Metal Building Basics

A qualified engineer can design an adequate foundation using the reaction charts supplied by the manufacturer of the metal building.  Reaction charts are included with the building drawings. The price of the foundation is not part of the metal building package, these costs can be provided by a qualified builder.
 
 

The Main Frames provide the main support with the distance between main frames along the length of the building being called a BAY, a bay is measured from centerline to centerline of the columns.  The endwall frames need not be as strong as the main frames because they only support one half of the roof load.
 
 

The Bearing Frame (post and beam) is our standard endwall condition.  The bearing frame is designed to support only one half bay of roof load and cannot be used to expand the building in the future.  The expandable main frame endwall is designed to support two half bays of roof load and will allow expansion of the building.  The non-expandable main frame is designed to support one half bay of roof load, but will not require any bracing and clear the endwall for large framed openings or open wall conditions.  Depending upon your requirements, a suitable solution can be found. 
 
 

The Roof Slope of a building is expressed using inches as the basic unit, a 1:12 roof slope rises 1" in every 12" measured horizontally from the side of the building across it width to the peak of the building.  Therefore a  gable symmetrical building  60' wide with a 1":12" slope will have a height of the peak above the eave line of 30".  That is half the building width in feet, times the unit of rise.  60/2*1=30" 
 
 

Clearspan Buildings allow for the maximum use of interior space which is particularly important in manufacturing plants, warehouses, offices, and retail stores where uninterrupted space is required.
 
 

A Modular Building (with interior columns) is specially designed for large buildings such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, truck terminals and retail stores.  Interior columns are either built up "H" columns or pipe columns.  H - columns are mandatory in a building with a top running crane.  Modules are defined as the space between interior columns and are limited to eight with a spacing of 20' up to 100' wide.  The modular building combines the practicality of a rigid frame with almost unlimited size flexibility. 

The Primary Framing Members are joined together by the secondary framing members to form the building bays.  The Secondary Framing Members provide the means of support and attachment of the walls and roof systems.

• Introduction
• Design Loading & Codes
• Secondary Framing
• Covering Systems
• Glossary of Terms