MetalBuildingDepot.com uses superior techniques in the design and manufacture of its steel buildings. Our bolt-together design can be assembled quickly by erectors without specialized skills. Each rigid frame is comprised of two or more columns supporting a rafter across the width of the building.
In most steel buildings, endwall bearing frames support one-half the load of a rigid "main" frame. In most cases, MBD uses the more economical "bearing" end frames. With one click you can add an expandable endwall or rigid frame. Unlike our competitors, with MBD you can choose the endwall condition of your building. Our endwall rafters and columns can be either hot rolled or cold-formed to suit your design specifications.
The space between the rigid frames of a steel building is a "bay." In the illustration below, an 80' long building is divided into four 20' bays by spacing the frames 20' apart (4 x 20' = 80'). This configuration is called "four bays at 20." A 100' building could be configured with four bays at 25 (4x 25' = 100').
Endwall bay spacing is usually determined by building width. You can add one or more framed openings to most buildings. Endwall bay spacing can usually be changed to accommodate your needs without a change in price.
Clear-span Frames
A clear-span rigid frame offers strength and economy. Since no interior supports are necessary, this frame is best when your building has large areas of unobstructed space (e.g., factory, warehouse, agricultural building). With a clear-span design there are no size limitations: As the desired width increases, the frames become larger and heavier to carry bigger loads across the length of the frame. Clear-span buildings are cost effective for buildings as wide as 150' feet and wider, in some cases.
Modular Frames
Modular frames use interior support columns to evenly distribute the load, thus reducing the cost of both the frame and foundation of extra wide buildings. A modular frame is most economical when the building width is about 100' wide or wider. (Almost all buildings 100' wide or wider have interior support columns.) Modular designs are typically used for large factories and warehouses.
Gable
This is a symmetrical building with equal eave heights and the peak in the center of the end wall. This the most common type of frame profile.
Asymmetrical/Offset Peak
This building either has sidewalls that are not the same height or a peak that is not in the center of the end wall or both.
Single Slope Frames
Single slope frames have high and low eave heights creating a roof that "slopes" from side to side. To select a single slope design, you specify one eave height and define the roof pitch. Single slope frame designs are often used for strip malls, offices and RV/boat storage facilities.
