Common Metal Building Terminology

Common Metal Building Terminology

Anchor Bolts
The bolts or rods that fasten components to the foundation or other support. Anchor bolts are usually set in concrete, but they may also be drilled and then set with an epoxy.
Approval Drawings
Product drawings sent to the customer to verify the dimensions and design. These drawings are also used to verify the services and materials the manufacturer will provide.
Bay
The horizontal space between the main frames or primary supporting members. A structural steel system with rafter beams that are supported by columns.
Bracing
Rods, cables and angles used in the plane of the walls and roof for the purpose of transferring loads to the foundation.
Clear Span
Describes a building with no internal supports. This makes the entire space under the roof usable.
Clip
A metal fastener that holds a component or panel in place.
Corner Column
Corner columns are usually “C” shaped and are placed along the corner of a bearing frame endwall.
Curtain Wall
These are perimeter wall panels that only carry their own weight.
Dead Load
Describes the weight of the structure as well as any permanent stationary loads.
Deck
A structural surface in which the insulation, roofing or waterproofing system is applied.
Eave
A line that runs along the sidewall. Eaves are formed by the intersection of the wall panels and the roof.
Eave Height
Refers to the distance between the finished floor and the top of the eave strut. The roof panel height is not included in the eave height.
Eave Strut
A structural member located at the eave. The strut supports the wall and roof panels.
Endwall
The exterior wall that runs parallel to the building’s primary frame.
Envelope
Separates the interior and exterior of the building. Screws or clips used to attach panels to frame members or other panels.
Flashing
A piece of metal that seals edgings along walls, drains, expansion joints or gravel stops.
Footing
A mat or pad, usually made of concrete, that sits underneath a wall, column or other structural member. The footing distributes loads from the member onto the supporting soil. The substructure that the building rests on. Foundations are typically made of concrete and has footings for columns to rest on.
Frame
A series of columns and rafters that support the secondary framing.
Framed Opening
An opening in a wall formed by flashing and framing members.
Gable
A triangular area of the building’s endwall that sits above the eave height and below the sloping roof.
Girt
A horizontal structural member that attaches to endwall or sidewall columns. Wall coverings are attached to girts and supported horizontally.
Haunch
Sometimes referred to as “Knee.” The haunch is the roof’s lowest point, and it’s designed to handle the stress of where columns and rafters connect.
Joist
Open web beams used for support in the floor or roof of a mezzanine. They can effectively carry large loads or span large distances.
Live Load
A varying or moving load that the structure supports. A roof live load, for example, usually refers to snow load.
Main Framing
Consists of steel frames that support secondary framing members, such as purlins, eave struts and girts.
Sandwich Panel
Insulation panels cover the roof and wall areas.
Pier
Concrete structures that transfer a vertical load from a column’s base to a footing.
Pitch
A slope or incline measured by percent or degrees, or by the rise and run ratio.
Purlin
A horizontal structural member in the roof that supports sheeting and is supported by the building’s primary framing.
Rake
Where the plane of the endwall and the plane of the roof intersect.
Rafter
A primary structural member that runs from haunch to apex. Rafters are any beams used in the main framing to support purlins.
Ridge
The highest point of the roof; a horizontal line that runs along the length of the building.
Secondary Framing
Structural members that carry loads from the surface of the building to the primary framing members. Girts and purlins are both considered secondary framing.
Self-Tapping Screws
A special fastener that taps, or creates, threads inside a predrilled hole.
Standing Seam
A standing seam is an upturned ribbed that has a watertight seal.
Trim
Used to finish a building. Trim is typically applied to framed openings and where surfaces intersect. Light gauge metal is used for trim.
Truss
Consists of three or more members. Each member carries a tension or compression force, therefore acting as a beam.
Wall Covering
Exterior wall panels or sheets and their attachments, trim and sealants.
Wind Load
Refers to the load from wind blowing in a horizontal direction.
X-Bracing
Provides additional strength and bracing through the use of rods, cables and sometimes, angles.

Quality Assurance of Tekmetsan Steel Structures

Quality Assurance of Tekmetsan Steel Structures

At Tekmetsan, we go above and beyond to provide our customers with the best quality metal building systems we possibly can. 

Metal fabrication requires an eye for detail, and with so many variables coming into play it is crucial that those overseeing your job have the knowledge and experience necessary to deliver a quality product. 

Sloppy and hasty workmanship can negatively affect the appearance, structural integrity and overall lifespan of the steel structure.

In this post, we’ll be shedding some light on the quality assurance procedures and what makes our structural steel stand out from our competitors.

 
The Need for Quality Assurance

Metal fabrication is not a simple process, particularly when it comes to structural steel. You are already aware of the incredible properties of steel which include its strength, longevity, aesthetic appeal and robustness to name just a few. 

But what you may not be aware of is that poor refinement and fabrication can compromise the finished product, leading to vastly reduced strength and longevity.

At Tekmetsan we keep a close eye on the finish, aiming to remove all defects prior to delivery to ensure a great customer experience.

How We Ensure Quality

1. Cutting Edge Equipment & Machinery
We invest in the success of our business, using the CNC controlled machinery ensuring they are calibrated on a regular intervals. We hold regular quality assurance inspections to ensure our equipment are in good condition and all welding/fabricating equipment is properly functioning.

2. Experienced Staff
Our production team have extensive training/qualifications and experience in welding, and they recognise their role within the customer experience. We utilise tried and true welding methods and oversee all work to ensure that it meets our strict specifications.

3. Expert Steel Knowledge
Tekmetsan has been in operation since 1971. As a leading Turkish steel fabricator, it goes without saying that we know our product. We have expert knowledge on the different types of steel and what they are like to work with, and our aim is to make working with steel easy. With the right processes, people and vendor relationships in place you can rest easy knowing that we are the steel experts.

 

4. Strong Relationships with Mills and Vendors
We source our steel from renowned mills and vendors who share our passion for quality. Throughout our history we have developed strong business relationships built on trust, and our vendors know that we make no compromises when it comes to the quality of our materials. We pay close attention to the grade of steel, carbon levels, alloy composition and tensile strengths to ensure it meets your exact specifications.

5. Attention to Detail
Structural steel fabrication must be carried out with care and attention to detail, otherwise the longevity and safety of a structure will be compromised. Just a few millimetres difference could bring a project to a halt. We have processes in place to ensure all design/measurement specifications are adhered to.

6. Weld Quality Management

We have a full-time Internal Welding Coordinator, a Quality Assurance Checker and an external Welding Coordinator who are solely responsible for overseeing manufacture and fabrication of our steel structures.

We also have strict weld quality management processes in place and are certified as a structural steelwork manufacturer up to Execution Class (EXC) 2 in accordance with BS EN 1090-2:2008+A1:2011.

Our Fabrication and Welding team members performing welding duties have demonstrated their competence skills in accordance with EN 9606-1 and are all trained in Defect Identification and Visual Inspection of Welds.

7. Accreditation, standards and quality

We are ISO 9001 Quality Management System accredited and CE Marked.

CE marking of our construction products is achieved through our Factory Production Control (FPC) in compliance with EN 1090-1: 2009 + A1:2011.

All of our structural steelwork conforms to current international codes.

How to Erect a Steel Building

How to Erect a Steel Building

The erection of structural steelwork consists of the assembly of steel components into a frame on site. The components are then lifted and placed into position before they are connected together.

Steel erection essentially consists of four main tasks: 

• Establishing that the foundations are suitable and safe for erection to commence.

• Lifting and placing components into position, generally using cranes but sometimes by jacking. To secure components in place bolted connections will be made, but will not yet be fully tightened. Bracings may similarly not be fully secured.

• Aligning the structure, principally by checking that column bases are lined and level and columns are plumb. Packing in beam-to-column connections may need to be changed to allow column plumb to be adjusted.

• Bolting-up which means completing all the bolted connections to secure and impart rigidity to the frame.

Generally, connection is achieved through bolting but, in some cases, site welding is used. The assembled frame needs to be aligned to within tolerance expectations before final bolting up is completed. 

The completed steel frame may then be handed over to following trades in an acceptable condition. 

Design for construction

The successful construction (including erection) of steel structures safely, quickly and economically starts long before the actual steelwork arrives on site from the fabrication shop. The ‘buildability’ of the structure is influenced significantly by decisions made during the design process long before erection commences.

It is important that designers clearly understand the impact of their decisions. Design for construction is a valid design objective and one that should be considered along with the other usual design objectives in play.

Erection planning

Planning for erection should start at the very beginning of the design process. Such planning should consider the construction sequence, the design factors that affect buildability and site practice in terms of typical erection plant.

 

In the broader design and planning context, there are three planning factors that affect the buildability of steel structures:

1. Practical erection sequence: the location of both temporary and permanent bracing systems or other means of maintaining structural equilibrium are crucial here

2. Simplicity of assembly: simply assembled connections are the main factor here

3. Logical trade sequences: which will affect the development of the master contract programme as the pre-tender plan metamorphoses into the construction plan.

Conclusion

Tekmetsan supports its clients during the erection works and offers free consultation and installation guideline to assist the clients.

Nuts and Bolts of Metal Buildings

Nuts and Bolts of Metal Buildings

Structural bolts are one of the key elements of a steel building system. Their manufacturers and suppliers form an important part of the steel construction supply chain.

Structural bolts play a vital role in steel construction, as the majority of steelwork projects will always have an abundance of bolted connections. For this reason, bolts or fasteners are considered to be one of the key structural elements in a steel frame and vital to a structure’s safety and speed of completion. 

Every building is only as strong as its connections. Structural Fasteners are characterised by strong, heavy-duty materials that facilitate the construction of structures employing steel to steel connections. They are an ideal choice of tool for connecting one metal structure to another.

Structural fasteners come in a variety of types and are used for a wide range of applications. They are widely used in bridge and building construction, to connect metal columns and beams. To qualify as tools employed primarily for “structural” purposes, fasteners need to be made of quenched and tempered steel.

Heavy Hex Bolts

Heavy hex bolts are characterised by a distinct hexagonal head, making them larger and thicker than standard hex bolts. Heavy hex structural bolts are ideal for steel-to-steel structural connections. They are typically very short. The A325 and A490 specifications are not intended for general applications, including anchor bolts. A449 for A325 and A354 grade BD for A490 are a more suitable choice in these applications.

Heavy Hex Nuts

Also known as Finish Nuts, Heavy Hex Nuts are used along with bolts – both for strength and for a thick finished look.

Flat Washers

These are high hardness and low deformation plain washers, punched washers, or flat washers, used as spacers and load distributors.

Bolts and Cap Screws

They include carriage bolts; Grade two, five, and eight plow bolts, and more.

Construction Screws

They are heavy-duty fasteners that include weld studs, concrete anchors, and more.

Threaded Studs

Whether you’re going with an all-thread rod or an all-thread stud, they are perfect for heavy-duty projects including manufacturing equipment, motors, and construction.

As seen above, there is a wide variety of structural fasteners, each suitable for specific applications. When used properly with the right hardware elements, they perform their functions successfully. Insisting on the highest quality when choosing structural fasteners is essential, as they will hold together heavy and crucial structures.

Thus, structural fasteners should be durable, sturdy, rust-proof and corrosion-free, and serve their purpose over a long period of time. Using poor quality structural fasteners not only reduces the strength of the structure but also puts lives at risk.

Conclusion

Tekmetsan provides first-class steel prefab buildings— right down to the nuts, bolts, and screws. 

Steel Structure Connection Types

Steel Structure Connection Types

When it comes to steel construction, steel connection is one of the most crucial design component, in terms of cost as well as integrity of the structure. If connection types and arrangements are not carefully chosen, it can account for up to 20% of total cost of the production.

Most commonly used connections are the bolted connections.  This connection has the advantage of flexibility in assembling parts of the structure as well as dissembling it and which is necessary if there is inspection or some routine maintenance. This type of connections is applicable for members subjected to tension or shear or both tension and shear. 

The advantages of bolted connections are as follows:

• The process of erection of structure can be made faster.

• Skilled labours are not necessary.

• Connections do not involve the noise.

• Less labour requirement

• Immediate use of structure is possible in case of bolted connection.

• The alternative arrangement of structural members is possible if required.

• Lesser working area is required.

Some frequently used connections are

 
• Base plates
• Fixed moment end plate
• Apex Haunch
• Clip Angle
• Gusset
• Splice
• Gable wall
• Bracing

How Much Does a Steel Structure Cost?

How Much Does a Steel Structure Cost?

The first question we receive is “How much does a steel structure or steel building cost?

That is quite normal; everybody want to know the budget of any major investment they are going to make.

There are two ways to get a quote on your construction project

.

#1.  If you already have a structural and architectural project

If you already have the architectural and structural design of your building, you can send us your project through our details in contact page and our team will shortly revert back to you with a detailed quotation.

#2 If you are in the initial design phase

If you are still in the early design phase of your metal structure, you might want to have an estimation of your building. If you provide us a general information about your structure, our technical team will prepare the most suitable designs for your request free of charge. Our experienced designers will offer value engineering services to find the ideal solution for your structure.

The information we request from you at this stage is as follows:

  • Name
  • Phone
  • E-mail Address
  • Mailing Address
  • Building Location and Usage
  • Building Dimensions & Sketch drawings
  • Insulation Preferences

Since Tekmetsan’s only job is steel structure design and production, you should definitely benefit from the experience of our technical experts for your metal structures. Before starting your project, our technical experts will analyse your project to recognize possible problems that may occur during the construction of your building or throughout its lifetime, and to take the necessary preventive corrections and measures.

Comparing Tekmetsan Metal Structure Costs to Other Quotes

You should be aware that not all steel structure quotes are similar. When comparing steel structure prices, be sure that you know what you are getting from each proposal. You should be sure all the features and details of your building is included in the offer preventing surprising costs in the later stages. Be sure you are not comparing apples to oranges!

Tekmetsan offers two general type of solutions to its clients.

  1. Only Steel Frame
  2. Steel Frame + Cladding and Roofing

While the former just includes structural steel frame of the building, the second option incorporates the cladding and roofing materials along with the structural frame.
Our production facilities are located in Turkey and we ship our products to all over the world.

Designing Metal Buildings

Designing Metal Buildings

Many Customers new to the pre-engineered building concept often call us asking for a product catalogue of our metal building plans. 

New building buyers think they must choose from a list of available models. They expect to go through a limited number of metal building floor plans, and then settle for the one closest to what they really want.

Unfortunately we do not offer such product catalogue due to the customized nature of our business. Every TEKMETSAN order is designed and manufactured to the customer’s specific ideas and location.

TEKMETSAN provides you a custom-designed structure at a catalogue design price! 

We design the steel structure according to your own floor plan.

You provide us the size of the building you need— length, width, and height.  You decide the exterior siding, the options and accessories, the roof pitch and style, the door and window styles and placement— everything. 

A TEKMETSAN metal building will reflect your unique vision— not someone else’s idea from a catalogue of metal building plans.

Based on your choices— in coordination with your architect or engineer— our structural designers go to work to custom-draft your structure. 

Once you approve the design and place your order, we send detailed fabrication drawings for final confirmation.

The entire metal building kit ships to your job site— ready to assemble— in a matter of weeks.

Limitless Possibilities for TEKMETSAN Metal Building Plans

TEKMETSAN allows great freedom for metal building floor plans thanks to its design engineering and the strength of structural steel.

Steel boasts the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any structural material.  Relying on the predictability of that strength, designers create the strongest possible structure with optimum amount of material. 

In other structural systems, load-bearing columns or walls limit your floor plan options.  However, a clear span TEKMETSAN metal building supports its own weight without interior structural supports. 

With TEKMETSAN clear span metal prefab buildings, you layout the interior any way you want— and change if needed— without worrying about compromising the structural integrity of the building.

Sketch your metal building floor plans. For complex commercial projects, you may opt to work with an architect that is highly experienced with metal prefab buildings. 

Work with the TEKMETSAN to design your steel building plans
TEKMETSAN metal prefabricated buildings offer a number of advantages over other construction choices. TEKMETSAN’s custom steel buildings are:

• Affordable
• Attractive
• Damage resistant
• Durable
• Easy to erect
• Eco-friendly
• Energy efficient
• Inexpensive to operate
• Strong
• Versatile
• Weather resistant
Conclusion

Trust your building project to TEKMETSAN, the metal prefabricated buildings company that stands out from the rest.

Metal building for your auto repair workshop

Metal building for your auto repair workshop

Many mechanic shop owners choose steel buildings for their shops because they offer all advantages of low-rise steel construction methods.  A high-quality metal building promises great value— and it delivers on that promise. 

Why Auto Shops Choose Steel Buildings

There are seven main reasons to use pre-engineered metal buildings for auto shops.

1. SPACE: Our metal auto shop buildings feature clear-span framing which eliminates the need for interior load bearing supports, maximizing workable floor space in your auto shop or mechanical building. Without interior columns, you can more easily manoeuvre vehicles inside, creating drive through functionality. You can customize the height of your building up to 12 meter to easily accommodate car lifts. Also our large spans 

2. FAST ERECTION: Tekmetsan steel buildings offer fast construction time for the erection of the workshops. All the steel parts of your building arrives clearly marked and ready to assemble. Experienced owners may even decide to erect the framing themselves to cut construction costs. Our team will support you in the erection process.

3. NON-COMBUSTIBLE: Steel is not a combustible material therefore frequently used flammable products such as gasoline, oil and etc does not bear high risk for the steel structure. Also our fireproof insulated panels are ideal for workshop roof and walls.

With the flexibility metal buildings offer, you’re free to customize the interior of your automotive repair building with functionality & efficiency in mind.

You can configure bays in a variety of sizes and layouts depending on your needs. You can also add an office space or waiting area wherever you’d like. A lot of our clients prefer mezzanines for their offices or storage area in order to save space on the ground floor.

Tekmetsan offers built in mezzanine systems and steel stairs incorporated into the workshop structure.

TEKMETSAN Metal Buildings for Auto Shops

All commercial building owners, including auto service owners, want a well-built, long-lasting structure that holds the value of their investment. That means they want a TEKMETSAN steel building.

Make your upcoming auto industry construction project a TEKMETSAN steel building. TEKMETSAN auto garages provide years of trouble-free service.  

Advances in steel building engineering and manufacturing allow us to custom design a prefab metal building quickly and economically.  And with the TEKMETSAN steel building system, later expansion of your auto shop is quick, easy, and inexpensive.

Conclusion

Tekmetsan offers custom design metal workshops for mechanics and repair shop owners. Our long lasting buildings with our excellent customer service offer high value for your money and exceed your expectations.

5 Reasons to Use Steel Construction For Your Project

5 Reasons to Use Steel Construction For Your Project

Project management requires a lot of responsibilities. You must ensure that the objectives are met, that the quality is of a high standard, and that the customer is satisfied with the end result. The materials you use for the project have a direct impact on these factors. In this blog, we discuss why you should consider steel construction for your project

1 – COST-EFFECTIVE 

Structural steel is generally the most cost effective framing material. It brings greater value to a project because the initial cost is reasonable and because of the nature of the material, it reduces the cost of the other construction works, such as façade systems, flooring and mechanical equipment.

2 – FAST

Structural steel is fabricate offsite which allows other parts of the construction to take place during the fabrication time such as site preparation and foundation works. Once the structural steel is brought to site, it is super easy and quick to erect, thus speeding up the whole project schedule.

3 – LARGE SPANS

As structural steel is both lightweight and strong, it has the capacity to cover long spans than concrete and timber. It also requires less columns, therefore creating open plan floor space.

4 – HIGH PRODUCTIVITY

Structural steel uses advanced technologies to improve the design and construction stages. Computer-aided manufacturing and BIM (building information modelling) are just some of the systems used. These advanced technologies have been proven to reduce or completely eliminate errors, lower project costs and also improve safety.

5 – QUALITY ASSURANCE

As mentioned previously, because structural steel is fabricated offsite, under controlled conditions, the company producing it can ensure that it is to a high standard. By doing this, it can also reduce the number of costly fixes on the job site.

Steel Workshop Building

Steel Workshop Building

Whatever your ideal workshop, TEKMETSAN metal building workshops can create the perfect workspace for you.

Tekmetsan offers a choice of prefabricated workshops suitable for most types of businesses, large and small.

Figure 1 : A modern auto workshop

We can supply the perfect solution to suit your needs from individual stand-alone buildings to blocks of commercial workshops suitable for rental to small businesses.

Our prefabricated buildings are used all over the world as production workshops, vehicle servicing and warehouse units, paint spray shops, valeting bays and many other uses.

We can also provide office & workshop combinations incorporating stairs, mezzanine floors and partition walls.

Our steel framed buildings can incorporate insulated wall and roof panels, with fire resistance as required, which are perfect for energy efficient workshops. Single skin panels are also available for unheated buildings or more price sensitive projects.

Expert Advice

Our expert advisors are on hand to guide you through your building options and to help you realize your concept building design.

Engineer’s Drawings

A full set of General Arrangement drawings will be prepared by structural engineers and a full set of calculations will be supplied on request.

Accessories

You can choose combinations of windows, personnel doors, roller shutters or double sliding doors (other doors available by request) from our range of quality accessories.

Why Choose Steel Prefab Workshops?

TEKMETSAN metal building workshops promise:

• Commercial-grade steel framing with a high-recycled content
• Affordability— especially compared to concrete or timber structures.
• Clear span interior for complete freedom from unwieldy interior columns
• Fast and simple framing erection
• Resistance to damage from high winds, earthquakes, and mould
• Fire-resistance— which is especially important in workshops
• No overhead webbing that attracts messy birds
• Easy expansion
• Increased property value— and sales appeal
• Flexibility of use, as your interests and needs change
• Virtually maintenance-free ownership, so no wasted time on upkeep
• A strong, lasting workshop that retains its beauty and value for decades
• Customizing options to complete your workshop to your specific needs

Conclusion

TEKMETSAN can deliver metal workshop buildings and prefab garage kits to exactly fit your individual need and budget.