The Metal Building Framing System For Your Project- Multi or Clear Span?
Metal building manufacturers and suppliers feature numerous metal framing types for their buildings. When purchasing from a manufacturer or supplier you want to select the metal building framing system that is most applicable to the use your metal building will have.
If your plans are for a large manufacturing facility and interior columns are not obstructive, consider the option of a multi-span rigid frame metal building system. The use of interior support columns in lieu of clear-span construction will significantly reduce the cost of your building. Consider the multi-span frame option also if you are subdividing partitions into specific sections -a strip mall, for example. Clear-span construction should only be used when wide open spaces are required for your metal building’s interior. If you are needing a minimal square footage structure for storage you might want to consider tapered beams or a lean-to style to meet your building requirements.
Give careful thought and consideration to the end-use of your metal building. You may be able to use a multi-span system for a warehouse or a retail store but a new church sanctuary or sports arena may require a clear span application.
When selecting the proper frame for your metal building system you may want to consider this example. You are building a new gymnasium for your school. The gymnasium is to be 60 feet wide by 200 feet long. The roof pitch needs to be 3:12 and requires a 30 lb. per square foot snow load. You need the sidewalls to be at least 20 feet high for sporting activities. The solution for this example would be a clear-span metal building system because interior columns are not acceptable for a gym, clear-span can be up to 300 feet wide, the eave height is between 10 and 24 feet, and the metal frame system is expandable for additional square footage in the future.
A single-span or multi-span configuration works for the vast majority of metal building projects. Storage and ancillary or add-on structures to your main building will save you money if you choose alternate metal framing systems for these structures.
You may want to select a smaller clear-span building for you initial requirements if your budget is tight. As your space requirements enlarge in the future, and as your available building monies will allow, the end walls are easily removed and additional square footage applied in 20 to 25 foot bay increments usually. In most instances the original end walls can be re-used.
The clear-span metal framing system is your obvious choice if an obstacle-free interior environment is required. Consider the multi-span metal framing system for your next metal building project if monies are limited and interior support columns are not an issue.