What is a Light Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF)?
Light gauge steel frames (LGSF) are a modern solution for low-rise (up to 15-storey) buildings, offering faster construction, cleaner sites, and a reduced carbon footprint. As the name suggests, LGSF is a skeleton of sorts for a building, a dynamic and versatile application that uses lightweight, 100% non-combustible material to provide the inner support for a building whilst staying as green as possible.
How are balconies connected to a Light Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF)?
It is of the utmost importance to get the balcony anchors right when using LGSF. Due to the lightweight nature of LGSF, a balcony should be as light as possible to avoid any instances of deflection.
A key point to consider with balcony anchors and LGSF is the bracket connection back into the frame, as rotational deflection can occur here. Sapphire has developed new connection methods which provide extra rigidity. As with any anchor connection, the material used on the building façade is crucial and whilst offering a lighter, more environmentally friendly base to build on, the precautions needed to make a balcony connection safe are vital.
How do you implement a Light Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF)?
Traditionally, buildings are built using a dual-layer ‘brick and block’ approach – a skin of bricks on the exterior, a cavity normally filled with insulation and then a final layer of bricks on the interior of the building. A light gauge steel frame is generally prefabricated and delivered to the site for a quick installation. In a precast façade, the balcony anchors can be built alongside the façade itself. Putting the anchors in place and then pouring the concrete in situ can mean less thermal bridging risk as the façade has not been penetrated.
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