The success of the South African Light Steel Frame Association’s (Sasfa’s) online training course for light steel frame building (LSFB) contactors, presented in March, has resulted in the course being scheduled again for next month, says Sasfa MD John Barnard.

The course comprises eight sessions that are divided into two parts.

The first part covers the introduction of LSFB in terms of steel frame erection, materials and components, as well as the steelmaking process and properties of coated steel sheet.

Thereafter foundations, the manufacturing of light steel frames and trusses, the construction tools required, wall frame set-out, loads on buildings, floor framing, wall framing, roof structures, planning and the installation of services are covered.

The second part of the course teaches students about internal lining, external cladding and insulation by covering the properties, manufacturing and benefits of glasswool insulation; the acoustics, energy efficiency, environmental issues, storage and handling of glasswool, as well as tools and installation methodology.

The second part also includes lessons on gypsum plasterboard, covering its properties, storage and handling, cutting, tools and application for walls, as well as ceilings and finishing.

Fibre cement board used for external cladding is also covered, including the installation of the vapour permeable membrane, the sizes and availability of fibre cement while also looking at boards and planks, fixing accessories, installation guidelines, and door and window frame installation.

A written test ensures that all students have an understanding of the material taught.

Barnard says all the students who participated in this course in March passed and received Sasfa certificates of successful completion.

Once students have met all the requirements of the course, Sasfa also reaches out to existing members to consider accepting students as interns on current building projects. Barnard says this aims to facilitate the exchange of theoretical concepts and will enable students to enhance their practical skills.

Barnard says Sasfa has noted an increase in the popularity and interest in the online training course for the LSFB course, as an increasing number of building contractors, developers, architects and engineers want to become more knowledgeable about LSFB.

He adds that the level of interest in the course is because of the level of activity in the building industry and the recent issuing of an enquiry by the Housing Development Agency to builders in terms of alternative building technologies.

The course aims to support Sasfa’s goal of promoting LSFB in Southern Africa.

“By training builders, we enable them to build accurately according to the building code and to produce quality buildings”.

Barnard concludes that Sasfa regards the training of building contractors the primary importance in the promotion of LSFB in Southern Africa.