Cold-Formed Steel Structures: Innovations in Analysis, Design and Performance

Dear Colleagues,

Cold-formed steel (CFS) members have become an integral part of modern construction, serving as both primary and secondary load-bearing elements in a wide range of building applications. Their widespread adoption is driven by unique advantages, including a high strength-to-weight ratio, efficient material usage, adaptability in cross-sectional shapes, precise dimensional control, recyclability, and overall construction efficiency. Recent developments in advanced manufacturing, automation, and digital fabrication have further enhanced the versatility of CFS systems. In parallel, progress in high-fidelity finite element modelling, artificial intelligence-driven optimisation, and performance-based design methods has significantly advanced our understanding of their behaviour under diverse loading and environmental conditions.

The 21st century has also brought new challenges, ranging from climate change and resource scarcity to demands for resilient, low-carbon infrastructure, which are reshaping the research landscape. CFS technology is becoming increasingly intersected with modular and off-site construction, hybrid structural systems (e.g., steel–concrete and steel–timber), and additive manufacturing. Research is also moving towards holistic performance evaluation, integrating structural, thermal, acoustic, fire, and sustainability metrics into unified design approaches.

This Special Issue seeks to showcase the latest research and innovations in cold-formed steel that address these evolving demands and expand the boundaries of structural engineering. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Structural optimisation and AI-assisted design of cold-formed steel members.
• Innovative and hybrid CFS products, including steel–timber and steel–concrete systems.
• Structural response under bending, shear, web crippling, compression, combined actions, and dynamic loading.
• Advanced numerical modelling, digital twins, and simulation-based design.
• Seismic and impact resilience of CFS structures.
• Fire, energy, and thermal performance of cold-formed steel-framed panels.
• Novel connection and fastening technologies for modern construction systems.
• Modular, prefabricated, and 3D-printed CFS applications.
• Sustainability, life-cycle assessment, and climate adaptation strategies for CFS structures.

Contributions exploring interdisciplinary approaches or emerging technologies relevant to cold-formed steel are strongly encouraged.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Keerthan Poologanathan
Dr. Irindu Upasiri
Dr. Sifan M. Ibrahim
Dr. Heshachanaa Rajanayagam
Guest Editors

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