Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEBs)

• Pre-engineered buildings (PEBs) are building structures, manufactured in a factory and then assembled on-site.
• PEBs use a pre-determined inventory of designs and raw materials.
• PEBs provide a cost effective and time efficient alternative comparing to the conventional building methods.

Key Components

• Primary framing includes columns and rafters, which are generally made of tapered or straight steel sections.
• Secondary framing includes purlins, girts, and eave struts that provide support to the roof and wall cladding.
• Roofing and wall cladding are made of steel sheets, sandwich panels, or other materials, providing weather protection and insulation.
• Bracing systems provide stability to the structure by resisting wind and seismic loads.
• Other accessories include doors, windows, skylights, ventilation systems, and insulation.

Advantages

• Cost savings occur because of reduced material usage, faster construction, and lower labor costs.
• Time efficiency happens because pre-fabrication and streamlined assembly lead to faster project completion compared to conventional construction.
• Design flexibility means PEBs can be customized to meet requirements for size, shape, and functionality.
• Large clear spans are achieved, which maximize usable floor space.
• Low maintenance is a result of durable materials and coatings.
• Energy efficiency: Insulation choices reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling.
• Seismic resistance: PEBs are designed to withstand seismic loads, enhancing safety in earthquake-prone areas.
• Sustainability: Efficient material usage, recyclability, and optimized design promote environmentally friendly construction.

Design and Engineering

• PEB design relies on established engineering principles and software tools.
• Structural analysis uses sophisticated software to analyze the structural behavior under various loads.
• Load considerations: Dead loads, live loads, wind loads, seismic loads, and other relevant loads are considered in the design.
• Connection design ensures structural integrity.
• Optimization techniques minimize material usage and maximize structural efficiency.

Manufacturing Process

• The manufacturing process involves design, fabrication, and quality control.
• Design and detailing involves preparing detailed drawings and specifications based on the approved design.
• Material procurement involves acquiring raw materials, like steel plates and sections, from suppliers.
• Fabrication occurs when steel components are cut, welded, and assembled according to the design specifications.
• Surface treatment involves components being cleaned, painted, or coated to protect against corrosion.
• Quality control includes rigorous quality checks performed throughout the manufacturing process to ensure compliance with standards.

Erection Process

• The erection process involves assembling the pre-fabricated components on the construction site.
• Site preparation includes leveling the ground and constructing foundations.
• Component delivery is the transport of pre-fabricated components to the site and unloading.
• Erection is the process of columns, rafters, purlins, girts, and other components being erected and connected according to the erection drawings.
• Cladding installation occurs as roofing and wall cladding are installed, providing weather protection to the building.
• Finishing occurs when doors, windows, and other accessories are installed to complete the building.

Applications

• Warehouses and distribution centers widely use PEBs for constructing large, clear-span buildings.
• Factories and industrial buildings use PEBs for cost-effective and customizable solutions for manufacturing facilities.
• Commercial buildings such as retail stores, showrooms, and office buildings use PEBs.
• Institutional buildings such as schools, hospitals, and community centers use PEBs.
• Aircraft hangars use PEBs that can be designed to house large aircraft.
• Sports facilities such as indoor sports arenas, gymnasiums, and swimming pools use PEBs.
• Agricultural buildings such as barns and storage sheds use PEBs.

Sustainability Aspects

• Material efficiency: PEBs optimize material usage, reducing waste and environmental impact.
• Recyclability: Steel is a highly recyclable material, contributing to resource conservation.
• Energy efficiency: Insulation options and optimized design reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling.
• Reduced construction time: Faster construction reduces site disturbance and emissions.
• Design for disassembly: PEBs can be designed for easy disassembly and reuse of components.

Comparison with Conventional Construction

• Cost: PEBs generally offer cost savings compared to conventional construction.
• Time: PEBs offer faster construction times compared to conventional construction.
• Design: PEBs offer design flexibility but may have limitations compared to custom-designed conventional buildings.
• Span: PEBs can achieve large clear spans, which may be more challenging to achieve with conventional construction.
• Materials: PEBs primarily use steel, while conventional construction may use a variety of materials.
• Construction process: PEBs involve pre-fabrication and on-site assembly, while conventional construction involves on-site fabrication.

Design Codes and Standards

• International Building Code (IBC)
• AISC Steel Construction Manual
• MBMA Metal Building Systems Manual
• Local building codes and regulations