Evaluation of Thermal and Energy Behavior in Light Steel Frame (LSF) Structure

Document Type : Review Article

Author

BSc in Civil Engineering; MSc in Mathematics (Numerical Analysis), Karaj, Iran

Abstract
Light Steel Frame (LSF) systems have become an increasingly popular choice in modern construction due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, modular design, and energy efficiency. This systematic review aims to evaluate the thermal and energy performance of LSF structures based on recent experimental and numerical studies. The findings indicate that the thermal behavior of LSF walls is highly influenced by insulation type, thickness of steel sections, and thermal bridging at connection points. Numerical simulations using finite element methods (FEM) in software such as ABAQUS, ANSYS, and COMSOL have demonstrated that proper detailing and insulation can significantly reduce heat transfer through cold-formed steel members. Moreover, LSF systems show potential for substantial energy savings in heating and cooling loads when compared to conventional concrete or masonry buildings. Despite these advantages, challenges remain regarding thermal bridging, long-term material degradation, and the optimization of wall assemblies for different climatic conditions. Therefore, future research should focus on integrated modeling approaches that combine material characterization, heat transfer analysis, and energy simulation to improve the overall thermal performance of LSF structures

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  • Receive Date 17 January 2026
  • Revise Date 25 January 2026
  • Accept Date 19 February 2026
  • First Publish Date 19 February 2026
  • Publish Date 22 May 2026