Various types of foundations for steel buildings

A well-designed, strong foundation is essential for any structure, especially for a metal building. It ensures durability and helps obstruct most forms of building failure in the future. Structural damages such as leaking, flooding, shifting, tilting walls & more can be prevented if put on a solid foundation.

For steel buildings, the foundation that you choose will directly impact the planning and construction procedure. It is one of the first things put into motion when you start planning your metal structure.

So you have decided to erect a steel structure building for your following commercial purpose and are all set to lay the foundation. But wait, before you move ahead, make sure you know everything about the foundations for your metal structure.

Various factors design a foundation that is important to consider before moving to the planning phase. With this blog, you can expect answers to consider when planning your foundation and some of the options for a metal building.

Let’s dig right in! Surveying Land

The foundation of any steel building is made from concrete. The land must be professionally surveyed and marked for leveling. Builders must know the boundaries of the plot. The measurement and quality of soil play a vital role in determining foundation design.

Grading shapes the soil to the land’s proper height confirmation as marked by the surveyor’s stakes. Poor soil conditions can lead to the sinking and shifting of steel buildings, irrespective of how the foundation is designed. Foundations can be considered around weak soil. Don’t worry as it is much less expensive to unearth the existing dirt and replace it with high-quality soil. Securing Load

The horizontal load of any steel building is generally much higher than other structures. This means that the taller the facilities grow, the higher it gets impacted by lateral forces such as winds and earthquakes. Failing to overcome these issues may cause the buildings to overturn or slide off their foundations.

A proper foundation can distribute or resist the high horizontal column reaction of steel buildings. It is possible by using steel tie bars connected to anchor bolts or by increasing the footing, which often results in higher costs. Wind Uplift

Another factor to consider when laying a foundation is wind uplift. Strong winds can lift a structure off its foundation. It is known as columnar uplift. And, while steel buildings are at higher risk for columnar uplift. Preventions start with a solid foundation. Heavy foundations with topsoil or deeper footings can help reduce uplift in a steel building. Additional considerations to consider while choosing your foundation include;

Local frost lines

Weight of the components or vehicles to transport and install in the structure

Anchor bolts locations to attach steel framing columns

Dimensions and weight of the building

The ideal foundation of the structure is primarily dependent on the soil, building load and prevailing winds. The foundation’s goal is to anchor the building columns, giving stability and strength. So, it is essential to choose the right factors and take proper precautions to lay a strong foundation for a steel building.

Types of foundations for steel buildings

Floating Foundation

It is the most popular foundation for commercial and industrial buildings. It’s a concrete slab with a continuous grade beam. It is poured and spread under a column or reinforce the sheer weight of columns. A floating foundation is easier, faster and more affordable to build. It requires less digging and doesn’t require piers or footings. It is better in wet and coastal areas with softer soils as it restrains sinking and unevenness eventually.

Pier, Footing, and Grade Beam

Pier and beam foundations are ideal where soil movement may be an issue. It includes pavilions, riding arenas & agricultural buildings. This type of foundation is a bit expensive, but it’s more reliable and provides more versatility.

Portable Foundation

It is helpful for buildings that are transported for many reasons. Portable foundations are less robust but flexible to varying landscapes. It eliminates the potential risk of losing building height.

Perimeter Walls

Perimeter walls or footings distribute the weight of the whole metal structure on major load-bearing foundation elements. It is the durable and affordable and most basic foundation for steel buildings.

Final Words

An excellent concrete engineer can enable you to build an appropriate foundation for your metal building. Consider outsourcing a civil & structural engineering company that focuses on design, detailing, and analyzing structural foundations across industrial infrastructure and process facilities for your next construction project.

Judith Morrison is an expert in the field of industrial engineering and writes articles related to piping, civil, equipment engineering related articles.