Construction industry has seen a sea change in recent times with the popularity of partitions, prefabricated structures, mezzanine flooring used in industrial and many other non residential constructions worldwide. However, it is relatively a new concept in India. These concepts were introduced to the Indian markets during the late 1990’s with the opening up of the economy when a number of multi-nationals started setting up their projects in various sectors. This concept has been successfully imple­mented in countries like Europe, Australia, North America, among others.

The domestic market potential of this industry is estimated to be in the range of 1.2-1.4 million tonnes per annum. The current pre-engineered steel building manufacturing capacity is 0.35 million tonnes per annum. The industry is growing at the compound rate of 20 to 35 per cent. In India pre-engineered buildings are becoming very popular and giving tough competition to people involved in the traditional method of constructing building.

Pre-engineered steel buildings are a good solution to different problems that are related to traditional construction. Because steel is a recyclable metal that can be used again, these buildings are environment friendly. Even if the pre-engineered building were to be demolished, the steel can be used for other purposes. Pre-engineered steel buildings require significantly less labour and material than conventional buildings. This drastically reduces their price. It also requires low maintenance compared to traditional buildings.

Pre-engineered steel buildings can be fitted with different structural accessories including mezzanine floors, canopies, fascias, interior partitions etc. and the building is made water proof by use of special mastic beads, filler strips and trims. These are very versatile buildings systems and can be finished internally to serve any functions and accessorized externally to achieve attractive and unique designing styles. It is very advantageous over the conventional buildings and is really helpful in the low rise building design.

It can be used in factory buildings, warehouses, workshops, distribution centres, showrooms, aircraft hangars, schools, sports complexes, stadium, supermarkets, office buildings, metro rail shelters, bus shelters, car parking sheds, garage and virtually any one, two or three storey building The most significant advantages of pre-engineered buildings are low initial investment, fast construction time, low maintenance cost, large clear spans, infinite choice of layouts, inherent resistance to earthquakes, ease of future expansion and unique attractive appearance.

Companies are also making investments in R&D to ensure international standard and deliver products according to the specific needs of the customers. Parts of pre-engineered buildings are manufactured in the factory and brought to the construction site in a knock down form. These parts are then assembled together by the steel building supplier to take the shape of a building. These parts, when put together, become a complete building envelop system which is light in weight, air tight, cost effective and highly efficient. These buildings can be fitted with different building accessories like partitions, false ceilings, canopies, etc and it is made watertight using the best quality materials.

Pre-engineered buildings are generally low rise buildings however the maximum height can go up to 25 to 30 metres. Low rise buildings are ideal for offices, houses, showrooms, shop fronts etc. The application of pre engineered buildings concept to low rise buildings is very economical and speedy. Buildings can be constructed in less than half the normal time especially when complemented with the other engineered sub systems.

PEB systems are flexible by nature. Automated design systems allow changes with ease. Even when substantial aspects such as eave height or building width are changed, new PEB designs can be completed in a matter of minutes. Another advantage is that PEB systems are analyzed taking the entire building into consideration. This concept allows the various aspects of the building to work together to transfer loads and provide rigidity. looking at the building envelope and not each part individually greatly enhances the ability to reducing the weight of the structure, while always maintaining appropriate safety factors.

A major difference between conventional concrete construction and the PEB industry is its pace. Customers have come to expect prompt turn-around on project estimates, a quick building delivery schedule and an immediate occupation timeline. Following are the main parts of a pre engineered steel building:

Main Framing - this includes the steel frames of the building. This frame is specially fabricated by the metal building supplier according to the requirements of the client.

Panels and insulation - these fittings ensure that the building is properly insulated and effective in all kinds of weather conditions.

Doors & windows - these are properly attached to the main frame by welding or any other effective method.

False ceilings - this is especially necessary for residential buildings and offices. A false ceiling of rigid boards is placed on a metal frame, which is hung from the roof.

Partitions - partitions are generally necessary in case of offices and residential houses. These partitions are fixed to the metal frame and properly insulated to maintain the efficiency of the building.

Flooring - floors in a pre engineered building are made up of normal materials like concrete or cement.

Source: Business Standard

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