The future is not set in stone:
Choosing metal over concrete for your next project saves
Delvin Warner,
Posted
08/01/2009
The advantages of
a pre-engineered structure are countless. However, in an industry
that typically relies on concrete, it is sometimes necessary to
reiterate just how substantial the benefits of metal buildings
actually are.
Flexible and Customizable
The flexibility of a pre-engineered system is quite remarkable.
The spanning capacity of a metal building is significantly greater
than that of a wood, concrete or even a conventionally framed
structure. This results in much more flexibility when it comes to
floor space. Additionally, customizable column locations and depths
offer adaptability to most floor plans.
Many manufacturers offer clear span products, such as
Houston-based Metallic Building Co.'s Long Bay System, which is
designed to compete with conventional barjoist and panelized wood
roof structures. When properly coordinated with precast or tilt-up
concrete wall panels, these custom engineered metal solutions offer
contractors the best of both worlds: customized built-up plate
primary framing systems with wide span secondary framing.
Pre-engineered clear span systems are designed with less bridging
than conventional framing. In addition, the reduced amount of
bridging is typically bolted or attached with self-drilling screws,
which reduces erection time. As we all know, saving time is saving
money.
In such a concrete-centric industry, it is imperative for the
custom metal building systems industry to set itself apart. There
are many ways we can accomplish this but notably through the
incorporation of more green building techniques. One basic example
is the use of steel, a recycled material that allows contractors to
take advantage of LEED points. Building owners can work toward LEED
certification by incorporating energy saving strategies that effect
the complete cycle of a building from best construction practices
to occupation through the end of the building's useful life.
Strategies include choosing environmentally sensitive building
designs, as well as materials and other assorted criteria, each of
which can earn points toward certification. Saving time and money
and contributing to environmental consciousness are just some of
the benefits to building with metal instead of concrete.
Insulation Options
Many building manufacturers now offer or are affiliated with an
insulated panel system supplier. Buildings using effective
insulation systems reduce their impact on the environment as they
cut down on energy consumption over an extended period.
Several manufacturers offer insulated metal panels that are ideal
for numerous roof and wall applications. When used as part of a
strategically designed green construction project, they can improve
the building's energy efficiency.
These insulated panels provide superior insulation performance
compared to insulated concrete or conventional brick-and-mortar
type construction and can be erected in less time. Insulated panel
systems also can be erected in inclement weather conditions, which,
once again, decreases the duration of the construction
process.
An additional advantage of insulated panel systems is the weight
of the wall system. Insulated wall panel systems weigh
approximately 3 to 5 pounds per square foot (0.14 to 0.24 kPa) as
compared to insulated concrete or conventional block and brick
systems, which can weigh 60 to 90 psf (2.87 to 4.31 kPa).
As the International Building Code has become the predominant
building standard, design has become more seismic-related. The wall
panel system weight plays an important role in the design.
Pre-engineered systems with insulated wall panels offer smaller
column sizes, less bridging, and dramatically reduced foundation
designs and costs relative to those required by conventional or
masonry construction in areas controlled by seismic design.
Purchasing and constructing a metal building in times like these
has tremendous benefits: greater environmental building
opportunities, flexible design and faster construction, to name a
few. With so many opportunities to build smarter with metal,
choosing the right material for your next project should be an easy
decision.
Delvin Warner is the president of Houstonbased
Metallic Building Co. For more information, visit
www.metallic.com.
www.metallic.com