Pre Engineered Steel Buildings

Conventional Structure

1. Foundation
Simple design, easy to construct and lightweight.

1. Foundation
Extensive heavy foundation required

2. Weight
About 30% lighter through the efficient use of steel. Primary framing members are designed with tapered built-up sections with the most steel in the areas of highest stress, using high strength steel. Secondary members are light gauge cold formed "z" or "c" shaped members. Members are roll-formed for minimum weight and labour cost.

2. Weight
Steel member sizes must be selected from standard hot rolled sections, which in many cases are heavier than what is actually required by design. Members are the same cross-section along the entire length, regardless of local stress magnitude. Secondary members are from standard hot rolled "I" and "c" sections. In many cases members are heavier than required, and therefore are not as economical as cold formed members.

3. Erection
Easy, fast, step by step. Erection costs and time are accurately known, based upon extensive experience with similar buildings.

3. Erection
Slow, extensive field labour required. Typically 20% more expensive than pre-engineered steel buildings. In most of the cases, the erection cost and time are not estimated accurately.

4. Sourcing and Coordination
Building is supplied complete with cladding and all accessories, including erection if required, all from one source of supply.

4. Sourcing and Coordination
Many sources of supply. Project Management time required to co-ordinate suppliers and sub-contractors.

5. Changes
Very flexible, tailor made, accepts changes and revisions easily. Future expansion simple, easy and cost effective. One supplier to coordinate changes.

5. Changes
Changes, revisions and additions can be difficult due to extensive redesign and coordination among suppliers and subcontractors.