A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

This chapter addresses the scope and applicability of the Specification, lists the definitions of the terminology used, summarizes referenced specifications, codes, and standards, and provides requirements for materials.

This chapter is organized as follows:

• A1 Scope, Applicability, and Definitions
• A2 Referenced Specifications, Codes, and Standards
• A3 Material

A1 Scope, Applicability, and Definitions

A1.1 Scope

This Specification applies to the design of structural members cold-formed to shape from carbon or low-alloy steel sheet, strip, plate, or bar not more than 1 in. (25.4 mm) in thickness and used for load-carrying purposes in
(a) Buildings, and
(b) Structures other than buildings provided allowances are made for dynamic effects.

A1.2 Applicability

This Specification includes Symbols, Chapters A through M, Appendices A and B, and Appendices 1 and 2 that shall apply as follows:

• Chapters A through M, Appendices 1 and 2—the United States, Mexico, and Canada,
• Appendix A—the United States and Mexico, and
• Appendix B—Canada.

The symbol 👈x is used to point out that additional provisions that are specific to a certain country are provided in the corresponding appendices indicated by the letter(s) "x."

This Specification includes design provisions for Allowable Strength Design (ASD) , Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD), and Limit States Design (LSD). These design methods shall apply as follows:

• ASD and LRFD—the United States and Mexico, and
• LSD—Canada.

In this Specification, bracketed terms are equivalent terms that apply particularly to LSD.

The nominal strength [resistance] and stiffness of cold-formed steel components such as elements, members, assemblies, connections, and details shall be determined in accordance with the provisions in Chapters B through M, Appendices A and B, and Appendices 1 and 2 of the Specification.

Where the composition or configuration of the components is such that calculation of available strength [factored resistance] or stiffness cannot be made in accordance with these provisions (excluding those in Chapter K), structural performance shall be established from one of the following:

(a) Available strength [factored resistance] or stiffness by tests only. Specifically, the available strength [factored resistance] is determined from tested nominal strength [resistance] by applying the safety factors or the resistance factors evaluated in accordance with Section K2.1.1(a);

(b) Available strength [factored resistance] by rational engineering analysis with confirmatory tests. Specifically, the available strength [factored resistance] is determined from the calculated nominal strength [resistance] by applying the safety factors or resistance factors evaluated in accordance with Section K2.1.1(b);

(c) Available strength [factored resistance] or stiffness by rational engineering analysis based on appropriate theory and engineering judgment. Specifically, the available strength [factored resistance] is determined from the calculated nominal strength [resistance] by applying the following safety factors or resistance factors:

For members
Ω = 2.00 (ASD)
f = 0.80 (LRFD)
= 0.75 (LSD)

For connections
Ω = 3.00 (ASD)
f = 0.55 (LRFD)
= 0.50 (LSD)

When rational engineering analysis is used in accordance with Section A1.2(b) or A1.2(c) to determine the nominal strength [resistance] for a limit state already provided in this Specification, the safety factor shall not be less than the applicable safety factor (Ω), nor shall the resistance factor exceed the applicable resistance factor (f) for the prescribed limit state.

A1.3 Definitions

In this Specification, "shall" is used to express a mandatory requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Specification; and "is permitted" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Specification. In standards developed by the CSA Group, "is permitted" is expressed by "may."

The following terms are italicized when they appear in the Specification. Definitions listed under the ASD and LRFD Terms sections shall apply to the USA and Mexico, while definitions listed under the LSD Terms section shall apply in Canada.

Terms designated with * are usually qualified by the type of load effect; for example, nominal tensile strength, available compressive strength.

Terms designated with + are common AISC-AISI terms that are coordinated between the two standards developers.