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INSTRUCTOR: 
Alexander Newman, P.E., F.ASCE

Purpose and Background

Metal building systems (MBS), also known as pre-engineered buildings, are used in most new low-rise nonresidential buildings in the U.S. These versatile structures, which are designed and produced by their manufacturers, can be found in all kinds of buildings – from factories to churches. Cost-effectiveness, speed of construction, and many other benefits of MBS explain their popularity.

Still, MBS remain a mystery to many specifying engineers, because reliable and unbiased information about them is hard to find. The seminar fills the knowledge void. The instructor explains how these deceptively simple structures work and how to properly specify them without falling into the many traps awaiting the unwary. The seminar covers every aspect of MBS, from foundation design to metal roofing.

The seminar provides answers to many common questions, such as a selection of the proper lateral-drift and vertical deflection limits, purlin bracing, and how the foundations for MBS are different from those for other buildings. The instructor explains a rather arcane topic of the design of light-gage metal framing in simple terms and explores typical challenges facing the specifying engineers. The seminar concludes with tips on avoiding construction problems with MBS.

The participants will learn that the suppliers of MBS are not the same and will know how to differentiate between reputable manufacturers and others.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the available types of metal building systems and the optimal range of their uses
• 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 correct types of metal roofing. Study the must-have details for installation of various metal roofing types
• Explore how various building needs influence the choice of wall materials in metal building systems
• Avoid costly errors in specifying MBS for difficult 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
• Determine when to specify single-span and multiple-span rigid frame systems and when to consider other types of metal-building structures
• Select proper drift and deflection criteria, one of the most controversial parameters of MBS
• Recognize the limitations of using specific wall materials, ranging from metal panels to precast concrete wall
• Recognize where in the step-by-step procuring process where things are most likely most likely to go wrong

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

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.

Outline

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 column base plates
• Renovating MBS
• Specifying crane buildings with MBS
• Avoiding construction problems
• Case studies
• Some lessons from failures
• Conclusion, final Q&A

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs

This online course is worth 1.4 CEUs /14 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 30 days of the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]