Pre-Fab Metal Buildings

[tdsull]

Are there any guidelines for designing foundations for pre-fab metal buildings?
I have all the data from the mfr. regarding moments and shears etc…but I was specifically thinking I may need to tie parallel foundation walls together.

 

[DaveAtkins]

I use the "Foundation Design and Construction Manual," from Butler Manufacturing Company and Computerized Structural Design.

Try the Butler website and see if it is available for download.

DaveAtkins

 

[twinnell]

I have the same manual but I don't think it is available for download. I had to call Butler and talk to numerous people to get this manual. When all said and done, they actually sent it to me for free.

I have also seen a good text book on Pre-Engeineered metal buildings. It is a little conservative as far as foundation design (recommends tie rods between frame columns), but he discusses each of the typical types of foundations. I don't know the name...I will get back to you.

Most foundations that I have designed or seen designed where the columns do not sit on a monolithic footing/slab, the columns sit on a concrete pier and both the pier and footing take either the full thrust of the column or partial thrust while using hairpins in the slab to take the rest. The foundation walls were placed monolithically with the pier.

 

[minorchord2000]

I think the text to which twinnell refers is Metal Building Systems Design and Specifications by Newman: published by Mc Graw Hill.

 

[tdsull]

Thanks for the timely and helpful information.

 

[mrcet2]

I have been looking for the Butler manual with no luck...Do you know of any way I could get one. Is anyone interested in selling theirs or making a copy?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[twinnell]

Try finding the phone number for this address. This is the address on the back of the manual. I can't remember phone number but they sent it to me for free.

Butler Manufacturing Company
BMA Tower - Penn Valley Park
kansas City, Missouri 64141

 

[DaveVikingPE]

Newman's book is, in my opinion, excellent and worth the $50.

Also check out the Metal Building Manufacturer's Association Metal Building Design Manual, once called the "Low-Rise Building Manual" or somesuch. it's something like $100, though.

 

[scottiesei]

I use Newman's book as well.