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There are many steel framing styles to consider from different steel building companies for your next project. You want to select the right steel framing system from a credible steel building manufacturer or supplier that is most supportive of your design and durability needs.
You may want to consider the use of a multi-span rigid frame steel building if you are planning a large manufacturing facility where interior support columns are not an obstruction issue. Multi-span systems will significantly reduce the cost of a larger steel building when compared to the costlier clear-span system. If you are subdividing portions of your building, for instance in a strip mall, then you may want to also strongly consider the multi-span system. When wide open spaces are a requirement for the interior of a steel building, the clear-span construction should be employed. Consider a lean-to system or tapered beams if you need minimal useable square footage for your building’s interior, such as a storage area.
The end-use of your new steel building should be the determining factor in what type of building you will choose. The use of a multi-span system may satisfy all of your requirements for an office or school; but a sports complex or new church sanctuary may require a clear-span interior.
When considering the right frame system you may want to consider the following example. You will be building a new vehicle assembly building that needs to be 80 feet wide by 200 feet long. The roof pitch needs to be 2:12 with a 40 pound per square foot snow load. You need the sidewalls to be at least 20 feet high because of your production processes. The ideal solution for this model is the choice of a clear-span steel building system because interior columns are not acceptable for your production processing layouts. Clear-span is also the best choice because it can be up to 300 feet in width; your required eave height is between 10 and 24 feet; and the steel frame system is capable of being expanded in the future if additional square footage is required.
Most steel building projects do well with the choice of either single-span or multi-span configurations. The need for add-on structures, such as storage areas, to your current building will save you money if you choose alternative steel framing systems for these structures.
If you have a very limited budget, a smaller clear-span building may fulfill all of your initial requirements. As your space requirements enlarge in the future, and as your building budget will allow, the end walls can be easily removed and the additional wall and roof panels put in place in 20 to 25 foot bay increments. In most instances the original end walls can be re-used.
If an obstacle-free interior environment is an absolute requirement then choose a clear-span system. The multi-span framing system is your best choice if available monies are limited and the implementation of interior support columns is not an issue.
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