Dear Patrons,

Over the years of interaction with so many people regarding LGSF Technology over the country, here are the answers to the most common questions I have been asked. Hope this compilation of “Most Likely Questions and Answers Regarding LGSF Technology” helps you make a better and more informed decision when it comes to using the easy-to-use rapid-build technology.

All the best

Warm Regards
Shahid Badshah
Business Head – Mitsumi Housing Pvt. Ltd.

• What’s the difference between profiles produced from normal press brake machines and LGSF machines?
  True LGSF technology specializes in manufacturing fully computerized bespoke steel profiles. These are custom manufactured as per the. project’s exact dimensional requirement hence reducing wastage. Using LGSF pre-designed profiles enhances the final finish and accuracy on site. Each and every profile will carry the Design DNA of that very specific project.

• Is Light Gauge Steel so thin that there is a chance for it to get damaged/dented during transportation and handling?
  NO. We use Steel Frame gauges based on Structural Requirements. And depending on the design, the CFS gauge can be anywhere between 0.8mm, 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.5mm, and 2mm. Very rarely we use 0.6mm for non-load-bearing wall applications. The general market Drywall partition used is lower in gauge.

• Is LGSF Tried and Tested with regard to long-term durability in India?
  YES. Cold Formed Steel has been extensively used even in 1930s. So it is not anything new. It is Tried and Tested in all climatic conditions all over the world. Even in India, it has been in use for the last 15 years.

• Can various input loads and output design results (pass/failure) be checked in standard design software like STAAD, etc?
  YES. All LGSF Software are BIM Compatible. So we can actually convert the files from STAAD, REVIT, and Tekla to LGSF Software. The Cold-Formed Steel Codes used by the various software are much better equipped to analyze all kinds of loading conditions, making it extremely code compatible in all seismic zones and wind speeds.

• Can we have large openings using LGSF like in normal buildings?
  YES. The Cold-formed steel structures offer the flexibility to design even with large opening spaces as per the architectural and Architectural requirements. We can use both Load bearing Wall concept or the Column and Beam concept. With a combination of HRS or Heavy Gauge Cold Formed Steel or Lattice Columns and Beams. Many Warehouse designs are available using Lattice columns and beams which look similar to the PEB structures in size and shape.

• Since, India has high humidity, rainfall, and heat how can one avoid cracks that appear at the joints of boards within months after construction.
  NO PROBLEM. With the use of good quality vapour barriers, proper joinery techniques we can avoid cracks & moisture.

• What about sound insulation properties, as any kind of movement noise can be heard in rooms below or beside?
  SUPERIOR thermal and acoustic (sound) insulation can be achieved by the use of good insulation material. Noise attenuation of any kind either below and besides can be achieved by choosing the right materials and fixing details.

• Do we have enough highly trained workmen available, is it a very highly specialised job to work on LGSF technology.
  YES. We have seen an increase of uneducated folks, interior designers, carpenters and even entrepreneurs join the LGSF bandwagon simply because the structure is easy to erect whilst not worrying about code compatibility. The only tool required on site is a Screw Gun and sometimes a mallet hammer. Use of minimum team and tools increases the efficiency of the site and also makes inroads to earn better than simple labour. Learning to read assembly drawings is NOT difficult, it’s like solving a big zig saw puzzle and that is also one reason why we are seeing an increase of people wanting to know more about LGSF from all over the country.

• Since it is modular in nature, once it is put up, an afterthought, or modifications for the built-to suit are not possible.
  POSSIBLE. Any kind of Modular designs and post modifications is possible should we know what we are going to do in the future. For example, if the client has options to remove a wall or add walls in the future, all those can be made nonload bearing. So customization is definitely possible. LGSF can also work on a Column and Beam concept where every wall can be made nonload bearing. LGSF is definitely flexible.

• How can ensure the Quality of Construction Materials all along the Build lifecycle?
  SURE. With Mitsumi Housing you are in Safe Hands, All of our LGSF Turnkey Solution Providers will offer proper Mill certificates on demand and they will clearly mention the galvanization and steel strength specifications of the steel coils. Not only steel, but Every supplier of our LGSF Building materials like FCB boards, Gypsum Boards, Rockwool, and Deck-sheet suppliers shall also produce proper Product Specifications. LGSF is a very transparent construction system.  In regular constructions, there is no way to get the quality certificate of brick, sand, etc. while we can document our product specs to the last screw.

• Though the sections are made out of GI Sheet, but when the edges are sheared / slitted the base material get exposed without the coating does rusting start to occur from those open areas.
  NO. The LGSF machines cut and punch the steel with high punch force, sacrificial anode property of Zinc in the steel covers up the exposed steel cut by the LGSF machines quickly and hence each profile of the entire structure is rust free. Normally 275 GSM in Galvanised and 150 GSM in Galvalume steel grade is used, this is a very high-grade premium galvanization, much superior to commercial steel galvanizations used in common construction nowadays. In addition mostly all the LGS Structures are enclosed and protected from exposure through building wraps and boards, externally and internally.

• In the case of using drywall FCB / Gypsum board, can nails be driven on walls for hanging anything, can electrical locations be changed later on, and how can one cover up the cutouts? Pls, throw some light on Plumbing Leaks too.
  NO PROBLEM. Electrical locations can be changed at any. In conventional constructions, we have to break open the wall, while in LGSF one can just unscrew and remove boards, install new wirings and fix the boards back. Conventional constructions actually leaves a lot of messy cement mix when we try to modify the electrical connections. LGSF is more cleaner and clutter free with these kinds of modifications. So would be the same for Pluming Leakages.
  
  LGSF Glamping camp tents made using No 1 LGSF technology.