Cold-formed steel framing is an essential component of modern construction, even in buildings primarily constructed with wood, concrete, or masonry. Light-gauge steel elements such as furring channels, U-struts, and corner beads are crucial for the reliable attachment of nonstructural finishes. Additionally, resilient furring channels play a vital role in improving the performance of the building envelope, particularly by reducing sound transmission. This article delves into the use cases, applications, and benefits of resilient furring channels in detail.
Resilient Furring Channels – Background and Overview
Soundproofing and structural integrity are crucial factors in metal frame buildings. Structural integrity has been addressed over the years with the introduction of optimized section profiles and the use of high-strength steel in metal buildings worldwide. Similarly, soundproofing is tackled through the introduction of resilient furring channels in the metal building industry.
These channels are integral components of modern construction, particularly for their dual functionality in soundproofing and providing structural support to metal studs. The enhanced acoustic performance is achieved by decoupling drywall or other cladding from the primary metal framing structure, thereby minimizing sound transmission through walls and ceilings. Resilient channels are the ideal choice for environments where noise control is a priority, such as recording studios, multi-family residences, and office spaces.
An image of a resilient channel attached to a metal frame is shown below.
The key differences between a resilient channel and a furring channel are outlined below.
Resilient Channels
Resilient channels are primarily used for soundproofing within wall panels. The profile has a single flange and is designed to introduce discontinuity in the wall system. These channels are attached with screws in a flange-to-flange connection, where the flange of the stud connects to the single flange of the resilient channel. Claddings are then attached to the unsupported flange of the resilient channel.
As the name suggests, resilient channels reduce vibrations and sound waves traveling through walls, effectively addressing concerns in inter-tenancy walls, such as those in apartments, home theaters, and offices. Their ability to minimize sound transmission is essential for noise-sensitive environments.
The image below shows the details of a typical resilient channel.
Furring Channels
Furring channels are robust due to the additional flange in their section. These channels are primarily used to support claddings, such as drywall or other brittle finishes, on wall frames and are fastened to the studs using both flanges. In addition to their application on walls, furring channels are also used with roof trusses, joists, and ceiling panels, unlike resilient channels. However, furring channels do not contribute to soundproofing in wall assemblies. Consequently, they are less preferred for projects where soundproofing and vibration control are critical.
Furring channels are often chosen for their strength and durability in supporting a variety of cladding materials. They offer a cost-effective solution where soundproofing is not a priority, but structural integrity and support are essential.
The image below shows the details of a typical furring channel.
Resilient Furring Channels: Applications and Use Cases
Resilient furring channels are versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications, regardless of the building type. They are suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial projects, where they effectively meet soundproofing requirements and support various cladding types. Some common applications of these channels include:
- Concrete slabs
- Blockwork walls
- Suspended ceilings
- Underfloor joists
- Under roof/floor trusses
- Timber framed walls
- Structural columns and beams
The applications are virtually limitless and depend on the specific requirements of the project. The images below illustrate typical use cases of resilient furring channels.
Installation of Resilient Furring Channels
Resilient furring channels are installed by screwing them onto structural elements. Depending on the section type, one or both flanges of the channel are used to fasten them onto the studs. The structural framing can be either metal or wood, depending on the project specifications. Self-piercing fasteners are typically used for installing resilient channels. The thickness and spacing of these channels depend on the type of cladding and the load applications. For heavier cladding, a thicker channel may be required. Similarly, if the loads induced on the studs by the cladding are higher, closer channel spacing might be necessary.
Resilient channels are often used in systems where fire ratings are critical. In such cases, careful consideration must be given to ensure that the channels contribute to achieving the required Fire Resistance Levels (FRLs) as per the project specifications. These systems are typically complemented with fire-rated sealants at the corners of walls, floors, and ceilings to meet the specified FRLs.
For detailed guidance on FRLs and acoustic ratings for different systems, refer to “”A guide to Fire & Acoustic Data for Cold-Formed Steel Floor, Wall & Roof Assemblies“ by SFIA.
The image below illustrates a typical installation detail of a resilient channel on metal framing.
Resilient Furring Channels: Strength Prediction and Buckling Modes
Predicting the strength of resilient furring channel sections is crucial for ensuring their structural adequacy in real-world applications. Determining the maximum spans and spacings for specific loads is essential to calculate the quantity of channels required for a project. The “AISI S200-20 North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Nonstructural Framing” outlines the Effective Width and Direct Strength Methods for designing resilient furring channel members. Typically, manufacturers provide span tables detailing the spans and strengths for various loading conditions, which designers can use to specify the required sections for their projects.
The guide “A Guide to Fire & Acoustic Data for Cold-Formed Steel Floor, Wall & Roof Assemblies” by SFIA offers typical section details and spans for commonly used resilient furring channels under various loading conditions. It is important to note that not all resilient channels are the same. Therefore, project designers must carefully select the appropriate resilient furring channel designation to meet the project’s acoustic, structural, and fire load requirements. Numerous research studies have been conducted on various resilient channels to evaluate their performance in wall systems. Click here to know more about these research findings.
Like other cold-formed steel sections, resilient furring channels are prone to various buckling modes, with distortional buckling often being the predominant failure mode. Structural designers must consider this buckling behavior when designing systems that incorporate these channels.
The image below illustrates typical distortional buckling behavior in a furring channel section.
Building Standards and Their Guidelines on Resilient Furring Channels
Specifications for resilient furring channels, classified as non-structural steel framing, are outlined in the “AISI S220-20 North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Nonstructural Framing”. Standard dimensions, including web depth, flange width, inside bend radius, and lip length, are defined to ensure compliance with industry requirements. All sections produced by our roll formers adhere to these specifications, maintaining the highest standards of compliance.
The “ASTM C645-18 Standard Specification for Nonstructural Steel Framing Members” also provides guidelines for non-structural steel framing members. This standard specifies details about the connection between furring channels and plasterboard, ensuring proper installation practices. Additionally, it outlines the physical tests required to verify the conformity of furring channels produced by roll formers.
The image below illustrates these specifications in detail.
How can I use Resilient Furring Channels in my Next Project?
The Knudson by Scottsdale KSE family of machines offers a wide range of rollformers designed to meet the needs of your upcoming project with regards to nonstructural cold-formed steel sections. The KSE Series rollformers have demonstrated their durability for decades, setting a benchmark in the rollforming industry for manufacturing resilient furring channel sections.
All our rollformers are capable of producing industry-standard SFIA shapes, including commonly used resilient furring channel sections, in full compliance with ASTM C645-18.
Complete details of all the resilient furring channels and other nonstructural sections can be found in the resources section of our website. Click here to know more
If these sections are of interest in your upcoming projects, reach out to us at sales@scottsdalesteelframes.com or dial +1 (888) 406-2080 (Option 1) or dial +61 1300 671 345. We have a team of experts who can help in setting up your cold-formed steel manufacturing facility with ease.
