Thinshell provides the world with a method of enclosing space that is unprecedented and unparalleled in the construction industry. It does so on the shoulders of the father of this industry Tony Ruiz, the sole inventor of the original Deformed Stud, MetalStudCrete (aka MetalCrete/MSC) and SteelCrete while providing the inspiration for virtually every other thinshell system. In one form or another they all produce wall panels that may be precast on or offsite, then lifted into place to create quick enclosure without all the drawbacks of now outdated tilt-up and ‘medieval’ concrete block. Each generation has improved on the concept, mostly by SteelCrete.

The original deformed Stud was taken to a new level in Canada by one of Tony's earliest colleagues, TMCP founder Ernie Bodnar, who produced a stud and joist with superior qualities in energy transmission and weight to strength ratio seen at www.tmcp.ca and eventually rejoining the family after many year's absence to supplement the current SteelCrete product line with added flexibility and wider acceptance, even as SteelCrete was being redefined to provide greater strength capacities. On the other hand, MetalStudCrete, though enjoying immense popularity due to strong marketing, has proven Ruiz’ credentials and validated his credentials and rationale for leaving it behind as an inferior concept, going on to develop SteelCrete since. MSC relies solely on friction and screws to hold its concrete in place.

SteelCrete products are based on standard engineering principles and therefore not subject to otherwise required testing and approvals like the “shear strip”. (What shear?) Ruiz engineered the MSC ICBO Evaluation Report “approval” by way of this obsolete and meaningless report that has been "grandfathered" into the ICC. It is not an “approval” as MSC represents and trades on and is accepted by most, including building officials, without question, concern or conformance with most if not all the requirements set forth. ICC certification is based on the fact that this is a separate strip of metal that is fastened to otherwise standard studs & track. However, SteelCrete is currently in the process of being officially ICC tested and approved by all current standards. See the engineered Strength Comparison for the dramatic difference.

In summary, SteelCrete is the originator and leader in thinshell and believes MSC practices unfair business tactics to intimidate others’ use of and work with its much stronger successor SteelCrete. SteelCrete represents patented composite building systems comprised of variable depth and spaced galvanized metal studs bonded to thin wire-mesh reinforced concrete to form panels that are stronger-but-lighter than conventionally reinforced tilt-up concrete, concrete block or any other more conventional construction method. The bonding of concrete and metal becomes so strong because the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. SteelCrete gives the builder a cost and strength edge over reinforced concrete tilt-up, concrete block, MSC and all other building systems and assemblies, with stronger buildings at yet lower cost
There are a number of thinshell building systems available today, most requiring testing and approvals. SteelCrete products embody the best of all worlds in that they utilize the strongest methods of joining thin, standard concrete to light gauge metal framing. They are less expensive because they don't require the attaching of another structural member for embedment into the concrete. They are stronger because they don't depend on fasteners or friction to hold the concrete to the metal. But best of all, there's no special testing, pre-approval or certifications required. This factor permits easier approval by building departments and officials throughout the world.

SteelCrete products may be used to provide a building's entire enclosure system with the walls serving in a load bearing capacity; or have the walls function as curtain wall components in conjunction with a structural frame. In either case the floors and roof may also be constructed of SteelCrete products or of more convention systems. How everything is to be assembled is up to the designer, but SteelCrete products can be simpler, faster, and more economical. Virtually any floor or roof system may be seamlessly integrated into the enclosure system. Components may be produced onsite (tilt-up style) or offsite. Once the lightweight panels are installed, all other work is done conventionally including electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, insulation, drywall, doors, windows, etc. The floor, roof or wall panels may be designed with any arrangement of stud sizes, gauges and spacing to accommodate different load requirements. This gives the architect or engineer flexibility in designing for efficiency.

All SteelCrete products and systems are easy to teach and learn, which allows for the rapid, inexpensive erection of buildings designed to use them. They are faster, far stronger and more energy efficient than any other competitive Thinshell system currently available, requiring less skilled labor and heavy quality control than the others. Click for a detailed Breakdown of costs.

Here are the reasons why you should use SteelCrete:

• Can exceed Seismic Zone IV Requirements
• Can be engineered for Hurricane Force Winds
• Fire and Termite Resistant
• Low Maintenance
• The most thermally efficient and Cost effective Thinshell System using TMCP
• Strongest and least costly of all Thinshell Systems
• Fire Rated
• Easy to Learn
• Smaller Footings than conventional concrete tilt-up
• Reduced Construction Steps
• Fewer Inspections
• No Dry Rot or Mildew
• Reduce or Eliminate Sprinklers
• Lowest Strength to Weight ratio Concrete Design Mixes
• Green LEEDS buildings that recycle steel v. forests that takes generations to replenish (junked cars vs. acres of forest)
• Can Eliminate Slab Forming
• Can use Precast or Geobag concrete footings
• We not only invented the Thinshell industry, we have re-invented it four times and have no equal in this industry