Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF) as a Foundation of Modular Construction: Economic Efficiency, Production Models, and the Potential of Small-Scale Manufacturing

This peer-reviewed research article examines light gauge steel framing (LGSF) as a technological and organizational foundation for modern modular construction and small-scale manufacturing. The study analyzes the engineering logic, production processes, and economic characteristics of LGSF, emphasizing its role in transforming the structure of construction projects from site-based variability toward industrialized and more predictable production models. The article develops a systemic perspective on LGSF as an integrated design–production–assembly framework in which structural efficiency is determined by precision, geometry, and coordination between engineering and manufacturing stages. Particular attention is given to the redistribution of costs and risks across the project lifecycle, demonstrating how LGSF reduces uncertainty associated with on-site construction through preliminary industrialization and controlled production processes. The research examines production models applicable to small and medium-sized enterprises, including local roll-forming production, contract manufacturing of structural kits, and integrated production-design systems. It highlights the potential of small-scale manufacturing to compete not through scale, but through precision, flexibility, and the ability to deliver structured, assembly-ready solutions. Special emphasis is placed on the economic implications of reduced construction timelines, lower dependence on labor-intensive on-site processes, improved material efficiency, and decreased transaction and coordination costs. The study also considers the strategic relevance of LGSF within the context of the U.S. construction sector, where labor shortages, rising costs, and demand for modular solutions increase the importance of industrialized building technologies. The findings suggest that LGSF should be understood not merely as a construction material, but as a platform for the development of localized industrial production and adaptive construction systems. The study contributes to research on construction technologies, industrial organization, and the role of small-scale manufacturing in modernizing the construction sector. The version deposited in Zenodo corresponds to the peer-reviewed scholarly publication and reflects the author’s original research without substantive modification.