Metal building systems (MBS), also known as pre-engineered buildings,  are designed and produced by their manufacturers.  These versatile structures can be found in all kinds of buildings from factories to churches. Cost-effectiveness, speed of construction, and many other benefits of MBS explain why they have become one of the fastest growing segments of the construction industry.

Despite their popularity, MBS remain a mystery to many specifiers, because reliable information about them is hard to find. The seminar fills the knowledge void. The instructor explains how metal building systems work and how to properly specify them without falling into many traps awaiting the unwary designers of these deceptively simple structures. The seminar covers every aspect of MBS, from specifics of their foundation design to the available types of metal roofing and wall materials.

The seminar provides a step-by-step explanation of ordering MBS. It explains a rather arcane topic of designing light-gage metal framing in simple terms and explores typical challenges facing the specifying engineers. Some heatedly debated and controversial topics, such as selection of a proper lateral-drift and vertical deflection limits, are examined in detail. The seminar concludes with tips on avoiding construction problems with MBS. In the end, the participants will see that the suppliers of metal building systems are not the same and will learn to spot the differences between the reputable manufacturers and others.

Seminar Benefits

• Learn about the available types of metal building systems and the optimal range of their uses. Find out when to specify single-span and multiple-span rigid frame systems and when to consider other types of metal-building structures.
• Navigate with confidence the arcane world of cold-formed secondary framing used for roof purlins and wall girts and learn what kinds of lateral bracing these members require.
• Avoid premature roofing failures by specifying the proper type of metal roofing for your building. Study the must-have design details for various metal roofing types.
• Learn how to select proper drift and deflection criteria, some of the most controversial parameters of MBS.
• Find out how to select the appropriate wall material for your metal building. Learn about the limitations of each of these materials, which range from metal panels to precast concrete walls.
• Avoid costly errors in specifying MBS for uncommon applications, such as when the building is too large or too small, has a complex layout, requires nonmetal wall materials, or has fixed-base columns.
• Examine the relationships of various parties involved in design and construction of MBS. Receive a step-by-step overview of the procuring process and discover where it is most likely to go wrong.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course the participants will have learned to specify metal building systems with confidence. The instruction uses a combination of lecture, class discussion, answering the participants questions, and refreshing the discussion through a short post-seminar exam.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Assessment will include a short post-seminar exam.

Special Features

Each participant will receive a copy of the 2nd edition of the book Metal Building Systems: Design and Specifications, a $100 value.

Who Should Attend?

Structural engineers, architects, contractors, building officials, facility managers, and owners involved or thinking about getting on board with this fast-growing type of construction. While some discussion topics are technical in nature, those who are not engineers will not be overwhelmed because the instruction is kept to an enjoyable and easy-to-understand level.

Summary Outline

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

DAY 1

• Terminology, history, typical uses, advantages and disadvantages of metal building systems (MBS)
• Design practices
• Primary framing
• Secondary framing: girts and purlins
• Metal roofing
• Wall materials
• Insulation for MBS
• Procuring MBS

DAY 2

• Some common problems and failures
• Lateral drift and deflection criteria
• Foundations for MBS
• Anchor bolts and base plates
• Renovating MBS
• Specifying crane buildings with MBS
• Avoiding construction problems
• Case studies
• Conclusion, final Q&A