The Structural Basics of Prefabricated Steel Buildings

Prefabrication offers one significant benefits in this world of every increasing prices that is cost savings. However, cost is one out of the several factors that one needs to ponder over while purchasing or constructing a prefabricated steel building for commercial purpose. Prefab buildings are known for fast construction and offering design flexibility, which make them versatile unlike traditional ones. So it is important to understand the basics and know all the options before zeroing in on a package that suits your requirement.

Prefabricated or pre engineered buildings offer countless possibilities. They can be custom designed to meet specific needs, albeit without compromising on eco-friendliness. It is also possible to have solar panels installed and generate your own power to become self-sufficient. All of these do result into cost savings in the long run. Apart from this, strength and reliability are two big concerns for your building. However, rest assured, prefabricated buildings are incredibly sturdy and built to last for decades.

There are key design options to be aware of while choosing a pre engineered building. Following are some aspects which you need to be aware of as a building owner, before getting started.

Steel Building Frame Types

Beam and Column – these types of buildings which have beam and column structure are best suited for large industrial buildings that are cost effective to build – like warehouse, industrial sheds, etc.

Gable / Single Slope – These are rigid frame systems which are also called column-free clear span design and make for a sturdy unobstructed space. Common applications include large departmental stores, aircraft hangars, indoor sports buildings, auditorium etc.

Straight Column – This structural system allows clear interior space of up to 100 ft in width. This is commonly applied in office buildings, small retail stores, commercial buildings, etc.

Steel Building Span Systems

Clear-span – Clear span is the term given to column-free interior space in pre engineered buildings. This system is used to optimize space inside and is best suited for large buildings like auditoriums, indoor sports facilities, etc.

Multi-Span – In multi-span design, there are columns running through the interior which enables the building to be wider as per requirement. This design is ideal for warehouses, factory buildings and other similar industrial structures, where obstruction arising from columns is not an issue.

Open Web Truss – This framing system is widely popular for being light in weight but structurally strong. This offers a great deal of advantage when you need longer spans without columns. Aircraft hangars, sports facilities, etc can make use of this technology.

Steel Building Terminology

Pre-Engineered Buildings – Pre engineered buildings are not a new technology. They have been there for quite a few decades, but have gained popularity in the recent years. Initially, this term was used to refer to a concept where building components are made in factories, with standard design and limited customization. They came with framed openings which were also of a standard size for use of doors, windows, loading bays, etc. Today, however there are a variety of customization options. However, the concept of factory produced buildings remain as it was originally.

Steel or Metal Building System – This is a term which has been coined in the recent years. It specifically describes the structurally engineered buildings and the building technology which are in use currently. These buildings find application as modern day warehouses, commercial buildings, office buildings etc. They offer a wide range of design and customization options, based on the particular requirement.

These are some of the basic but quintessential information on the structural system or a prefabricated steel building that one needs to be aware of before purchase. While the final configuration is given by the manufacturer, some basic understanding always builds familiarity.

Epack Prefab has earned a formidable market reputation for being the best-prefabricated structure manufacturer in India.