Constructing steel buildings
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The manufacture of a steel building is a combination of engineering, draftsmanship, ingenuity, teamwork, know-how and manufacturing expertise. Some factories fabricate all the required building components ensuring they are compatible.
[edit] Optimising the process
Pre-engineered steel buildings engineers review the building drawings for accuracy and to obtain permissions.
Actual building production begins with the input of building specifications into CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery. The CNC machinery controls all machine features including feeds and speeds.
Components of steel buildings, such as I-beams, gutters and downpipes, sidewalls and end wall panels, and even standing seam roofs are systematically manufactured in designated areas called "lines" throughout the factory. Each manufacturing line completes a specific function, automated by the use of conveyors that move the components from station to station.
[edit] Manufacturing components
The construction of rafters and columns starts at a machine that cuts the centre of the rafter or column (like the center of the letter "H"). This component moves to a holding station waiting to move to a station where certified welders tack-weld flanges and webs in place to form rafters and columns. Next these components are fused together and the welds are then checked.
Roof and sidewall panels are fabricated from steel sheeting. Large coils of metal sheeting are placed in a machine for straightening. This sheet is then cut and passed through a roll former to give it the required shape.
Machinery automates the process by which custom trim is formed. The steel passes through a straightener and is then formed into the shape required for all trim components: rake trim, corner trim, jamb trim, head trim, base trim, eave trim, rake angle, base angle, gutter straps, downpipes and gutters.
The steel building components are then loaded onto trucks to be delivered to site.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA has launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.