Beam or Truss? - Pre-fab warehouse from China

[ZazzaZ]

Hi, My first post here.

We are about to order a 20x50x6m pre-fab warehouse, similar to the attached pictures, from China. First time we build a building. The supplier suggests a truss frame instead of I-beam frame as it is a lot cheaper according to them. They also says it is easier to assemble it on site. One would think that the work behind these trusses would cost more than what is saved on material. And as the volume increase the shipment will probably be higher.

Can someone here advice me and tell me the pros and cons between I-beam and truss structures in a building like this.

Thanks
Zaz

 

[MotorCity]

Cost aside, beams would probably be shallower than a truss (more clearance, higher ceiling) and with trusses you are able to run utilities between the web members. If the customer is tasked with assembling the trusses onsite, I say go with I beams.

 

[Shu Jiang PEng SE]

The information, such as span and live (snow) load, will help make the call, especially if crane or monorail is necessary.

 

[dik]

...and as a caution, you can get variable material from offshore. We've had a project where pipe that should fail at 1000 psi went at 100 psi and mill tests were identical except for the test number...

Dik