# Steel Construction, Cold-formed: Building Code Definition > How the IBC 2009 define steel construction, cold-formed, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/steel-construction-cold-formed/ - Last updated: 2026-09-07 - Data source: Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Defined in | IBC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) | | Primary source | IBC 2009 Steel (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) | | Chapters using the term | 4 (counted across the codes hosted here) | | Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) | ## Direct answer Steel construction, cold-formed is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Steel. The code's own words are: “That type of construction made up entirely or in part of steel structural members cold formed to shape from sheet or strip steel such as roof deck, floor and wall panels, studs, floor joists, roofjoists and other structural elements.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Wall Covering (IRC 2009), Steel (IBC 2009), Wall Construction (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. *Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.* ## What does this term mean? **Steel Construction, Cold-formed** — IBC 2009, Steel: > That type of construction made up entirely or in part of steel structural members cold formed to shape from sheet or strip steel such as roof deck, floor and wall panels, studs, floor joists, roofjoists and other structural elements. ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Steel Construction, Cold-formed: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/steel-construction-cold-formed/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IBC 2009 define steel construction, cold-formed, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.* ## What must be verified before using this guidance? **Steel Construction, Cold-formed** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Steel](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/steel.md) chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009: > That type of construction made up entirely or in part of steel structural members cold formed to shape from sheet or strip steel such as roof deck, floor and wall panels, studs, floor joists, roofjoists and other structural elements. ## Where steel construction, cold-formed is used in the code The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next. | Chapter | Code | Mentions | | --- | --- | --- | | [Wall Covering](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/wall-covering.md) | IRC 2009 | 11 | | [Steel](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/steel.md) | IBC 2009 | 2 | | [Wall Construction](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/wall-construction.md) | IRC 2009 | 2 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/definitions.md) | IBC 2009 | 1 | ### The term in use How the code actually writes about steel construction, cold-formed, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here: > See Section R602.12 for wall bracing requirements for masonry veneer for wood framed construction and Section R603.9.5 for wall bracing requirements for masonry veneer for cold-formed steel construction. — [IRC 2009 §R703.7](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/wall-covering.md) > Individual structural members and assembled panels of cold-formed steel construction shall be protected against corrosion in accordance with the requirements contained in AISI S100. — [IBC 2009 §2203.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/steel.md) ## The terms steel construction, cold-formed is built out of The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what steel construction, cold-formed covers: - **[Roof Deck](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/roof-deck.md)** — IBC 2009: The flat or sloped surface not including its supporting members or vertical supports. - **[Steel](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/steel.md)** — IFC 2009: Hot-or cold-rolled as defined by the International Building Code. ## Steel Construction, Cold-formed: what to open, and in what order Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows. | Check | Where | Confirmed | | --- | --- | --- | | Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Steel | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wall Covering (IRC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Steel (IBC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wall Construction (IRC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Roof Deck | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Steel | | | Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list | | **A research aid, not a code determination.** The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply. ## Where can you explore related guidance? - [Explore all glossary guidance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md) - [Roof Deck: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/roof-deck.md) - [Steel: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/steel.md) ## Sources and method Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control. ### Source links - [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) - [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the code definition of steel construction, cold-formed? The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Steel as: “That type of construction made up entirely or in part of steel structural members cold formed to shape from sheet or strip steel such as roof deck, floor and wall panels, studs, floor joists, roofjoists and other structural elements.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally. ### Which parts of the code depend on steel construction, cold-formed? In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Wall Covering in the IRC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Fsteel-construction-cold-formed%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/steel-construction-cold-formed/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt