklethwaite has been a design engineer for CFS-framed buildings throughout the United States.