Important Factors to Consider When Determining the Dimensions of Your Steel Building

Important Factors to Consider When Determining the Dimensions of Your Steel Building

The measurements you select for your steel building should be determined by what you will be using your building for. The building’s purpose and what needs will be met are significant concerns for any all-steel structure project. In this course the initial phase is to put together an outline of what you anticipate from your new steel building.


Begin by considering the use of large vehicles. Will the use of your building include storage and /or access of large equipment? In the engineering, calibrate the size of the largest vehicles and allow sufficient clearance to support easy access for any machines. Location of main entrance/s to the steel structure should be ascertained, along with the need for ancillary entrances in case large equipment may block a specific entrance. For your venture, contemplate the quality and quantity of sectional or roll-up doors, and the number of man doors required for entry by the work force and clientele. It is also important to keep in mind where the doors will be placed: the end walls or sidewalls of the structure, or both.

The need for a pillar-free interior usually is also important in the total dimensions of your pre-engineered steel structure. All-steel structure suppliers feature wide span width of up to 300 feet. If you can utilize a multi-span all-steel building (containing internal support columns) instead, this option can save on costs as it is more inexpensive than a “free-span” structure. Additional funds can then be made available to increase the size of the structure.

You also need to consider insulation requirements for your building. If you reside in a cold region and people will occupy the building for extended periods of time, the price and type of any insulation material you necessitate may modify the dimensions of the structure within your budget. Consider also whether you wish to complete the interior of the building with drywall, as this can increase the price further.

Your structural code office should be contacted about details on the “loads” for your steel building. In your region this could influence your decision on the gauge of steel that is appropriate to erect a durable and sturdy pre-engineered steel structure.

Contact your local municipality about a foundation for your structure. A foundation is strongly advised for the secure and suitable installation of a pre-fabricated, pre-engineered steel building. Before determining the dimensions of your structure you should consider all of the points covered in this article. After you have settled on the suitable proportions of your building, endeavor to buy the highest quality steel structure you can afford.