Bunkers and Screens

Bunkers and Screens

Dewatering Screens

Dewatering screens are steel structures designed to remove and dewater materials in industrial processes, particularly in mineral processing, quarries, and mines. These screens quickly drain water, allowing the materials to dry.

Applications:

  • Mining Facilities: Used to dewater materials extracted from mines.
  • Quarries: Dewatering of stone and rock materials.
  • Sand and Gravel Plants: Used in washing and drying sand and gravel.
  • Wastewater Treatment Plants: Dewatering of sludge and wastewater.
  • Chemical Industry: Dewatering and drying of chemical products.

Types:

  • Vibrating Dewatering Screens: Use high-frequency vibrations to separate water and dry materials.
  • Static Dewatering Screens: Remove water through gravity and inclination without vibration.
  • Curved Dewatering Screens: Feature specially inclined surfaces to quickly drain water.

Production Stages:

  1. Design and Engineering: Design is tailored to requirements and engineering calculations are completed.
  2. Material Selection: Durable and long-lasting steel materials are chosen.
  3. Cutting and Shaping: Steel plates and profiles are cut and shaped using CNC machines.
  4. Welding and Assembly: Cut and shaped parts are joined through welding.
  5. Surface Treatment: Screens are treated to be resistant to corrosion (e.g., galvanizing or epoxy coating).
  6. Assembly and Testing: Screens are assembled and undergo functional tests to ensure readiness for use.

Metal Materials Used:

  • Carbon Steel: Commonly used in general-purpose dewatering screens.
  • Stainless Steel: Selected for high corrosion resistance requirements.
  • Alloy Steels: Used in applications requiring high wear resistance and strength.

Concrete Plant Bunkers

A bunker is a type of storage and transportation structure used for storing and regularly feeding large volumes of materials. In concrete plants, bunkers are typically used for the storage of cement, sand, aggregate, and other materials.

Applications in Concrete Plants:

  • Material Storage: For storing essential materials for concrete mix, particularly cement, sand, and aggregate.
  • Material Feeding: Provides regular and continuous feeding of materials to concrete mixing machines.
  • Mix Balancing: Used to ensure balanced and accurate mixing of different materials.

Types and Uses of Bunkers:

  • Sand and Aggregate Bunkers: Provide organized storage of sand and aggregate. Typically made from large and durable materials.
  • Cement Bunkers: Specifically designed for storing fine powders like cement. Cement bunkers may have protective features against moisture and air.
  • Mobile Bunkers: Designed for temporary or portable use, often preferred for short-term projects.

Metal Materials Used:

  • Carbon Steel: Used for its general durability and cost-effectiveness.
  • Stainless Steel: Preferred for its corrosion resistance when in contact with cement and other abrasive materials.
  • Abrasion-Resistant Steels: Used in applications involving abrasive materials like aggregate and sand.

Concrete Plant Silos

Cement silos are large, enclosed tanks used for the storage and protection of cement and other bulk materials. They are employed in construction, concrete production, and various industrial applications. Silos ensure that cement is protected from moisture and external elements.

Materials Used in Cement Silo Manufacturing

Cement silos are typically made from high-strength materials such as carbon steel or stainless steel to ensure durability and longevity. The interior surfaces of silos are usually coated with corrosion-resistant coatings to enhance their lifespan.

Manufacturing Process of Cement Silos

  1. Design and Engineering: The manufacturing process begins with design and engineering work tailored to the customer’s requirements. This phase involves determining the silo’s capacity, dimensions, materials, and other technical specifications. Detailed technical drawings are created using CAD software.
  2. Material Cutting: Steel plates are cut to the required dimensions using plasma cutting machines.
  3. Bending and Shaping: The cut plates are bent into cylindrical or conical shapes to form the main body of the silo.
  4. Welding: The bent plates are welded together using MIG/TIG welding methods. The quality and leak-tightness of the welds are carefully inspected.
  5. Assembly: The silo’s base, top cover, and other components are assembled. The interior and exterior surfaces are protected with necessary coatings and paints.
  6. Testing and Quality Control: The manufactured silos undergo various quality control tests, including pressure tests and leak tests, to ensure their integrity and performance.

Transportation of Cement Silos

Manufactured silos are usually disassembled into modular parts for transportation. These parts are transported to the construction site and assembled there. For large-capacity silos, special transportation methods and equipment are used.

Installation and Setup of Cement Silos

The installation process begins with site preparation. After preparing the foundation and placing the anchors, the silo parts are assembled using cranes. All connections and welds are checked, and the silo is made ready for use.

Maintenance and Repair of Cement Silos

Regular inspection and maintenance of cement silos are essential. Maintenance activities include renewing surface coatings, conducting leak tests, checking mechanical connections, and cleaning procedures. Damaged or worn parts are repaired or replaced as needed.

Advantages of Cement Silos

Cement silos offer several benefits:

  • Safe Storage: Provides secure and long-term storage for cement.
  • Protection: Shields cement from moisture and external factors, preserving product quality.
  • Efficiency: Facilitates material management and logistics, improving operational efficiency.

Cement silos are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient storage of cement, enhancing product quality, and streamlining material handling processes.

Steel Construction Formworks

Stainless Steel Storage Tanks

Steel construction formwork consists of temporary structural elements used in concrete casting to ensure that the concrete achieves a specific shape and structure. These formworks offer superior durability and reusability compared to other formwork materials.

Applications Steel construction formwork is used in a wide range of construction projects, including:

  • Bridge and Viaduct Formworks: Used for casting large and heavy concrete elements.
  • High-Rise Building Formworks: Preferred for casting columns, beams, and walls.
  • Infrastructure Formworks: Employed in tunnels, metro systems, sewage systems, and similar projects.
  • Industrial Formworks: Used in the construction of large-scale industrial buildings such as factories and warehouses.
  • Dams and Water Formworks: Utilized for the casting of large-scale water infrastructure.

Types Steel construction formwork is categorized based on its purpose and the characteristics of the structural elements:

  • Beam Formwork: Used for casting concrete beams.
  • Column Formwork: Designed for the casting of concrete columns.
  • Wall Formwork: Employed in the construction of concrete walls.
  • Foundation Formwork: Used for pouring concrete foundations.
  • Custom Formwork: Specially designed formwork for specific project requirements.

Production Stages The production stages for steel construction formwork generally include:

  1. Design and Planning: Designing the formwork according to project requirements.
  2. Material Selection: Choosing high-quality steel materials.
  3. Cutting and Shaping: Cutting and shaping steel plates and profiles to the required dimensions.
  4. Welding and Assembly: Welding the cut pieces together.
  5. Surface Treatment: Cleaning and applying protective coatings to the formwork surfaces.
  6. Inspection and Testing: Conducting quality control and durability testing of the produced formworks.

Metal Materials Used The following metal materials are commonly used in the production of steel construction formwork:

  • High-Strength Steel: Steel types resistant to heavy loads and deformation.
  • Galvanized Steel: Steel with enhanced corrosion resistance.
  • Stainless Steel: High-corrosion-resistance steel for specialized applications.

Advantages Steel construction formwork offers several benefits:

  • High Durability: Reusable and long-lasting.
  • Easy Assembly and Disassembly: Modular design allows for quick assembly and disassembly.
  • Precise and Smooth Shapes: Ensures the desired shape and surface quality of concrete.
  • High Load Capacity: Suitable for casting heavy concrete elements safely.
  • Time and Cost Savings: Provides efficiency, saving both time and costs.

Steel construction formwork plays a critical role in accelerating construction projects, enhancing quality, and ensuring safety. They can be customized to meet project requirements and are designed to withstand various climatic and environmental conditions.

3-Tunnel Support Steel Manufacturing

Tunnel support steel is a specialized type of steel used in tunnel construction. This steel is employed to provide support during tunnel excavation, maintain the stability of the structure, and enhance safety. Tunnel support steel typically possesses high strength and durability, and it is used in various tunnel construction methods.

What is Tunnel Support Steel?

Tunnel support steel is a structural element used to prevent ground movement during tunnel excavation and to enhance the tunnel’s stability. The steel can be shaped and installed according to soil conditions and generally has a high load-bearing capacity. Tunnel support steel is used to support the ground surrounding the tunnel during construction and to ensure structural stability.

Applications

  1. Tunnel Construction: Tunnel support steel is used to support, stabilize, and protect the ground in underground tunnels. It is especially preferred for metro, railway, and highway tunnels.
  2. Mining: In underground mines, tunnel support steel is used to ensure the safety of mining galleries and to enhance ground support.
  3. Infrastructure Projects: It is used in infrastructure projects such as water channels, pipelines, and other construction works to provide ground support and structural stability.

Types and Characteristics

  • High-Strength Steel: Tunnel support steel includes special alloys with high strength and durability, providing resistance against ground movement.
  • Rectangular or Round Profiles: Steel can be produced in various profiles (flat, round, rectangular) depending on the tunnel support needs.
  • Protective Coating: Steel can be processed with various coating methods (galvanization, painting) to enhance corrosion resistance.

Installation and Application

  • Formwork and Support Systems: Tunnel support steel is used as part of formwork systems and support structures. This ensures safe ground support during concrete pouring and other construction processes.
  • Placement and Positioning: Steel is placed appropriately during different stages of tunnel excavation. This is crucial for maintaining ground stability and structural integrity.

Advantages

  • High Durability: Tunnel support steel provides effective support against ground movement due to its high load-bearing capacity and durability.
  • Safety: It enhances safety in tunnel construction by providing protection against potential collapses and slides.
  • Rapid Installation: Steel elements allow for quick installation and ease of processing.

Selection Criteria and Applications

  • Soil Conditions: Tunnel support steel is selected based on soil type and tunnel depth. For example, stronger support systems may be required in weak soils.
  • Load Conditions: The loads the tunnel will be subjected to affect the choice of support steel. H or I profiles are preferred for situations requiring high load-bearing capacity.
  • Tunnel Shape and Size: The shape (round, elliptical, etc.) and size of the tunnel determine the type and placement of support steel.

Stainless Steel Storage Tanks

Stainless Steel Storage Tanks

Stainless Steel Sheets in Industrial Manufacturing

Stainless steel sheets have a wide range of applications in industrial manufacturing. These sheets are preferred due to their advantages, including high strength, corrosion resistance, hygienic properties, and aesthetic appearance.

304 Stainless Steel

  • Properties:
    • Corrosion Resistance: Exhibits excellent performance, especially in humid and acidic environments.
    • Strength: Provides high strength and durability.
    • Weldability: Features good weldability.
    • Thermal Resistance: Resistant to high temperatures.
  • Surface Types:
    • 2B Surface: Matte, non-reflective surface. Cold-rolled and annealed, finished with a light roll. Used in general industrial applications.
    • No. 4 Surface: Finished with fine sanding, providing a shiny and aesthetic surface. Ideal for decorative purposes and applications requiring hygiene.

430 Stainless Steel

  • Properties:
    • Corrosion Resistance: Moderate corrosion resistance, performing well in dry and slightly humid environments.
    • Strength: Offers high strength.
    • Magnetic Properties: 430 stainless steel has magnetic properties.
    • Economical: A more cost-effective option compared to 304.
  • Surface Types:
    • No. 4 Surface: Finished with fine sanding, providing a shiny and aesthetic surface. Suitable for decorative purposes.

Processing Stainless Steel Products on Industrial Machines

Stainless steel products are processed using various methods on industrial machines. CNC cutting allows precise cutting of stainless steel sheets and profiles to desired dimensions. This ensures high accuracy in product manufacturing and perfect fit during assembly.

Bending processes shape stainless steel sheets and profiles into desired forms. This allows structural elements to be bent into specific angles and shapes to fit project requirements. Drilling and hole-punching operations create mounting and connection points in stainless steel materials, which is a critical step for assembling structural elements and completing projects.

Stainless Steel Storage Tanks

Stainless steel storage tanks are widely used in various industries. These tanks are preferred in fields such as food and beverage, chemical and petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and water treatment due to their high corrosion resistance and durability.

  • Production Process: The production of storage tanks begins with the design and planning phase. The tank is designed according to its intended use, and production is planned. Stainless steel sheets are selected and cut to desired dimensions using CNC cutting machines. The cut sheets are bent into the tank’s shape using specialized bending machines. Stainless steel sheets and other parts are joined using MIG, TIG, or laser welding methods. All parts are assembled, and the tank undergoes a leak test and quality control.
  • Applications: Stainless steel storage tanks are used in the food and beverage industry for storing milk, fruit juice, beer, wine, and other beverages. In the chemical and petrochemical industries, they safely store chemical substances. In the pharmaceutical industry, they are used for storing pharmaceutical raw materials and products under sterile conditions. Additionally, they are commonly used in treatment plants for storing clean water and

Treatment Plant

Drinking water treatment plants are facilities that make water from various sources drinkable and safe by using different purification methods. These facilities treat water from both natural sources (groundwater, lakes, rivers) and reservoirs through physical, chemical, and biological processes.

Stainless Steel Manufacturing Process for Treatment Plants

  1. Material Selection
    • 304 Stainless Steel: Commonly used, corrosion-resistant, durable, and cost-effective.
    • 316 Stainless Steel: Provides higher corrosion resistance, ideal for harsh conditions such as chemical processes and seawater.
  1. Design and Planning
    • Engineering Design: Technical drawings of stainless steel equipment and structures are prepared. This stage determines the sizes, capacities, and uses of the equipment.
    • CAD/CAM Software: Computer-aided design and manufacturing software are used to create precise and accurate designs.
  1. Cutting and Shaping
    • CNC Cutting: Stainless steel plates are precisely cut with computer-controlled machines. This method ensures high accuracy and repeatability.
    • Bending: Cut stainless steel plates are shaped into the desired form using specialized bending machines. This process shapes tanks and pipes.
  1. Welding and Assembly
    • MIG/TIG Welding: Stainless steel parts are joined using high-quality and durable welding methods. MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding methods are commonly used.
    • Welding Inspection: The quality and durability of weld seams are checked with various tests during and after welding.
  1. Surface Treatments
    • Cleaning and Polishing: Stainless steel surfaces are made more resistant to corrosion and given an aesthetic finish.
    • Passivation: Chemical treatments make stainless steel surfaces more resistant to rust.
  1. Assembly and Installation
    • Field Assembly: Stainless steel equipment prepared in the manufacturing facility is assembled at the treatment plant.
    • Connections and Testing: All pipelines, tanks, and other equipment are connected, and leak tests are conducted.
  1. Quality Control and Certification
    • Testing and Inspection: Produced stainless steel equipment undergoes quality control tests, including pressure tests, leak tests, and structural durability tests.
    • Certification: Equipment compliance with international standards is certified by independent organizations.

Applications of Stainless Steel Manufacturing in Treatment Plants

  • Storage Tanks: Used for storing chemicals, clean water, and wastewater.
  • Pipelines: Durable and leak-proof pipelines are created for transporting water and chemicals.
  • Filter Systems: The bodies and frames of filter systems used in the water treatment process are made from stainless steel.
  • Reactors and Mixers: Reactors and mixers used in chemical processes and biological treatment processes are made from stainless steel.
  • Pump and Valve Systems: Stainless steel pumps and valves are preferred for their durability and corrosion resistance.

Production and Use Process of Stainless Steel Storage Tanks

Production Process:

  1. Design: The size and capacity of the storage tank are determined. Technical drawings and engineering calculations are performed.
  2. Cutting and Bending: Stainless steel plates are cut and bent to form the cylindrical or rectangular shape of the tank.
  3. Welding: Plates are joined, and sealing is achieved through welding. Internal and external weld seams must be smooth and durable.
  4. Surface Treatment: The tank’s interior and exterior surfaces are cleaned, polished, and passivated.
  5. Testing and Inspection: The produced tank is subjected to pressure and leak tests. Interior coatings and insulation are applied if necessary.

Wear Plates and Industrial Manufacturing

Wear Plates and Industrial Manufacturing

Wear plates are high-strength steel plates used in challenging working conditions that require high wear and impact resistance. These plates offer significantly higher hardness and wear resistance compared to standard black sheets, extending the lifespan of equipment and reducing maintenance costs.

What Are Wear Plates and What Are They Used For? Wear plates are commonly used in various industrial applications such as mining, construction, agriculture, waste and recycling, energy, heavy haulage, and steel production. For instance, they are frequently chosen for use in crushers, excavator buckets, truck bodies, conveyor belts, concrete mixers, asphalt pavers, harvesters, shredders, and coal processing equipment.

What Are the Types of Wear Plates? The main types of wear plates include Hardox, Miilux, and XAR. These plates are measured on the Brinell Hardness (HB) scale and generally have hardness levels ranging from 400 HB to 600 HB. Their thickness varies from 0.7 mm to 160 mm.

What Do Hardox Materials Represent and What Applications Are They Used For? Hardox steels are a special type of steel known for their high wear and impact resistance. The combination of hardness and thickness determines the steel’s strength and durability. For example, Hardox 400 is suitable for general wear and impact resistance applications, Hardox 450 is used in applications requiring high wear resistance and durability, while Hardox 500 and above are preferred for the most demanding conditions that require extremely high wear resistance.

Which Machines Process Hardox Materials? Hardox steels are processed in various industrial machines such as CNC cutting machines, plasma cutting machines, laser cutting machines, press brakes, and hydraulic bending machines. These machines ensure the processing of Hardox steels in applications that require high precision and durability.

How Should Welding Processes Be Performed? Welding processes for Hardox steels require special attention. Preheating thick and hard materials, using appropriate welding electrodes and filler metals, controlling heat input, and performing slow cooling after welding are crucial to prevent cracking. Additionally, ensuring that the surfaces to be welded are clean and free of oil enhances welding quality.

What Are the Advantages of Wear Plates? Wear plates play a significant role in industrial applications by providing high performance and long life under harsh working conditions. Choosing the correct combination of hardness and thickness depends on specific application requirements. Proper welding practices maximize the performance and lifespan of the materials.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hardox Steels Compared to Other Wear Steels

Advantages:

  1. High Durability: Hardox steels are highly resistant to wear, making them long-lasting and reliable.
  2. Various Hardness Grades: Hardox steels are available in different hardness levels, making them suitable for various applications.
  3. Good Machinability: Despite their hardness, Hardox steels are suitable for cutting, welding, and bending processes.
  4. Wide Application Range: Used in construction, mining, agricultural machinery, heavy industry, and recycling.

Disadvantages:

  1. High Cost: The production cost of Hardox steels is higher compared to other wear steels.
  2. Special Processing Requirements: Working with Hardox steels requires specialized equipment and expertise, which can increase processing costs.

In conclusion, wear plates offer effective solutions in various industrial applications requiring high wear resistance and durability. Selecting the appropriate combination of hardness and thickness among brands like Hardox, Miilux, and XAR depends on specific application requirements. Careful and accurate welding practices maximize the performance and lifespan of these materials. These plates provide effective solutions for industrial applications demanding high wear resistance and durability.

What is a Sediment Dam (Flood Rake)?

What is a Sediment Dam (Flood Rake)?

A sediment trap is a structure built to control sediment transport in rivers and regulate water flow. These structures slow down the water speed, allowing sediment to accumulate and thereby helping stabilize riverbeds.

Manufacturing Features

  1. Material Use:
    • Steel: Steel construction provides high strength and durability. Corrosion-resistant coatings extend the lifespan of steel structures.
    • Concrete: Concrete can be used in conjunction with steel. Concrete enhances the robustness of the steel structure and provides resistance to water pressure.
    • Geosynthetic Materials: Geosynthetic materials can also be used for erosion control.
  1. Design and Construction:
    • Engineering Design: Hydraulic and structural engineering calculations determine the water flow rate, volume, and sediment carrying capacity.
    • Modular Structures: Steel construction can be designed as modular structures, making assembly and disassembly easier.
    • Foundation Work: Ground improvement and reinforcement work are carried out to create a solid foundation.
  1. Installation:
    • Site Preparation: Necessary adjustments are made in the riverbed, and the structure’s foundations are excavated.
    • Steel Assembly: Steel parts are assembled according to the predetermined design, using welding and bolted connections.
    • Concrete Pouring: Concrete is poured in necessary areas to increase the durability of the steel construction.

Application Areas and Advantages

  • Erosion Control: Sediment traps are used to prevent erosion along riverbanks.
  • Sediment Management: They control sediment accumulation and maintain the depth of riverbeds.
  • Flood Prevention: By regulating water flow, they reduce the risk of flooding.
  • Protection of Wildlife: They protect river ecosystems and improve water quality.

Other Names and Known Applications

  • Flood Dike: A term used for structures with similar purposes and structural features.
  • Flood Rake: The name given to smaller-scale sediment traps, especially used in stream beds.

Example Applications

  • River and Stream Rehabilitation: Sediment traps are used for erosion control and sediment management.
  • Water Management in Urban Areas: Used in urban streams to reduce flood risks.
  • Protection of Agricultural Lands: Sediment traps are built to protect agricultural lands from flooding.

Conclusion
Tekmetsan has added a new one to its works with the Sediment Traps application completed in Kastamonu, Turkey. Sediment Traps are essential structures for water management and environmental protection, and steel constructions enhance their durability and longevity. When proper design and manufacturing techniques are employed, these structures effectively provide erosion control, sediment management, and flood prevention. Although these structures may have various names, they all serve similar functions and contribute significantly to water management and environmental protection.

Steel Building Foundation System

Steel Building Foundation System

Regardless of what type of steel building you choose, you will need to consider steel building foundation options before construction your building 

This selection should be carried out cautiously for any type of steel building.

Durability and sustainability of the building are very much dependent on how well the foundation is designed and how well it is constructed. An ideal foundation should transfer the dead and service loads of the buildings effectively to the soil beneath without incurring any structural damage. This includes avoiding settlement and/or tilting of the walls and building frame.

lnitial Building Foundation Considerations

Before initiating the selection process, below variables should be taken into consideration. There may be some additional considerations that your building expert will ask you about, but these are a good starting point:

1. The type of soil and its bearing characteristics. As the soil having immediate contact with the footing would be bearing a greater share of stress. So ensure to excavate any dirt poor soil and replace it with a high-quality soil if required.

2. The loading conditions depending on the type of usage. You must be clear about how many vehicles would be parked on the foundation and any other heavy items being stored on it.

3. Wind, Snow, and Earthquake conditions. As the steel building would be anchored with the foundation, any lateral or uplifting load is directly transferred to the building. Because of this if you live in an area prone to earthquakes, then this is something to let your building rep. know. Also if you happen to be in an area with heavy winds, or snow loads then those need to be factored in since any pressure put on the building is transferred down to the foundation itself.

4. The area of the building and the size of the plot: The land can be surveyed for grading and area. This may seem simple, but be sure to get the tape measure out at the very least and ensure you have enough space. Not only space for the building itself, but for a perimeter around it as well.

Steel Building Foundation Options

Slab Foundations (Floating Foundation)

Slab foundations are also sometimes called floating slabs or floating foundations. This is because of the fact that it literally floats over the undisturbed soil. If large enough, it can span patches of poor bearing soils. This feature makes it an ideal choice for softer soils, like in coastal areas that could sink or settle unequally.

If you’re working on a budget then a slab foundation is likely your best choice. As an economical solution, this floating type of slab foundation is very popular and common. It can be poured easily and quickly. If you’re planning to construct a shed, a garage or some extension work which is not wider than 15 meters, than this is the most suitable option. Unlike other types, it does not require any extensive excavation and also fewer labours are adequate.

Often, on the exterior perimeter of the slab foundation, a thickened reinforced edge beam is added. It’s referred to as a grade beam. The thickness of the slab would be decided by the engineer of record, keeping in view the above-stated inputs. Typically a slab in between 12-18 cm would be enough.

Reinforcements are embedded in the concrete. If you intend to store a particularly heavy load on the steel building foundation then you must use concrete of high compressive strength i.e. about 4000 psi. For normal usage, 2500 psi could do the job.

If you have a problem fixing the reinforcement mesh in the concrete slab; you can use fiber reinforced concrete which has considerable tensile strength when compared with that of un-reinforced concrete.

Pier Foundation

There are two main ways to go about a Pier Foundation. You can either construct your steel building directly on pile or pier, or you can embed the pier in the floating concrete slabs. It looks similar in style to the foundation of decks for the building. In slab foundation type, the top of concrete slab serves the purpose of the floor while in this type the floor is left as dirt or rough gravel.

This type of foundation is ideal for agricultural sheds and open pavilions where an enclosure is never a need. The most common type of pier foundation has a grade beam which ties together all the piers which help in resisting horizontal column reactions. Pier foundation is comparatively expensive than slab foundation but it offers resilience against wind uplift pressure and seismic stress reversals.

Perimeter Wall Foundation

Referred to as standard foundation, this type is used for steel buildings wider than 15 meters. You can also call it a T-wall foundation, perimeter wall foundation or frost wall foundation. The strip which is wider than the width of the perimeter wall provides stability by distributing the load over a larger area. The columns of the steel buildings are anchored trough embedded bolts in concrete pedestals in the strip wall. This type of footing should run below the maximum anticipated frost line.

You can cast this foundation in three stages; first, the strip is cast followed by concreting the perimeter wall. After curing, the plinth of the building is backfilled and the floor is afterward cast. This type of foundation requires labor force and is time-consuming as you’d require fixing formwork and waiting for the curing of the concrete.

Who Designs a Metal Building Foundation?

You will need to hire a local concrete engineer to design your steel building foundation.  They will be best qualified to determine the specifics for using perimeter walls, piers, or a concrete slab for metal building foundations.

TEKMETSAN provides the anchor bolt plans and technical information for your foundation engineer and contractor in order to plan the perfect foundation for your steel structure.  This allows your foundation to be poured and cured in advance, so construction can begin immediately when your steel framing arrives.

Engineer of Record for the Steel Building

Engineer of Record for the Steel Building

The engineering team of Tekmetsan has a wide range of structural diversity and expertise. With more than 10 years of experience in the metal building industry, we can meet any of your structural design needs for your next metal building project. 

However, typically the metal building manufacturer is only responsible for the structural design of the metal building system. Items not provided by Tekmetsan must be designed by “another” design professional. 

Please see below for a list of services that that should be provided by the EOR (Engineer of Record).

  • Local Building Codes
    • Code & Design Load Determination
    • Serviceability Determination
    • Other
  • Foundation Design
    • Footings and Slabs
    • Block Foundations
  • Wall Cladding Design
    • CMU
    • Tilt-up Concrete
    • Brick and Metal Studs
  • Retrofit of Existing Buildings
    • Expansion
    • Occupancy Change
    • Unanticipated Load Additions

Metal building systems have evolved over the decades into collection of structural items that work together as a very efficient structural system. The fundamental parts of the metal building system are: primary members of load bearing frames, secondary members composed of wall girts and roof purlins, bracing and cladding. Metal building system design may seem simple at first, but the complex interaction of these components into a durable and robust system is a challenging engineering job. Tekmetsan have demonstrated this experience and are on the leading edge of systems design.

In a metal building systems, design responsibilities are usually divided between the manufacturer and the design professional or EOR (Engineer of Record). Therefore, a clear understanding of their respective roles, as well as coordination and interaction are vital for success. Tekmetsan has a deep experience engaging with clients’ EORs and interact in the most effective way from initial contact to the completion of the building construction.

For a successful project execution and compliance with the local building regulations, the building manufacturer is responsible only for the structural design of the metal building system it sells to the building.
The manufacturer is not the EOR for the construction project. The manufacturer is not responsible for the design of any components or materials not sold by them.
Nor are they responsible for the interface and connection of other components with the metal building system, unless such design responsibility is specifically required by the order documents.
However, Tekmetsan always take a further step and engages in the design of the components which are connected to its steel building system.
It is the responsibility of the metal building manufacturer to design a metal building system to conform to the specifications, including the design criteria and design loads incorporated by the builder.

We recommend that the customer to work with a local EOR which will be responsible for specifying the design criteria for the metal building system.
These design criteria should include the geometric requirements, all applicable codes and design loads, site and construction conditions that affect design criteria, and serviceability criteria.
This will enable the client to ensure the builders/manufacturers bidding on the project understand and interpret the requirements in a similar and accurate manner.
Just as importantly, a proper specification ensures the building performs satisfactorily and meets the owner’s requirements.
The metal building system is just one element of the total construction project.
Tekmetsan does not provide site preparation, mechanical work, electrical design, and certain building envelope components/accessories.
The EOR is typically responsible for these important elements of the project as well as floor slabs, interior/exterior concrete masonry and /or tilt-up walls, and the connection of these walls to the metal building framing.
With regard to the foundation design, Tekmetsan does prepare the anchor bolt plans showing the location, diameter, and projection of the bolts required to attach the metal building system to the foundation.

Conclusion

Tekmetsan engages with the clients’ EOR throughout the project to provide a smooth progress and peace of mind to its customers while at the same time complying local building regulations and specific project requirements.