A pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) and a conventional steel building can both get you to the same place: a new industrial facility. But how they get you there can look very different.
For many industrial projects, a pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) provides the flexibility needed to design around clear spans, equipment, workflow and future expansion, while creating an efficient building system from engineering through construction.
But not every part of an industrial facility has the same structural requirements. Specialized equipment, heavy loads or more complex areas of the building may require conventional structural steel in addition to the PEMB.
So the question isn’t always PEMB or conventional steel. It’s about selecting the right structural solution for the way your facility operates today and how it may need to grow in the future.
What Is a Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB)?
The term “pre-engineered” can sometimes make a PEMB sound like a standard building pulled from a catalogue. In reality, every PEMB is engineered for the project’s specific dimensions, loads, site conditions, and operational requirements.
A pre-engineered metal building uses an integrated structural system in which the primary framing, secondary framing, roof and wall systems are designed to work together. PEMB components are fabricated off-site, then assembled on-site as part of the building system.
That approach allows the building to be designed around how it will actually be used.
Clear spans, building height, bay spacing, framed openings, insulation, roof systems and future expansion can all be incorporated into the design.
A warehouse may prioritize large column-free storage areas. A manufacturing facility may require crane support, specialized equipment clearances, or additional height. A maintenance shop may need oversized overhead doors and unrestricted vehicle access.
They may all be pre-engineered metal buildings, but the requirements driving their design can be very different.
What’s the Difference Between a PEMB and a Conventional Steel Building?
Both use structural steel. The difference is how the building is engineered, fabricated and assembled — which can affect everything from clear floor space to erection efficiency.
With a pre-engineered metal building (PEMB):
- The building is engineered as one complete system. Primary frames, secondary framing, bracing, roof and wall systems work together based on the building’s dimensions, loads and intended use.
- Tapered framing puts steel where it’s needed most. Built-up columns and rafters can be deeper where loads are greater, rather than using heavier steel throughout the entire frame.
- Purlins and girts support the roof and walls. These lighter secondary framing members transfer loads back to the primary frame.
- Large clear spans create more usable floor space. Fewer interior columns leave more flexibility for equipment, production lines, racking, storage and vehicle movement.
- Shop fabrication can simplify erection. Components arrive on site ready to be bolted together.
- Pre-engineered doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all. Eave height, bay spacing, framed openings, roof slope, overhead doors and future expansion can all be designed around the operation.
With conventional structural steel:
- The structure uses individually selected steel members. Wide-flange beams and columns, HSS, channels, and angles are configured to meet the project’s structural requirements.
- Members typically maintain the same cross-section. Conventional structural steel often uses standardized rolled shapes with relatively uniform cross-sections along their length, unlike the tapered members commonly used in PEMBs
- Connections can be bolted, welded or both. The approach depends on the loads, geometry and connection requirements.
- It works well for specialized structural needs. Irregular geometry, concentrated loads, crane supports, equipment platforms and multi-level framing may call for conventional steel.
For many industrial steel buildings, PEMB provides the flexibility and clear spans that operations need. JB Steel brings PEMB design, engineering and construction together to help you get the right building from the start.
What Should You Consider When Designing a PEMB?
Once you’ve decided a pre-engineered metal building could be the right fit, the next step is figuring out what the building needs to support.
A few questions can help shape the design:
- What is the building being used for? Production, storage, maintenance, shipping and receiving all create different requirements for clear spans, height and layout.
- What equipment will it support? Bridge cranes, conveyors, process equipment and mechanical systems can influence loads, framing and building height.
- How will people and materials move through the space? Bay spacing, overhead doors, framed openings and column placement can all affect day-to-day workflow.
- What might change in the future? Additional equipment, storage or future expansion can often be planned for during the initial PEMB design.
- What does the site require? Foundations, site access, existing structures and local snow, wind and seismic loads all need to be considered.
Planning a pre-engineered metal building? Talk to JB Steel early about what your operation needs, and we’ll help you determine the right approach.
When Does a PEMB Need Conventional Structural Steel?
Choosing a pre-engineered metal building doesn’t mean every part of the structure has to use the same system.
Conventional structural steel can be incorporated where the operation has more specialized requirements, including:
- Bridge crane supports
- Mezzanines and platforms
- Equipment supports
- Canopies
- Complex or concentrated loads
For example, a manufacturing facility may use a PEMB for the primary building while incorporating conventional steel around a crane system or process equipment.
See Also: How to Plan for a Pre-Engineered Steel Building Expansion
The key is identifying those requirements early. When the PEMB and conventional steel components are engineered together, they can function as a single building rather than as separate systems that need to be adapted later.
Planning a Pre-Engineered Metal Building?
A PEMB works best when it’s designed around what needs to happen inside the building from the start.
JB Steel brings PEMB design, structural engineering, and construction together to help clients across Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon plan buildings around their equipment, workflow, and future growth.
Planning your next pre-engineered metal building?