This interactive resource is available for specifiers, architects, and engineer’s to include in their online or digital library.  The optimized digital binder is complete with information to assist the building team in the proper specification and use of Ultra-Span® cold formed steel trusses, including:

1. Ultra-Span drawings and properties
2. Extensive connection details
3. Green Building /LEED®
4. Specifications
5. UL assemblies
6. Case Studies

The electronic binder is designed to be mobile friendly, and can be accessed on any smart phone, tablet and/or desktop computer.  In addition, the digital format allows for information in real time for firms to access new, fresh content and product information from Aegis.

“I believe the digital Aegis Technical Binder will be a top resource for building designers, contractors and fabricators using cold formed steel trusses.” commented Tom Valvo, President of Aegis Metal Framing, “The interactive content provide a wealth of information in a fresh, easy to use format.”

To request a copy of the Digital Technical Binder, please click: Request Digital Tech Binder.

During the week of April 16, 2012,  Aegis Metal Framing exhibited at AWCI/ Intex,  the premier gathering of the cold formed metal framing contracting industry.   We were pleasantly surprised by both the attendance and the general level of optimism that appears to be developing within the industry.

AWCI members are some of the largest drywall/metal framing specialty contractors in the country.  This segment of the contracting market is typically the largest customer segment for Ultra-Span prefabricated cold formed steel trusses.  We were pleased to see many of our long time friends, colleagues,  and business partners, as well to make many new promising contacts.

The general sentiment among the folks with whom we spoke is that the non-res construction market, although still historically very weak, is beginning to show some signs of improvement.  Although many contractors pointed to a marked increase in renovation and tenant improvement (TI) work as the primary reason for their optimism, they also noted that new construction opportunities appeared to be on the rise.  This sentiment is certainly supported by four consecutive months of positive activity on the Architectural Billings Index (ABI), a leading indicator of new construction starts 9 to 12 months out.  However, it bears mentioning that new design activity does not always translate into new groundbreakings, as financing (or lack thereof) continues to play a key role in defining a relatively moribund construction market.

Despite the financial headwinds, it is certainly apparent from this year’s AWCI gathering that market conditions at least appear to be improving.  Aegis Metal Framing is poised to support our fabricator partners with the finest metal truss products, software and engineering services to capitalize on the upswing as it occurs.  We are also  working on several exciting new product developments, as well as the pending launch of our full line structural C-stud and track roll forming capability in early May.  Our goal remains to provide our customers with more products and services to supply the metal truss, panel, and framing industry.

Thank you as always for your business.

For the fourth consecutive month the American Institute of Architects’ Architectural Billings Index (ABI) remained above the 50 point mark.  The February 2012 ABI reading of 51 continues to suggest improving demand for construction design services.   Additionally, the new projects inquiry index rose to 63.4, the highest level since 2007. For Aegis Metal Framing and our Ultra-Span fabricator partners, this could translate into additional cold formed steel truss and panel projects in the coming months.

Although a positive trend, the continued improvement in the ABI does merit some tempering of enthusiasm.  In late 2010 and early 2011, the index registered 5 straight months above 50, only to drop dramatically in the Spring and Summer of 2011. Also, as AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD points out,

 “The factors that are preventing a more accelerated recovery are persistent caution from clients to move ahead with new projects, and a continued difficulty in accessing financing for projects that developers have decided to pursue.”

Time will tell if we are in the initial stages of a sustainable upswing in project activity.  After 3 years of recession in the non-residential construction market, we are all certainly hopeful.

For the full press release visit:  http://www.aia.org/press/releases/AIAB093699

Building Information Modeling or BIM has received extensive press over the past five years.  Although still an evolving process, the concept of  digitally exchanging  3-D models and information between the various memebers of the building team is clearly here to stay.

The drive for BIM requires the right tools in the hands of the right users.  That is why Aegis Metal Framing has developed Steel Engine, a world class cold formed steel structure modeling and design program.  With Steel Engine, Aegis fabricator partners can meet the challenge of BIM, settting themselves apart from the rest of the pack.

Steel Engine is based on a vertical of AutoCad Architecture (ACA). Aegis has built the essential cold formed truss and wall modeling features on top of ACA, and integrated it with Aegis Design, for state-of-the-art truss engineering.  A global development teams is working to bring our fabricators the most complete “start to finish” solution for cold formed steel projects.

By leveraging the power of AutoCad, Steel Engine users can create 3D structure models that can be shared with the other members of the building team.  Trades can then collaborate to merge various models for a more accurate, “clash-free” building design.  In fact, the image in this blog post is from an actual Steel Engine project recently completed by an Aegis partner.  By laying in the duct work from the HVAC contractor, our customer was able to identify a “clash” with webs in the trusses.  With Steel Engine, they were able to quickly and easily adjust the web pattern and re-engineer the trusses to allow for an uninterrupted path for HVAC components.

To learn more about the power of Steel Engine, click here.

If you would like to attend the AWCI INTEX show held in Charlotte, NC this year from April 18-19, 2012, you can register for a FREE VIP Pass courtesy of Aegis Metal Framing.

Attendees must register by April 10, 2012 in order to take advantage of the complimentary VIP Pass, and must list Aegis Metal Framing as the sponsoring exhibitor when registering in order to receive the pass.

The easiest way to register is the following registration site: https://show.jspargo.com/intex12/regintex/.
Choose the “Expo Only” registration option on the left-hand side and use the promo code VIP0418 during
the registration process.

You can also contact us and we can provide you a hard copy registration form if you prefer to register the old fashioned way, and fax it in to the show office.

Only passes registered prior to the deadline date of April 10^th will be complimentary. If you plan on attending, please let us
know so we can visit with you at the show. We look forward to seeing you there!

Earlier this week the Amercian Institute of Architects reported that, for the third straight month, their Architectural Billings Index (ABI) exceed the 50 point barrier. 

http://www.aia.org/press/releases/AIAB093178

Readings above 50 are generally indicative of increasing activity at the nation’s design firms.  Annecdotal evidence collected by Aegis’ field sales team also seems to support the notion that a perceptible (albeit very modest) improvement is underway for the architectural community.  Historically, these improving conditions for desing firms should translate to increased actual construction activiting in the 9 to 12 month time frame.

Time will tell whether or not the modest positive sentiment at the design level will in fact manifest itself in “dirt being scratched” out in the field, but for now, we will chalk this up as one more indicator of increased optimism for an eventual turn around in non-residential construction.

Today, we will be sending out a survey to all our Aegis Fabricator Partners.  We are asking  you to help us identify opportunities on which we should  focus in 2012  for system/product improvement in the areas of fabrication and installation.  Our goal, as always, is continual improvement and enhancement of the “Ultra-Span experience” for you and your installation contractors.

Our Fabricator Partners have always offered  fresh and innovative ideas , so we encourage all of you to take the time to complete and submit the survey.  You have our commitment that we will act on those areas of consensus for improvement, and continue to deliver you the most complete cold formed steel truss system.

Thank you as always for your business!

Market sources appear to be split on whether additional increases will follow in the coming months with some buyers feeling scrap prices will continue to rise, while other express doubt that overall demand will be sufficient to support more hikes.  Regardless of the outcome, we will continue to provide our fabricator partners with the most current market data as it becomes available.

However, by shifting the splice nearer to the left end, when the moment from the overhang causes heavier material, the design can reduce the truss cost by about 5%.

Old school construction meets new building methods in Fort Thomas, Kentucky this fall as the Northern Kentucky Water Service District adds to its campus of facilities buildings.  Aegis Metal Framing Ultra-Span® cold-formed steel trusses were the product of choice for the latest building, a structure that will be capped with a live vegetative green roof.  Cold formed steel trusses were chosen for their ease of installation and versatility, while still maintaining Type II rated construction required for most commercial and institutional projects.

Aegis fabricator partner Superior Truss and Panel (www.superior-truss.com) supplied the steel trusses for this “Green Roof”.  Installation was handled by Building Crafts, Inc., Wilder, KY (www.buildingcrafts.com). According to Mike Schoborg, superintendent, truss installation has gone very smoothly.  He especially liked using The Stabilizer, a product unique to the Ultra-Span system.

“Using The Stabilizer allowed us to quickly and easily space and brace the trusses at the same time. Because they’re installed in plane, we didn’t have to go back and remove the, like we do with hat channel, in order to install the deck.”

This latest building will be a drastic contrast to other structures on site.  One building is a flat roof with many vented penetrations throughout the roof. Another building has a sloped roof which obviously sheds rain and snow quickly. This new structure will use the latest in green roof techniques. Local plants and sphagnum, held in place with a grid system, will grow on the 4/12 sloped roof. Using natural materials will help keep maintenance to a minimum while allowing the vegetation to thrive.

Be sure to keep watching our blog as we post more updates on this exciting project, as well as other structures taking full advantage of the sustainable properties of Ultra-Span cold-formed steel trusses and framing.