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Steel Building Foundation Tips

 

Metal building structures are becoming more desired. Builders know that creating a foundation for steel buildings must be designed based on many aspects, including geographic location. The first part of any metal building project includes laying the foundation, which sets the pace for all steps that follow in the building process for proper installation. So, the foundation must be implemented properly, without rushing the process, while securing all approved permits to follow standard codes.

Concrete Foundation

Foundations made of concrete for steel buildings are the favorite among builders. The most important step in the building and planning process includes evaluating all approved engineering designs before pouring a concrete foundation. The foundation design is developed for a specific site, with considerations including soil type, frost, weight, climate, building requirements and codes. Be careful to include the proper concrete mix (3,000 lbs. per square inch) proportions to ensure a properly made and strong foundation.

Engineer & Geographic Evaluations

Your local engineers should consider your geographic location and understand frost lines for colder environments vs warmer climates. Frost lines in New England could be 48” versus Southern Texas with 6.” Concrete foundation structures must be built according to the geographic climate and environment. For example, down south a pier foundation can have a shallow footing, but due to New England’s frost heaves, a foundation would need to be below the frost line.  A sturdy concrete foundation must be placed before the garage structure, while enforcing it with appropriate materials.

In planning stages, building erection drawings need to have a final formal seal by a licensed engineer. Without that seal, you run a big risk of a disastrous result of the structure and the reason why preliminary plans are marked, “not for construction.” It is most important to have clear, proactive communication with everyone involved in the project. Let each engineer and team member know what changes and updates need to be put in place. Doing spot checks along the concrete foundation pouring process is a good idea. Reviewing the foundation dimensions and anchor bolt locations against the building erection drawings can prevent an error. Hiring a local surveyor for complex projects can help you analyze the poured concrete to ensure its within specs and codes.

Different Foundations for Steel Buildings:

  1. Slab
    • Most popular for steel buildings, while creating a floor for the structure. This option may not work in some cases when footings and pier reinforcements are required.
  2. Pier
    • For structures requiring a dirt or gravel floor. Concrete piers are necessary for structural support. The piers are poured deep in the soil, with a pier for each steel column of the frame. Piers are connected underground to eliminate shifting.
  3. Perimeter Wall
    • Also referenced as perimeter footing. The concrete gets poured around the exterior of the structure to support the exterior steel framing walls.

Package Steel’s Recommendations for Metal Building Foundations:

Package Steel ensures the best foundation type for your metal structure. Our licensed engineers evaluate all required aspects before designing the concrete foundation for your metal building customer. No one wants a steel building to be picked up by the wind because the structure’s foundation was not properly designed and built. The best metal building foundation consists of a footing with pier reinforcements in a wall where the columns are located, especially for our New England area. Here are some tips for builders that need a concrete foundation for a metal building:

  1. Secure Permits.
    • Ensure building permits are secured before taking delivery of the steel building. Have everything in order first with the proper paperwork, while following the process.
  2. Engineer Review.
    • Have the appropriate local, licensed engineers evaluate your building design plans. Steel buildings are subject to wind and weather. A local expert engineer will know how to evaluate all considerations for a stable foundation and structure.
  3. Foundation First.
    • Do not pour the concrete foundation after the structure is in place. Condensation issues can arise, which could cause corrosion of the foundation and cracking. The foundation should be formed first and cured properly, which could take several weeks.
  4. No “calcium chloride.”
    • This chemical helps speed up the curing process, but for a steel structure, it can lead to foundation corrosion. Do not use Calcium Chloride in a foundation for a steel garage.
  5. Final seal drawings.
    • Do not only reference the preliminary anchor bolt drawings provided by the metal building manufacturer. Preliminary drawings should only be used for budgeting estimates. Check against erection drawings from foundation engineers and building suppliers, and the final licensed engineer-sealed designs.

Package Steel offers engineering services to help plan your steel building project.

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Do you intend to have a full foundation for your building?

All Package Steel buildings require a full and properly designed foundation including flooring, piers, and perimeter frost walls. This work should be completed prior to the arrival of the building on-site. Every foundation is site-specific and should be designed by a local engineer who will consider soil conditions, frost depths and any local regulations which may affect it.

If you do not already have an engineer to design the foundation, Package Steel can provide assistance with locating an independent licensed engineer who can help you through this portion of the project.

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Do you have a building permit from your local city/town?

Before any construction can begin, you must secure the required building permits from the city or town in which your site is located. This allows the local government to ensure your project and the resulting structure will be safe and meet all zoning, size and other requirements. The process involves submitting an extensive application along with a certified site plan, property deed and scheduling of all necessary inspections. Specific requirements vary among municipalities, as does the time it takes to get your building permits. An experienced builder can help you meet all these regulations and secure approval.

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Are you okay with a 6 month lead time?

Metal buildings generally take less time to construct than wood or concrete buildings, but the exact timeline varies widely. We recommend allowing at least 6 months for the process, which includes matching you with a local builder, developing a scope of work and design proposal, fabricating the building components and delivering your structure to the site. The actual time from start to finish is determined by a variety of factors, including the size of the building, the complexity of the design, availability of materials and uncontrollable variables such as the weather.

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Have you contracted a builder?

Some business owners with construction experience choose to build or to coordinate the building of their own structures independently, often with prefabricated metal building kits. This do-it-yourself approach can work for smaller structures, but for medium- to large-sized buildings, it’s best to enlist the services of a high-quality builder. An experienced builder, paired with the right metal building manufacturer, can help guide you through the entire process, from ensuring that your site and structure conform to all local building codes to construction to final approval for occupancy.

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