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

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#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.

Steel Structure Galvanizing

Steel Structure Galvanizing

Galvanizing is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to prevent rusting.
The most common method is hot-dip galvanizing, where the steel parts are submerged in a bath of molten zinc.

Hot dip galvanization is a highly-specialized job therefore at Tekmetsan, galvanization works are subcontracted to the specialized subcontractors.

Although it is a more expensive type of coating compared to 2 layer organic paint coating, hot dip galvanization offers the below great advantages;

1. Durability

A galvanized coating is one of the most durable forms of corrosion protection on the market. An average coating thickness of 85 microns, the same thickness as a sheet of A4 paper, can protect a steel framed building for the better part of more than 50 years.

2. Sustainability

The long-term durability provided by galvanizing is achieved at relatively low environmental burden in terms of energy and other globally relevant impacts.

3. Reliability

Galvanizing is a relatively straightforward and closely controlled process. The coating formed is consistent, predictable and simply specified. Hot dip galvanizing is defined by a single standard – EN ISO 1461.

Unlike a paint coating, the metallurgical bond that is formed through galvanizing becomes part of the steel itself and is not merely a chemical or mechanical bond.

Due to the metallurgical bond that is formed when steel is dipped into molten zinc, a galvanized coating offers straightforward, secure protection from the get-go. Hot dip galvanizing requires rust-free, uncontaminated steel for the process to occur. Once the coating is present, it is impossible for it to fail from underneath. Other coatings can adhere to residual contaminants, this can undermine performance, lead to flaking and cause premature failure.

4. Predictability

A galvanized coating offers predictable corrosion protection that weathers in a linear fashion. Coating thicknesses are measurable and offer lifespans that can be easily forecast and relied upon.

Batch hot dip galvanizing is a standardized process which produces a quantifiable coating thickness. The coating is simply specified through European and international standards.

The coating thickness depends upon the gauge of the steel that is galvanized and is produced consistently across the component, both inside and out. This can be measured easily throughout its lifetime, using non-destructive methods.

5. Complete Coverage

There are multiple reasons why hot dip galvanizing outperforms other organic coatings. A crucial factor is the way the process achieves complete coverage of a component, both inside and out.

The dipping of steel into a tank of molten zinc via the hot dip galvanizing process means the zinc can access even the trickiest areas.

A further benefit of hot dip galvanizing is that hollow components are coated on internal surfaces too, meaning that a structure will not corrode from the inside out. In addition, the coating will also build up at vital corners and edges, unlike brushed or sprayed coatings, which traditionally thin out in these areas.

6. Abrasion Resistance

Galvanizing has an abrasion resistance up to ten times better than organic paint coatings. The hot dip process is unique, producing a coating which is bonded metallurgically to the steel.  As a result, galvanized steel has superior resistance to mechanical damage during handling, storage, transport and erection.

Conclusion

Along with paint coatings, Tekmetsan offers hot dip galvanization finish to its steel fabrications. It is essential to know whether products are going to be galvanised right in the beginning of the design phase in order to customise the part design for the hot dip galvanization.

BIM in Steel Structures

Building Information Modelling

The key idea behind BIM (Building Information Modelling) is to have all information related to a facility organized in one application-independent model. Ideally, this model is started at concept stage and expanded during each phase of construction and operation of the facility.

While BIM is centred on a 3D model, it is not limited to geometry. Other possibilities are costs, maintenance information, manufacturers, materials, names, dates and times, position and assembly numbers, phases, revisions, and so on.

In the preconstruction phase of steel structure, performing collision detection and design review using BIM can help to reduce the losses that occur in the construction phase by identifying the problems that can be solved beforehand at the design phase (e.g., design errors). Doing so improves the design quality by reducing design errors, design changes, and rework. In the fabrication phase, the procurement process of construction frame members through BIM-based prefabrication can be simplified, and the productivity of workflow between the designers and constructors can be improved. In addition, in terms of production productivity, the workers that are involved in the production of frame members can utilize the information inputted to BIM objects to support the manufacturing process.

Our engineering department is fully engaged with the BIM software and all design & fabrication activities are carried out within the BIM framework of our clients.

Quick Facts about Steel Buildings

Quick Facts about Steel Buildings

Why do so many people choose metal for building? The pre-engineered steel building facts speak for themselves.

Almost all the industrial buildings and majority of the commercial structures are being constructed with steel frames.

1. Prefab Metal for Building is the deal

The return on investment is one of the major criteria in decision making and steel buildings offer lowest cost per square meter. Like any other business, building owners focus hard on the bottom line. 

Steel certainly could not hold such a lead in commercial and industrial construction if metal buildings were not affordable.

Using steel for building costs less over time, too.  For example:

• Heating and cooling is significantly cheap in a well-insulated steel building 

• Metal structures require very little maintenance

2: A Steel Frame Building Creates a Stronger Structure

Steel has the highest strength to section ratio which provides strongest structures with minimum material usage. Neither concrete, nor timber can provide this performance.

3: Span Farther When Using Steel for Building

Many commercial and industrial buildings require huge, open interiors.  Steel frames enable to build spans over 30 meters without any columns inside the building. Even for the spans less than 30 meters, steel frames offers the cost advantage compared to the concrete and timber frame structures. Steel is the ideal frame system for structures like these;

• Airplane and helicopter hangars
• Barns
• Workshops
• Metal Auto Repair Workshops
• Large restaurants
• Manufacturing plants
• Vehicle showrooms
• Warehouses and distribution centers
• Other large commercial and industrial projects

4: It is Simpler to Build Steel Frame Buildings

Prefabricated steel components make a prefab metal building kit very easy to erect. 

No steel work is left to the construction site, everything arrives cut, welded, shaped, drilled, painted, and marked. After the offside fabrication each part is clearly marked and delivered ready to assemble without further processing.

5: Fast Fabrication and Quick Delivery

Thanks to developments in machining technology, steel parts are all fabricated with state of the art CNC machines providing quick lead times and high quality control.

Tekmetsan optimizes its building design to provide fast and safe erection works, eliminating possible risks and threats beforehand.

6: Sustainable Buildings

Steel buildings also outperform other frame type building in terms of sustainability as well.

When you build steel frame structures, they last decades longer than other types of buildings. Steel framed buildings have longer lifetime, require less maintenance and have a value even when its lifetime is over. 

7: Green Buildings with steel

Steel is also an eco-friendly material, and its 100% recyclable.

No matter how many times steel is recycled, it remains just as strong as it was in its first time.