Farm Buildings Archives | Norsteel Buildings

Comparing Steel Buildings with Wooden Structures

Posted on March 30, 2020June 21, 2022 by Norsteel Buildings

Historically, people have turned to wood for construction because it is a familiar material that is “user-friendly”. Pole Barns and wooden structures are some of the most common building structures around. A century ago, wood was easily the best choice for materials and was found in abundance all over the world. It was inexpensive, readily available and owners usually designed and built their own structures because it provided a flexible and very forgiving erection process.

Despite the initial savings in price, over the years, steel construction has become more popular and presents significant advantages over wood. Pre-engineered steel buildings are now the method of choice for most commercial, industrial and warehouse applications. Even the agricultural and livestock sector, which traditionally has relied heavily on wood for construction, is switching to steel.

Here are some of the reasons why steel structures have become the preferred alternative to wood construction.

Comparing Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings to Structures Made from Wood

Greater Structural Strength and Integrity

Steel building components are manufactured to very rigid standards and specifications. There are no seconds or substandard materials in a pre-engineered metal building. Each part in a metal building meets strict industry standards in terms of strength; and is designed specifically for its pre-determined use in that specific metal building. This is important as we discuss the custom requirements for each particular job: Every component in a steel building is designed and manufactured to meet the strict load criteria in each individual structure, ensuring that each steel building will handle all the load requirements of its specific site location. Because of this, properly designed and assembled metal buildings have withstood hurricanes, tornadoes and extreme conditions worldwide.

Quicker, Easier, and Less Expensive to Construct

Each pre-engineered steel building component is designed and made specifically for your building. Each component is designed and manufactured to match perfectly with the others. Each piece is labelled and easy to identify and each piece is cross-referenced on the assembly drawings. This means that your steel building – regardless of size, will arrive as a perfect kit, and each piece will fit together precisely. Because each component is detailed and specifically made for each particular structure, erecting the building is quick and easy. In turn, because Steel buildings are assembled quickly and easily, they require less labour. There is little to no waste and little to no cutting, sawing or welding on-site.

Wood buildings take much longer to erect than pre-engineered packages, simply because all the components are sourced and acquired separately. There is more measuring, more cutting, more margin for error and all of this takes a significant amount of time. It also produces much more waste in total, as components must be made to fit once they arrive to the job-site.

One last consideration is that the price of wood is constantly fluctuating. Frequent lumber shortages drive the cost of wood up. This encourages the use of “green” wood in construction projects which can result in warping, cracking, and splitting. These cracks in the wood members effect seal-ability, which decreases both the energy efficiency and the structural integrity of the final structure.

Riding arenas, like those pictured above, can be built in either wood or steel but steel components are quicker to assemble, safer over the lifetime of the building, and more affordable than wood.

Safer – Over the Lifetime of the Building

Steel components won’t weather or degrade over time like wood. Steel won’t decay. Steel will remain rigid for the life of the building. This structural strength means less stress on fasteners and components; which in turn provides a safer building for years to come.

Alternatively, owners of wooden structures need to invest in continuous maintenance. With wood, wherever there is moisture close to the base, there is an opportunity for decay. Decay causes structural insecurity and increases the risk of collapse. To deal with the natural properties of wood, most wood posts are pressure treated, but this process can be poisonous to livestock or other animals if ingested.

Importantly, wood carries with it the fear of loss due to fire. One very real peace of mind that comes with choosing a Steel building is the security that your people, livestock, and your property, are safe; because steel is non-combustible.

Greater Design Flexibility

Wood structures require more interior columns for support. This takes up valuable floor space that could otherwise be used.

Because steel is much stronger than wood, it allows for much greater design flexibility. You can typically span the entire width of your building with no interior posts required and the columns can be set further apart on the sidewalls. The result is a much more open building with less weight and greater structural integrity.

When wood trusses are used to accomplish wide open spaces, they must be layered and joined in several places. This increases costs exponentially. This is why wood structures typically involve several interior posts and beams that limit the useable, clear span area, decreasing work space.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Steel components won’t warp, split, twist, swell, shrink or decay, like wood. Steel components will not have to be replaced or repaired and will remain long after the wood frame building is gone.

Pre-engineered metal buildings use a minimum heavy 26-gauge sheeting for roofing and siding, as opposed to the light 28 or 29 gauge material used on most wooden pole barns. Fasteners are also higher quality for steel buildings and won’t need to be replaced like on a typical wooden pole building. The light gauge metal sheeting on most wood pole buildings will require replacement over time, and wood runners hold moisture against the light gauge metal sheeting, causing the sheeting and the fasteners to rust prematurely. In such cases, the fasteners lose their grip and the sheeting becomes loose requiring repair or replacement. Additionally, regular high maintenance is required to escape rodents and burrowing insects, and to limit the amount of rot and mold in wooden structures.

When you chose a pre-engineered metal building, these things are not issues. Steel Structures are virtually maintenance-free.

Longer Economic Life – More Durable and Worry-Free

Steel offers maximum functionality while still maintaining the aesthetic quality many seek from wooden buildings.

Steel buildings simply don’t wear out over time like wooden structures. Barring some catastrophic event, your steel building will last a lifetime. Wooden buildings have an economic life of 15-20 years and require lots of maintenance along the way. After approximately 7 to 10 years, wood siding and roofing will have to be replaced. If non-metal roofing is used, it will also require replacement at some point. And as a wooden structure ages, wood members naturally dry out, which causes shrinking, warping, swelling and cracking. Preventing the wooden structural members from drying out is necessary to maintain a secure structure but requires continuous maintenance and a watchful eye.

In contrast, a pre-engineered metal building requires virtually no maintenance and provides decades of worry-free service.

Stronger Foundation

One of the first objections some people make to a steel building is that it requires a concrete foundation and floor, adding significantly to the initial cost of the project. A metal building doesn’t always require a full slab, although it does require concrete piers at each column location to provide proper structural stability and meet design load requirements. The required piers provide load bearing capacity and an above grade connection so that the posts are not subject to moisture and decay. Foundation requirements are dependent on building applications as well as site location. Local permit offices will assist in dictating which foundations will be deemed appropriate for specific buildings and municipalities.

While the foundation does add to the initial cost of a metal building system, the advantages over the life of the building are tremendous and outweigh the original expense.

Steel Construction is Better for the Environment

Steel is 100% recyclable and is the only recycled material that doesn’t lose strength when it is recycled. Remember that there is also no waste when a steel building is manufactured and erected, because no substantial cutting is required on-site and all cut-offs at the factory are recycled.

When compared to wooden construction which is wasteful and non-recyclable, Metal buildings are the best choice for the environment.

Steel Buildings Can Actually Save You Money – Year after Year

Apart from continuous savings related to maintenance, steel buildings are recognized with an “A” fire rating. Wood buildings instead, have a “C” rating for fire. Generally speaking, what that means is that a wood structure is more likely to burn. Many customers don’t realize that this non-combustibility factor can save significant money on insurance premiums for the life of their pre-engineered steel building.

Closing Out

Steel buildings offer many advantages over wood structures.

At first glance, the price savings afforded by a wood building may seem very attractive to customers. But when comparing different solutions for required construction, we recommend that our customers consider all the factors.

Compare all the costs – not just the initial costs for site prep, materials and labour, but also the longer term costs of ownership – costs like maintenance, repairs, and insurance. Decide how much value you place on safety and environmental friendliness, too.

When considering all the advantages, customers agree that the value of a pre-engineered steel building far outweigh the initial cost savings of a building made from wood.

Contact Us Today!

When you buy a building from Norsteel, we become your partner throughout the construction process. We work with you, or with your general contractor, to ensure that all your building requirements are met. Your project is our project, and we’ll be with you the whole way through.

For more information on specific building applications, click here to learn more about our line of products. If you have any questions or comments, click here to contact us today.

The Metal Building System

Posted on March 30, 2020November 21, 2022 by Norsteel Buildings

Most customers who are looking for a steel building have a very good idea of what they want their end project to look like. Many customers are familiar with the basic concepts and terminologies that are used to discuss structures in the Metal Building industry. All customers can benefit from a good understanding of measurements and dimensions as they process the information that they receive from their metal building provider and interact with their building consultants.

In this blog, we provide an overview of the pre-engineered steel building system. We will share some of the more popular steel building designs and go over the basic concepts of a metal building system. It is important to take some time to explain the important measurements that customers need to know and understand before they begin their search for a metal building provider.

The Metal Building System

Steel, also known as red iron, is used across a multitude of industries in the construction segment.

The Properties of Steel – What Makes Steel so Great?

The primary advantage of a steel building is its strength. Steel, as it comes from the steel mill, is incredibly versatile. It is this versatility that provides engineers with the flexibility to design Norsteel steel buildings with a high degree of accuracy. Steel is a plentiful resource – we have an abundance of it, and it is a well-accepted material world-wide. Steel has a very high degree of workability, and can be manipulated easily. It can be cut and welded, shaped and formed so that it satisfies an endless array of requirements. And steel buildings are resilient. They can take a great deal of abuse and it doesn’t wear down like other materials.

Finally, and perhaps best of all, steel is recyclable, and through the recycling process, it does not lose strength.

Building Designs

All our consultants here at Norsteel Buildings are trained to identify each customer’s specific structural requirements. Requirements are then matched to the steel building design which will fit that customer’s particular metal building specifications. Different applications and different site locations may require different designs, and not all steel buildings are created equally. Even what looks like a simple box has to be engineered to exact specifications.

At Norsteel, we supply pre-engineered steel buildings in all shapes and sizes. Because of their versatility, these steel buildings can be engineered to join to each other and to existing structures, creating an unlimited array of shapes and configurations.

Here are some of the more typical metal building designs:

I. Double Slope/Gable Steel Building

The gable steel building is a symmetrical steel structure – it is by far the most common Norsteel metal building design produced. It offers an unlimited number of optional features and is used for an unlimited number of applications.

Double slope metal buildings can also be designed to be a-symmetrical, when customers require that the peak be off-set for a specific application.

II. Single Slope Steel Building

The single slope metal building is used for several specific applications ranging from agricultural storage, to commercial facilities with solar panel installations. Single slope steel buildings are well suited in spaces with multiple structures to accommodate snow shadow from existing buildings. The single slope steel building is designed to be self-supporting.

III. Lean-To Steel Building

A lean-to steel building is designed to attach to another steel building system, or to an existing structure. It typically uses the structural support of the existing structure on the attaching side. Typical uses include car ports; porches; and drive through windows for fast food restaurants.

IV. Steel Structures with Mezzanines

Several metal building projects require a second floor. When the mezzanine is attached and supported by the metal building, it must be engineered to maintain the structural integrity of the metal building system. Norsteel can supply pre-engineered steel structures with up to 3 floors. These can be designed as partial mezzanines for viewing galleries, or full mezzanines to provide complete upper floor space.

V. Steel Structures with Cranes

Several metal building projects are designed for warehouses, mines, and manufacturing plants and must be pre-engineered to support 5-, 10-, or even 20- ton, cranes. Some steel structures have several cranes in each building. Our crane buildings are designed with a standing seam roof system to prevent leakage resulting from vibrations caused by the auxiliary load of the moving crane.

Basic Concepts of Pre-Engineered Steel Structures

Most metal building systems have four outside walls. Two of these walls we call the sidewalls and the other two walls we call the endwalls. As their names imply, the Sidewalls of a steel building are located where the roof meets the walls in a line that is parallel to the ground. In other words, Sidewalls are a consistent height. In contrast, the endwalls are not a consistent height (unless the roof is perfectly flat – which is not typically the case in pre-engineered steel buildings). The height of the endwall changes where the walls meet the roof line. Endwalls are named either left or right. Sidewalls are either front or back.

Tip: Many customers think of the left endwall as the front of their building. Make certain you are in alignment with your consultant when you are discussing each wall of your steel structure.

The line where the sidewalls meet the roof on a steel building is called the eave. It usually has trim to make it look nice in appearance and gutters to remove rain flow from the roof. The distance from the bottom of the base plate to the point where the roof meets the wall, or the eave, is called the eave height.

Tip: The eave height is important because in steel structures, we measure the height of the building according to the eave height (not the peak height). Some municipalities impose a total height restriction. If this is the case in your municipality, then your building consultant needs to be informed so that your eave height can be calculated accordingly.

In steel buildings, we refer to the spot where the two sides of the roof meet on the highest point of each endwall as the peak or ridge. The gable instead is the triangular section that runs from each eave line to the peak and from the eave line on one sidewall to the eave of the other sidewall.

Metal Building Packages from Norsteel all come equipped with trim to enhance appearance. The line where the endwall meets the roof is finished with a piece of trim known as rake fascia. The line where the sidewalls meet the endwall is finished with a piece of trim known as the corner trim. And the peak receives a plastic or metal cap that we call a peak cap.

Tip: Trim packages can be an effective way of enhancing the appearance of your steel building system. Trim is available to customers in several standard colours.

Measurements of Pre-Engineered Steel Structures

A thorough understanding of the measurements that determine size and appearance of a steel building is incredibly important both from an aesthetic and functionality point of view.

Roof Pitch

The roof pitch or slope is usually shown as rise over run.

Typical steel buildings can be designed in several different pitches, but depending on their width and application, most steel buildings are designed with a pitch that is ½-in-12 (.5:12 or .5/12), 1-in-12 (1:12 or 1/12), 2-in-12 (2:12 or 2/12) and 4-in-12 (4:12; 4/12).

For small steel buildings, like in the case of a backyard shop and garage, a roof pitch of 2/12 is by far the most common. Larger steel buildings, like warehouses or arenas, typically call for a 1/12 pitch. For buildings requiring a more traditional, residential appearance, a more defined peaked appearance such as an 8/12 pitched roof may be desirable.

Tip: When we are speaking of roof pitch we are looking at how much of a peak the roof will have. Although many customers consider the roof pitch to be incredibly important in order to establish the ideal aesthetic appearance for their steel building, the degree of slope also has intense importance in terms of snow and rain accumulation.

*Inches are used as the basic unit for roof pitch. For example, a 2:12 roof pitch means that the roof rises 2 inches for every 12 inches measured horizontally.*

Dimensions & Measurements

Like every other product in this world, steel building systems have three basic dimensions: width, length and eave height.The width is the distance from the outside of the sidewall girt on one side to the outside of the sidewall girt on the other side. The length is the distance from the outside of the endwall girt on one end to the outside of the endwall girt on the other end. The eave height is the distance from the finished floor to the point where the roof meets the sidewall.

Tip: When you are speaking with your steel building consultant, make absolutely certain that the dimensions you are discussing are clear. All metal building providers use out-to-out measurements. The interior space will be reduced in order to compensate for the rigid frame itself. If you require a definite clearance within the building, you must make certain to tell your consultant.

The most important message here is that all dimensions are taken from the outside edge of the girt to the outside edge of the girt. Clarifying these “out-to-out” measurements is crucial.

Final Thoughts

When we first meet with our customers, most of them already have a basic understanding of their structural requirements. They know how they want to be able to use their building and what needs it has to satisfy; and they have a good idea of how they want their finished structure to look.

When you are collaborating with your steel building consultant, be sure you are on the same page. When discussing locations for windows and service doors, it is important to be clear where they should be located; when talking about garage door openings or hangar door locations, it is important to understand the clearance factors involved; and when you are discussing interior clear-span, usable space, it is important that you are calculating dimensions based on out-to-out measurements.

Having a basic understanding of the concepts and terminologies used in the Metal Building industry will help customers to ensure that they are communicating the essential information to their steel building consultant. But don’t be overwhelmed.

Your building consultant is an instrumental resource in assisting you to ensure that all your needs are communicated and met. It’s our job to walk you through the entire process and to make sure that your finished steel building is exactly as you envisioned it.

Contact Us Today!

For more information on specific building applications, click here to learn more about our line of products. If you have any questions or comments, click here to contact us today.

The Rigid Frame Metal Building System

Posted on March 30, 2020November 21, 2022 by Norsteel Buildings

In a previous blog we discussed the different Metal Building Systems in the Norsteel Product line. We touched on the basic concepts and terminologies that are important for customers to understand, as they work with their Building Consultant to design the steel building that will ultimately meet all of their requirements.

As mentioned, Norsteel’s Rigid Frame Steel Building Systems, are by far our most versatile product line. Rigid Frame Metal Buildings can be customized to accommodate unlimited applications and project needs.

This is precisely because of the way they are engineered.

In this blog, we go over the structural support system of Rigid Frame Steel Building Systems. A general understanding of the structural support components will help customers to gain an appreciation of how all the components work together to provide integrity and structural support for their steel buildings. This knowledge is what allows us at Norsteel, to provide our customers with innovative, cost-saving solutions. Because once you understand how the pieces go together to produce strength and support, you also know how to provide unique design solutions without sacrificing that integrity. This in turn, allows us to be creative in our approach to every steel structure.

Rigid Frame Metal Buildings

This diagram provides an inclusive look at the main components of a rigid frame metal building system. Not all steel structures are pre-engineered with all of these components. There are options and necessities which are dependent on the steel building application, the size and, the specific building codes and loadings for your particular building on your particular site. Several components must be added when there is, for example, a mezzanine or a crane in the building; or when there is snow shadow or significant point loads. But for the most part, this diagram is a good place to begin your introduction to the basic elements that make up a simple metal building system with a Rigid Frame.

The Structural Support System

The Structural Support System of a Pre-engineered steel building is divided into 3 main parts:

The primary support system
The secondary support system and,
The bracing system

These 3 structural systems are engineered to absorb the loads and forces that are acting on the building and they transfer those loads into the foundation system.

1. The Primary Structural Support System

When we speak about the Primary Structural Support of a Pre-Engineered Steel Building, essentially, we are addressing the framing of the building. The Primary structural support system is the main support of a pre-engineered steel building. For this reason, we often refer to the primary structural support systems as the main framing system of the building. It follows that when a frame is at an Endwall, it is called an Endwall Frame, and when a frame is within the building, it is called an Interior Frame.

Rigid Frames and Endwall Frames are laid out in a carefully engineered pattern to provide the primary support for the building. The distances between the centerline of each of the frames is called a Bay. Bay Spacing is an important factor in determining the design of your structure. The required width of each bay is something that customers should consider because it will have an effect on where you are able to place windows, service doors, and larger garage, overhead and bi-fold doors along the sidewalls of your steel building.

Rigid Frame Support

The rigid frame is the most commonly used frame in pre-engineered Steel Building Systems, and so it stands to reason that it is responsible for why we identify this as a Rigid Frame Pre-Engineered Steel Building. It is the Rigid Framing System on a pre-engineered steel building which offers the structural integrity to this construction. Without the Rigid Frame, there is no pre-engineered solution.

Generally speaking, a Rigid Frame is designed to bear the load for half the bay of the roof on either side of its location.

Although the majority of Rigid Frames are typically clear-span in design, the Rigid Frame is also available in a modular version.

Clear Span Rigid Frames

By far the most frequently used primary framing in a Pre-Engineered Steel building is the Clear-Span Rigid Frame. We call these frames “Clear-Span” simply because they have no interior columns or support between the exterior columns. An amazing thing for all customers looking to achieve 100% usable interior space! In fact, it is the Clear-Span Rigid Frame that revolutionized construction and made metal buildings such an incredibly versatile and innovative investment.

The typical Rigid Frame on a steel building has tapered vertical columns and a tapered rafter. These are the I Beams of the steel building – meaning that if you took a cross-section through either a column or rafter section, you would have an I-shape.

Typically, the rigid frame is thickest in the area where the column is connected to the rafter beam. We call this area, the Haunch. The haunch is the thickest part of a Metal Building system simply because it is a load bearing spot in the building – it must support great force, and so, we must reinforce that area with steel.

Tip: Often, we have a customer who is trying desperately to achieve every square inch of usable space. In such cases, we employ a straight column rigid frame instead of our standard tapered column. This also comes in handy when we are trying to achieve a certain clearance under the haunch that we would otherwise not be able to accomplish. Rigid, Clear-span Frames with straight columns are usually less cost effective because they require the building be fortified in other (less ergonomic) areas.

Modular Rigid Frames

Often, a customer does not take issue with having a clear-span design. In such cases, we have the option of using a Modular Frame. Modular frames are simply Rigid Frames with intermediary columns, and the spacing between the intermediary columns does not have to be equal. What is important here is the understanding that these extra columns provide strength and integrity to the rigid frame, redistributing the load of the force exerted on the haunch. And because the columns provide strength and integrity to the overall structure, Modular Frames can be used to bring the overall cost of a structure down. When used where they can be hidden within the architecture (e.g., in aisles or bleachers) the use of a Modular Frame does not impact the overall design of the interior of the steel structure.

The clever use of both types of framing is one way that your experienced Norsteel Building consultant will work with you to achieve the best solution for your specific building. Depending on the application for your steel building, we may incorporate both rigid frames as well as modular frames within the same design.

Tip: The dimensions between interior columns are measured from the outside of the sidewall girt to the center-line of the first interior column. On all other interior columns, the column spacing dimension is measured from the center-line of one column to the center-line of the next column, until the last interior column is reached. The column spacing on the last interior columns is again measured from the center-line of the column to the outside of the sidewall girt.

Post & Beam Endwall Frames

The most common Endwall frames are called Post and Beam Endwalls. As the name implies, Post and Beam frames are comprised of Corner Posts, End Posts and Rake Beams. They are designed to support the load for half a bay of the roof and to support the addition of framed openings for windows, service doors and, garage or roll-up doors.

In some cases, a Post and Beam Frame may be used as an Interior frame. We call this a Recessed Endwall. In such cases, a rigid frame is used to provide a huge overhang porch and the post and beam is used in the second bay as the entrance way. Many farm-house designs are laid out in this way in order to achieve the look of a large covered front veranda. Such designs are also used for drive-through windows of retail outlets, and for some car ports.

In still other cases, the Endwall Frame must be designed as a Rigid Frame, so that the structure is already prepared for future expansion and length may be easily added to the structure at a later time. In this case, we call it an Expandable Rigid Frame Endwall. In some cases, an Endwall may be designed as a rigid frame so that it can be capable of holding the weight of a large opening or hangar door.

Tip: Metal buildings are relatively easy to expand by lengthening, which involves disassembling bolted connections in the Endwall, removing the wall, and installing an additional clear-spanning frame in its place. The removed Endwall framing can often be reused in the new location. Matching roof and wall panels are then added to complete the expanded building envelope.

2. The Secondary Structural Support System

When we are speaking about the Secondary support system of a pre-engineered metal building system, we are referring to the Purlins and Girts. These structural members are the steel components that run horizontally across the roof and walls, spanning the primary framing.

Girts and Purlins are essentially the same with the only difference being their location on the building, and they have 2 main functions: To transfer the loads to the primary framing, and to provide a surface onto which the roof and wall panels are screwed.

The Purlins

We refer to the secondary system that provides structural support to the roof as the Purlins.

Purlins run horizontally between the frames of the roof. They are all-steel, z-shaped members. The purlins on a rigid frame steel building are typically 8 and 10 inches deep, but are available in 12 and 14 inches when loading conditions require thicker reinforcement. The depth of the purlin as well as the spacing, is determined by the engineering itself and is dictated by both the design of the structure as well as its location.

The job of the purlins is to transfer roof loads to the primary structural support system, which in turn transfers the loads to the foundation.

The Girts

We refer to the secondary system that provides structural support to the walls as the Girts.

Girts run horizontally between the frames of the walls and are attached to the columns.They are Z-shaped, similar to the purlins on the roof, and also come in C-shape which can be used around framed openings. The Girts take the loads imposed on the covering system and transfer them to the frames, which in turn, transfer them to the foundation.

The spacing of the Girts, varies with the load imposed on them. The depth of the Girts used in a structure is also determined by the particular loading requirements for that structure. Like purlins, girts are typically 8 or 10 inches in depth. Occasionally, 12 and 14 inch secondary members are necessary for specific applications and site locations.

Inset and Bypass Girts

Endwall Girts: The Girts on the Endwalls are Inset within the post and beam framing. This means that the girt is flush with the primary framing and does not take away any clear space from the interior of the structure.

Sidewall Girts: On the Sidewalls of the structure, standard practice is to provide bypass girts. All software design programs default to this type of girt. This means that the girt bypasses the frames and is attached on the outside of the primary frame line. In many cases, you have the option to recess, or inset the Girts within the framing. When customers are trying to maximize interior space, we use flush or inset girts as opposed to bypass girts.

Tip: It is important to take the diminished clearance imposed by the structure itself into consideration, when determining the actual measurements of interior space.

One last thing to mention when we are discussing secondary structural members of a metal building rigid frame system, is that the Eave Strut is located at the intersection of the roof and the exterior wall. It acts as both the first Purlin and the last Girt. This is important because the building eave height is measured to the top of this steel member.

3. The Bracing System

The final structural support system of a Rigid Frame Steel Building is the Bracing system. As its name implies, the bracing system functions to resist the forces of the elements and to transfer these loads to the secondary and primary framing systems. There are several types of Bracing Systems that are used in Pre-engineered Steel Buildings. The most common are Rod Bracing; Portal Frames and Diaphragm Bracing.

Rod Bracing

Rod bracing or X-Bracing, is by far the most common type of bracing used to brace the building against forces from the elements, on a steel building system. The rod bracing in a steel structure is found in the roof between the rafters, and in the walls between the columns. Where the bracing goes and how much is needed depends on the design of the building and its location. A structure that is situated in a municipality with high wind load for example, will require more bracing than one in a different municipality with mild wind. Likewise, a structure designed with an open wall, will require more bracing than a structure that is completely closed.

Tip: The location of Rod Bracing on a rigid frame steel structure is pre-engineered and cannot be moved on site without seriously affecting the integrity of the metal building system. When you work with your Building Consultant to arrive at a design that you are happy with, one important thing to discuss is the location of service doors and windows. Although both are field located (meaning that their precise and final locations can be determined on the job site), it is important to ensure that the bracing for the building will not interfere with the desired openings.

Portal Frames

Where it is not an option to use X-Bracing in a steel building, or when we require more strength in order to provide rigidity and structural stability to the metal building, a portal frame is used. Essentially, a portal frame is a rigid frame that is pre-engineered to reinforce the steel structure. By lining the bay along the sidewall of the metal building, the portal frame reinforces the structure to resist strong longitudinal loads. Typically, if there is a portal frame on one side of the building, there is also a corresponding portal frame directly across from it, on the other side of the structure.

Tip: Again, here it is important to take the diminished clearance imposed by the structure itself into consideration, when determining the actual measurements of interior space. The portal frame is as thick as a rigid frame and will add significant feet in all directions. Make certain to discuss the minimal clearance available in each bay with your Building Consultant so that you are clear what size door openings will fit in the space.

Diaphragm Bracing

Another type of bracing that is used to establish structural integrity in a pre-engineered steel building is Diaphragm Bracing. Diaphragm Bracing is inherent in most metal building systems, and results from the presence of the cladding – the exterior panels, that cover the primary and secondary framing of the steel building. Cladding provides the building with aesthetically pleasing colour, and it obviously finishes the wall and roof skeleton of the building. In doing so, it provides yet another defensive bracing system against the loadings that impinge on the structure itself.

Tip: There are several different options for Wall and Roof systems. Insulated Metal Panels; stucco finishes, faux wood and brick options – Wall cladding comes in several different configurations and several colours. The possibilities are numerous and will be discussed in more detail in future blogs.

Closing Out

In this blog, we went over the structural support system of the Rigid Frame Steel Building System. We discussed the primary and secondary structural systems and we discussed bracing. We discussed how these 3 structural systems are engineered to work together to absorb the loads and forces that are acting on the steel building and to transfer those loads into the foundation system.

An understanding of these structural components will help customers to gain an appreciation for the engineering behind their steel buildings, and how they are constructed. It will help them to plan for the design of their steel structures and for the location of functional access items like doors and windows. Understanding the structural support systems of Rigid Frame Steel Buildings – how they are engineered to work together and why they are important in the design of their structures, is a great way for customers to begin a dialogue with their Building Consultant. It will also help customers to discuss construction when they are working with general contractors and erecting crews.

Here we have provided a general overview of the structural support system of a Metal Building System that uses a Rigid Frame design. In a future blog, we will discuss other components, things like door and window framing; gutters and downspouts; overhangs, insulation, and other accessories which can be added to all our Pre-engineered Steel building products.

Click the button below to download Norsteel’s rigid frame brochure.

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Contact Us Today!

For more information on specific building applications, click here to learn more about our line of products. If you have any questions or comments, click h e re to contact us today.

The Norsteel Product Line

Posted on March 27, 2020November 21, 2022 by Norsteel Buildings

Norsteel was initially founded to provide Pre-engineered Metal Buildings for large scope Industrial, Commercial and Warehousing operations.

For years, we focused on designing complex projects for airports, fire halls and hockey arenas. We designed and supplied customers with pre-engineered steel building solutions with multiple cranes, and mezzanines; metal buildings spanning hundreds of feet in width; steel buildings used for shopping malls and churches, and post-disaster buildings for electrical facilities. We provided customers with incredible solutions for mining projects and we shipped them to incredibly remote locations.

This was, and remains, our specialty – large-scale, customized projects which require out-of-the-box thinking and strategy to accomplish. We excel in finding pre-engineered solutions to satisfy conventional architecture and welcome the challenges of new and adventurous projects. Over the past 20 years, our product scope has grown to include an exciting array of diverse applications. Backyard shops and garages; workshops and mini storage; specialized buildings for grow-ops and food storage. We are always learning and always extending our reach. And because we are so passionate about the steel building solutions that we supply, we never stop increasing our desire to push our scope of work and our knowledge just a little bit further.

Continuing to deliver on our commitment to our customers, we are always researching new products, new cladding, new roof systems, and new types of insulation. Our consultants are continuously training on new innovations and new applications. Part of our Customer Satisfaction approach to service mandates that at Norsteel, we are constantly assessing our customers’ needs and adapting our offerings to include all types and sizes of Metal Building Solutions.

Our Pre-Engineered Metal Building Packages

Generally speaking, at Norsteel, we design two main types of pre-engineered steel buildings for our customers:

1. Rigid Frame Metal Buildings

A significant portion of our business is focused on Rigid Frame Steel Structures. One of our greatest strengths in this space is our ability to match each individual project to the building type that has the best suited design.

While there are always subtle differences, our Rigid Frame Packages are actually very similar in terms of their structural components. The structural support system is divided into the primary support framing system, the secondary support system of girts and purlins, and the bracing system. Rigid Frame Metal buildings can be used for all applications – simple to complex; small to large. They provide incredible versatility with virtually no limitations.

For more information, click the button below to download our rigid frame brochure.

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Rigid frame metal buildings can be used for any number of applications. They are ideal for small as well as large buildings like those pictured above.

C-channel buildings are named for the “C” shape of the support beams used in them. C-channel buildings are ideal for DIY steel building kits, garages, workshops, and other such residential uses.

2. C-Channel Metal Buildings

Recently, we have added a new product line, the EasyBuild steel building kit, to our list of offerings. The EasyBuild is very similar to the Rigid Frame steel building, but uses a series of back to back c-channels in order to achieve the structural integrity of an I-frame.

Our EasyBuild Models are an ideal offering for garages and workshops which are 35’ in width or smaller. They are efficient and economical, and the best solution for customers who wish to purchase a do-it-yourself steel building project. But the EasyBuild system has limitations that the Rigid Frame does not: The EasyBuild is only offered in a Gable style steel building; it is limited by high snow and seismic loads; and because it relies on diaphragm bracing, it cannot be designed with extensive openings on the Sidewalls of the building.

For more information on our EasyBuild steel building kits, click the button below to download a brochure.

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Our Conventional and Hybrid Metal Building Packages

We often have customers who provide us with architectural drawings and engineering plans that have already been used to organize and plan a Conventional Steel Building project. Through our manufacturing partners, Norsteel has the ability to provide customers with conventional all-steel solutions. Alternatively, we can provide hybrid solutions which incorporate the best properties of a conventional building solution with those of a pre-engineered steel structure. In this way a hybrid steel solution is often the optimal choice because it satisfies a range of conventional applications while maintaining the economic benefits of a pre-engineered steel structure.

Often we have customers who seek our assistance in order to transform their Conventional architectural design into a Pre-engineered metal building solution. These customers understand the advantages that are inherent in a pre-engineered steel building design and want to benefit from the savings in material and construction costs, as well as in the currency they gain as a result of faster occupancy.

Most often, the design team at Norsteel is able to transition the Conventional design into a Pre-Engineered Steel Building project very easily. And the transition does not affect the final outcome of the project in any architectural manner.

Ideally, when you contact Norsteel first, our highly experienced design team and advanced engineering software allows us to design your structure in-house, saving you the initial expense associated with high-priced engineers and architectural firms. Our team of design experts will work with you to completely understand your project and then will provide you with preliminary structural designs to address your specific requirements. Customers will still need the architectural and engineering firms to incorporate all the bells and whistles, but they will do it from the drawings that we provide which will save both time and money.

For more information on our Conventional & Hybrid building systems, click the button below to download a brochure.

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Conventional & Hybrid building packages can be used for all-metal building systems pictured above, or for buildings which combine different materials shown below.

A Final Word

Buying a metal building system can be an overwhelming process.

At Norsteel our consultants have the experience to tackle any project, regardless of size or complexity. Big or small, simple or complex, our experienced team is trained to listen to all of your specifications so that they can create the most compatible marriage between your requirements and the ideal Metal Building Solution, at the best value.

And remember, although at Norsteel we are primarily known for our Pre-engineered steel buildings, in actuality, we have the capacity to offer a complete product line of Metal Building Solutions. So, if a pre-engineered steel building does not suit your specific requirements, we can work with you to provide a conventional all-steel structure or a hybrid of the two.

When customers come to Norsteel, their building needs and requirements are thoroughly assessed so that we can provide a “best-fit approach” to excellence. In this way, we will provide the best structural solution to suit your actual needs – appropriately; efficiently; exactly.

The possibilities are endless.

Contact Us Today!

For more information on specific building applications, click here to learn more about our line of products. If you have any questions or comments, click here to contact us today.

What is a Pre-Engineered Metal Building?

Posted on March 25, 2020November 21, 2022 by Norsteel Buildings

When we talk about pre-engineered steel buildings, what we’re talking about are structures which have been custom designed using software and then manufactured in a plant to be shipped to the customer as a completely pre-engineered kit. Everything is included and arrives at the job site on a flat-bed truck as a neatly wrapped package. The entire package – frame, roofing, components – is made from steel, one of the strongest and most durable materials on the planet.

Simply Put, Anything Goes…

The beauty of the pre-engineered steel building is that it can provide clear-span interior space, which can be used to satisfy virtually any customer requirement. Applications are endless. We will go through this more in detail later, but suffice it to say that our buildings are suitable for industrial, commercial, residential, agricultural and recreational uses.

As odd as it may sound, I’m more than a little passionate about the topic, so here’s a little history that I’ve picked-up over the years.

A History of Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings

The official-sounding term pre-engineered building came into use in the 1940s as a way to refer to all metal building systems that used a rigid frame design. These buildings were called “pre-engineered” because like their (distant) ancestors – the Quonset Hut – they relied on standard engineering designs for a limited number of standardized configurations.

Here is a quick overview of how steel building design and construction has evolved over the years:

1940s: First, improvements in technology were constantly expanding the maximum clear-span capabilities of metal buildings. The first rigid-frame steel buildings introduced in the late 1940s could span only 40’ in width. Within a few years though, progressive widths of 50-, 60-, and then 70-ft buildings became possible; and by the late 1950s, rigid frames with 100-ft spans were made. That meant 100 feet of clear span width – no posts and no beams inside to obstruct the usable interior.

1950s: Along with the expansion of building size during the 1950s, this era also saw the introduction of a new manufacturing process which produced ribbed metal panels. Before this time, all metal buildings looked the same – they had the old, tired, corrugated panels like the Quonset Huts that looked industrial. The ribbed panel was flatter and more aesthetically pleasing.

history of pre-engineered steel buildings — In the early days, steel was strictly functional and lacked any aesthetic appeal.

colourful pre-engineered steel buildings — Advances in the 60s and 70s made it possible to create colourful, functional and aesthetically pleasing buildings like the one seen here.

1960s: What made these panels even more wonderful is that by the 1960’s, they were produced in colour. And at about the same time, continuous span cold-formed Z purlins were invented, the first factory-insulated panels were developed, and the first UL-approved metal roof appeared on the market.

But here’s the best part…during the 1960’s the first computer-designed metal buildings made their debut. Up until this time, all designs were done manually by engineers and design teams, so with the advent of computerization, as long as the purchaser could be restricted to standard designs, the buildings could be pre-engineered in limitless widths.

This marked the beginning of the metal Building BOOM….

1970s: As time passed and software became increasingly advanced, the original pre-engineered buildings were no longer restricted to standard designs. Metal building manufacturers could easily design and engineer buildings in different shapes and limitless sizes, with limitless openings for doors and windows. The number of potential applications exploded, as there were no longer required standardized size restrictions because each building was customized and designed taking into consideration each customers’ specific unique requirements and location.

Building Applications

Norsteel Buildings can be designed to suit unlimited applications. This is the most incredible thing about pre-engineered metal buildings – versatility. Our structures can be the solution for virtually every structural requirement.

Commercial pre-engineered steel buildings

Commercial Buildings

Mini-Storage Facilities
Restaurants
Car Dealerships
Convenience Stores
Car Washes
Mechanic Garage
Trades/Fabricator Shops
Retail Outlets
Office Space
Boat Storage
Aircraft Hangars

Community Facilities

Community Centre
Town Hall Meeting Facilities
Village Government Offices
Youth Centres
Tourist Information Centres
Cultural Centres
Health Centres
Search & Rescue Service Centres
Town Fire Halls
Pre-school/Day-care
Camp Bunkers
Elementary Schools
Churches

Agricultural pre-engineered steel buildings

Agricultural Buildings

Livestock Housing
Barns- Horse Barn; Dairy Farm
Dog Kennel
Produce (Tobacco, Grains) Storage
Tractor and Equipment Storage
Hydroponics Farming
Community Farmers’ Market
Fishery Service Centres
Marijuana Grow-op Facilities

Industrial pre-engineered steel buildings

Industrial Buildings

Warehousing
Manufacturing Plants
Truck Storage
Mining
Oil and Gas
Cement & Construction
Facilities
Forestry Equipment and
Logging Storage
Recycling/Garbage Storage

Backyard Shops/Garages

Snowmobile Storage
Automobile Garage
Self- Storage
Mechanic Garage
Small Equipment Storage
Artist Studios
RV Storage

Recreational pre-engineered steel buildings

Recreational Facilities

Golf Course
Hockey Arenas
Sport Complexes
Bingo & Pool Halls
Swimming Pool Facilities
Riding Arenas

Benefits of Pre-Engineered Steel/Metal Buildings

A pre-engineered steel or metal building can save significant time, energy and money compared to a building that has to be designed and built from the ground up. This can help with affordability for those working with limited budgets, or those who are on a short timeline and concerned about the expenditure of such an undertaking.

Indeed, a pre-engineered steel building can cut a lot of the headache, time and cost out of erecting a workspace or a large storage area for people, various bits of machinery or other needs. In fact, a pre-engineered metal building makes for a much easier build process that can be set up and assembled in just days instead of the weeks or months of a traditional building.

Here are some other benefits of pre-engineered steel/metal buildings.

Pre-Engineered Steel/Metal Buildings Are Cost-Effective

While a pre-engineered steel building may cost more upfront than simply buying the materials for a traditional wood structure, you’ll save far more money on the backend due to low labour and assembly costs. Not only are pre-engineered steel buildings incredibly tough and made to stand the test of time, but they’re also much easier and cost-effective to work with, which can really help you keep those labour costs down and shorten your project timelines.

Pre-Engineered Steel/Metal Buildings Are Flexible

Everyone knows that steel is rigid and strong. But did you know that a pre-engineered steel building provides an almost endless amount of design options and flexibility? Because pre-engineered metal buildings are designed to use the least amount of material possible to create a rigid and strong structure, you can always take a wall out, add an addition to the building, or whatever else strikes you. Or, if you need to swap out that small entrance with a huge, hangar-style door, you can do that too. Customize to your heart’s content or make changes down the line as your needs change – pre-engineered steel makes it all possible.

Pre-Engineered Steel/Metal Buildings Are Worry-Free

Unlike traditional buildings that need to be constantly checked on and maintained, especially after storms and other inclement weather, pre-engineered steel building designs are made to take much of the guesswork and worry out of it. Not only is steel great against high winds, dust storms, torrential downpours and snowstorms, but steel buildings are also highly resistant to bugs and insects such as termites and other pests because the steel provides no nourishment or place to hide.

A pre-engineered steel or metal building can save significant time, energy and money compared to a building that has to be designed and built from the ground up. That can make building a new building more affordable and financially viable for individuals and organizations that may be dealing with limited budgets and concerns with regard to the timeline and expenditure of such an undertaking.

Here are some other benefits of pre-engineered steel/metal buildings.

Pre-Engineered Steel/Metal Buildings Are Cost-Effective

While a pre-engineered steel building may cost more up front than simply buying the materials for a traditional wood structure, you’ll save far more money on the backend due to low labor and assembly costs. Not only are pre-engineered steel buildings incredibly tough and made to stand the test of time, but they’re also much easier and cost-effective to work with, which can really help you keep those labor costs down and shorten the timeline between inception and a completed building.

Pre-Engineered Steel/Metal Buildings Are Maintenance-Free

As opposed to traditional buildings that quickly start falling apart as soon as they’re put into service — and sometimes even earlier! — a pre-engineered steel building is designed to provide years and decades of faithful service under the elements, no matter what Mother Nature tries to throw at it. That can make long-term maintenance costs for a pre-engineered metal building less of a concern than it would be for just about any other type of building, and it also means having a building that looks and functions great year after year.

Pre-Engineered Steel/Metal Buildings Are Flexible

Everyone knows that steel is rigid and strong. But did you know that a pre-engineered steel building provides an almost endless amount of design options and flexibility? Because pre-engineered metal buildings are designed to use the least amount of material possible to create a rigid and strong structure, you can always take a wall out and add on to the building to meet your growing needs. Or, if you need to swap out that small entrance with a huge, hangar-style door, you can do that, too. Customize to your heart’s content or make changes down the line as your needs change — pre-engineered steel makes it all possible.

Pre-Engineered Steel/Metal Buildings Are Worry-Free

Unlike traditional buildings that need to be constantly checked on and maintained, especially after storms and other inclement weather, pre-engineered steel building designs are made to take much of the guesswork and worry out of it. Not only is steel great against high winds, dust storms, torrential downpours and snowstorms, but they’re also impervious to bugs and insects such as termites and other pests because the steel provides no nourishment or even a place to hide. Furthermore, when it comes to the simple passing of time, a pre-engineered steel building is your best defense against the things that are all fighting to take your building down.

Learn More About Building Applications

The reliability of steel, coupled with the advances in technology over the years has led to a virtually limitless number of steel building applications, far more than what are listed here. Click here to learn more about potential building applications, and how steel is the perfect building material for your next project.

Why Choose Norsteel Buildings?

Posted on March 24, 2020November 21, 2022 by Norsteel Buildings

Looking for a steel building can be an overwhelming process for many customers. There are several different Metal building providers and each has their own way of working with their customers. In today’s world, many of our purchases are made over the telephone or computer, so knowing a company’s reputation is critical: look for testimonials from past customers; delve into the history of each company; don’t be afraid to ask for referrals or for customers you can visit in your area.

Most of all, don’t be pressured. Buying a steel building is no small task. Take your time. You should feel comfortable with your consultant and the knowledge that they have. Before purchasing your building, make sure all your questions have been answered to your complete satisfaction.

Every company has their own etiquette. Every company has their own expectations for their consultants and how they conduct the relationships they have with customers.

Here is a little bit about our culture here at Norsteel.

Norsteel’s Mission Statement

At Norsteel we pride ourselves on maintaining integrity and honesty within our competitive drive to maintain our position as a leader in the steel building industry. Our brand is associated with respect and accountability for our customers, consultants and for our manufacturing partners.

Norsteel is able to maintain its position as an industry leader because we provide customers with a superior product at competitive prices and with exceptional service. Our company-wide mandate is to achieve and maintain the highest level of excellence in customer service experience and industry leading customer satisfaction.

Why Choose Norsteel?

What sets us apart from our competition is a strict adherence to three very important principles:

HONESTY – INTEGRITY – ACCOUNTABILITY

This is the basis of Norsteel’s Customer Satisfaction Service. We have no pitch, no cheesy gimmicks. We don’t apply pressure and we won’t call you 5 times every day.

We actually insist that our customers form a fully educated and comfortable partnership with us. When a customer comes to Norsteel, we want them to realize that we are part of their team, that our service is top-notch and that we will be with them every step of the way…and we are.

No matter the size of the project, customers who come to Norsteel receive access to a team of people. From the consultant who has expert product knowledge, to the engineering team that provides the drawings, to the operations manager who communicates deliveries; our team is available, consistently and conveniently – because your project is as important to us, as it is to you.

Norsteel’s Customer Satisfaction approach to service is a Multi Stage process of interaction that begins when a consultant is appointed to your project.

Our Consultants

Each consultant at Norsteel goes through several interviews and an extensive, intense training period before being offered a position.

When we look for people to join our team, it is essential that they embody the values of our company. We don’t look for hungry sales people. We look for people who will be trusted advisors to our customers; people who can co-ordinate with professionals at all stages in project development; people who form relationships and interactive bonds that are important to them. Trustworthy people.We want our customers to feel comfortable that they are dealing with people who are competent to answer their questions and we want them to feel confident that they are backed by a company rich in steel building knowledge and experience.

Understanding our customer’s needs and specifications is essential in ensuring that we are providing the structure that satisfies your specific project requirements.

We believe that it is a mistake to attempt to sell anyone a steel building until we understand their situation, budget and need for the building. In our experience, this is one of the most common problems encountered by customers. Far too often, we encounter customers who are unhappy with other companies because no one has taken the time required to uncover what they actually need and want before pressuring them to purchase a “clearance sale building”. This is NOT the Norsteel way.

Our consultants don’t use pressure to force a sale. Taking the time to understand as much as possible about our customers and prospects is an absolute must.

Our Relationship with Our Customers

At Norsteel, we provide a service, not just a structure. This is the first lesson that new consultants learn when they begin their training process. And that service begins with the customer’s first inquiry.

When you contact Norsteel, you can expect to be addressed professionally by a consultant who has the experience to discuss your project and site in depth; your consultant will ask questions about soil conditions, wind exposure and the location and proximity of other buildings on your site. Your consultant won’t pitch a clearance building with a generic box design, and they won’t expect you to adapt your needs to a building they have on sale.

Consultants at Norsteel will talk to you about your requirements, not only those of today but also what you may require tomorrow as your family or business evolves, and they will help you to come up with a clear understanding of all the possible options.

Once they have a thorough understanding of everything that you require, your consultant will provide you with a comprehensive design that addresses your specific, unique project. They will provide a complete proposal that clearly outlines all the inclusions for your project. And they will follow-up to go through the proposal and answer any of your questions until you are completely satisfied that you have all the information to make an informed steel building purchase.

Our Customer Satisfaction Service is an educative approach to providing customers with knowledge. But our services don’t stop with the sale.

Customers who purchase a Norsteel building receive correspondence regularly so that they know what is happening each step of the way: during engineering, production, and delivery. They have an entire team of people to work with, so any questions they have can be answered quickly and efficiently. And once the building is delivered, and the erection process begins, customers feel comfortable reaching out with questions and correspondence, often sending us pictures and videos of their finished buildings and sharing the end results.

Once you own a Norsteel Building, you are part of the Norsteel family and we will follow-up with you, year after year.

Satisfied customers are the foundation of our company. At Norsteel, we pride ourselves on maintaining good relationships – past, current and recurring. In fact, many of our current prospects come from customer referrals and recommendations. And there is no greater testimony of a customer’s satisfaction, and no better compliment for our company, then that endorsement.

Let Our Customers Do the Talking

Customer satisfaction is ultimately why we do what we do at Norsteel, but don’t just take our word for it – click here to visit our testimonials page where you can hear firsthand accounts from Norsteel customers about how their building project has added business value, exceeded expectations, or simply made them happy.

An Introduction to Building Foundations

Posted on March 5, 2020November 21, 2022 by Norsteel Buildings

In last month’s blog series, we examined the permit process and the early stages of a new construction project. We looked in detail at what documents and information are required to begin planning for a new steel building project, and how you should get a jump on this stage of the process during the winter months, so your project is ready to break ground during the warmer months. However, now that the worst days of winter are behind us – hopefully – we turn our attention to the next stage of the build process.

From now until the end of Spring, we will focus on the foundation system of metal buildings. We will discuss in detail, what foundations do and what types of foundations are suitable to support a steel building system. The first step is distinguishing where the steel building itself ends, and where the foundation begins.

What is a Foundation?

Simply put – the foundation is the lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground.

Although foundations are not part of the typical metal building package that is shipped to your build-site, all our building systems are built on top of a foundation. For this reason alone, you should have a general understanding of what a foundation is and what role it plays in the overall structure of a building. It’s also important to understand how a foundation will impact the overall cost of your structure.

The foundation required in the erection of a Pre-Engineered building generally involves a concrete slab with concrete footings (see adjacent image). The footing is extra concrete, usually rectangular in shape, poured and formed under a column or some other structural support member of the building. A footing distributes the load carried by the building system support members into the supporting soil.

Connecting Structure to Foundation

When a customer orders a metal building system, the structure is carefully engineered taking into account the appropriate buildings codes and loads of their structure and their particular site location. Careful calculations are made which seek to measure the precise concentrated loads at each spot where a column meets the floor of the foundation.

It is at this connection point on each column that a metal base plate is required. This pre-punched metal plate is the connecting plate that joins the building to the foundation. The metal base plate is pre-punched to fit over the anchor bolts.

Foundation Base Plate — This is an example of a base plate; where a column is connected to the underlying foundation.

Who Designs the Foundation?

Just as your building will be designed and stamped by a structural engineer who is certified to practice in your specific province or state, so too will your foundation be designed and stamped by a foundation engineer who is specialized and certified for your specific area.

Once your building has been engineered, within the permit drawings package, you will be provided with precise locations for the positioning of anchor bolts within the foundation. You will also be provided with building reactions. These are specific to each structure and are important calculations on which your foundation must be based.

Foundation Drawing permit office — The anchor bolt layout drawing above shows exactly where each column will meet the ground.

Metal Base Plate — Each metal base plate connects to the foundation with anchor bolts – this drawing shows the required diameter.

Building Reactions — Calculation are made regarding the precise concentrated loads at each spot where a column meets the floor.

You will take the permit drawings for your building, to a foundation engineer who will design a foundation to meet the requirements of your specific structure and site location.

There are many different choices for your foundation. Together with your foundation engineer, you will determine which foundation suits your soil conditions, specific location and the application for your building.

How To Create a Metal Building Foundation

If you’re considering erecting a metal building, you’ll first need a foundation for the building to rest on. Not only is the foundation a crucial piece of how strong and rigid the metal building will be, but the foundation will also help protect the metal components from corrosion and other damage as a result of excess moisture or water.

That said, while you can certainly try it yourself, it’s often best to hire a concrete contractor to do the work for you. After all, problems with a foundation can jeopardize the integrity of any building that sits on top, and that could be a real danger for the equipment or people inside. In addition to following industry standards and best practices, a contractor experienced in laying foundations will also help you avoid common pitfalls and give your new building the best chance of standing the test of time.

But before any work can start, you’ll need to secure a building permit first. A building permit is what allows you to create that metal building foundation, as well as erecting the building that sits on it. If you neglect this step, you could end up facing fines and other penalties, and you may even be required to tear down your building, or a significant part of it, after it’s all said and done. That’s because inspections and the permitting process can be extensive, and if you just barrel ahead and hope to figure it out later, it can mean significant backtracking, if not an eventual reboot of the entire project.

Once you’ve secured the building permit, the next step is to decide on metal building foundation details like where the building will go and the exact footprint of the building. To keep things simple, and especially if you’re using one of our pre-engineered steel building kits, you’ll want to stick to classic rectangular designs instead of going with something more complicated. Keep in mind that things like soil and drainage are important when it comes to the longevity and integrity of your metal building and its foundation, so make sure you get the opinion of a professional and exhaust all avenues and options before moving forward.

Now it’s time to prep the site for the foundation. Hire surveyors to stake the area and clear away any trees, shrubs or rocks. While you can certainly try to level the ground by hand, it’s often best to hire a professional. They’ll be able to advise you on the type of foundation your metal building needs, whether it’s a ground mount or concrete slab. For longevity, a concrete slab is best, though in instances of metal garages and other storage areas, you may be able to get away with a ground mount foundation.

Depending on the type of metal building foundation you opt for, specialized work will be required to create a foundation that will enhance your metal building’s strength, not detract from it. After the foundation cures, you’ll be able to start assembly up top. However, keep in mind that improper curing can reduce the strength of your foundation by up to 50 percent, jeopardizing the integrity of the building itself.

Get Started Today!

Foundations are a critical component of the full building package. When you engage Norsteel we become your partner throughout the entire construction process. Click here to contact us today for a free, no obligation quote on your next building project!

What to Bring With You To the Permit Office

Posted on February 25, 2020November 21, 2022 by Norsteel Buildings

In this month’s blog series, we’ve outlined some of the benefits of starting your building project in the winter. Cold winter temperatures make it difficult to actually break ground and begin construction on a new building project. However, there are earlier steps in the construction process that you can tackle over the winter which will help you beat the summer rush. Namely, applying for building permits at your municipal permit office.

Consulting with the experts at Norsteel should always be your first step in the building process, but your second step should involve a visit to the permit office. While there are a handful of documents and forms that you’ll almost always require to apply for a building permit, not every municipality is exactly the same. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to visit your local permit office and ask for more information on what documents you’ll need to submit depending on the size, location, and functionality of your building.

However, as stated previously, there are a handful of documents that you can be certain your local permit office will want to see before they can review your application. Let’s examine these documents and look at some examples of what might be included in each.

Structural Drawings

If you want to acquire a building permit, you’ll need to submit a set of structural drawings which detail how your building will be built. Structural drawings are prepared by professional engineers and need to be certified – via an official seal or stamp – by an engineer who has the required certifications from the province or state in which the building is being built.

When you buy a building from Norsteel, we take care of this part for you. You will work with your own personal consultant and design team to produce a set of preliminary drawings. These drawings may change several times as you work through your structure and discuss your specific needs and requirements. Once you are 100% satisfied with the design, the engineering department takes over and produces a customized set of permit drawings for your specific building. These permit drawings are carefully engineered taking into consideration the specific codes/loads for your site location as well as the load requirements for your building’s intended use. No two sets of permit drawings are alike. These drawings, once completed, will be stamped and signed by the engineer who is responsible for your structure. He or she must be licenced to practise in your province or state.

Structural drawings provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the load-carrying components of a structure, and of how they connect with one another. Structural drawings also provide an overview of the types of materials that will be used in the construction of the building (e.g., types and quantities of structural columns, connectors and support attachments, and fasteners/bolts.)

While structural drawings are required for permit approval, they also include detailed instructions that contractors can use to provide you with an accurate timeline for construction as well as a complete quote for the assembly of your building. These documents can and should also be included in any contract documents you sign with a contractor – this ensures that the scope and size of your building project is clearly outlined beforehand and that both you and your contractor agree on what will be included in the construction of your building.

Structural Drawing permit office — The drawing above offers a detailed overview of the rigid frame of a sample structure. The frame is the basis for a building’s structural support.

Below are some additional samples of drawings that would be included in your project’s package of permit drawings.

Foundation Drawings

In order to have your building project approved by the municipality, your permit office will also request a foundation drawing for your proposed project.

Within the permit drawings for your structure, you will be provided with precise locations for columns and the positioning of anchor bolts within the foundation. You will also be provided with building reactions. These are specific to each structure and are important calculations on which your foundation must be based.

With these structural drawings in hand, you will engage a foundation engineer to design a foundation that will meet the requirements of your specific structure and site location. Just as your permit drawings are stamped by a licensed engineer for your province, so too will your foundation drawings be stamped by a foundation engineer who is certified for your location. Again, Norsteel can assist you in finding and working with a certified foundation engineer.

Additional Documents

The permit office will also need you to provide an updated site plan that includes information on all other structures on the property, along with accurate measurements of current property lines and boundaries. Depending on the location of your site, the permit office may also require that the owner provide things like soil testing and water drainage reports.

Depending on the complexity and intended use of your final building project, the permit office might also request that you provide information on electrical, plumbing, HVAC and insulation. The required complexity and detail of these forms will depend entirely on the specifics of your project, and can range from simple forms, to full architectural and engineered drawings that show precise locations, weights, and dimensions.

For large, complex projects, or small ones in complex locations, the end user typically consults with a general contractor who will be familiar with all the requirements and with the permit office itself. For do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, we always advise the customer to go to their municipal permit office before purchasing any metal building package, so that all the requirements are clear upfront.

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Occupancy Ratings: What You Need to Know

Posted on February 18, 2020November 21, 2022 by Norsteel Buildings

In a previous blog, we discussed how all steel buildings must be custom engineered taking into consideration the specific building codes and loads for their specific site location. We talked about the importance of understanding the specific Codes and Loads in the design of a metal building system.

Just as there are differences in structural design that correspond to different environmental conditions, there are also differences in design that relate directly to occupancy rating.

What Are Human Occupancy Ratings?

As the name implies, the occupancy rating is a designation given to a structure based on the number of human beings that the structure’s application would typically require or dictate. In general, the more people a building needs to protect, the stronger the building is required to be.

Buildings can fall into one of four occupancy rating categories:

Low Human Occupancy
Normal Human Occupancy
High/Substantial Human Occupancy
Post-Disaster/Essential

The majority of structures are designated as Normal Human Occupancy by the permit office. This is the catch-basin for all structures that do not fit into any of the other categories. Therefore, it is easier to distinguish what is NOT Normal Human Occupancy to understand what that category actually includes. With that said, let’s examine the different human occupancy rating categories and what each requires.

Low Human Occupancy

Buildings designated as Low Human Occupancy are strictly defined as those which have an occupant load of not more than one person per 431 square feet of floor area during normal use.

Examples of Low Human Occupancy buildings include agricultural structures, storage and equipment buildings. Each case is carefully evaluated before changing the occupancy rating.

Produce storage and packing facilities
Livestock and poultry housing
Equipment and machinery storage
Milking and dairy centres
Manure storage
Feed preparation facilities
Grain bins and silos
Farm workshops, farm rental centres
Horse arenas, riding, exercise and training facilities
Greenhouse and grow-op facilities

High Human Occupancy

Buildings designated as High Human Occupancy are those that are likely to be used as post-disaster shelters but whose primary use is characterized by a dense human attendance.

Examples of structures that are typically designated as High Human Occupancy include:

Elementary, middle or secondary schools
Universities and colleges
Auditoriums and stadiums
Places of worship; churches, mosques, etc.
Community centres
Manufacturing and storage facilities containing toxic, explosive, or other hazardous substances in sufficient quantities to be dangerous to the public if released

Restaurants, like the one built by Norsteel here, are examples of high human occupancy buildings.

Post-Disaster

The Post-Disaster designation is given to buildings which are essential to the provision of services in the event of a disaster. As you might expect, this designation carries with it the most intensive construction requirements.

Examples of structures that are typically designated as Post-Disaster Buildings include:

Hospitals, emergency treatment facilities, and blood banks
Telephone exchanges
Power generating stations and electrical substations
Control centres for air, land, and marine transportation
Public water treatment and storage facilities, and pumping stations
Sewage treatment facilities
Buildings with critical national defense functions
Emergency response facilities
Fire, rescue, and police stations, and housing for vehicles, aircraft, or boats used for such purposes
Communications facilities, including radio and television stations

Occupancy Ratings and Norsteel

At Norsteel, we design according to your specific project’s needs and functionality requirements. So, if your building’s function requires a higher or lower human occupancy rating, this is an important discussion that you should have with your building consultant. Determining the proper occupancy rating for your building will have a direct influence on the integrity of your engineered structure and it has an impact on the cost.

In general, more people = more steel = more cost.

At Norsteel, unless you tell us otherwise, we will always default to designing your structure with a Normal Human Occupancy rating. Not all metal building providers default in this way. Some design using a Low Human Occupancy Ratings (category 1). This is important to consider when you are comparing your quotes. Remember that a change in a structure’s occupancy rating will change its strength as well as its cost. So be mindful.

In the end, it is the permit office that will determine the essential rating for your structure, so it is important for you to understand where your building sits on the scale. This way, you can make an informed decision on the rating of your structure from the very beginning of the design process.

Click here to contact us today for a free, no obligation quote on your next building project!

Understanding Building Codes and Loads

Posted on February 12, 2020November 21, 2022 by Norsteel Buildings

All buildings, including Metal Building Systems, must be engineered to meet certain building code and load requirements defined by the municipality or jurisdiction in which the building is located. At Norsteel, all of our buildings are custom-made to order so that our certified engineers can design a building that accommodates your design requirements while still adhering to your local building code and load requirements.

What Are Building Codes and Loads?

Buildings provide shelter for people and property. While a building should have many desirable characteristics, including an attractive appearance, long life, flexibility of use and economy, its basic requirement must be one of protection.

To break this down even further, we can consider two kinds of protection that buildings provide:

1. Protection against forces or loads that may be exerted upon the building

Unless the structure can offer adequate resistance against various loading conditions, the safety of people and the value of property are endangered. This is where sound design considerations must be given as to the strength of the building and particularly, to the structural system.

2. Protection against the elements – rain, wind, heat and cold:

Any of these can contribute to personal discomfort and cause a decrease in the value of contents and property. The degree of protection against the elements is determined by the weather tightness and thermal efficiency of a building. These factors greatly influence the design of a structure’s roof and walls.

Now that we understand the two broad types of load requirements, let’s examine each in detail so we can outline some of the specific loads that are taken into consideration when designing and constructing a new building.

Protection from Loads Exerted on the Building

Dead Load

The Dead Load is the total weight of the metal building system, including elements like the roof, framing, insulation, and covering members. The specific and detailed distribution of a structure’s weight must be taken into consideration when designing a building so that the structural integrity of the building itself isn’t compromised.

Live Load

The Live Load refers to any temporary load imposed on a building (that is not wind load, snow load, seismic load or dead load), that will be present during construction, maintenance, or present at different points throughout the life of the building. A few examples of a live load are workers, equipment and materials. The minimum Live Load per code is 20.89 PSF.

Collateral Load

The Collateral load refers to the weight of additional permanent materials, other than the weight of the metal building system, such as sprinklers, mechanical and electrical systems, and ceilings. Collateral loads in a building are evenly distributed suspended loads inside the building. A normal (minimum) collateral load is 2 PSF, which takes into consideration roof insulation and normal lighting. Sprinkler systems add 3 to 4 PSF, suspended ceilings add another 4 PSF.

At Norsteel we design all structures with a minimum collateral load of 3 PSF – Although lowering the collateral load will decrease the initial cost of a structure, the cost to reinforce the building once it has been manufactured and erected outweighs any initial savings. The collateral load should be clearly indicated on costing sheets.

Concentrated or Point Loads

Concentrated loads, occur either from roof top units or are loads that are suspended inside the building. Roof top units are typically things like air conditioners and make-up air units. Suspended loads can be from heaters, ductwork, cable trays or support strapping, basketball nets, mechanical piping, suspended walkways or conveyors, roof top units. All concentrated loads need to be considered in the building’s design. Although they are technically dynamic live loads (e.g., cranes and material handling systems), Auxiliary Loads also fall under this category and must be given careful consideration in the design of the structure.

Protection from the Elements

Wind Load

Structures must be designed to resist the forces imposed by the wind blowing from any direction. There are 3 specific concerns to be aware of regarding wind: Speed, Exposure and Enclosure.

1. Wind Speed

Wind speeds vary greatly depending on a building’s physical location and surrounding geographic area. As a result, these loads are imposed by the building codes for the building site within the designated municipality.

2. Wind Exposure

Wind exposure is determined by the specific location of the structure itself on the site, and what features are near the building.

Obstructions: Trees, buildings, terrain features
Exposure B: Obstructions within ½ mile zone
Exposure C: No obstructions on any side within ½ mile zone

3. Wind Enclosure

Wind enclosure speaks to the effect of wind as determined by the openings on the building itself.

Enclosed: All openings can be relied on to be closed during a storm
Partially Enclosed: One wall more open than the sum of the others; creates a ballooning effect
Open: Buildings with all walls at least 80% open; openings will remain open during storms

Snow Load

Technically speaking, the snow load refers to and addresses the vertical load induced by the weight of snow, assumed to act on the horizontal projection of the roof of the structure. This environmental load varies greatly depending on locality and site conditions. Note: Very wet snow 6” deep is equal to one inch of water. One inch of water on a square foot of surface weighs five pounds.

Seismic Load

The load or loads acting in any direction on a structural system due to the action of an earthquake.

Who Determines Building Codes and Loads

Building Codes and Loads are determined Nationally and Internationally, and imposed by our local municipal permit offices. When we design a structure, we use the job site location and specifically the postal code to determine the National (or International) Building Code and Loadings for the specific municipality of the job in question. This takes care of mother nature’s influence. But remember that there are particular considerations that will be specific to your site location and where you want to place your building on the site.

When pricing out your steel building, ensure that your building provider is asking the questions that are important in ensuring the integrity of your building and the safety of everything you will be protecting.

Remember that pre-engineered buildings are custom designed and manufactured to your specific requirements. Each component is carefully engineered to ensure that it can withstand the elements for your specific circumstance. This is why there are no genuine clearance buildings and why customers should be very weary of buying a building that was designed for someone else. The design of your building relies on the information that you provide about its purpose, content and about the site itself. At Norsteel, regardless of a job’s location, we always demand a series of minimum requirements for our building projects to ensure a consistent level of quality construction.

Closing Out

The types of loads and their magnitudes are critically important to the design and construction of your steel building. At Norsteel we’ll work with you on your building project from start to finish to ensure the proper building codes and loads are used, without sacrificing on the design elements and functionality that you need from your steel building. From commercial buildings, to agricultural, to even mining facilities, we do it all.

Click here to contact us today for a free quote on your next project!