Straightwall Structural Terms in Steel Building Construction

A Quick Guide to Straightwall Steel Building Terminology

Steel Building Frames

Red Iron vs. Cold-Formed Steel Buildings: A Comparative Analysis

Understanding the distinctions between red iron and cold-formed steel buildings is vital for selecting the appropriate structure for your project.

Red Iron Steel Buildings

  • Composition: Constructed using hot-rolled steel I-beams, commonly referred to as “red iron” due to their distinctive red oxide coating that prevents rust during transportation and storage.

  • Applications: Ideal for large-scale structures requiring wide, clear spans and significant load-bearing capabilities, such as industrial warehouses and commercial facilities.

  • Construction: Typically involves welding and bolting heavy components, necessitating skilled labor and specialized equipment.

  • Cost Implications: Higher material and labor costs due to the complexity of fabrication and assembly processes.

straight walls steel buildings
Straightwall Cold Formed Steel Building Frame

Cold-Formed Steel Buildings

  • Composition: Utilize cold-formed steel components, such as Cees and Zees, which are lighter and easier to handle.

  • Applications: Suitable for small to medium-sized structures, including residential buildings, workshops, and light commercial facilities.

  • Construction: Components are typically bolted together, allowing for quicker assembly with less specialized labor.

  • Cost Implications: Generally more affordable due to lower material and labor expenses.

Steel Building Frame

Check out this interactive picture of a Red Iron Metal Building Frame for some of the components every building will come with.

resource-hit-img1

Click on “i” icons on the image below to see each description

Straightwall Structural Terms in Steel Building Construction

Click on “i” icons on the image below to see each description

Steel Building Interior View

Check out this interactive picture of the Interior components to one of our buildings.

Steel Building Exterior View

Check out this interactive picture of a straight wall steel building’s exterior components.

resource-hit-img3

Click on “i” icons on the image below to see each description

Some Other Steel Building Terms to know

Erection Plans:

Drawings which provide sufficient details to ensure all parts of the building system can be erected properly.

Building Codes:

Regulations established by jurisdictions (city/town, county, province/state, etc), outlining required design loads, procedures and construction details.

Framed Opening:

Framing components which surround an opening.

Collateral Loads:

Weight of additional permanent materials.

Louver:

Vent that allows air to pass through while keeping water dirt and debris out.

Monovent

An exhaust vent for a building.

 

Univent

An exhaust vent for a building.

 

Eave Height

The vertical distance from the finished floor to the eave line, where the roof and wall intersect. This measurement determines the usable interior height of the building.

 

Purlin

Horizontal structural members that support roof loads and transfer them to the primary frames. Purlins are integral in maintaining the roof’s structural integrity.

 

Girt

Horizontal beams that provide lateral support to wall panels, enhancing the building’s stability against wind and other lateral forces.

 

Clear Span

An interior space free from intermediate columns, allowing for unobstructed floor areas ideal for various applications.

 

Bay Spacing

The distance between primary structural frames, influencing the building’s structural design and interior layout flexibility.

 

Rafter

Inclined beams that extend from the eave to the ridge of the roof, supporting the roof deck and its loads.

 

Flange

The projecting edge of a structural member, such as an I-beam, providing additional strength and stability.

 

Anchor Bolts

Bolts embedded in the foundation to secure structural members, ensuring stability and alignment.

 

Bracing

Structural elements, such as rods or cables, installed to reinforce the building against lateral forces like wind or seismic activity.

 

Ridge

The highest point of the roof where two sloping sides meet, often reinforced for added structural integrity.

 

Eave Strut

A horizontal structural member located at the eave, supporting roof and wall panels.

 

Toro Steel Buildings
is here to help

Prefabricated Steel Building are the easiest building types to assemble as they all come pre-engineered at our factory prior to shipping. Once the Building arrives it’s just a matter of bolting the pieces together and following the detailed instructions we provide. If you are interested in learning more about our Steel Buildings check out our resources page at the link here. Additionally, please feel free to check out our Sister Company, Future Building’s Website at the link here.

Straightwall Structural Terms in Steel Building Construction

Let Us Help You Every Step of the Way

We promise the best product & service for your steel building project.