ConX® is not just a structural steel frame. ConX brings a systematized approach to an entire building. We offer a number of components which add overall quality, reduce construction time, save on building and insurance costs, and increase worker safety. ConXtech delivers a system that enables all trades involved in the construction process to optimize their contribution resulting in extraordinary quality - in a fraction of the time.

ConXtech now has two structural systems: ConXR™ and ConXL™. Each system utilizes a precision manufactured "Lower-and-Lock" moment-collar connection - but each is targeted toward different applications. ConXR is described in great detail below - and is ideal for shorter span applications such as High-Density Residential, Industrial Structures, Temporary Structural Bracing, as well as a host of other mid- to high-rise structures which require short "bay" spacing of 8’ to 20’ feet.

ConXL – “L” for Long-Span - was recently developed, and is now in production to meet demand for a faster, better, safer and systemized approach to longer-span structures such as: Commercial/Office, Hospitals, Parking, Data Centers, Hotels, Industrial Structures for the Oil and Gas Industry - as well as other structures requiring bay spacing of 18' to 65'. If you would like information about the ConXL system, please contact kuttrell@conxtech.com.

A ConXFrame™ is comprised of standard ConX components; HSS columns, wide flange beams and two innovative patented connectors; a gravity connector and Simmons Moment Resisting Space Frame™ (SMRSF) connector. The SMRSF connection utilizes the patented interlocking collar technology to create a moment connection. ConXtech is the first licensee of the SMRSF design, and has combined the SMRSF with their innovative gravity connection and branded their frame product ConXFrame. A ConXFrame structure is comprised of multiple ConXColumn and ConXBeam assemblies.

A ConXColumn™ assembly is typically a 30' to 120' long 8"x 8" or 4"x 4" HSS column. The 8" x 8" ConXColumns are manufactured in the ConXtech factory by welding four male dovetailed inner-collars to each face of the column at the architect's specified floor to floor increment. For example, a six-story column has six sets (of four) inner-collars plates welded on each face of the column. The 4" x 4" HSS columns are factory welded with the slotted receptacle of ConXtech's gravity connector at the floor to floor increment specified by the architect.


A ConXBeam™ assembly has an outer-collar plate robotically welded to each end of the wide flange beam (moment/moment ConXBeam), or two plasma cut gravity connectors on either end of the wide flange beam (gravity/gravity ConXBeam). A ConXBeam can also be combination of a gravity connector on one end of the wide flange beam, and an outer-collar plate robotically welded to the other (gravity/moment ConXBeam).

During the field assembly process, ConXBeams are lowered and locked into place between ConXColumns from the top down. The ends of beam connectors immediately and easily lock into place resulting in an instant stable connection. On moment ConXBeams, The mitered vertical edges of the outer-collar plates allow four identical plates to surround a column and form a ConXCollar™.

After the structure is assembled, high-strength bolts and custom washers filled with fluorescent orange silicon gel that squirts when the pre-load reaches the desired tension are inserted diagonally into the four corners of the adjoining outer-collar plates on all SMRSF connections. A hydraulic torque wrench is then used to tighten the bolts. As a result of this bolting process, a rigid ConXCollar surrounds the column. The Direct Tension Indicating (DTI) washers supplied by Applied Bolting Technology (www.appliedbolting.com.) enable quick and accurate visual inspection in the field.

The speed of assembling ConXColumns and ConXBeams into a ConXFrame is unprecedented. You can view a time lapse video of the process by going to ConXtech's home page and clicking on the time lapse video link on the left hand side of your screen.

The precise fit between the inner and the outer-collar plates around the column is the integral to the frame. Each of the steel plates is machined to within .006 of an inch of spec. The plates are robotically welded to the wide flange beams, and semi-automatically welded to columns, in such a way that no heat distortion in the steel takes place. Precision manufacturing of the collar plates enables an easy lowering and locking of the beam to the column.

Because of ConXFrame's unique ability to endure severe lateral loads, the system typically requires no shear walls, cross bracing or other conventional structural support up to 7 floors, even in the highest seismic zones. The system can be placed virtually anywhere on a concrete podium with parking or mixed use below. In most cases, there is no requirement to align the load path of the ConX structure above the podium with the shear walls or columns below the podium structure, thereby providing architectural freedom not achievable with any other structural system.

ConXWall™ Panels form the exterior envelope for the building. Because of the precisely defined ConXFrame, the exterior panels can also be precisely manufactured and installed onto the perimeter of the building frame structure with minimal adjustment. This results in the building being rapidly enclosed, offering permanent perimeter fall protection early in the assembly process, as well as substantially accelerating the delivery of the completed building.

Because ConXWall panels are added as the building frame is erected, they perform the dual role of exterior skin and edge form or containment mechanism for the ConXFloor concrete floor system. Once the concrete floor is placed, ConXWall panels become homogenous with the floor structure, providing efficient and effective structural integration.

In the future, ConXtech plans to offer ConXWall panels that are pre-finished in ConXtech's manufacturing facility with stucco, windows, parapets, cornices, or other custom architectural finishes or details - then delivered to the site and installed. The underlying panel will accommodate any exterior "look", allowing for vast architectural freedom.

ConXFloor™ provides a structural floor system that spans between the horizontal wide flange beams. Comprised of a corrugated metal deck and concrete fill, ConXFloor provides a similar solid feel and acoustic characteristics as floors in a typical concrete building. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing is installed through penetrations in the supporting wide flange beams below floors. ConXFloor also delivers the required separation between floors to achieve a 1hr. fire rating. Ceilings can be added, moved or finished without affecting the required horizontal area separation.

ConXStair™ is a modular steel stair system manufactured in the factory to provide safe vertical access to all floors and the roof of a new structure early in the construction process. Typically, ConXStairs are installed on the second or third day of construction. ConXStair is an integrated part of the system, with self-seating gravity connections similar to the connection in the ConXFrame system. ConXStairs are a permanent part of the structure from the onset of construction, and serve as the "exit" stair system thereafter. Diamond plate treads as well as hand rail and wall rails are delivered as a standard part of the ConXtech system. Concrete filled treads can also be specified as required.


ConXRoof™ is ConXtech's standard roof structure and includes the installation of a flat metal deck ready for sloped insulating concrete fill (provided by your roofing contractor.)  After ConXtech has installed the roof structure, ConXtech's set of standard roof details guides your roofing contractor to quickly install a high quality roof. Optionally, ConXtech can customize your roof structure to accommodate any architectural style.