Adopting new construction systems to reduce the use of resources in construction sites: Light Steel Framing

Abstract Adopting new technologies in construction systems may lead to considerable reductions in the use of resources and operations in construction sites, such as less production labour, a decrease in material waste, improvements in logistics, a reduction in water consumption and less time spent on construction. In this context, Light Steel Framing (LSF) is considered a process with great potential when used as a façade system, mainly in multi-storey buildings, replacing the traditional method, which uses brick block masonry and external plaster. The aim of this research is to compare LSF with the traditional façade system quantitatively, considering labour, material waste, water consumption and construction time, using four cases studies in two countries (Brazil and Germany), which consider housing projects. The main contributions of this study are related to labour consumption rates when using LSF, obtained from case studies, as well as their potential advantages when compared with the traditional system.