Pre-engineered steel buildings (PESB) contain prefabricated metal parts with complete designing done at the factory. The PESB serves as an alternative to structures that have to be constructed from the ground up. The building components are brought to the site in CKD (completely knocked down condition) and then fixed/jointed on site.
PESBs have reduced construction time and are a low-cost option for warehouses, commercial spaces, workshops, retail spaces, airplane hangers, sports arenas, houses, and other structures. Overall, they’re more practical, faster to construct, and the materials are more affordable.
Components of the PESB are divided into the following categories:
- Main Framing
- Structural Framing
- Wall and Roof Panels
- Bracing
- Base Plates and Anchors
- Doors and Windows
- Accessories
1. Main Framing
The main framing is a network of steel beams responsible for supporting the load of the building. This is the main structural element of the building and provides support and stability. Primary frames are usually made of rigid steel beams or columns, including main columns, rafters, and end wall columns.
2. Structural Framing
Secondary framing components support and connect the primary frames. Purlins and girts are horizontal beams that run along the length of the building and provide support for the roof and wall panels. Purlins make attaching wall and roof cladding sheets much more straightforward. Eave struts are used at the intersection of the sidewall and the roof.
3. Wall and Roof Panels
Steel buildings use prefabricated roof and wall panels attached to the primary and secondary framing. These panels are typically made of steel sheets with insulation options, such as fiberglass or foam, to provide thermal and sound insulation. Roof panels form the top covering of the building, while wall panels enclose the sides.
4. Bracing
Bracing elements, including diagonal braces and portal frames, are used to enhance the structural stability of the building. Braces, such as the corners and sidewalls, are usually placed strategically to resist lateral forces such as wind or seismic loads. Steel structures are known to withstand seismic activity due to the ductile property and lightness of steel. Bracing adds another element of stability.
5. Base Plates and Anchors
Base plates anchor the steel columns to the foundation, providing stability and preventing uplift. Anchor bolts are embedded in the foundation and secured to the base plates to secure the building to the ground.
6. Doors and Windows
The openings on PESBs are designed to accommodate standard-sized windows or can be customized based on the building’s requirements. Doors can be roll-up, sliding, or pedestrian doors.
7. Accessories
Various accessories are available to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the steel building. These may include skylights for natural lighting, ventilation systems, gutters and downspouts for water drainage, insulation, mezzanine floors, and more. Adding a mezzanine to a warehouse or work building helps maximize storage space and improve the overall navigability of the building.
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