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Steel building frame styles are not all alike and you should familiarize yourself with the styles available on the market today before choosing a particular type. Agricultural and commercial grade buildings are available in two main designs. The two styles of steel buildings to consider are arch and rigid frame.
Quonset huts are now more commonly known as arch style steel buildings. The roof and sides of the structure are created by the use of a series of interlocking metal ribs to make it take on its distinctive form. Arch buildings are utilized for a vast array of applications to include commodity storage buildings, single and multi-vehicle garages, and storage sheds. These structures are also popular among consumers who have the ability to assemble their own structure. This is because the assembly methods for this structure are relatively simple and they have a less expensive final square footage cost when compared with more conventional methods. They can be difficult, however, when exterior options are required. Arch steel buildings only allows for doors and windows in the end walls and not the sides. Additionally, the overhead clearance in the interior of an arch style building drops quickly as you move further away from the center of the building to the sides.
The rigid frame style of building is a more popular form of building style because it can be used for a vast array of applications. The use of steel skeleton framing and flat steel panels for both the roof and walls makes it a preferred style for construction. Windows and doors can be added to the end and/or sidewalls. The use of a sturdy steel frame building allows for east expansion of the building in the future. There is second story capacity or implementation of a mezzanine with a rigid frame building that has the proper height. Rigid frame buildings are much easier to build than conventional construction but do require more experience and equipment than arch style buildings. Concrete foundations are strongly recommended whether your choice is an arch style building or a rigid frame structure. You can include a basement with the choice of either style but it does make your project that much more complicated and expensive.
There is a local building code office approval necessary regardless of the type of steel building style you decide on. The codes that are applicable to your building vary city by city, state by state. This includes the specifications required for proper snow and wind loading, seismic activity resistance, and any other local requirements. There are other items to consider that will impact your project that may include, but are not limited to, local zoning ordinances, drainage requirements, and local community covenants. A reputable steel building manufacturer or supplier can help the design of your building to meet or exceed any coding issues, however. That said, it is ultimately the consumer’s responsibility to get the proper approvals. Research thoroughly the advantages and disadvantages of both building styles before you make a purchase. Place no deposits or do an outright purchase unless you are certain about the building style you want.
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