Design of Steel Structure for canopies of large area
Design of Steel Structure for canopies of large area
(OP)
Dear all I have a task to design a steel structure for 3 canopies with the following specifications
1. 25x15 meters
2. 75x8 meters &
3. 700 Sq. meters (Overall)
The design is relatively in the initial stage and its just been demanded by our estimation section in order to give price of an inquiry. I am relatively fresh in steel structures but I am aware of AISC code and software tools like STAAD Pro. I have designed steel structures before for supporting architectural works, but such a structure is quiet bigger for me than the earlier ones. I have already design the 3 structures and send the steel detail to the estimation section. But the problem still remains there, that how come I be sure about the structures' safety because I don't fully believe on the software's result. Also there is an issue that I am the only Engineer who can do the structural design in my company. Please I need valuable information that how to proceed in future if our company gets the project.
Note: In my design I used trusses made up from equal angle section, I thought to use tapered section but later on abandoned the idea because of the bracing requirement for such a large structure.
1. 25x15 meters
2. 75x8 meters &
3. 700 Sq. meters (Overall)
The design is relatively in the initial stage and its just been demanded by our estimation section in order to give price of an inquiry. I am relatively fresh in steel structures but I am aware of AISC code and software tools like STAAD Pro. I have designed steel structures before for supporting architectural works, but such a structure is quiet bigger for me than the earlier ones. I have already design the 3 structures and send the steel detail to the estimation section. But the problem still remains there, that how come I be sure about the structures' safety because I don't fully believe on the software's result. Also there is an issue that I am the only Engineer who can do the structural design in my company. Please I need valuable information that how to proceed in future if our company gets the project.
Note: In my design I used trusses made up from equal angle section, I thought to use tapered section but later on abandoned the idea because of the bracing requirement for such a large structure.






RE: Design of Steel Structure for canopies of large area
As far as safety goes, as long as you meet the criteria in the AISC specification, the structure should be safe. Check for load carrying capacity, stability, and servicability.
If you are only aware of such design practices however, it might be prudent to get some help by hiring an engineer.
RE: Design of Steel Structure for canopies of large area
Thanks structSU10 I think that critical members should be enough for manual check and there is no need for checking the whole members what do you think?
Also can I design structural members (angles) instead of a truss, as a laterally braced beams with brcing as both in top, bottom and sides while using the same section for design? (I have designed it in this fashion in staad and it gives safe results)
RE: Design of Steel Structure for canopies of large area
RE: Design of Steel Structure for canopies of large area
Also 4 mm cladding is a tad thick.
Dik
RE: Design of Steel Structure for canopies of large area
is to include in your companies work offer a separate peer review of your designs by a licensed professional engineer.
RE: Design of Steel Structure for canopies of large area
Also I have designed only so that estimation guys have something to quote in the inquiry rathar than mere guess. I will definately insist that the design shall be checked by an external Pofessional Engineer if we get the project in hand before the design approval.
RE: Design of Steel Structure for canopies of large area
Canopies are the first things to blow over during an extreme wind event. Or at least it seems that way from the photos on the Weather Channel. This indicates to me that we don't fully understand the action of the wind and the pressures generated on these types of structures. Or that the people who design them are not qualified.
RE: Design of Steel Structure for canopies of large area
Be careful with preliminary designs for estimating purposes....you might get bitten in the a$$ unless you consider the entire design.
RE: Design of Steel Structure for canopies of large area
So, guys up til now I conclude from the discussion that if we get the project for execution first of all we have to make our design to be checked by the Qualified Structural Engineer while I will start giving it final touches to it so in order to make it to be approved by the P.eng.
RE: Design of Steel Structure for canopies of large area
So, guys up til now I conclude from the discussion that if we get the project for execution first of all we have to make our design to be checked by the Qualified Structural Engineer while I will start giving it final touches to it so in order to make it to be approved by the P.eng.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
RE: Design of Steel Structure for canopies of large area
Ron you would be surprised with some canopies that I have seen. About a year ago we had a very extreme weather event in the area. While surveying the damage I came across a newly constructed gas station canopy that was still in place and functioning while there was a path 2' diameter oak trees that were snapped off like twigs 20' above their base either side of the canopy. Quite amazing.... somebody did their job.
RE: Design of Steel Structure for canopies of large area