Steel Building Types: What You Need to Know

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Understanding 5 Common Types of Steel Structures

Steel Building Types: What You Need to Know

Steel Building Types: What You Need to Know 1024 768 Steel Buildings | Allied Steel Buildings

Steel buildings have become a popular choice for various applications due to their durability, cost efficiency, and versatility. These structures are made from steel, a metal alloy known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for a wide range of projects. Whether you’re looking to build warehouses, manufacturing facilities, agricultural buildings, retail spaces, offices, schools, or even airplane hangars, steel buildings offer a robust solution.

Our Allied steel buildings do not compare to any other steel building kits in the market; no other comes close. The prices are very fair. But the quality of the features it delivers will fit all of your needs.

Applications of Steel Buildings

Steel buildings are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications across different sectors. In the commercial and industrial realms, they are perfect for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and office buildings. Schools and airplane hangars can benefit from the durability and spacious design that steel buildings offer.

In the agricultural sector, steel buildings serve as excellent barns, livestock shelters, and equipment storage facilities. Their robust construction ensures that they can withstand the elements and provide a safe environment for animals and machinery alike. For residential purposes, steel buildings offer modern and sustainable living solutions, combining contemporary design with the strength and durability of steel.

Recreational uses are also plentiful, with steel buildings being used for sports arenas, indoor pools, and community centers. Their adaptability and ease of construction make them a popular choice for a variety of recreational facilities.

Understanding Steel Building Types

30x60x12 steel building in grassy patch in neighborhood

Typically, there are five types of steel structures. They are mostly utilized in low-rise construction, each using different types of metal to meet specific needs. The following are the five different types.

One of the standout benefits of steel buildings is their fire resistance, providing an added layer of safety. Steel is also termite-resistant, ensuring the longevity of your structure without the worry of pest damage.

Energy efficiency is another significant advantage, as steel buildings can be designed with insulation that reduces heating and cooling costs. Steel is a sustainable choice, often made from recycled materials and fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle, making it an environmentally friendly option for various industries.

Light-Gauge Steel Buildings

For the light-gauge steel buildings, the technique involved is similar to that used in wood framing. The only difference is conventional 2×4 lumber in a “stick-per-stick” manner, instead of cold-formed galvanized steel studs. The labor for these types of structures is very intensive. All the steel used is cut to length at the building site using a chop saw. The studs on the light-gauge framing are typically placed 16″ to 24″ inches apart.

One challenge posed by these structures is difficult heat/cold transference. The wall cavities limit the thermal break and insulation options since they’re of small capacity. If there happen to be intense fires, the frame on the light-gauge steel will lose its toughness. This result will happen even though steel is fire-resistant. The loss of building integrity can lead to its collapsing, which is a dreadful situation for civilians and firefighters.

Repainting can also need to be done frequently because of “ghosting” on the interior walls. Weird dark streaks can form on the walls when this type of steel is painted. Despite the challenges, light-gauge steel buildings benefit from the properties of structural steel, which offers durability and fire resistance.

Web-Truss Buildings

Steel trusses form the framing for web-truss buildings. Web-like patterns are created by steel pieces that are parallel with metals between them connected in zigzag. The frame requires the use of 10″ to 16″ increments in its spacing. This placement can make it challenging to have wider doors set. Since most companies do not provide them, you might not get framing for the end walls if you build this type of structure. This shortcoming will lead to an extra cost of buying lumber to create your end wall.

The exterior sheathing for web-truss produces a gauge that’s light and weaker. As a web-truss building owner, you may experience a problem with birds nesting on the trusses. Thos can then lead to fowling. It creates a mess and also acts as a significant health hazard to the building’s occupants.

Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings

The allied metal buildings can span large spaces. These structures use rafter beams and I-beam red iron columns. Builder’s preferences determine the design of the components, and the Allied metal building kit is computer-designed to make it even easier to assemble. Framings for these steel buildings offer easy systematic assembling since they are ready to use as soon as they arrive at the job site. These types of building kits can reduce construction time by one-third. Putting up the Allied prefab metal building structures are so easy that it only requires a few people to complete a medium-sized building. Special clips are pre-welded on the Allied framings to make attaching purlins and girts so much easier for the builder.

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Arch Structures

These are also popularly known as Quonset huts; the structural design involves walls and roofs that are curved, making them unique metal structures. These historic structures served as temporary World War II buildings for the military to use. Steel sheathing corrugated on the exterior is primarily used, with no framing added. The arch structures have many advantages, such as easy building and takedown. They are relatively cheap to purchase, with easy shipping.

But the buildings have a few setbacks, especially for a modern-day builder. Most builders are versatile and expect to have many colors for exterior sheathing. However, a builder can’t choose the colors they prefer for the exterior sheathing of an arch structure. You can use stones or bricks to make the exterior look more appealing, but not different color options as a whole.

Another disadvantage is that it can be extremely challenging to insulate an arch building due to its curved appearance. The curved shape is also a challenge for finishing the exterior finish. It also leaves a large amount of unused space left on the arch structure’s curved wall, especially if the building is extensive. There are also restrictions in many areas that forbid the establishment of arch structures. You may also have a difficult time getting electricity and plumbing installed.

Welded Buildings

These kits are cut and welded on the job site piece by piece. This process is time-consuming, since you cut and weld as you create the framing. The skills of professional and experienced welders are also required to set up the structure well. They typically consist of red-iron pipes welded on a frame. But the design in these structures has no engineering behind it. This can cause a problem with getting the permit, and building inspections in certain areas can be a significant problem.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Steel Building Type

When embarking on a steel building project, several critical factors need to be considered to ensure the success of construction. First and foremost, the type of steel used is paramount. Different types of steel offer varying levels of strength and durability, so it’s essential to choose one that meets your specific needs.

The design and layout of the building are also crucial. Consider the size and scale of your project, as well as the intended use of the space. Energy efficiency should be a key consideration, as well-designed steel buildings can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. Durability and maintenance costs are other important factors; a well-constructed steel building should require minimal upkeep and last for decades.

Lastly, it’s vital to work with a reputable manufacturer or supplier. Ensure that your steel building is designed and constructed to meet local building codes and regulations. A reliable manufacturer will provide you with a high-quality product and support throughout the construction process, ensuring that your project is completed to the highest standards.

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Contact Allied Steel to Learn More About Our Steel Buildings

Allied Buildings are the best when it comes to strength, versatility, beauty, and durability. The structures are easy to build, easy to maintain, economical, and friendly to the environment. These building kits can fit any structural applications with which you’ll want to work. The following are some of the applications for Allied steel buildings:

  • RV storage and metal garage
  • Agricultural structures such as metal barns, and equipment storage space
  • Mini-warehouses and efficient storage buildings
  • Office buildings and other commercial buildings
  • Industrial buildings, including warehouses and manufacturing plants
  • Equestrian structures such as stables, open-air covered pavilions, and indoor riding arenas
  • Truck dealerships or automotive, machine shops, fabrication facilities, and repair shops
  • Churches
  • Recreational buildings such as bowling centers, pavilions, indoor pools, indoor sports arenas, indoor pools, and ballrooms
  • Commercial buildings such as warehouse stores, strip shopping centers, shops, and restaurants
  • Individual hobby huts, extra storage, and home offices

We offer you the best packages and quality for all your building needs at Allied Buildings. Contact us to learn more and to discuss your project.

Summary
Article Name
Understanding 5 Common Types of Steel Structures
Description
There are five types of steel structures. Learn about their differences and how Allied Steel Buildings can help build your selected steel structure type.
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Allied Steel Buildings
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About Allied

Discover the world of steel structure solutions with Allied Steel Buildings - a global leader delivering over 5,500 structures across more than 65 countries. Trusted by clients worldwide, we excel at tackling the most intricate challenges, thanks to our team of skilled professionals and cutting-edge technology. From design to engineering, we set the highest quality standards, ensuring unmatched reliability. Experience the true essence of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability with our exceptional prefabricated buildings. Embrace innovation, choose Allied.