Alabama Contractors License Practice Exam

Prescriptive framing for cold-formed steel applies to which types of dwellings?

1. Single-family homes only

2. Detached 1 and 2-family dwellings and townhouses

3. Multi-family high rises

4. Commercial buildings

The correct answer is: Detached 1 and 2-family dwellings and townhouses

The concept of prescriptive framing for cold-formed steel applies specifically to detached 1 and 2-family dwellings and townhouses because this method is designed to simplify the design and construction of these smaller residential structures. Prescriptive framing guidelines provide a clear set of standards for builders using cold-formed steel, ensuring that the framing meets safety and performance requirements without necessitating extensive engineering calculations. This approach is especially beneficial for smaller projects where builders may be less experienced with the complexities of steel framing and where cost-effectiveness is often a priority. Prescriptive methods lay out specific dimensions, materials, and connection details, making them more straightforward to follow for builders engaged in residential projects. In contrast, single-family homes are a subset of the types mentioned but do not encompass the breadth of dwellings covered by the guidelines. Multi-family high rises and commercial buildings typically involve larger, more complex structures that may not fall under the prescriptive framing guidelines, which are mainly tailored for smaller, residential applications. Therefore, the focus on detached dwellings and townhouses aligns with the intended application of prescriptive framing in cold-formed steel construction.