Pre Engineered Buildings

Over the past, innovations and technology enhancement have leveraged various new developments that have been embraced and adapted in various engineering fields. Pre engineered building is one such innovation that has been widely used for it unparallel advantages. These structures are widely used in construction of rack supported warehouses also termed as self supported warehouses. The history of pre engineered building is ov er 50 years ( since 1960) old but in the recent years it has been used more commercially. A survey conducted by the Metal Building Associations (MBMA) exemplifies, that around 60% of the non residential low rises building in USA are pre engineered buildings. Pre engineered buildings are generally low rise buildings however the maximum eave height can go up to 25 to 30 metres. Low rise buildings are ideal for offices, houses, showrooms, warehouses etc. The application of pre engineered buildings concept to low rise buildings is very economical and speedy. Buildings can be constructed in less than half the normal time especially when complemented with the other engineered sub systems.

The market of PEB ( Pre engineered Building ) that is having a deeper penetration in the global market but India still lacks behind as compared to the global market. Even with respect of design of the structure and the aesthetic looks, India is still lagging behind.

Indian manufacturers are trying to catch up; comparatively PEB’s is a new concept in India. Beside, in fabrication and other areas of PEB India is very good. As compared to other countries Indian codes for building design are stringent but safer. IS standards are upgraded continuously. In India, American codes are also followed.

Some advantages of PEB

The design and implementation of Pre- Engineered building are quick and more efficient. As the structure of PEB’s are mainly formed of standard sections and connections, design time is significantly reduced. moreover basic designs are can be used over and over.

Pre-engineered buildings are on the average 30% lighter through the efficient use of steel. Primary framing members are tapered (varying depth) built-up plate sections, with larger depths in the areas of highest stress.

Use of computerized software enable to chalk out most efficient and optimum desight that are most cost effective. The design programs also optimize material required and using standard details that minimize project custom details.

PEB is a very flexible structure that can easily be expanded, if needed. PEB can be easily expanded in length dimensions by adding additional bays. Also expansion in width and height is possible by pre designing for future expansion.

The maintenance cost of PEB is considerably low as compared to conventional steel and mortal structures. High aesthetic can be achieved in PEB’s by use of high quality paint systems for cladding and steel to suit ambient conditions at the site, which results in long durability and low maintenance coats.

Design & Fabrication of PEB’s

Design, shop detail sketches and erection drawings are supplied by fabricators involved in construction of the PEBs generally the project cost includes the design cost. Various approval of drawings are usually prepared within few weeks and generally not extending over 2 weeks ( can vary as per the complexity). Since the team of PEB engineers and fabricator design and fabricate pre-engineered buildings regularly, throughout the year and their experience results in faster and more efficient designs leading to successful implementation.

The structure of the main frame of the PEB systems is analyzed by the stiffness matrix method. The complete design is primarily based on the ASD ( Allowable Stress Design) and as per the country standards. The designing program of PEB provides an well-organized and low cost design of the main structure frames that allows the user to utilize the program in different modes for generating the frame design geometry and desired load bearing as specified by the building code opted by the user.

The program operates through the maximum number of cycles specified to arrive at an acceptable design. The program uses the stiffness matrix method to arrive at an acceptable design. The program uses the stiffness matrix method to arrive at the solution of displacements and forces. The strain energy method is adopted to calculate the fixed end moments, stiffness and carry over factors. Numerical integration is used.

Design Code for PEB’s: Following are the main design codes generally used:

  • AISC : American institute of steel construction manual
  • AISI : American iron and steel institute specifications
  • MBMA : Metal building manufacturer’s code
  • ANSI : American national standards institute specifications
  • ASCE : American society of civil engineers
  • UBC : Uniform building code
  • IS : Indian standards

Application Of PEB’s Some of the application of PEB’s are as follows

  • WAREHOUSES
  • INDUSTRIAL BUILDING
  • OFFICE BUILDING
  • GAS STATIONS
  • PARKING SHEDS
  • METRO STATIONS
  • SCHOOLS AUDITORIUM
  • INDOOR STADIUM ROOFS
  • OUTDOOR STADIUM CANOPIES
  • RAILWAY PLATFORM SHELTERS

At Giraffe Storage Solutions, we have vast experience in design and implementation of PEB’s mainly Rack Supported Warehouses. We have a deep penetration for RSW (Rack Supported warehouses) as PEB’s that we have successfully implemented nation wide and even catered to global clients.

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