What are Pre Engineered Building Systems?

Pre engineered buildings have brought about a revolution in the field of technology. Also known as ‘metal boxes’ or ‘tin sheds’ by laymen was discovered in the 1960’s. However, pre engineered building systems have found its potential use in the recent years. They are the fastest systems of industrial metal buildings. Pre engineered building are ideally used for commercial, institutional or industrial occupancies. They are cheap, easy to erect and easy to dismantle and move around. It is estimated that in the US, approximately 70% of the new commercial buildings are pre engineered. Undoubtedly, pre engineered buildings have paved a new way in the field of construction.

What does pre engineered mean?

In general, pre engineered means any part of that structure that is manufactured before getting it to the building site. Pre engineered building systems are designed first and then fabricated in the factory using the latest technology. They are later shipped to the site and all the components are assembled with nuts and bolts. This way the time needed to complete the entire structure is reduced.

Earlier only a few off the shelf products of these configurations were available. However, with advancement in technology, tailor made solutions can be made available using pre engineered techniques in a very short time period.

Although the designs were ready made, the building components were either manufactured against some specific orders or were also readymade. Such buildings were pre engineered into standard sizes, heights, bays, spans and then used standard details for fixing roofing, gutters, flashing, windows, cladding , doors, etc making the practice of mass production of components at affordable prices. Pre engineered buildings when complemented with other sub-engineered systems can be constructed in less than half the time when compared to the traditional buildings.

It will be interesting to know that although Pre engineered building systems are used extensively in the industrial and non residential construction across the world, it is yet to find acceptance in India. The concept of pre engineered buildings was introduced in the Indian markets in the 90’s with several MNC’s setting up their projects and better economy conditions. However, today, the industry is growing at the rate of 25-30% (compound rate). The current manufacturing capacity of pre engineered building systems is 6.0 lac ton per annum. India is still lagging when it comes to aesthetic appearance and design of the structure and Indian manufacturers are slowly catching up with the concept of pre engineered buildings. However, when it comes to fabrication and other areas of pre engineered buildings, India is slightly better. Also, the Indian codes for building designs are slightly stringent when compared to other countries.

Although pre engineered buildings are normally low rise buildings, a maximum eave height of 25-30 metres can still be accomplished. Also, pre engineered building systems are ideal showrooms, offices, houses etc, due to its low rise. It is also very economical and faster to construct. Pre engineered buildings have several advantages over the conventional building types as they can be easily fitted with different structural accessories such as canopies, interior partitions, mezzanine floors etc. They can be finished internally to provide with several functions and accessorized externally to make the building attractive and aesthetically appealing. Thus, pre engineered building systems can prove to be versatile in several ways.

Today, there is a healthy demand for construction work in the commercial, residential and institutional industry. Unlike earlier, today’s buildings are more sophisticated and are much taller and thinner. Also, another important requirement about modern day buildings is that they should be light without compromising on its functionality.

Advantages of pre engineered building systems

1. Low Cost

There is a significant saving in the design, manufacturing and erecting cost due to the systems approach. There is also a reduction in the weight, cost and load to foundations as the structural elements follow the stress diagram. Other members and cladding reduce the transportation cost. Overall, it helps in reducing the cost by 30% (per square meter) than its steel counterpart.

2. Design

The time needed to design pre engineered building is less as they comprise of standard sections and connections. Also, computerised analysis and programs optimize the required materials. The low weight and flexible frames offer better resistance to seismic forces.

3. Foundations

The foundations of pre engineered building systems are of simple designs, light weight and easy to construct. They are in fact, 30% lighter that the conventional steel structures.

4. Flexibility

Buildings using pre engineered systems can be easily expanded in length. This is done by increasing the number of bays. They also make it possible to expand the width and the height for future expansion. Thus, pre engineered buildings offer more flexibility, making it the future of the construction world.

5. Assured Quality

Since pre engineered buildings are fabricated in a factory under controlled conditions, you can be assured of its quality.

6. Easier to Assemble

Pre engineered systems have standard connections of different components which allows them to be assembled or erected easily and in less time.

7. Needs Less Maintenance

Pre engineered buildings are complied with claddings of high quality paint system and steel to suit the varied conditions at the site. This results in need of less maintenance and better durability of the system.

8. Efficient Wall and Roof Systems

Polyurethane insulated panels or fibreglass blanket insulation can be supplied to buildings to achieve the required ‘U’ values thereby making such building more energy efficient.

9. Versatile Architecture

Pre engineered buildings can be supplied with different types of canopies, fascias, curved eaves. Such buildings are adept to receive pre cast curtain walls, concrete wall panels, block walls, etc making it highly versatile.

10. Single Source

Pre engineered building systems can be supplied by a single vendor/source. This implies that all the building components and accessories are highly compatible with one another and are of standard quality.

Applications of Pre Engineered Buildings

Due to the several advantages offered by pre engineered building systems, it has found its way to be used in constructing several structures. A few of them have been listed below.

• WORKSHOPS • FACTORIES • WAREHOUSES • OFFICES • METRO STATIONS • AIRCRAFT HANGARS • VEHICLE PARKING SHEDS • SCHOOLS • SHOWROOMS • GAS STATIONS • INDOOR STADIUM ROOFS • RECREATIONAL ROOMS • RAILWAY PLATFORM SHELTERS • BRIDGES • OUTDOOR STADIUM CANOPIES

Where Can I get Pre engineered building systems solution?

We at M and K Building Systems Pvt. Ltd can provide high quality Pre engineered building system solutions for Factories, Workshops, Offices, Warehouses etc. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and get a no obligation quote.