Speed to market is critical for almost all manufacturing companies, and it’s particularly important for the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, that’s where Pre Engineered Buildings play an important role. Pre-engineered buildings are basically steel structures, the structural members like columns, roof truss, purlins etc. being pre-fabricated in a factory in accordance with the design specifications and they are erected in the site, joined together using bolts.
Structural Foundation
Prefabricated structural members in modern construction are typically designed using “I” sections, which offer a high strength-to-weight ratio. These structural members form the framework of various types of buildings, from industrial facilities to commercial spaces. The foundations for such buildings generally consist of conventional concrete, which serves to support the lighter superstructure while also bearing the weight of the heavy loads imposed on the structure. Concrete foundations are highly durable and are engineered to provide stability over long periods, even under significant stress.
When designing large spaces that require vast, uninterrupted floor areas, it becomes essential to avoid the use of intermediate columns. In such cases, conventional concrete can sometimes become less effective, particularly when spanning large distances. This is because, over long spans, the load from the concrete’s own self-weight increases significantly, creating additional stress on the structural components. This added weight can cause critical issues in the design, potentially leading to deflection or failure in the long run.
To address this challenge, engineers and architects may turn to alternative materials or structural solutions, such as steel frames or composite materials, which are lighter but equally strong. By using these materials, it’s possible to achieve the large open spaces required for modern designs without compromising on safety or efficiency. The use of steel framing, for example, allows for longer spans with reduced self-weight compared to traditional concrete, which makes it ideal for structures like warehouses, aircraft hangars, or large commercial buildings.
In many construction projects, the planning process involves the simultaneous fabrication of structural members while the foundation is being built on-site. This synchronized approach ensures that the structural elements are ready for installation as soon as the foundation is complete, minimizing delays and enabling faster project completion. By reducing the construction time, this method enhances overall project efficiency, allowing for earlier occupation or use of the facility. It also reduces the financial costs associated with extended construction periods, helping to keep projects on schedule and within budget.
As prefabrication continues to advance, the precision of structural member fabrication improves, resulting in components that are not only faster to assemble but also more accurate and reliable. This approach is increasingly being adopted in various industries due to its many benefits, including reduced construction time, lower labor costs, and improved safety during the erection process.
Advantages of Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB)
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- Less Manpower on Site: In PEB construction, most of the fabrication and assembly work is completed off-site in controlled industrial environments. This significantly reduces the need for extensive manpower at the construction site, leading to more efficient and streamlined project management.
- Cost Reduction: By minimizing both material wastage and on-site labor requirements, PEB construction results in a considerable reduction in overall construction costs. This approach not only optimizes resource usage but also lowers the time needed to complete the project, contributing to further cost savings.
- Flexibility in Design: Structural members in PEB systems are designed using advanced software and are fabricated with high-precision machinery. This allows for the creation of complex, customized shapes and designs without compromising structural integrity. As a result, PEB structures offer architectural versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Scope for Future Expansion: One of the key benefits of PEB construction is the use of bolted connections, which provide an easier method for future expansion. Lengthwise expansion can be carried out efficiently and without major disruptions, offering flexibility for the building to grow with changing needs.
- Low Maintenance: Modern metal finishes and coatings applied to steel components offer resistance against corrosion, chemical exposure, and other environmental factors. This not only prolongs the life of the structure but also makes it easier to maintain. In the event of damage, steel surfaces can be repaired with relative ease, ensuring the longevity of the building.
- Seismic Resistance: Steel structures in PEBs are lightweight yet highly flexible, which gives them superior resistance to seismic forces when compared to conventional concrete buildings. This inherent flexibility allows PEB structures to better absorb and dissipate the energy from seismic waves, making them safer in earthquake-prone regions.
