If you're looking for a convenient, cost-effective alternative to conventional steel building construction, pre-engineered metal buildings are just what you're looking for.
Pre-engineered metal buildings are often used for commercial spaces, but they can be designed to meet any builder's needs.
Pre-engineered steel building systems are cost-efficient, customizable, and quicker to construct and erect than traditional standard buildings.
But what exactly is a pre-engineered metal building? We'll talk about that in the article below.
Table of Contents
- What Is Meant By Pre-Engineered?
- What Is A Pre-Engineered Metal Building?
- How Are Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings Designed?
- Pre-Engineered Buildings External Design
- Benefits of Pre-Engineered Buildings
- Common Uses For A Pre-Engineered Metal Building
- Start Your Pre-Engineered Metal Building Project
What Is Meant By Pre-Engineered?
When something is called pre-engineered, its components, including roof and wall panels, are manufactured at a factory and then sent to a construction site to be assembled on site.
It means everything is built off-site in a factory before being delivered to your job site.
Pre-engineered steel structures are a great alternative to conventional buildings.
What Is A Pre-Engineered Metal Building?
A pre-engineered metal building system is a building that is constructed with a steel frame system that supports a metal roof and wall panels. They are pre-designed to adhere to precise dimensions.
These dimensions are specific to the needs of the building owner, but other factors, including area-specific building codes, potential load problems, and environmental considerations, are also taken into account.
Pre-engineered metal building systems have the versatility to be fabricated to meet many unique requirements.
Frame components are made in manufacturing facilities and then shipped to the location to be erected. Many times, these frames are I-beams, which get their name from their shape.
I beams are created by welding steel plates together to form the section and then built together to create the frame of the building.
Naturally, there are different types of pre-engineered buildings with different frames, designs, and structures. We'll talk about several of them below.
How Are Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings Designed?
To design a pre-engineered building system as accurately as possible, metal building manufacturers have to consider the following:
- Bay spacing
- Building types
- Slope of roof
- Loads (live, dead, and collateral)
- Wind uplift
- Space between bearing points
- Deflection criteria
- The maximum practical size and weight of engineered components
- Project requirements
Pre-calculated measurements for each unique component have been utilized to engineer precise designs and measurements.
Engineers have developed programs that make pre-engineered buildings efficient and cost-effective.
Computer-aided design programs have made this process easier.
Computer technology has allowed the design and construction of pre-engineered steel buildings to become much more advanced. Many computer-aided design programs allow for 3D design and analysis before creation.
This makes the process even more cost-effective, efficient, and easier.
BIM technology has shaped and will continue to shape the future of the construction industry.
BIM uses historical data and predictions to improve projects and plan entire processes in the most efficient way possible.
3D models are better at depicting a project's reality in a way that has never been done before.
All the model changes can be done in real-time, and employees responsible for the project can access it and communicate with each other, and discuss progress.
Many construction companies combine virtual reality and augmented reality with BIM to achieve even greater results and efficiency.
Pre-Engineered Buildings External Design
Several materials can be used for the external cladding of a pre-engineered metal building system. Those materials include wood, tensioned fabric, masonry block, glass, concrete, and steel sheets.
The external cladding materials are dependent on the specific criteria delineated by the company investing in the structure.
How the building will be used and where the building is being built impacts the choice of external material.
Engineers will take into account environmental factors, use, and durability.
The idea is that a pre-engineered building has the same appearance, design, flexibility, function, and advantages of traditional construction, if not more so.
Additionally, you can have options like Cool Metal Roofing that can also give your business the look you want and keep the energy bills down.
Benefits of Pre-Engineered Buildings
There are countless benefits of using pre-engineered metal buildings. Among them are:
- Cost
- Speed of construction
- Design
- Structural integrity
- Cost Efficiency
Pre-engineered metal buildings take almost half the time of a traditional construction project to build, saving you time, labor, material, and money.
They are often more reliable, durable, and resistant to weather events like blizzards, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
Many owners interested in pre-engineered metal buildings are looking for a structure with an open, extensive interior space. There are endless options for the design of pre-engineered buildings, both inside and out.
Standard details are where most people realize the best advantage of a pre-engineered metal building.
Energy efficiency is both an economic and environmental advantage of a pre-engineered structure.
These structures are tightly sealed, require less insulation than standard buildings, and can be designed with roofing that deflects the sun's harsh rays.
Pre-engineered metal buildings can be built and adapted to suit a wide variety of applications. The advantages of this type of structure have been utilized more and more over the years.
Companies that are looking to build or expand realize the economic wisdom of investing in a structure that takes less time to design, produce, erect, and maintain.
Pre-engineered steel buildings are also expandable and easily customized to meet the needs of a growing business.
New sections can be bolted onto any side or added to the top of your existing structure.
If a section of the building is damaged, repairs can be performed easily, often using replacement parts from the original manufacturer.
Construction time, labor costs, and material costs are more predictable with a pre-engineered steel building system than with conventional construction.
With pre-engineered metal building construction, components are manufactured and shipped from a controlled site, so there are fewer labor and human error costs to consider.
Pre-engineered metal buildings prove their worth from day one, providing companies and professionals with many opportunities for expansion and growth.
Common Uses For A Pre-Engineered Metal Building
A pre-engineered metal building can be used for many applications, but here are some of the most popular.
- Agricultural- Steel is a cost-effective, low-maintenance material to keep your agricultural equipment and livestock safe. It is an easy and affordable way to provide shelter and security.
- Commercial- The costs of operation and real estate is a significant investment for commercial operations. Steel is a sound investment in the long-term success of a business, no matter the size. Various layouts can be used to create an attractive commercial steel building to use for anything from storage to big-box retailing.
- Government- Government budgets are often tight with little to no wiggle room. With the demand for public services, increasing building with steel is a great way to keep costs down. Steel has been used to produce structures ranging from fire stations to public works buildings. It helps cut costs and bring facilities into compliance. And steel makes it easy to be green.
- Storage Warehouses- Thanks to their clearspan capabilities, prefabricated metal buildings allow business owners the ideal structure to house their goods. And thanks to the durability of steel buildings, those goods are protected from elements and pests than if the structure was constructed with traditional building materials.
- Recreational Sports Facilities- Thanks to the durability and clearspan aspects of metal buildings, they are the perfect choice when constructing a sports complex or recreation center. They will allow for maximum use of the space and can be adapted or expanded in the future to allow for further accommodation.
Start Your Pre-Engineered Metal Building Project
If you're ready to build a pre-engineered metal building, don't wait any longer.
CDMG supplies pre-engineered metal buildings to clients in various industries throughout the United States and offers engineering and installation for a wide range of commercial and industrial building applications.
The metal building team offers clients the full spectrum of pre-engineered fully custom-designed metal buildings and is your source for high-quality, cost-effective buildings perfectly tailored to your unique needs.
CDMG has the flexibility to design all types of commercial buildings.
To get your pre-engineered metal building project started with CDMG, click below.
Check Out Our Other Pre-engineered Steel Building Articles:
Metal Building Sustainability | How Steel Is Recycled
How To Finance Your Metal Building
Should I Invest In A Metal Building Or Add On To My Current Building?
I'm Ben Sparhawk, the Content Writer and Marketing Account Manager for CDMG. I write to showcase the work that CDMG does and everything related to the pre-engineered metal building industry as well as their engineering capabilities. When I'm not working on content, you can find me spending time with my wife and children. You can also find me in the gym, trying to better myself, and I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking or checking out local parks.