The Wei-Wen Yu Center for Cold-Formed Steel Structures (CCFSS) was established at the University of Missouri-Rolla (now Missouri University of Science & Technology) in May 1990 under an initial grant received from the American Iron and Steel Institute. The CCFSS sponsors now also include: The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute of the Steel Framing Alliance, Metal Building Manufacturers Association, Rack Manufacturers Institute, Steel Deck Institute, and Steel Stud Manufacturers Association. In 2000, the Center was renamed for its Founding Director, Dr. Wei-Wen Yu.

The mission of CCFSS is to provide an integrated approach for managing research, teaching, engineering education, technical services, and professional activity. The Center brings together the technical resources of interested parties, i.e., university researchers, steel producers, product manufacturers, consultants, building officials, government agencies, and others with a common goal of continued improvement of cold-formed steel design in the construction market.