Designation: C 645 – 08a

Standard Specification for

Nonstructural Steel Framing Members1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 645; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope* Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural

1.1 This specification covers nonstructural steel framing Members 3
members in interior construction assemblies. AISI Code of Standard Practice for Cold-Formed Steel
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded Structural Framing Committee on Framing Standards —
as the standard. The SI (metric) values given in parentheses are 2005 Edition 3
provided for information purposes only. 2.3 ICC-ES Document4
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the ICC-ES-AC86 Acceptance Criteria for Steel Studs and
test methods portion, Sections 9 and 10, of this specification: Gypsum-Board Interior Nonload-Bearing Walls—
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety Complete Construction—AC86—Approved July 1995
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility (Editorially revised September 2005) (Formerly ICBO
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and AC86 dated July 1995)
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
3. Terminology
limitations prior to use.
3.1 Definitions—Definitions shall be in accordance with
2. Referenced Documents Terminology C 11.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
A 653/A 653M Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated 3.2.1 members, n—in screw application of gypsum board,
(Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) studs, runners (track), hat furring channels, main beams and
by the Hot-Dip Process cross furring members of grid suspension systems or other
A 1003/A 1003M Specification for Steel Sheet, Carbon, items manufactured in accordance with this specification.
Metallic- and Nonmetallic-Coated for Cold-Formed Fram- 3.2.2 nonstructural wall stud, n—a member in a steel
ing Members framed wall system which is limited to a lateral (transverse)
C 11 Terminology Relating to Gypsum and Related Build- load of not more than 10 lb/ft2 (480 Pa), a superimposed
ing Materials and Systems vertical load, exclusive of sheathing materials, of not more than
C 1396/C 1396M Specification for Gypsum Board 100 lbf/ft (1460 N/m), or a superimposed vertical load of not
C 754 Specification for Installation of Steel Framing Mem- more than 200 lbs (890 N).
bers to Receive Screw-Attached Gypsum Panel Products
4. Materials and Manufacture
C 1002 Specification for Steel Self-Piercing Tapping
Screws for the Application of Gypsum Panel Products or 4.1 Members shall be manufactured from steel meeting the
Metal Plaster Bases to Wood Studs or Steel Studs requirements of Specification A 1003/A 1003M.
2.2 AISI Standard: 4.2 Members shall have a protective coating conforming to
Specification A 653/A 653M – G 40 minimum or shall have a
protective coating with an equivalent corrosion resistance.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C11 on 4.3 Members shall be manufactured from steel having a
Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems and is the direct responsibility minimum thickness, individual measurement of 0.0179 in.
of Subcommittee C11.02 on Specifications and Test Methods for Accessories and
Related Products.
(0.455 mm) before application of protective coating.
Current edition approved March 1, 2008. Published March 2008. Originally
approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as C 645 – 08.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), 1140 Connecticut
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Ave., NW, Suite 705, Washington, DC 20036, http://www.steel.org.
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from ICC Evaluation Services, Inc., 5360 Workman Mill Road,
the ASTM website. Whittier, CA 90601, www.icc-es.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 C 645 – 08a
5. Dimensions and Permissible Variations TABLE 1 Manufacturing Tolerances
Drywall Studs, Drywall Track,
5.1 Studs and rigid furring channels shall have a configu- DimensionA Item Checked
in. (mm) in. (mm)
ration and steel thickness such that the system in which they A length + 1⁄8 (3.18) + 1 (25.40)
are used will carry the design transverse loads without exceed- − 1⁄4 (6.35) − 1⁄4 (6.35)
ing either the allowable stress of the steel or the allowable BB web width + 1⁄32 (0.79) + 1⁄8 (3.18)
− 1⁄32 (0.79) − 0 (0)
design deflection. Main beams and cross furring of grid C flare + 1⁄16 (1.59) + 0 (0)
suspension systems shall be limited to a deflection of L/240. overbend − 1⁄16 (1.59) − 3⁄16 (4.76)
The manufacturer shall supply sufficient data for calculating D hole center + 1⁄8 (3.18) NA
width − 1⁄8 (3.18)
design performance. E hole center + 1⁄4 (6.35) NA
length − 1⁄4 (6.35)
NOTE 1—Allowable deflection varies depending on the cladding used F crown + 1⁄8 (3.18) + 1⁄8 (3.18)
and architectural requirements. Detailed requirements shall be specified in − 1⁄8 (3.18) − 1⁄8 (3.18)
application specifications. G camber 1⁄32 per ft (0.79) 1⁄32 per ft (0.79)

1⁄2 max (12.7) 1⁄2 max (12.7)

5.1.1 Members, except main beams of grid suspension H bow 1⁄32 per ft (0.79) 1⁄32 per ft (0.79)

1⁄2 max (12.7) 1⁄2 max (12.7)

systems, shall be sufficiently rigid to permit penetration of the I twist 1⁄32 per ft (0.79) 1⁄32 per ft (0.79)

screw. 1⁄2 max (12.7) 1⁄2 max (12.7)

5.1.2 Minimum width of face to which gypsum board is A

All measurements shall be taken not less than 1 ft (305 mm) from the end.
B
screw-attached shall be not less than 11⁄4 in. (32 mm). Outside dimension for stud; inside for track.

5.1.3 Minimum lip dimension shall be 3⁄16 in. (5 mm). See

Fig. 1. 5.3 Rigid Furring Channels—Minimum depth shall be 7⁄8
5.2 Members shall be manufactured within the limits as in. (22 mm). Minimum width of furring attachment flanges (see
shown in Table 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 3) shall be 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm).

FIG. 1 Minimum Drywall Stud Cross Section

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 C 645 – 08a

FIG. 2 Manufacturing Tolerances

FIG. 3 Hat Furring Channel Cross Section

5.4 Grid suspension systems include main beams and cross 8. Sectional Properties
furring members which mechanically interlock to form a
8.1 The sectional properties of members shall be computed
modular supporting network. Length tolerance for grid suspen-
in accordance with AISI Specifications for the Design of
sion members shall be 61⁄16 in. (1.59 mm).
Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members (See Tables 2 and 3
5.5 Runners (track) shall be formed in a U-shaped configu-
ration, having web depth compatible with those of the studs of and Figs. 1 and 3).
the same nominal size. The runners (track) shall be designed
such that when the studs are placed in both the top and bottom 9. Performance Requirements
runners (track), they are held by friction. Minimum height of 9.1 Penetration—When tested in accordance with Section
flanges shall be 1 in. (25 mm). 10, members shall be capable of pulling the head of the screw
6. Edges below the surface of the gypsum board in less than 2 s without
spin out.
6.1 Members shall be manufactured in such a fashion as to
minimize burrs and sharp edges. 9.2 Members that can show certified third party testing in
accordance with ICC-ES-AC86 (Approved July 1995—
7. Cutouts Editorially Revised September 2005) and conform to the
7.1 Cutouts shall not reduce the performance of the mem- limiting height tables in Specification C 754 need not meet the
bers in the gypsum board construction assembly below the minimum thickness limitation set forth in 4.3 or the minimum
specified performance requirements. section properties set forth in 8.1.

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 C 645 – 08a
TABLE 2 Minimum Section Properties for Various Studs
Effective PropertiesC
Stud Design Minimum Base Metal
Section Depth Thickness ThicknessB Area D
Ix Ma
DesignatorA in. (mm) in. (mm) in. (mm) in2 (mm2) in4 (1000 mm4) (in-k) (N-m)
162S125-18 1.625 41 0.0188 0.478 0.0179 0.454 0.080 52 0.034 14 0.66 75
162S125-30 1.625 41 0.0312 0.792 0.0296 0.752 0.132 85 0.060 25 1.16 131
162S125-33 1.625 41 0.0346 0.879 0.0329 0.835 0.145 94 0.066 27 1.35 153

250S125-18 2.500 64 0.0188 0.478 0.0179 0.454 0.097 63 0.089 37 1.17 132
250S125-30 2.500 64 0.0312 0.792 0.0296 0.752 0.159 102 0.159 66 2.06 2.33
250S125-33 2.500 64 0.0346 0.879 0.0329 0.835 0.176 114 0.175 73 2.38 269

350S125-18 3.500 89 0.0188 0.478 0.0179 0.454 0.115 74 0.197 82 1.72 194
350S125-30 3.500 89 0.0312 0.792 0.0296 0.752 0.190 123 0.346 144 3.29 372
350S125-33 3.500 89 0.0346 0.879 0.0329 0.835 0.210 135 0.382 159 3.77 426

362S125-18 3.625 92 0.0188 0.478 0.0179 0.454 0.118 76 0.215 89 1.78 201
362S125-30 3.625 92 0.0312 0.792 0.0296 0.752 0.194 125 0.375 156 3.46 391
362S125-33 3.625 92 0.0346 0.879 0.0329 0.835 0.215 138 0.415 173 3.96 448

400S125-18E 4.000 102 0.0188 0.478 0.0179 0.454 0.125 81 0.265 110 1.96 221
400S125-30 4.000 102 0.0312 0.792 0.0296 0.752 0.206 133 0.473 197 3.99 450
400S125-33 4.000 102 0.0346 0.879 0.0329 0.835 0.228 147 0.523 218 4.56 515

600S125-30 6.000 152 0.0312 0.792 0.0296 0.752 0.268 173 1.259 524 6.54 739
600S125-33 6.000 152 0.0346 0.879 0.0329 0.835 0.297 192 1.391 579 8.06 911
A
The section designator defines the cold-formed steel framing member dimensions.
Example: 350S125-18
350 designates the member web depth in 100ths of an inch, 350 = 3.50 in. (88.9 mm)
S designates the type of member, S = Stud
125 designates the member flange width in 100ths of an inch, 125 = 1.25 in. (31.8 mm)
–18 designates the minimum base metal thickness in mils, 18 = 0.0179 in. (0.454 mm)
–30 designates the minimum base metal thickness in mils, 30 = 0.0296 in. (0.752 mm)
–33 designates the minimum base metal thickness in mils, 33 = 0.0329 in. (0.836 mm)
B
Minimum base metal thickness is 95 % of Design Thickness.
C
Effective properties are calculated in accordance with the AISI “Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members,” 1996 edition and are based
on a yield strength, Fy = 33 ksi.
D
Moment of inertia, Ix, given is for deflection calculations.
E
Where noted, member web height-to-thickness ratio exceeds 200, web stiffeners required at supports.

TABLE 3 Hat Furring Channel Section Properties

Effective PropertiesB
Minimum Base
Design Thickness Metal ThicknessA Gross Area IxC
Ma
in (mm) in (mm) in2 (mm2) inD (mmD) Ft-Lb (N-m)
0.0188 0.477 0.0179 0.453 0.0702 45.29 0.0086 3563 26.4 35.79
0.0283 0.719 0.0269 0.683 0.1046 67.48 0.0131 5440 44.8 60.74
0.0312 0.792 0.0296 0.752 0.1184 76.39 0.0144 6010 50.3 68.19
0.0346 0.879 0.0329 0.835 0.1270 81.94 0.0157 6531 55.4 75.11
A
Minimum base metal thickness is 95 % of Design Thickness.
B
Effective properties are given as the minimum value for either positive or negative bending.
C
Moment of inertia given is for deflection calculations.
D
Effective properties based on Fy = 33 ksi (227 MPa).

10. Penetration Test 10.3.1 Wallboard—Specification C 1396/C 1396M, Type X,

10.1 Significance and Use—This test method provides a ⁄ in. (16 mm) thick.
58

procedure for evaluating the member’s ability to pull the head 10.3.2 Screws—Specification C 1002, Type S, minimum 1
of a screw below the surface of gypsum board. It shall be used in. (25.4 mm) long.
to determine compliance with this specification. The degree of 10.3.3 Kraft Paper—0.010 in. (0.254 mm) thick.
performance of this test method with service performance has 10.4 Sampling—One member shall be selected from each
not been determined. bundle or package but not more than ten from any one
10.2 Apparatus shall satisfy the following: shipment for testing.
10.2.1 Electric Drill, capable of 2500 r/min (free spindle 10.5 Specimen Preparation:
speed), supplied with a screw driving bit to fit the screw used 10.5.1 Each member to be tested shall be cut into test
in the test. specimens not less than 18 in. (460 mm) long.
10.2.2 Stop Watch, capable of being read to the nearest 0.1 10.5.2 For each test, one piece of wallboard, 6 in. (12.7 mm)
s. square, shall be cut from not less than 12 in. (305 mm) from the
10.3 Materials shall satisfy the following: edge or end of the wallboard.

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 C 645 – 08a
10.5.3 For each test, four pieces of kraft paper, 2 in. (51
mm) square shall be cut.
10.6 Procedure—Assemble the member, gypsum board and
kraft paper on a rigid, flat surface. (See Fig. 4 for studs, Fig. 5
for furring channels.) Drive the screw, using the electric drill
while applying a force (dead weight and applied force) of 30
lbf (112.2 N). Drive the screw to slightly below the surface of
the gypsum board. Note if the screw has spun out and the
length of time it takes to pull the head of the screw below the
surface.
10.7 Number of Tests and Retests:
10.7.1 Five specimens of members shall be tested. NOTE 1—Wallboard specimens shall be taken a minimum of 12 in. (305
10.7.2 If more than one test specimen fails to meet the mm) from either edge and either end of wallboard panel.
requirements, two more test specimens shall be chosen for FIG. 5 Hat Furring Channels
retesting.
10.8 Report—Report shall indicate all specimens meeting
the requirements of this specification if the time read from the 13. Certification
stop watch is less than the time specified in Section 9, and the 13.1 When specified in the purchase agreement, a produc-
screw did not spin out; or shall indicate all failing if the time er’s or supplier’s report shall be furnished at the time of
read is equal to or longer than the time specified in Section 9, shipment certifying that the product is in compliance with this
or the screw spun out. specification.
10.9 Precision and Bias—No statement is made about either
the precision or bias of this test method since the result merely 14. Marking and Identification
states whether or not there is conformance to the criteria for
success specified in the procedure. 14.1 Groups of like members shall be marked with a label,
or a tag attached thereto. Marking shall include the rollformer’s
11. Inspection identification (name, logo, or initials), length, quantity and
11.1 Inspection of the members shall be agreed upon rollformer’s member designator including member depth,
between the purchaser and the producer or supplier as part of flange size, and minimum steel thickness in mils or inches,
the purchase agreement. exclusive of protective coating.
14.2 In addition to the marking referenced in 14.1, indi-
12. Rejection vidual members shall have a legible label, stencil, or emboss-
12.1 When specified in the purchase agreement, members ment, at a maximum distance of 96 in. (2440 mm) on center, on
that fail to conform to the requirements of the specification the member, with the following minimum information:
shall be rejected. Rejection shall be reported to the producer or 14.2.1 The rollformer’s identification (that is, name, logo or
supplier promptly and in writing. The notice of rejection shall initials).
contain a statement documenting how the member has failed to 14.2.2 The minimum steel thickness, in mils or inches,
conform to the requirements of this specification and the exclusive of protective coating.
purchase agreement. 14.2.3 The minimum yield strength in ksi (MPa) if other
than 33 ksi (230 MPa).
14.2.4 The minimum protective coating weight, G-XX, if
other than as specified in Section 4.

15. Protection
15.1 Material shall be protected during shipment as re-
quired. When specified in the purchase order, the members
shall be packaged in accordance with the purchaser’s instruc-
tions.
15.2 Material shall be received and stored in accordance
with AISI COSP, paragraph F3.

16. Keywords
16.1 furring channels; grid suspension systems; gypsum
FIG. 4 Studs board; runners; screws; section properties; spinout; studs

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 C 645 – 08a
APPENDIX

X1. COLOR CODING FOR MEMBERS

X1.1 Color code individual members or bundles of like TABLE X1.1 Color Codes for Members
members in accordance with Table X1.1. NOTE 1—Minimum base metal thickness is 95 % of the design thick-
ness.
Minimum Base Metal Minimal Decimal Equivalent,
Color
Thickness, mils in. (mm)
None 18 0.0179 (0.4550
Black 27 0.0269 (0.683)
Pink 30 0.0296 (0.752)
White 33 0.0329 (0.836)

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C11 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
C 645 – 08, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved March 1, 2008)

(1) Revised 14.1.

Committee C11 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
C 645 – 07b, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved January 15, 2008)

(1) Revised 9.2 and Referenced Documents to add reference to

ICC-ES-AC86 (Approved July 1995—Editorially Revised
September 2005).

Committee C11 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
C 645 – 07a, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved December 15, 2007)

(1) Added new Section 15. (2) Added AISI COSP to Referenced Documents.

Committee C11 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
C 645 – 07, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved August 1, 2007)

(1) Replaced Specification C 36/C 36M with Specification

C 1396/C 1396M in 10.3.1 and Referenced Documents.

Committee C11 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
C 645 – 06, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved January 1, 2007)

(1) Added new 9.2.

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