INTRODUCTION TO METAL BUILDINGS

M e s c o B u i l d i n g s S o l u t i o n s
Introduction to
Metal B uildings
 NCI Building Systems, L.P.
7301 Fairview
Houston, Texas 77041
713-466-7788

Copyright 2001
R-2/09-2003

This publication is a general guide to the Metal Building Industry and should not be relied upon for specific engi-
neering, technical or legal problems, or legal advice. In no event will Mesco Building Solutions or NCI Building
Systems, L.P. be responsible for any special incidental or consequential damages incurred by the reader for any
reason. Strict adherence to the manufacturer's installation/erection manual is required. Further, this manual is
intended as an instruction aid in the assembly of metal buildings and components. The Introduction to Metal
Buildings manual is not being offered nor should it be construed as a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of
the metal building assembly and safety issues. Neither Mesco Building Solutions, NCI Building Systems, or any
of their affiliated entities intend the presentation of this manual as an exhaustive study of all safety issues involved
in the assembly of metal buildings, and expressly disclaim any liability therefore. Prior to beginning any con-
struction project, a builder should familiarize himself with all applicable metal building assembly installation and
erection procedure as well as all applicable safety laws and regulations.
 Table Of Contents
Introduction
Successful Selling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Functions of a Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
The Introduction to Metal Buildings Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Introduction to Metal Buildings Has Application Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Mesco - The Builder - The Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Corporate Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
The Builder Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Mesco's Building Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Design Build . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Mesco and the Builder as a Sales Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Lesson One: The History of Metal Buildings

Building Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Construction Material Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Fundamental Factors Affecting Building Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Design Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Resistance of Material to Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Column Reactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Load Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Building Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Steel Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Minimum Loading Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Lesson One: Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Lesson Two: The Building System

Standard versus Non-Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Pricing and Design Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Primary Framing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Secondary Framing Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Lesson Two: Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Lesson Three: Building Types

Clearspan Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Modular Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Lean-to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Endwall Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Endwall Cost Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Long Bay System Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Conventional Steel Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Lesson Three: Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Lesson Four: Introduction to Covering Systems

Performance of Covering Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
The Components of a Covering System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Lesson Four: Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
 Table Of Contents
Lesson Five: The Roof System
The Built-Up Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Single-Ply Roofing Membranes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Metal Roofs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Standard Screw Down Roof Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Standing Seam Roof Panel Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Roof Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Wind Uplift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Expansion and Contraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Retrofit Roofing Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Sales Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Lesson Five: Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Lesson Six: The Wall System

Types of Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Mesco Wall Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Wall Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Panel Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
IPS - Insulated Panel Division of NCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Concrete Wall Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Performance Characteristics of Tilt-Up and Precast Wall Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Lesson Six: Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Lesson Seven: Metal Building Accessories

Roof Ventilators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Light Transmitting Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Liner Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Louvers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Walk Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Open Wall Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Lesson Seven: Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

Lesson Eight: Project Planning and Construction

Pre-Construction Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Concrete Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Pre-Erection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Erection of the Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
Location of Building Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
Storing Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
Tips to Keep Erection Costs Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
Lesson Eight: Self-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Glossary
Basic Terms Used in the Metal Building Industry A - Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95-109

Answers to the Self-Tests

Lesson 1 through Lesson 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110-111

Introduction
Successful selling today does not depend as much on
working harder than your competitors, but rather on
being "smarter" in selling. As in other fields, the effort
you put forth is important, but what really count are the
results you obtain. Today's successful Builders are
those who take a consultant approach to establishing
and solving the building needs of customers.
If you have chosen to become a Builder, it carries two
implications. It implies that you desire to acquire the
necessary knowledge and skills to become a reputable
Builder. It also implies that you are willing to accept the
responsibilities inherent in marketing a product and
service involving a major capital investment by your
customer.
Successful Selling
The buying motives of an individual contemplating the
purchase of consumer goods, such as an automobile or
a household appliance, are often personal and primarily
emotionally based. The individual buys for increased
convenience, comfort, or prestige. In contrast, the busi-
nessman anticipating a capital expenditure for building
construction makes his/her decision based on his evalu-
ation of what will best serve the needs of the business
and offer the greatest value per dollar of investment.
Although he/she will be influenced by personal desires to
some degree, he/she is usually more concerned about
the value of his purchase as a business investment.
Often the customer is investing capital funds in an area
in which he/she is not an expert. Because of this,
he/she turns to the Builder for information and assis-
tance. The success of a sales effort then depends
largely upon the ability of a Builder to:
Establish Dealer Confidence
Ascertain Needs and Desires
Develop the Best Solution
Gain Acceptance of the Proposal
Functions of a Builder
To maximize your overall effectiveness in selling, you
must fulfill the following job objectives:
A. Orientation - You as the Builder must relate your
own opportunities to the opportunities of the manu-
facturer, the prospective customer, and the industry.
Introduction
B. Product Knowledge - You must learn the sources
of information and sales features of your products
and services, and how they help your prospective
customer.
C. Product Application - You must be able to select
the best possible building solution to meet the spe-
cific needs of the customer.
D. Pricing - You must be able to calculate the prices
of your products.
E. Inside Work - You must be able to file your infor-
mation and working materials systematically,
handle job correspondence, and organize other
information pertinent to the job.
F. Competition - You must know the strengths and
weaknesses of competitor's building materials and
building systems so you can plan the sales
strategy effectively.
G. Construction - You must have a basic knowledge
of construction in order to convert the customer's
needs into construction requirements.
H. Selling - You must find and qualify prospective
customers, build customer confidence, develop
solutions and proposals, and gain the acceptance
of those proposals.
The successful Builder maximizes selling effectiveness,
remains active in the learning process, and continues to
develop and utilize specific job skills.
Where does a new Builder start? You have already
started, because this manual is an introduction to the
metal building industry. The purpose of this manual is to
introduce new employees in this industry to the role
played by Mesco and the Builder, with emphasis on
product knowledge and application.
The Introduction to Metal Buildings
Manual
As you read this manual, you will notice that it is written
for the Builder and his employees.
The Manufacturer-Builder relationship is based on team-
work. In order for this relationship to function correctly, it
is helpful for all employees, even those not in the sales
department, to have a general knowledge of the industry
and the manufacturer's products and services.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 7
Introduction
Introduction to Metal Buildings Has
Application Knowledge
The purpose of this manual is to enhance your knowl-
edge of the industry and our products, increasing your
sales and revenue. It is important that you be able to
project to prospective customers the image of the
Manufacturer as a long-established, reliable firm that
has proved itself worthy of the customer's confidence.
Projecting a favorable image of the relationship
between the Manufacturer and you, the Builder, is even
more important.
During the study of Introduction to Metal Buildings, you
will learn about the basic relationship between Mesco
and the Builder. The manual introduces you to some of
the principles of building design, sales aids, and the
sales information system. Introduction to Metal
Buildings also provides an opportunity for you to
become acquainted with the major product systems,
components, and basic construction methods. It is the
stage for developing sales points you can use to sell
your products and services.
The more sales-oriented each member becomes, the
more effective the team will be in accomplishing
common goals. If you are not employed as a sales-
person, don't let this diminish your enthusiasm for
pursuing Introduction to Metal Buildings. As you study
this material, you will find many things useful for your
job and for your association with this industry.
If you find something you don't understand, make note
of it and discuss it with your supervisor or your District
Manager. Also, the Mesco Training Department wel-
comes any questions, comments, and/or suggestions
that might help improve this manual.
Mesco - The Builder - The Industry
As a Builder, your knowledge should be sufficient to
enable you to project an image of the Buildership as a
capable and a reliable business. To do this you must be
able to answer questions intelligently concerning Mesco,
the Builder organization, and the industry. It is only
appropriate to start with some general information about
the company that provides the Buildership with many of
the products utilized in construction projects. The
Standard Specifications on your Information Systems
CD gives a brief history of Mesco building systems.
Corporate Operations
The various Building Divisions of NCI Building Systems
design, manufacture, and market metal building sys-
8 Introduction to Metal Buildings
tems for commercial, industrial, agricultural and com-
munity service purposes. NCI markets its building
systems through a sales force and Authorized Builder
Organizations.
NCI Building Systems was founded in 1984. In 1989, an
opportunity appeared to acquire a related business. A
financial group was assembled to help the company
capitalize on that opportunity, which launched NCI
Building Systems on its accelerated path of success. In
April 1989, NCI Building Systems leased and assumed
operations at the Houston facilities of the Mid-
West/Metallic division of American Buildings Company.
The NCI family now consists of several divisions and
principal subsidiary companies, each offering a cus-
tomer building solutions that are faster and more
economical than traditional construction methods. NCI
also operates its own coil coating facilities. With more
than 3.0 million square feet of operating space across
the United States, NCI's divisions and subsidiaries now
offer complete or partial pre-engineered metal building
packages in all sizes, a full range of metal building
components, self-storage buildings, doors and light-
gauge steel studs. NCI markets building systems and
building systems components under several well
respected trade names.
The Builder Organization
Much of the success of Mesco Building Solutions can
be attributed to its Builders. Mesco and the Builder have
worked closely together through the years to establish
themselves as a team whose activities are well known
in the construction industry.
Shortly after World War II, various individuals wanted to
buy the rigid frame buildings that were such an impor-
tant part of the shelter solution during the war. These
individuals sold hundreds of buildings for a wide variety
of uses. This was the start of the dealer program. As the
end uses increased, the need arose for more complete
construction packages.
The dealers began taking more responsibility, including
the foundation, steel erection, insulation, masonry work,
interior finishing and mechanical trades. It soon became
evident that those dealers were simply more than
dealers in material - they were Builders of complete
buildings. Thus in 1955, the word "dealer" was replaced
by the more appropriate term "Builder".
Traditionally people think of building construction as the
process of pouring some concrete, laying bricks or
blocks, and installing a roof that will keep out the rain.
When you really give thought to the matter, this is a very
tedious and complicated way to build. It means that all
 Introduction
the various raw materials involved must be obtained Gable Unsymmetrical: A ridged (double slope)
from numerous suppliers, each delivering their own building where the ridge of the roof is off-center.
materials to the building site. After delivery the material
must be cut, welded, mixed, and fitted in accordance
with the architect's design or at the contractor's discre-
tion.
With the evolution from "dealer" to "Builder" comes the
growth of a modern and more efficient construction
method. With this modern system of construction, most
materials are ordered from Mesco, saving the owner in
delivery costs. Each piece of Mesco's material is
designed and pre-engineered to expedite the erection
process. This insures better erection with materials
being assembled in accordance with the total design.
Pre-engineered materials like Mesco's are checked by
exhaustive quality control techniques. This ensures
better quality materials versus those fabricated in the Single Slope: A sloping roof in one plane. The slope is
field. Also, factory fabricated materials mean savings in from one sidewall to the opposite sidewall.
construction cost because labor and time involved at
the job site are reduced.

Mesco's Building Systems

With the development of Mesco's diverse building sys-
tems line, the prospective customer is offered more
choices in the design, appearance, and value of his
building. This enables the customer to select a system
that provides the performance characteristics that best
meet his building requirements. Mesco's building sys-
tems include:
Gable Symmetrical: A ridged (double slope) building
where the ridge of the roof is in the center of the
building.

Lean-To: Ideally suited to give you that extra space you

need alongside your building. The lean-to attaches at or
below the eave of your building, and can provide shelter
for a variety of uses, from just a covered area to a com-
pletely enclosed addition to your building.

Introduction to Metal Buildings 9

Introduction
Long Bay System Buildings: The Long Bay System
is ideal for manufacturing, warehousing/distribution,
and retail applications requiring a large area of open
floor space with few interior columns. The result is a
lightweight, strong framing system that is superior to
conventional structures with the inherent benefits of
metal building systems. The Long Bay System pro-
vides a clean, uncluttered interior. The term Long Bay
generally refers to sidewall bay spacing greater than 30
feet.
Conventional Structural Steel: A conventional struc-
tural steel building is pre-designed and pre-defined by
an engineer that has been carefully appointed by the
architect or owner for specific needs for that building.
Mesco Building Solutions has formed the Steel
Structures division, which specializes in structural proj-
ects and special construction needs.
10 Introduction to Metal Buildings
Hybrid Structures: Hybrid structures blend the advan-
tages of metal building system construction with the
strength of conventional steel members. Hybrid struc-
tures meet heavy loading requirements by providing the
most effective design possible - the best of both worlds.
The advantages include:
Design flexibility
Single source responsibility
Fast, easy construction
Cost effectiveness
Mesco designs and engineers virtually every element
required for hybrid structures, no matter how large or
complex. The company has complete in-house engi-
neering and computer design groups dedicated to
hybrid structures. When it comes to large, tough con-
struction jobs, the hybrid building approach provides a
cost-conscious alternative.
Crane Buildings: With the end use of metal building
systems dominated by the manufacturing and ware-
housing sector, building cranes become an important
element of the structure. Mesco recognizes the need to
properly integrate the design of the metal building
system with the building crane specifications. The
building crane is a complex structural system consisting
of the crane with trolley and hoist, cranes rails, crane
runway beams, structural supports, stops and bumpers.

The cranes typically found in metal building systems
include:
Bridge Crane
Top Running
Underhung
Monorail
Jib
Stacker
Gantry
Mesco understands crane usage frequency and
severity classification as indicated by the Crane
Manufacturer's Association of America. This is critical to
the design. Mesco designs each metal building and
crane support system to meet the specific requirements
of the project.
Aviation Facilities: Aircraft hangars are individually
engineered to meet specific requirements and are flex-
ible enough to satisfy even the most complex aviation
need. The hangars may be designed using gable sym-
metrical, gable unsymmetrical or single slope structural
systems.
These cost effective, functional structures have many
advantages:
Design flexibility
Fast, easy construction
Reduced maintenance costs
Clearspan design provides column-free interiors for
wide-open floor space and eave heights that can
accommodate today's larger aircraft. The structures
allow for a variety of door options including bi-fold, bi-
parting, and stack leaf designs.By combining the metal
building system with conventional exterior materials
Introduction
such as brick, stone, precast concrete, or glass, the
structure can be aesthetically appealing while providing
the perfect solution to aviation needs.
Design Build
Increased consumer demand for better building solu-
tions has stimulated Mesco and its Builder organization
to move closer to a complete building service. This
service is called Design Build.
Design Build is a modern, recognized, logical way to
build. Under this system the planning, specifying,
designing, estimating, and construction are combined
under a single source of responsibility. This provides the
prospective customer with a better building solution,
more predictable quality, and better value than any
other method of construction.
Many of our Builders are Design Build Contractors. For
this modern method to be effective, a team effort is
required. The combination of the Manufacturer and the
Builder system of construction can offer the total con-
struction from the foundation to the door key, but
customers wanted more service. The Design Build
System offers not only total construction, but the Builder
also assumes responsibility for the design phase.
Mesco and the Builder as a Sales
Team
Why are all the things we have presented about the
manufacturer and the Builder organization important to
you? Because you can help prospective customers rec-
ognize the respect and esteem commanded by the
Buildership and the Mesco name by customers and
competitors alike. For example, emphasize strengths
such as:
Authorized Builders: We have the finest Builder
organization in the industry, and each year the company
joins efforts with its Builders - taking the working rela-
tionship to new levels. This teamwork approach is the
Introduction to Metal Buildings 11
Introduction
most important aspect of Mesco's relationship with its By working for the good of the entire industry, MBMA
Builders and is the foundation of the company's contin- has created greater markets and more sales. It is impor-
uing development and success. tant to know your competitor's strengths and
weaknesses. A list of members of the MBMA consisting
Suppliers: Mesco has perfected the concept of busi- of the major fabricators can be found on the internet at
ness based on strategic alliances. We promote www.mbma.com. It is necessary that you become
partnerships between the Manufacturer and suppliers knowledgeable regarding those companies that serve
by including them in our goal to provide the finest quality your area and are competition.
and competitive prices in the industry.
Employees: We have employees with years of metal
building experience, led by seasoned management.
Their common goal is to provide the finest metal
building systems in the industry.
Strong Financial Footing: Mesco has a dramatic
financial position allowing us to develop new products
and plants, and to expand facilities. The Builder's single
source of responsibility - it offers the customer conven-
ience and economy because he/she will be working
with one firm instead of many. It is a sound, tested, pre-
dictable way to build.
The Builder's Reputation and Record: The local
image can be very influential. Past jobs represent proof
of the Builder's ability. Special awards - Builder of the
Year, Million Dollar Club, and local club memberships -
represent the integrity of a Builder and his standing in
the community.
The Builder's Service: The Buildership is the Builder's
whole means of livelihood and he/she expects to be
there tomorrow to continue to serve his customers. This
is vital to a building prospect.
You can sell all these things. They can be door openers,
interest retainers, or order clinchers - great contributors
to the total sale.

Competition
Of course, like any other good business, there is com-
petition. There are many fabricators of metal buildings
and components, and they range from small shops to
large companies.
In 1956, producers of metal buildings formed the Metal
Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) for the
purpose of:
1. Establishing design standards and criteria.
2. Assuring certifiable product quality (AISC)
3. Collectively participating in pro-active building
codes and insurance standards.
4. Continuing to progress in standards and practices

12 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Lesson 1

Lesson One: The History of Metal Buildings

Building Forms
Post and Beam
Our ancestors used natural shelters, such as caves, for
refuge. Their first efforts to construct a man-made
shelter probably resulted in a lean-to of branches and
leaves.
This developed into the simple post and lintel system of
LEAN-TO
construction where two or more vertical members sup-
ported a horizontal member spanning between them.
The roof, of course, completed the structure.
Although post and lintel was the descriptive term for this
type of construction, the present day term is beam
instead of lintel. Lintel continues to be an architectural
term, but it is primarily used for the structural member
above doors and windows.
SIMPLE POST AND LINTEL
The Arch
Early Romans readily adopted materials to perfect the
arch for spanning large areas without the necessity of
posts and beams, thus introducing a building form that
was both functional and architecturally beautiful.
The arch has a building design concept that does not
exist in the post and beam - the side thrust. There are
two ways to meet the side thrust:
1. External abutments
ARCH THRUST
2. Downward pressure of massive walls against COUNTERACTED BY ABUTMENTS
which the thrusts operate
We have mentioned the post and beam and the arch
because both forms are still in popular use today. The
post and beam, even though a very simple design, will
be important to you in sales presentations. The arch
principle is pertinent because it is closely related to the
rigid frame primary structural system that will be one of
your "best sellers".
Despite limitations of available materials and design
know-how, early Builders continually looked for ways to ARCH THRUST
obtain greater and greater clearspan (areas without COUNTERACTED BY MASS
supporting members). The construction and design
principles were based on the use of load-bearing walls
and of thrust counteracted by weight and mass. These Today, a popular and practical structural scheme is that
principles endured for a very long time, but eventually consisting of a skeletal framework with a variety of
the introduction of steel and reinforced concrete external materials attached. This provides an endless
brought about many new possibilities of construction. variety of buildings forms and styles.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 13
Lesson 1

Construction Material Requirements
Consider some of the key factors that influence the
selection of construction materials by the manufacturer,
the designer and the user.
STRENGTH is a very important factor.
AVAILABILITY of material influences its selection,
cost of material and final in-place cost.
To facilitate design and fabrication, a material must
possess a good degree of WORKABILITY.
WEIGHT and BULK become important from a
handling and shipping standpoint.
DURABILITY of the finished product is measured
in terms of its resistance to wear and destruction
from all causes.
Materials must be capable of presenting a
pleasing APPEARANCE.
Steel is used extensively in many segments of con-
struction, especially in standard structural members.
When you hear a construction worker refer to "red iron",
he/she is talking about steel.
The primary advantage of steel is its strength. The
material, as it comes from the mills, has very exacting
specifications, enabling engineers to design structures
with a high degree of accuracy. In addition, steel is a
plentiful and well-accepted material. It has a high
degree of workability because it can be cut, welded,
shaped, and formed to meet a great variety of needs.
Steel can also take a great deal of abuse and wear.
The greatest disadvantage of steel is that it will rust -
deteriorate by a process of oxidation - when exposed to
the elements. This is prevented, however, by the appli-
cation of protective finishes and paints.
Although steel will not burn, it is not classified as fire-
proof because it can become distorted, lose its
structural strength, or even melt - depending on the
intensity of the heat. Nevertheless, compared to many
materials, steel offers a great deal of fire resistance due
to the large amount of heat needed to cause it damage.
and economy. However, its basic requirement must be
one of protection.
You might analyze this a step further and really consider
two kinds of protection.
One type is protection against forces or loads that may
be exerted upon the building. Unless the structure can
offer adequate resistance against various loading con-
ditions, the safety of persons and the value of property
are endangered. This is where sound design consider-
ation must be given as to the strength of the building
and particularly to the structural system.
Another kind of protection is protection against rain,
wind, heat, and cold. Any of these can contribute to the
discomfort of persons and cause a decrease in the
value of contents. The degree of protection against
them is determined by the weather tightness and
thermal efficiency of a building. These things, of course,
greatly influence the design of roofs and walls - also
known as the covering system.
Design Loading
If you were to ask an engineer to design a structure of
a certain size, he/she would first have to know what
loads would be imposed upon the building - their type
and magnitude. Only with this basic information will
he/she be able to design a building that will meet the
prospective customer's exact needs for loading condi-
tions, it is important that you have a basic
understanding of design loading.
A load is a force exerted upon a structure or one of its
members. There are many different kinds of loads that
must be taken into consideration in various situations,
but only those that are of prime importance will be cov-
ered at this time.
Dead Load: The weight of the metal building system,
such as roof, framing, and covering members.

Fundamental Factors Affecting

Building Design
Buildings provide shelter for persons and property. A
building must have many desirable characteristics such
as an attractive appearance, long life, flexibility of use, Dead Load
14 Introduction to Metal Buildings

Live Load: Any temporary load imposed on a building
that is not wind load, snow load, seismic load or dead
load. A few examples of a live load are workers, equip-
ment, and materials.
Live Load
Snow Load: The vertical load induced by the weight of
snow, assumed to act on the horizontal projection of the
roof of the structure.
Snow Load
(Note: Very wet snow 6" deep is equal to one inch of
water. One inch of water on a square foot of surface
weighs five pounds.)
Wind Load: The forces imposed by the wind blowing
from any direction.
Wind Load
Lesson 1
Seismic Load: The load or loads acting in any direction
on a structural system due to the action of an earth-
quake.
Seismic Load
Auxiliary Loads: All dynamic live loads such as cranes
and material handling systems.
Auxiliary Loads
Collateral Load: The weight of additional permanent
materials, other than the weight of the metal building
system, such as sprinklers, mechanical and electrical
systems, and ceilings.
Collateral Load
Introduction to Metal Buildings 15
Lesson 1

Resistance of Material to Forces For an illustration of a few of these terms, take a simple
rubber eraser and draw evenly spaced straight lines
Loading has been defined as a force exerted on a across its width as shown in Figure A.
building. Such forces, in turn, are transmitted through
joints and connections to individual parts or compo-
nents. This eventually leads to a consideration of the
properties of materials to resist forces in order to pro-
vide the engineer with a basis for subsequent design
calculations.
You are not expected to be an engineer in order to sell Figure A
buildings, nor does this manual intend to delve deeply
into technical subjects. By the same token, the more By grasping the eraser in both hands and pulling
understanding you have of building design and terms, (Figure B), you are exerting tension on the eraser. Its
the better job you will do working with engineers, archi- resistance to breaking is its internal resistance. This is
tects, or other technically minded individuals. indicated by the widening of the spaces between the
Stress: The force acting on a member divided by its lines drawn on the eraser.
area. Tension
Tension: Stresses acting away from each other that
produce a uniform stretching of a member.

Force Force
In Tension Figure B
Using the eraser again, grasp it in both hands and push
towards the center of the eraser (Figure C). Notice how
Compression: Stresses acting toward each other that the lines tend to become closer to each other. This is
causes a member to compress. compression. The internal resistance of the eraser pre-
vents its parts pushed together.
Force Force Compression
In Compression

Shear: Stress that tends to keep two adjoining planes

of a material from sliding on each other under two equal
and parallel forces acting in opposite directions. Figure C
As an example of both tension and compression, grasp
Force the eraser in both hands and bend it (Figure D). Notice
Force
that the top part of the eraser is stretching and is in ten-
sion, while the bottom part of the eraser is pushing
together and is in compression.
Tension

Force Compression
Force Shear
Figure D
16 Introduction to Metal Buildings
 Lesson 1

Column Reactions The load at the base of the column will be a vertical load
and also a transverse thrust or "side kick". These trans-
Any structure placed on a foundation causes a load to verse thrusts can become very sizeable figures and
be imposed on that foundation. All buildings have these must be taken into consideration when designing foun-
loads imposed by the columns on the foundation. These dations for rigid frame buildings.
loads are called column reactions.
Column reactions are often expressed using the term
"kip". A kip is a commonly used engineering term for LOAD
1,000 pounds, derived from the contraction of the words
Kilo (1,000) and Pound.
Framing structures exert a load on a foundation both
vertically and transversely. The vertical load is the result
of the dead weight of the structure, and other loads
such as snow on the roof, wind loads, crane loads, or
seismic loads. THRUST

The transverse load is the result of wind loads or

seismic loads, and also produces the tendency of the
base of rigid frame columns to spread apart under ver-
tical load. A wind load on the sidewall of the rigid frame structure
may produce uplift on the main frame as well as trans-
A third type of load arises from framing systems, which verse thrusts.
have fixed base columns. A streetlight or a flag poll is a
common example of a fixed base column. When this
type of column is subjected to wind loads, the founda-
tion of such columns must be designed to resist the
wind's effort to overturn them. This overturning force is
called a moment. WIND

Engineers usually express the overturning moment as

"foot-kips". As an example, assume that the wind load THRUST
against the wall of the building creates an effective force
of 2,000 pounds against the top of a 12' column.
The foundation must be designed to support not only
The resulting moment at the base would be an over-
vertical loads, but also the transverse thrust.
turning force or moment of 24 -ft- kips (2,000 Pounds or

Building Codes
2 kips x 12 feet = 24 -ft- kips).
You needn't understand the total engineering involved,
but you should know that the loads exist, and how they Building code is a set of minimum requirements for con-
are expressed. You'll find these loads shown on the struction covering safety and serviceability. This safety
anchor bolt drawings. involves life, health, fire, and structural stability. Most
areas have enforced codes governing construction in
Load Transfer the community. They may be administered by a city,
county, or state, or by a combination of the three.
Regardless of the type of load or where it is exerted on
Building codes are necessary since their purpose is to
a rigid frame building, it is always transferred from part
benefit the public by helping eliminate unsafe design,
to part down to the foundation.
poor construction practice, and unsightly buildings.
Assume, for example, a man standing on the roof. His
By the same token, they should be modern and clear.
weight is directly on the panels, but this load is trans-
They should also provide for updating. Unfortunately,
mitted through the panels to the purlins - the closest
many communities have codes that are old and obso-
purlins taking the greatest part of the load. The purlins
lete, and fail to recognize the parade of new materials
transfer the load to the rafter, the rafter to the column,
and designs.
then the column to the foundation.

Introduction to Metal Buildings 17

Lesson 1
A community may originate and write its own codes, but
generally it either adopts a recognized building code in
its entirety, or modifies it for its specific use.
Here are some authoritative and well-known codes in
existence:
THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE, (UBC) com-
piled by the International Conference of Building
Officials (ICBO). It is prominent on the West Coast
and in some areas of the Midwest and South.
THE BOCA BASIC BUILDING CODE (formerly
the National Building Code) is administered by
Building Officials and Code Administrators
International (BOCA International) is primarily used
the East of the Mississippi and North of
Tennessee.
THE STANDARD BUILDING CODE (SBC) covers
most of the Gulf Coast states and other Southern
areas. Southern Building Code Congress
International (SBCCI) sponsors it.
There are many others, but these are the major ones. It
is important to note that it is not compulsory for com-
munities to adopt any of these codes. They were
compiled by groups of building officials, and are avail-
able for adoption by communities either in whole or in
part.
A building code is not intended to function as a building
specification, such as an architect would write for an
individual structure. It is a legal document. The purpose
of this document does not go beyond the establishment
of those minimum design and construction require-
ments that are essential to, and directly related to, the
safety, health, and welfare of the public.
Over the past several years the three national model
building code bodies, SBCCI, BOCA, and ICBO have
been working together to produce a single code to be
used throughout the United States. The result of their
labor is the International Building Code that was pub-
lished in 2000 as the IBC 2000.
From a building design viewpoint, the IBC code has
adopted new requirements for live, wind, snow, and
seismic loads. The rules for applying and combining
these loads are much more complex than in previous
codes, and in many cases cause higher loads to be
used for designing the building. This can result in higher
costs for building foundations as well as for the metal
building structure.
There are new load maps in the code for wind load,
snow load, and seismic loads. The wind load maps are
based on 3-second gust wind loads, unlike the maps in
18 Introduction to Metal Buildings
the old codes that were based on sustained wind
speeds. This means that the code specified wind speed
for the whole country will be higher than before. Also,
unlike some earlier codes, it is necessary to specify
wind exposure categories and enclosure classifications.
The ground snow load maps in the new code are based
on more recently accumulated data, but for most parts
of the country the starting snow load values have not
changed that much. However, there are new unbal-
anced snow load equations which drastically increase
the roof snow load, especially for snow loads of 20 psf
and greater.
The seismic provisions of the new code reflect the latest
research for earthquake loads. The new seismic maps
measure "Spectral Response Acceleration" for 0.2 and
1.0 seconds. This is a completely new approach to this
problem. The IBC seismic equations and maps result in
substantially higher imposed loads.
Because of all these changes, you must make sure to
use the new load maps whenever you are using the IBC
codes. Over time, many areas have responded to
unusual storms by increasing the base load to guard
against future collapses. Many of the wind and snow
load provisions of the new code were written in
response to such events.
The snow provisions in the new code, for instance, may
result in unbalanced loads more than twice the basic
roof snow load, even with no high-low conditions. The
minimum wind speed on the maps is now 85 mph, in
lieu of the old 70 mph minimum that has been effect for
years.
Because of these changes, make sure to determine the
values for the wind, snow, and seismic loads for a
project only from the new maps.
It is expected that the majority of state and local juris-
dictions will adopt this code during the next few years.
It is very important for each of our Builders to be in close
contact with the local building officials to know when the
new building code is going to be enforced.
Codes are complicated and cover many phases of con-
struction and differ from community to community. It is
necessary that you become familiar with the codes that
are applicable in your area. It is also advisable to dis-
cuss the code official's interpretation of the codes.
Interpretations of these codes can vary from official to
official. You must be able to propose buildings to cus-
tomers that meet all the requirements. Since your
customer may never have been involved in a construc-
tion project before, he/she will depend on you to supply
material that meets the codes and loads in his area.
 Lesson 1

Steel Design Mesco is also a member of the Metal Building

Manufacturers Association.
Because of the many properties and characteristics of
steel, many factors must be considered when designing
both individual members and completed structures. Two
organizations have published manuals that provide data
and standards on which to base calculations for the
design of steel:
AISC - The American Institute of
Steel Construction was originated
Minimum Loading Standards
by steel fabricators and is generally Our buildings are available for different loading require-
concerned with hot rolled shapes ments in different geographical locations. In our
and plates. continuing efforts to assure customers of high structural
integrity, we screen incoming orders for design vari-
ances, which could present problems.
AISI - The American Iron and Steel
Institute was originated by steel pro- With the MPact Pricing Software and special estimates,
ducers and is concerned with the primary responsibility of using the correct codes and
cold-formed steel structural mem- loads is the responsibility of the Builder. A Builder is
bers. responsible for knowing and using the correct codes
and loads for their local area. Any deviation from rec-
Mesco's products, where applicable, are designed in
ommended loading by Mesco is the responsibility of the
accordance with AISI and AISC specifications. This is a
Builder. A local code requirement of greater magnitude
mark of sound design and engineering practices, and
requested by the Builder, of course, will take prece-
contributes to the high quality of our products. It is also
dence. The U.S.A. Snow Load map is undefined in
a sales feature that should not be overlooked.
certain Western States and other mountainous areas.
Mesco is an AISC certified MB Category manufacturer. Therefore, the Builder will determine the minimum
This certification is obtained by passing annual audits of county load at the time of entering the order.
both manufacturing and design practice by an inde-
Assuming a clear loading deficiency exists, we will
pendent engineering firm. The audits check for sound
inform the Builder of the problem and suggest appro-
engineering practice, proper application of pertinent
priate corrective action. We will not accept an order
building codes, and procurement of high quality mate-
when the Builder has specified design loads less than
rial. The material must meet the required specifications
those indicated in the minimum load tables.
and proper fabrication technique, especially in the

welding of structural components. It assures the cus-
tomer that his building is of the highest quality and
meets all applicable national standards.
Other professional affiliations of Mesco:
Founding Member of the Light
Gauge Structural Institute (LGSI)
Conclusion
Remember, nothing being presented should be con-
strued as an intention to train you to become an
engineer. The materials presented, including technical
portions, are merely fundamental and will provide back-
ground and basic training for improving your job skill
level.

ICBO (International Conference of

Building Officials) certified

CWB
Canadian Welding Bureau certified
CERTIFIED

Introduction to Metal Buildings 19

Lesson 1 Self Test

Lesson One: Self-Test

1. Our ancestors' first effort to construct a man-made shelter probably resulted in?
A. An Arch
B. A Metal Building
C. A Lean-To
D. A Conventional Stick House
E. None of the Above
2. A building should have many desirable characteristics, such as a good appearance, long life, flexi-
bility of use, and economy, but its basic requirement must be one of protection.
A. True
B. False
3. The introduction of what materials inaugurated many new possibilities for the construction industry?
A. Thrusts
B. Steel and Reinforced Concrete
C. Clearspans
D. Post and Beam
4. A load is simply a force that is exerted upon a structure or one of its members. Prime examples of
different loads that can affect a metal building are: live, auxiliary, collateral, seismic, snow, and
dead.
A. True
B. False
5. The primary advantage of steel is:
A. Availability
B. Workability
C. Durability
D. Appearance
E. Strength
6. The primary disadvantage of steel is:
A. Steel Rusts
B. Bulk
C. Weight
D. Steel will not burn
E. None of the Above
7. A seismic load is defined as the lateral load acting in any transverse direction on a structural system
due to the action of a hurricane.
A. True
B. False
8. The early Romans perfected the arch for spanning large areas without posts and beams. What
structural system is closely related to the arch?
A. Post and Beam
B. Purlins
C. Girts
D. Rigid Frame
E. None of the Above

20 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Lesson 1 Self Test
9. Red Iron refers to what?
A. Wood
B. Metal Sheeting
C. Steel
D. Zinc E. Aluminum
10. When you take an eraser in both hands and bend it downward, the eraser experiences this.
A. Tension Only
B. Compression Only
C. Shear Force Only
D. Both Tension and Compression
11. The code SBC generally covers the Gulf Coast states and is prominent in the Southern Region.
A. True
B. False
12. Mesco's products, where applicable, are designed in accordance with AISI and AISC specifications.
A. True
B. False

Introduction to Metal Buildings 21

Lesson 2
Lesson Two: The Building System
The building system consists of primary framing mem-
bers, secondary framing members, roof system, wall
system, and accessories.
The prime objective of the building system is to provide
a quality structure. Our buildings are available in a
range of configurations - from the small, standard struc-
tures to maximum performance structures with creative
architectural refinements to satisfy the spectrum of the
owner's requirements. The variety of building configura-
tions and sizes offers many solutions to fulfill needs of
the commercial, community, and industrial markets.
Standard versus Non-Standard
You will hear the word standard used many times in our
business. It is misunderstood more than any other
word. Certainly any manufacturer who designs and pro-
duces parts that must fit together to provide a
completed product has a definite direction or "stan-
dard", which is the base of normal application of the
product. Consequently, standard items are considered
to be those that are commonly manufactured on the
production line and those that are purchased by cus-
tomers.
However, if a situation arises involving something that is
"nonstandard", it is still possible and practical to meet
that need in many cases. Our engineers believe nothing
is impossible but variation from a standard often means
extra work, expense, and time. Sometimes this is negli-
gible, but at other times it might be quite involved.
Usually, the information we present is on standard prod-
ucts. Slight modifications of a product can be made to
meet the specifications needed by the customer.
Builders handle some variations by fieldwork. In other
instances, we will make the modifications at the factory.
It is important to note that any variation from the stan-
dard might have a serious effect on the design (loading,
strength, etc.). Only qualified individuals should make
these variations and modifications.
Pricing and Design Programs
Pricing a building manually can be time consuming, not
to mention the designing phase. Mesco strives to make
it as easy for the Builder as possible. Mesco Building
Solutions offers a computer pricing software program to
our Builders, MPact.
This tool offers guidance in designing our buildings
22 Introduction to Metal Buildings
within the limits of what Mesco defines as "standard".
Any building that cannot be designed and priced by
MPact or Express must be sent into the main office for
"Special Estimating" by our highly qualified staff of esti-
mators. When a building is designed and priced by
"Special Estimating", the project can possibly take on
the quality of "nonstandard".
The MPact software program is one of the most inno-
vative design and estimating packages to be introduced
to the metal building systems marketplace. MPact is
flexible and user friendly, allowing the Builder to seek
the most efficient design in order to achieve the most
competitive price. MPact is the primary pricing tool used
by our authorized Builders and our sales staff.
Approximately 90% of the building systems priced in the
market can be successfully designed and priced within
MPact. MPact is available for purchase by an author-
ized Builder. To utilize MPact the Builder must attend an
MPact Training Seminar. The seminar not only trains
the Builder in how to operate MPact in the Windows
environment; it also spends a great deal of time
enhancing the Builder's product knowledge.
Express is used to price our smaller building systems.
Using combinations of optional building widths, lengths,
and eave heights along with a wide range of acces-
sories, unique and functional building layouts can be
designed and priced. The building systems are small
clean box buildings that are pre-engineered, with a four-
week delivery time frame. The Express program is
user-friendly, window based, and available to author-
ized Express Builders. The program not only designs
and prices these smaller buildings, but also produces
elevation drawings and anchor bolt drawings that a
Builder can print in his office. The quickest route to
project completion is the Express Building. Owners get
their buildings faster, and completion and occupancy
occurs sooner. A satisfied owner is the result of the
speed and quality produced by this Express Building
System.
Mesco continues to expand and refine both the MPact
and Express programs to help its Builders deal with the
ever-changing metal building market. Any authorized
Builder interested in purchasing the MPact or Express
programs should contact his District Manager.

Primary Framing System
Primary framing furnishes the main support of a
building. A bearing frame (post and beam) and a main
frame (rigid frame) are examples of primary framing. In
this text, we will not only be talking about the main
frame as a primary framing system, but also about sec-
ondary framing members, and bracing that join with the
main frames to make up a complete structural system.
Roof Slope
Roof-Slope is defined as the tangent of the angle that a
roof surface makes with the horizontal, usually
expressed in units of vertical rise to 12 units of hori-
zontal run.
The roof slope of a building is expressed as :12, 1:12,
4:12, etc. A 1:12 roof-slope rises 1 inch in every 12
inches measured horizontally from the side of the
building across its width to the peak of the building.
Problem: If a 60' wide gable symmetrical building
is 12'-0" at the eave and has a 1:12 roof slope,
what is the height at the peak.
Solution: building width (30) x unit rise (1) =
inches of rise (30")
Inches of Rise (30") + Eave Height (12'-0") =
peak height (14'-6")
The Main Frame
The main frame (rigid frame) is the primary structural
member of the building system. The main frame con-
sists of columns and rafters. Columns are used in a
vertical position on a building to transfer loads from
main roof beams, trusses, or rafters to the foundations.
Rafters are the main beams supporting the roof system.
Strictly speaking, a main frame is structurally stable
because of the rigidity of its connections. The main
frame members are connected in such a manner as to
make the entire frame act as a single unit. Two common
types of connections used to connect major parts of a
main frame are diagonal and perpendicular.
STIFFENER WEB
RAFTER
COLUMN
HAUNCH
PLATE
FLANGE
FLANGE STIFFENER
DIAGONAL CONNECTION
Lesson 2
STIFFENER
RAFTER
WEB
HAUNCH
PLATE
COLUMN
STIFFENER
FLANGE
FLANGE
STIFFENER
PERPENDICULAR CONNECTION
Knee/Haunch Area of Main Frame
The knee/haunch is that area of the eave where the
column connects to the roof rafter. The knee/haunch
ties the members together rigidly and converts them
into a single unit to carry all loads, vertical or lateral.
Notice that in the area of the knee/haunch, the main
frame (rigid frame) is deepest in section, which makes it
the strongest area of the frame.
This is required primarily because of the vertical load
considerations, but at the same time it enables the
frame to offer lateral strength. What does this mean? It
means that the strength designed into the frame for ver-
tical loads is also available to carry lateral loads, which
might be caused by high winds, earthquake shock, etc.
Because the inside flange of the knee is in compres-
sion, a resulting thrust is produced at the inside corner,
which is upward and outward. Stiffeners are used to
counteract the resistant thrust. Stiffeners are usually
extended to the outside flanges and also serve to stiffen
the entire web. The haunch connection also serves as
a stiffener. Main frames may be considered as arches in
their action, in that they produced a transverse thrust at
their base or a tendency to kick outward. Under certain
loading conditions, however, an inward thrust might be
produced at the base. Main frames belong to a general
class called continuous structures because the action
and stress travel throughout the entire structure, since
all joints are fixed in a structural sense. Because of this,
engineers must analyze an entire main frame as a com-
plete unit in itself, and not as an assembly of separate
members.
Visualize a big hand grasping the roof rafter of a single
main frame at the peak. The hand is alternately pushing
down and pulling up on the frame. Since the member is
Introduction to Metal Buildings 23
Lesson 2
a continuous structure, it is easy to see that the base of
the two columns will tend to kick outward or inward, EW
25'
MF
25'
MF
25'
MF
25'
EW
depending on the type of load being exerted.

HALF FULL FULL FULL HALF

BAY BAY BAY BAY BAY

These thrusts, however, are easily counteracted by a
properly designed concrete foundation. We have used
the expression "easily counteracted " purposely
because a qualified engineer can design an adequate
foundation using the reaction charts supplied by the
manufacturer. There are many buildings, both over-
designed and under-designed, in use today that have
improper foundations simply because the person
designing the foundation was either unqualified or did
not refer to the reactions furnished by the manufacturer.
The building drawings include reaction charts with var-
ious loading conditions for standard main frames. The
MPact pricing program produces preliminary mainframe
column reactions as well. Make these charts available
to your architects and engineers so that foundations will
be priced properly and economically.
Main frames are normally connected to the foundation
by using the appropriate anchor bolts in a configuration
that is described as a pinned condition. This means that
the loads transmitted to the foundation are vertical
loads and transverse loads.
100'
EW = Endwall
MF = Main Frame
The main frames indicated by MF in the drawing above
support a roof area of two half bays. The endwall
frames indicated by EW, however, only support one
half-bay of roof load.
From this you can readily see that the endwall frames
need not be as strong as the main frames. It is for this
reason that in addition to expandable main frame end-
walls, we offer lighter non-expandable mainframe
endwalls, or even lighter bearing frame endwalls,
depending on your customer's requirements.
RAFTER
COLUMN
COLUMNS
OR
POSTS

VERTICAL
ANCHOR LOAD MAIN FRAME
BOLTS HORIZONTAL
LOAD
BEAM

COLUMNS COLUMNS
OR OR
POSTS POSTS

ANCHOR BOLT CONNECTION

Endwall Frames
Assume a building is 100' long, consisting of four 25'
bays as shown above. BEARING FRAME

24 Introduction to Metal Buildings


The expandable main frame endwall is designed to
support two half bays of roof load and can support an
additional half bay in the future. The non-expandable
main frame is designed to support one half bay of roof
load and cannot support an additional half bay in the
future. Main frame endwalls do not require any bracing
and clear the endwall bays for large framed openings or
open wall conditions.
Secondary Framing Members
Secondary framing members are those members that
join the primary framing members together to form
building bays and provide the means of supporting and
attaching the walls and roof. Secondary framing mem-
bers are:
Eave Struts
Purlins
Girts
Bracing
Eave Struts
The eave strut is a roughly cee-shaped cold-formed
member and is located as illustrated below. Cold-
forming is the process of using press brakes or rolling
mills to shape steel into desired cross sections at room
temperature.
EAVE STRUT
The eave strut provides an attachment and bearing
points for the end of the roof sheets and wall sheets.
Eave struts are available in nominal depths of 8", 10", or
12" to match the purlin depth. Eave struts are pre-
punched at the factory for bolting to the main frames.
Lesson 2
EAVE STRUT
CLIP
MAIN FRAME
Purlins
A purlin is a secondary framing member that serves to
support roof panels and transfer the roof loads to the
rafters.
The purlin is zee shaped as shown below. Purlins are
available in 8", 10", or 12", depth, and are available in
different gauges of steel 16, 14, 13, or 12 to meet var-
ious loading conditions.
The continuous purlin is a zee shaped cold-formed
member 8", 10", or 12", depth with a 50 degree outer lip
to facilitate nesting. The purlins are lapped at each inte-
rior frame with the lap varying from 8" to 60" depending
upon the conditions. Continuous purlins take into con-
sideration the design advantage of continuous beams.
The economy is based on using them on multiple bays
where the overlapped splice of the purlin, continuous
over the rafter, assists in supporting the load of the adja-
cent bay.
PURLIN
RAFTER
CONTINUOUS PURLIN
Introduction to Metal Buildings 25
Lesson 2
Girts
Girts are secondary framing members that run horizon-
tally between main frame columns and between endwall
columns. They are zee shaped members like purlins,
also available in depths of 8", 10", or 12", and gauges
of 16, 14, 13, or 12.
Standard girt spacing is the first girt at 7'-4" above finish
floor and a maximum of 6' there after. This standard
spacing fits doors, etc., utilizing optimal design. Other
spacing is available to satisfy design criteria. A low girt
option is available on request at 3'-6", which stiffens the
wall section, and is standard in high wind conditions.
Girts and purlins are pre-painted at the factory. Mesco
welds all girt attaching clips to the frames for easier and
quicker erection.
GIRT
COLUMN
GIRT
Bypass girts attach to the shop welded clip on the out-
side flange of the columns creating a more efficient
design. The girt is lapped at each frame and at the first
interior frame from the endwall. Bypass girts are used to
take into consideration the design advantages of con-
tinuous beams spanning from bay to bay.
MAIN FRAME
OR ENDWALL
COLUMN
BYPASS GIRT
26 Introduction to Metal Buildings
Flush girts attach to the web of the columns, with the girt
face in the same plane as the column face. Which pro-
vides greater interior clearance.
MAIN FRAME COLUMN
OR
ENDWALL COLUMN
FLUSH GIRT
FACTORY WELDED
GIRT CLIP
In addition to playing an important roll in the structural
stability of the complete building system, girts also
serve the important means of providing the framing for
the attachment of wall covering.
Bracing
In addition to main frames, endwall frames, eave struts,
girts, and purlins, the building system must have ade-
quate bracing to make the system stable in a lengthwise
direction. Bracing systems transfer wind loads from
endwalls and sidewalls to the foundation. Wind bracing
systems must include two types:
1. Longitudinal bracing, for wind on the endwall.
2. Transverse bracing, for wind on the building side-
wall.
Requirements for bracing systems described on these
pages are based on the specifications of applicable
codes.
A variety of methods are available for providing bracing
for wind on the building endwall. Bracing systems of this
type serve a secondary purpose of squaring the
building. In addition to the standard method - diaphragm
action, alternatives include X-bracing (cable or rod),
fixed base columns, portal frames, and wind bents
attached to column When bracing must occur in bays
where doors or other accessories are required, fixed
based columns or portal frames should be used.
 Lesson 2

Bracing Methods: columns will induce a moment to the foundation, thus

requiring a special foundation design.

Diaphragm Action
Diaphragm action utilizes the diaphragm resistance of
the wall panels to transmit lateral wind or seismic forces
to the foundation. Diaphragm action utilizes undisturbed
sheeting, floor to roofline, and assumes all wall panels
are installed correctly.

X-Bracing
When diaphragm action of the panels is inadequate or
not allowed, the first alternative is to provide cable or
rod bracing between columns. X-Bracing transfers lon-
gitudinal forces to the foundation.

Fixed Base

Portal Frame
If neither X-Bracing nor fixed base columns are accept-
able, a portal frame (wind bent) can be used. A portal
frame is an I-shaped section of built up material con-
sisting of two columns and a rafter, running parallel to
X-Bracing
the sidewall, and attached to the web of the sidewall
Cable or Rod columns. As a standard the portal frame usually does
not induce a moment to the foundation.
CABLE BRACE

HILLSIDE
WASHER

FLAT
WASHER BRACE GRIP

HEX NUT
EYE BOLT

WEB OF FRAME

CABLE BRACE TO
FRAME CONNECTION Portal

Fixed Base Columns Brace to Interior Main Frame

A method of bracing used for an open bearing frame
If the openings in the wall are such that they do not
endwall is to provide bracing in the roof of the end bay.
allow for the use of X-Bracing, then fixed base columns
In this case, the lateral forces on the endwall are trans-
may be used. A fixed base column is a column with spe-
ferred to the first interior main frame. The main frame is
cial base plate condition, which allows wind load to be
then designed to resist this additional lateral force.
transferred to the foundation. Therefore, fixed base
Introduction to Metal Buildings 27
Lesson 2
BRACE TO INTERIOR MAIN FRAME
Flange Braces or Purlin Bracing
Flange braces are structural members that attach
purlins, girts, and eave struts to primary structural
members (columns or rafters). Purlin bracing is an
angle connecting the bottom flange of adjoining purlins
to prevent purlin roll.
Flange braces are used to prevent the main frame from
twisting or buckling laterally under the load. They are an
essential structural part and must be installed properly
at all locations. Flange braces can also be very useful
as an erection aid to align the purlins and eave struts for
easier and lower cost roof installation.
PURLIN
RAFTER
FLANGE BRACE
Structural Paint
All primary framing members are factory cleaned to
remove loose dirt, grease, mill scale, etc. They are then
painted with a red oxide primer. The purpose of this
primer is to provide temporary protection of the steel
members during transportation and erection. Touch up
may be required after erection. Red oxide primer also
28 Introduction to Metal Buildings
provides a surface that is chemical and corrosion
resistant. Therefore, it is not necessary to put an addi-
tional finish coat of paint on the framing members.
However, if it is desired, finish paint may be applied over
the red oxide in the field. However, consult with the
paint supplier for the compatibility and proper prepara-
tion of steel before the application of any finish paint. It
is also recommended that a test patch of the finish paint
should be applied to test for compatibility.
Secondary framing members are pre-painted by a com-
pany specializing in coating of metal products with a
baked on red primer. Due to the special coating
required for roll forming these members, they can be
difficult to repaint.
Galvanized Steel
For over 140 years, galvanizing has had a proven his-
tory of commercial success as a method of corrosion
protection in a myriad of applications. Galvanizing can
be found in almost every major application and industry
where iron or steel is used. The utilities, chemical
process, pulp and paper, automotive, agricultural, and
transportation industries, to name just a few, have his-
torically made extensive use of galvanizing for corrosion
control.
All of Mesco's buildings are also available in galvanized
steel as a special option. Two types of galvanized mate-
rial are used:
Hot Dip Galvanizing
Pre-Galvanized
Hot dip galvanizing is the process of applying a zinc
coating to fabricated iron or steel material by immersing
the material in a bath consisting primarily of molten zinc.
Mesco sends the fabricated material, such as, primary
and secondary framing members, to the galvanizers.
Pre-Galvanized material is used for secondary mem-
bers only. The pre-galvanized material used is of 55
grade and adheres to ASTM A653 specifications. The
coil of pre-galvanized material is delivered to Mesco
and then the pre-galvanized secondary members are
fabricated.
Conclusion
This section has introduced you to the very basic
building parts, which make up the primary and sec-
ondary framing. Bracing, structural paint, and
Galvanized steel have also been covered. From this
you should feel comfortable knowing what makes up a
building system.
 Lesson 2 Self Test

Lesson Two: Self-Test

1. Secondary framing members include purlins, girts, eave struts, bracing, and main frames.
A. True
B. False
2. The major parts of a main frame are:
A. Web
B. Flange
C. Haunch Plate
D. Stiffener
E. All of the Above
3. What is the rise of the gable peak from the eave line of a 120' wide building with a 1 on 12-roof
slope?
A. 8'
B. 10'"
C. 100
D. 7'-6"
4. Main frame endwalls do require additional bracing
A. True
B. False
5. Which endwall is designed to support a future expansion?
A. Bearing Frame
B. Post and Beam
C. Full Load Main Frame
D. Half Load Main Frame
E. None of the Above
6. Purlins and Girts are zee shaped, available in depths of 8", 10", or 12", and are available in gauges
of 16, 14, 13, or 12.
A. True
B. False
7. As a standard Mesco's first girt is located at?
A. 6'
B. 7'
C. 8'-4"
D. 7'-4"
E. 3'-6"
8. Which girt type has the girt face in the same plane as the column face and provides greater interior
clearance?
A. Bypass
B. Flush
C. Staggered
9. All primary framing members are painted with red oxide primer and can have a finish paint applied
in the field. However, secondary framing members are pre painted by the supplier with a baked on
red primer and can be very difficult to repaint in the field.
A. True
B. False

Introduction to Metal Buildings 29

Lesson 2 Self Test
10. Transverse bracing on an endwall can use which of the following methods?
A. Diaphragm Action
B. X-Bracing
C. Fixed Based Columns
D. Portal Frames
E. All of the Above
11. Bracing systems transfer wind loads from endwalls and sidewalls to the foundation. There are two
types of wind bracing systems (1) longitudinal bracing or wind on the sidewall, and (2) transverse
bracing for wind on the endwall
A. True
B. False
12. What part of the main frame is at the eave where the column connects to the roof rafter and ties the
rafter and the column together rigidly?
A. Base Plate
B. Knee or Haunch
C. Stiffener
D. Web
E. None of the Above
13. Fixed base columns are usually less expensive than portal frames, but increase the cost of the
foundation.
A. True
B. False

30 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Lesson 3

Lesson Three: Building Types

There are many varieties of buildings that are con-
structed for specific needs and uses. This lesson will
discuss a few of the different types of buildings for
gaining general knowledge and understanding.
Clearspan, modular, lean-to, Long Bay, and conven-
tional structural steel buildings are covered. Some of
these types of buildings can be used separately or
together. Whatever requirements or needs the cus-
tomer has, it is important to be familiar with types of CLEARSPAN WITH STRAIGHT COLUMNS
buildings. LIMITED TO 80' WIDE OR LESS

Clearspan Buildings
Clearspan buildings allow for the maximum use of inte-
rior space, which is particularly important in
manufacturing plants, warehouses, offices, and retail
stores where uninterrupted space is required. Size flex-
ibility also pays off outside where optimum land use is
an equally important consideration.
SINGLE SLOPE CLEARSPAN
Virtually every symmetrical, unsymmetrical, and single WITH TAPERED COLUMNS
AVAILABLE UP TO 150' WIDE
slope building size and shape is possible as a standard 1/4 : 12 THROUGH 4:12 ROOF SLOPE
product. Inside the clearspan building you have almost
total flexibility in determining the height, width, and roof
slope you want: building widths from 20' - 150'; eave
heights from 10' - 30'; and roof slopes from :12 to
4:12. Building widths of 80' or less are available with the
option of straight columns instead of tapered columns.
Lean-tos are available for future expansion or additional
space. A lean-to can be designed to match the eave
height and roof slopes of the clearspan building if the
building was originally designed to take on the loading SINGLE SLOPE CLEARSPAN
WITH STRAIGHT COLUMNS
of an additional lean-to load. Lean-tos are available in LIMITED TO 80' WIDE OR LESS
widths from 8' - 60', eave heights from 8' - 30', and roof
slopes from :12 to 4:12.

CLEARSPAN WITH TAPERED COLUMNS
AVAILABLE UP TO 150' WIDE
1/4 : 12 THRUOUGH 4:12 ROOF SLOPE
LEAN-TO
STRAIGHT COLUMNS
LIMITED TO 60' WIDE OR LESS
Note: All stated limitations and parameters are those
standards imposed by MPact. Wider widths and greater
roof slopes are available upon request.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 31
Lesson 3

Modular Buildings
A modular building (with interior columns) is specially
designed for large buildings such as manufacturing
plants, warehouses, truck terminals, and retail stores.
Interior columns are either built up 'H' columns or pipe
columns. 'H' columns are mandatory in a building with a
top running crane. Modular buildings combine the
proven practicality of a rigid frame with almost unlimited
size flexibility.
With a building that is 100' wide or less, the building can
be designed with both clearspan frames and modular
frames. This could serve the benefit of having a portion
of the building with an unobstructed floor area while
maintaining the cost savings of a modular building.
Lean-to
Modular buildings are also possible in any symmetrical,
unsymmetrical, and single slope building size and The lean-to is ideally suited to give that extra space
shape as a standard product offering. Inside the mod- needed alongside the building. The lean-to ties in at or
ular building there is almost total flexibility in below the eave of the building and can provide a variety
determining the height, width, and roof slope is wanted: of uses, from just a covered area to a completely
building widths from 40' - 500'; eave heights from 10' - enclosed addition to your building. A lean-to structure
30'; roof slopes from :12 to 4:12; and interior module has only one slope and depends upon another structure
spacing from 20' to 100'. Modules are defined as the for partial support. A lean-to can be located at eave or
space between interior columns. MPact is limited to 8 below eave of the supporting structure.
interior modules but more modules are available on TIE-IN GIRT MAIN
FRAME
request. Building widths of 40' - 80' are available with
the option of straight columns instead of tapered
columns. Lean-tos are also available for future expan- SHEETING ANGLE
(IF SHEETED BELOW)
sion or additional space if the original main structure
had been designed to support the additional load of a
lean-to. LEAN-TO
PURLIN

MODULAR BUILDING WITH 1 INTERIOR COLUMN LEAN-TO LEAN-TO BRACKET

RAFTER (AT BY-PASS GIRTS ONLY)
(2 MODULES)

LEAN-TO CONNECTION

A lean-to is limited to 60' wide as standard and only has

a straight column at the low side and a rafter. The rafter
attaches to the supporting structure's column.
Therefore, it is imperative that the bay spacing of a
MODULAR BUILDING WITH 2 INTERIOR COLUMNS
(3 MODULES) lean-to equals the bay spacing of the supporting struc-
ture.

Endwall guidelines for Lean-tos:

1. A lean-to with a bearing frame endwall may be
attached to buildings having a bearing frame, an
SINGLE SLOPE MODULAR BUILDING expandable main frame, or a non-expandable
WITH 1 INTERIOR COLUMN (2 MODULES) main frame endwall.
32 Introduction to Metal Buildings

2. When the lean-to does not extend the full length of
the main building and begins or ends at an interior
main frame, the bearing frame endwall is the stan-
dard condition but also could be a main frame
endwall if necessary.
3. If an expandable or non-expandable main frame
endwall is used on both the lean-to and the main
building the endwall may be completely open.
Endwall Types
Endwalls are available in three basic types:
Expandable Main Frame
Non-Expandable Main Frame
Bearing Frame
Expandable Main Frames
The expandable main frame endwall is a combination of
the standard main frame with endwall columns. The
endwall columns do not support the rafter but serve only
as columns for attachment of endwall girts and transmit
the wind load into the foundation and structural frame.
The expandable main frame's largest advantage is that
it provides for easy expansion. Since it is a main frame
it will carry the design load of a full bay, and it can
remain in-place if the building is expanded.
Non-Expandable Main Frames
The non-expandable main frame endwall is still a main
frame with endwall columns, but cannot be used for
future expansion. The non-expandable frame can only
carry the design load of one half bay.
Both the Expandable and Non-Expandable main frame
endwalls provide for more flexibility and ease in locating
large framed openings or entrance doors. Locate the
openings by simply adjusting the endwall columns
spacing. Also, the main frame endwalls do not require
any form of bracing, therefore, X-bracing or portal
frames will not interfere with large openings.
Bearing Frames
A bearing frame (post and beam endwall) is our stan-
dard endwall condition. The endwall columns are
generally made of cee channel and at times can be
back to back cee channel. The bearing frame is
designed to support only one half bay of roof load, and
cannot be used to expand the building in the future.
The endwall columns support the channel rafter and
Lesson 3
also serve as columns for attachment of the endwall
girts and transmit wind load into the foundation and
structural system. Bearing Frame Endwalls also require
a form of bracing, whether it be X-bracing, portal
frames, or diaphragm action.
The use of a bearing frame endwall is a matter of
economy. You will usually find the prices of the bearing
frame endwalls to be less than one half the cost of the
expandable main frame endwalls.
Endwall Cost Considerations
It is important to recognize that the different types of
endwalls can be interchanged to offer advantages in
specific applications.
The expandable clearspan main frame endwall can pro-
vide an entirely open endwall up to 150' wide. This
could be the answer to a covered truck dock across the
end of the building; or, total flexibility in placement of
framed openings.
It is also possible to interchange the interior modular
main frames comprised of different modular spacing.
For example:
The 120' wide building could have 3 - 40' wide modules
or 2 - 60' wide modules. By interchanging some 60'
module frames within the structural system we can
retain the lower cost of the interior columns yet provide
larger unobstructed areas.
Also, using the 3 - 40' modular main frame endwall in
place of the 2 - 60' module spacing, you would be able
to place an overhead door in the center of the endwall
without difficulty.
Many times the ability to interchange frames and end-
walls can bring about cost reductions, which will amount
to several thousands of dollars. These can be very
important savings if you are working against competi-
tion or a low budget. Keep in mind the largest benefit of
our MPact Pricing/Design software is that you can
process your project several different ways to arrive at
the most economical price without dedicating a lot of
time or hassle.
Long Bay System Buildings
Almost from the beginning of pre-engineered metal
buildings, designers and customers alike wanted to
push the limits of spans, heights, and loads. Expanding
sidewall bay spacing was one of the first limitations
challenged. Bays over 25' feet were pushed to 30' and
later 35'-40' with the beefed up traditional "Z" or "C" sec-
tion roof purlins (secondary framing). For bay spacing
Introduction to Metal Buildings 33
Lesson 3
greater than 40' the only available option was to out-
source bar joists and substitute them for purlins. This
often added costs and delays to projects and deliveries.
In the summer of 1999 Mesco introduced the Long Bay
System with it's open web purlin; such an innovative
product that a patent is registered.
The open web purlin (OWP) or Long Bay System
(LBS) allows sidewall bay spacing to be stretched to 60
feet. The cold-rolled virtual square tube design is light,
strong and straight and features bolted or welded con-
nections (to frames) and self-drilling fastener
attachments for roofing. The most efficient design of
LBS's buildings are modular frame buildings with a
50'x50' grid.
34 Introduction to Metal Buildings
Long Bay System buildings are easily adapted to tilt-
wall, concrete block, or conventional metal wall
systems. Single-ply, built-up, or Double-Lok roofing
systems compatible with LBS offer customers complete
flexibility when planning new facilities.
The LBS open web purlin is fabricated of 12-16 gauge
steel and custom designed web depths from 12" to 36",
primed gray or red. Galvanizing is also an option.
MPact is used in the "Quotation Request" mode for cus-
tomer information, loads, codes, etc. that are necessary
to assist and facilitate a manual estimate. Because of
the large size of these projects custom engineering and
estimating is required.
Cost efficient usage of the LBS is often but not limited
to large warehouses, distribution centers, and manufac-
turing buildings. High roof slopes, large clearspans,
unusual shape, and small specialty buildings usually
are not the most efficient use of the system.
These building types will make up a major product line
for you and your company, and will undoubtedly be a
good part of your sales revenue. Our product line is well
established in the market place and recognized for its
quality, low cost, quick and easy erection, versatility,
and adaptability.
Conventional Steel Structures
Mesco Building Solutions has formed the Steel
Structures division, which specializes in structural proj-
ects and special construction needs. While the terms
 Lesson 3
"structural steel" and "structural quality steel" are in
common usage, there has never been a precise defini- Conclusion
tion of these terms. In general, structural steel is defined This section covered the different types of buildings
as a hot-rolled member that is formed while still in a "red your manufacturer has to offer in its standard product
hot" state by pushing it through rolls that define the line. Clearspan buildings allow for the maximum use of
shape. Cold-forming for structural sections uses cold- interior space, where the modular buildings use interior
state material in a sheet or strip of uniform thickness columns to expand the standard width from 150' to 500'.
and feeds it continuously through successive pairs of Both the clearspan and modular buildings are offered in
rolls. The main difference between hot-rolled and cold- the gable symmetrical (a ridged double sloped building
formed members is that hot-rolled are significantly in which the ridge is in the center of the building), the
thicker. The process that is used to manufacture a gable unsymmetrical (a ridged double sloped building in
member for a building depends on the requirements which the ridge is off-center), and the single slope (a
and specifications for the building. sloping roof in one plane). When extra space is needed
along the side of a building, a clearspan or modular
building can be designed to support a lean-to.
Mesco Building Solutions offers many different types of
buildings as its standard product line. The product line
is well established in the market place and is recog-
nized for its quality, low cost, versatility, adaptability, and
quick and easy erection. Being familiar with the stan-
dard product line will provide easy solutions that
conform to customer's needs or requirements. Whether
a pre-engineered metal building or a conventional struc-
tural steel building, Mesco Building Solutions has the
solution.
Buildings that people see and use everyday are usually
pre-engineered or conventional buildings. The common
denominator utilized in the construction of these build-
ings is steel. The concepts of these two types of
buildings are quite similar in their overall function, but
are built-up of different pieces and components. A pre-
engineered building is usually designed by the metal
building manufacturer (such as Mesco Building
Systems), based on codes and loads given by the
owner, architect, engineer, state, county or city. The
steel that is utilized in the construction is mostly made-
up of plate and cold-form materials. A conventional
building is pre-designed and pre-defined by an engineer
that has been carefully appointed by the architect or
owner for specific needs for that building. The members
that have been selected in the construction of this type
of building are usually hot-rolled materials, such as wide
flanges, pipes, tube steel, angles, and plates. Joists and
truss girders are also commonly utilized with conven-
tional structural steel structures.

Introduction to Metal Buildings 35

Lesson 3 Self Test

Lesson Three: Self-Test

1. What type of building allows for the maximum use of uninterrupted interior space?
A. Modular Building
B. A building with Interior Columns
C. Lean-to
D. Clearspan Building
E. None of the Above
2. Clearspan buildings with tapered columns are limited to 180' as a standard.
A. True
B. False
3. A modular building with 3 interior columns will have how many modules?
A. 1
B. 3
C. 2
D. 5
E. 4
4. The most economical endwall is a (this question is not considering the width of the building, endwall
column spacing, or the loads of the building)?
A. Expandable Main Frame
B. Bearing Frame
C. Non-Expandable Main Frame
5. Which type of building is not a self-supporting structure?
A. Single Slope
B. Gable Unsymmetrical
C. Gable Symmetrical
D. Lean-to
6. When a lean-to does not extend the full length of the main building and begins or ends at an interior
main frame, a bearing frame endwall is the standard condition on the lean-to. However, a main
frame endwall could be used if necessary.
A. True
B. False
7. Is it imperative that the bay spacing of a lean-to equals the bay spacing of the supporting structure?
A. Yes
B. No
8. Long Bay buildings refer to:
A. Large clearspan structures
B. Unobstructed craneway buildings
C. Lengthening sidewall bay spacing
D. Increasing interior module spacing
9. The best roof framing system for 50' sidewall bay spacing on a metal building is:
A. 10"-12" Zee purlins 12 gauge
B. Mesco's Long Bay System
C. Bar joists

36 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Lesson 3 Self Test
10. When utilizing Mesco's Long Bay System, which roof option is available?
A. EPDM
B. Awaplan single-ply
C. Gravel ballasted built-up
D. Machine seamed standing seam
E. All of the above
11. Long Bay System open web purlins are available gray, red primed and galvanized.
A. True
B. False
12. An octagonal clearspan church sanctuary with a 12:12 roof slope is a good candidate for LBS.
A. True
B. False
13. What process is used to manufacture structural steel members?
A. Pressure pressing
B. Cold-forming
C. Hot-rolling
D. Pressure rolling
E. A & C
F. B & C
G. None

Introduction to Metal Buildings 37

Lesson 4
Lesson Four: Introduction to Covering Systems
Sam, a builder salesperson, and his neighbor, Joe,
were driving out of town one weekend. Leaving the out-
skirts of a medium-sized town, they drove past a
recently completed building, a very attractive retail
storefront.
"That's one of our buildings. I sold that job." Sam
proudly pointed out.
Joe was a little perplexed as he asked, "That's a metal
building?"
"That is a metal building," Sam replied.
Joe thought for a minute and then said, "I knew you sold
metal buildings, of course, but I didn't know you built
anything like the one we just passed. I guess I had
something else in mind."
"You mean, like 'tin' sheds?" asked Sam.
Joe laughed before his next remark. "Well, now that you
mention it, I guess that is what I had in mind."
Sam settled back in his seat. "You know, Joe, most
people have the same reaction. And it is true that there
are quite a few tin sheds around the country, especially
the ones built years ago. Originally, metal buildings
were used primarily as utility or backyard structures.
Many are still used this way, of course, but new and
better material, plus advanced design and fabrication
have introduced a modern way to build which has
become increasingly popular in many other building
markets."
As Sam continued to talk about his work, and about
some of the buildings he had sold, one more person
became acquainted with today's modern way to build.
This particular scenario is not necessarily a true story,
but the situation it describes is. If you have not yet had
a similar experience, you will. Every day, more and
more uninformed individuals are surprised to learn that
many of the most attractive and functional buildings
around them are basically factory engineered, fabri-
cated metal structures and components. Why? It is
simply because most individuals still visualize any metal
building as a utility or backyard shelter made of plain
corrugated metal sheets. Furthermore, they believe that
buildings used for commercial, community, or industrial
purposes must have massive walls to support the roof
and keep out heat and cold.
Unfortunately, many potential building prospects may
never give serious thought to contracting builders of
38 Introduction to Metal Buildings
pre-engineered metal buildings because of these tradi-
tional beliefs. Those prospects who do often base their
motives on a misconception that this is the cheapest
way to build.
Your job as a salesperson involves enlightening people
about the modern way to build. One excellent way to
begin is to point out the pre-engineered buildings in use
in your area, as Sam did for Joe. This will help assure
front yard status for your building products and services.
Performance of Covering Systems
The basic structural system of a building is designed to
resist forces imposed on it, such as live, dead, and wind
loads. In addition, the covering system of roof and walls
provide a skin, which protects the building and its con-
tents against the elements: rain, snow, ice, wind, heat,
and cold.
Although the resistant and protective features of these
two systems are of vital importance, the casual
observer obtains his/her first and most lasting impres-
sion of the building from its appearance, and
appearance is an important function of any building's
complete covering system of roof and walls. (The term
"walls" includes both endwalls and sidewalls.)
When evaluating a completed building, we tend to con-
sider the roof primarily in terms of protection, and the
walls in terms of appearance. However, a successful
covering system must possess other, less obvious, but
equally important features.
10 Important Features of a Covering System
Attractive in APPEARANCE
Offers PROTECTION from the elements
Possesses STRUCTURAL STABILITY
Withstands EXPANSION and CONTRACTION
Insulates against HEAT and COLD
Controls MOISTURE condensation
Offers resistance to SOUND transmission
Protects against FIRE
ECONOMICAL to own and maintain
Allows EASY INSTALLATION of accessories
Obviously, each of these important individual functions
offers potential benefits to the building owner. Although
all may not be required on any specific job, each should
be considered to meet the customer's needs and
desires.

1. Appearance
Remember that most customers place a high value
on the appearance of a covering system. While
they usually direct most of their attention to the
walls, some take a critical look at the roof as well.
Appearance is particularly important in commercial
and community installations, where the covering
system becomes the face of the building shown to
the public and the image that the occupant proj-
ects. Consequently, you will find many selling
situations where a great deal of time must be
devoted to the covering system, because appear-
ance is the customer's principal concern.
2. Protection from the Elements
Water is potentially the source of more mainte-
nance and repair problems than any other single
cause.
Whether in the form of snow, ice or wind-driven
rain, water can find and penetrate the smallest
openings in a roof or wall. Result: damage to a
building's contents, discomfort for its inhabitants
and eventual deterioration of the building itself as a
result of rot, corrosion or saturated insulation.
The entire covering system - panels, fasteners,
sealants, flashings, and other components - must
work together to offer effective protection against
the elements.
3. Structural Stability and Integrity
All components of a covering system must have
adequate strength and structural properties, since
they are the first to offer resistance to loads and
forces imposed on the building.
The roof must be able to support its own weight,
plus live loads, such as snow, ice, auxiliary and
collateral loads, and be designed to resist wind.
The wall system, on the other hand, must be
strong enough to resist predicted wind loads, wind
uplift, and abuse.
Traditionally, many walls were load bearing to sup-
port other components. One example is a concrete
block wall used to support the roof. The manufac-
turer's walls are designed as non-load bearing
curtain walls and are not required to support the
roof.
4. Expansion and Contraction
A good covering system is designed to allow for
expansion and contraction of its components as a
reaction to temperature changes. In many parts of
the United States, surface temperatures of building
Lesson 4
components can range from 10 degrees below
zero to 140 degrees or more above it. Since cold
causes materials to contract, and heat causes
them to expand, good building designs must take
these factors into consideration. Concrete high-
ways and steel bridges provide for movement
caused by expansion and contraction by means of
movable joints at regular intervals. The joints act
as safety valves and allow controlled movement in
the structure.
Well-designed masonry walls contain control joints
for the same reason. However, if too few of them
are used, or if they are improperly spaced, the wall
will invariably crack as a result of temperature
changes. Such expansion and contraction cannot
be eliminated; it can only be provided for in the
building design with control joints and spandrel
beams.
5. Insulation against Heat and Cold
Thermal transmission is the technical term gener-
ally used to describe heat flow. Roof and wall
systems must be able to effectively resist the flow
of heat through them by possessing good insu-
lating characteristics.
To put it quite simply, a successful covering system
must do two things:
A. Keep natural heat inside the building during
winter, and
B. Keep natural heat outside the building during
the summer.
The total insulating value of the complete covering
system must be known in order to calculate
heating and air conditioning requirement, and this
is often a key sales consideration.
6. Prevention of Moisture Condensation
Moisture condensation in a building can damage
both the structure and its contents by encouraging
rot, mildew and rusting. Condensation can even
blister outside paints if the roof or wall does not
contain a barrier (such as a metal sheet) to prevent
moisture penetration.
You are familiar, of course, with the formation of
condensation on a glass of cold water or on a cold
windowpane. The same condition can occur on the
inside of a building under similar conditions if it is
not well designed with respect to insulation,
heating and ventilation.
The use to which a building is put may tend to
encourage or discourage condensation. For
Introduction to Metal Buildings 39
Lesson 4
example, a laundry establishment represents high
moisture occupancy, while a hardware or
machinery warehouse usually has much lower
moisture content in the air. But the important thing
to remember is - water vapor is present in all build-
ings.
Mesco covering systems incorporate some of the
best insulating materials available. They employ
efficient vapor barriers on the inside surface of
roofs and walls to retard vapor penetration, which
could saturate insulation and impair its efficiency.
7. Resistance to Sound Transmission
Sound waves that strike a surface are partially
reflected, partially absorbed and partially trans-
mitted through its mass, depending upon the type
of surface and the properties of the materials.
8. Protection from Fire
Obviously, a desirable quality in a covering system
is its ability to prevent either the start or the spread
of a fire. Its properties in this respect can have an
important bearing on insurance rates for the
building. In addition, fire resistance of materials
generally must comply with local building codes
and zoning laws. The fire protection classification
of construction materials is based on many factors,
and the best source of information within your ter-
ritory is that provided by local zoning and code
authorities.
9. Economy of Ownership
A good covering system can be economically eval-
uated in terms of a building's use and the value
placed on it by the owner. Total cost of any system,
however, must include both the initial cost and the
long range or ultimate costs involved in mainte-
nance, repairs, heating and cooling. As a
salesperson, you will want to lead your prospect's
attention away from price only considerations and
toward the many benefits of Mesco products and
services that add up to the lowest cost way to
building well.
10. Easy Installation of Accessories
The relative adaptability and workability of a cov-
ering system for easy installation of such
accessories as doors, windows and ventilators is
often an important consideration from the cus-
tomer's point of view. A good covering system must
possess enough flexibility to permit rapid installa-
tion of accessories, as well as easy relocation if the
operations or use of the building should change.
These are the 10 performance factors of a good cov-
40 Introduction to Metal Buildings
ering system, which the customer must consider in
terms of his/her own particular operation and the end
use of his/her building. It is imperative that you become
as knowledgeable as you can about the covering sys-
tems. Only in this way will you be able to provide your
customer with the best solution to his/her building
problem.
The Components of a Covering
System
The remainder of this lesson will be devoted to identi-
fying and describing the components, which make up a
covering system. This will enable you to become
familiar with the terms and specifications of various
Mesco wall and roof systems to be presented later.
You may have wondered why we refer to the covering
as a system rather than simply walls and a roof. It is nat-
ural to identify a particular wall or roof by naming the
basic material used in it. For example: a CMU, tilt-up
wall, or metal roof.
However, such a description is not complete, since
most walls and roofs must consist of insulation, fas-
teners, sealants, trim and finish, in addition to the basic
material. Generally, the elements of a complete system,
exclusive of accessories such as doors and windows,
will include some or all of the following components:
Structural Framing and Support
Covering
Insulation
Joining and Fastening
Trim and Flashing
Structural Framing and Support
A covering system obtains its support and strength from
either or both of two sources:
1. The Structural Frame
2. Its own Stability and Rigidity.
Mesco roofs are supported by, and attached to, purlins
and eave struts. Mesco walls either hang on the struc-
tural framework or rest on the foundation, or both, and
attach to base angles, rake angles, girts and eave
struts.
The role of structural framing is absolutely necessary,
but the strength of the covering material itself is equally
important. A properly designed covering system must
have sufficient strength and rigidity to resist forces and

transmit applied loads to the structural system. Light
gauge metal covering materials are often fabricated
with corrugations or ribs or simply breaks in a specific
form or shape which will increase the strength, and also
enhance the appearance of the panel.
The resulting form or shape of the metal sheet's cross-
section is called configuration or panel profile. Shown
below are three examples of Mesco's most common
wall panels, which are "PBR" panel, "PBA" panel, and
"PBU" panel.
Lesson 4
Roll-forming is a continuous process performed on a
machine consisting of a series of graduated metal rolls
arranged in pairs, (one on the top and one on the
bottom) called stands. Instead of inserting single sheets
of stock, metal may be fed through the rolls directly from
coil stock, which may consist of hundreds of feet of con-
tinuous materials. As it progresses through the series of
rolls, each succeeding roll takes a comparatively
deeper bite to form the panel.

"PBR"

36"
12" 1 1/4"
COLOR

"PBA"

36"
12" 1 1/8"
COLOR

"PBU" The roll-forming machine shown above has a number of

stands, which enable gradual stages of forming. Each
36" forming stage should take only a slightly greater bite
6" COLOR 3/4" than the preceding stage in order to produce panels
with precise tolerances and to avoid surface damage.
The machine illustrated roll-forms the Mesco standard
"PBR" panel. The panel is rolled from coil stock material
The configuration of a metal panel, when properly
that is Galvalume Plus or has already been color
designed and fabricated can provide substantial
coated. The coil stock material is also illustrated below.
increases in structural strength. Strong configuration of
a metal panel is one of the major design factors
employed in metal buildings. Mesco achieves many
panel profiles or configuration by roll-forming the panel
from pre-painted coils.

Covering
Thickness of material may be expressed in either
inches or the decimal equivalent. Most of the time,
Introduction to Metal Buildings 41
Lesson 4
thickness is referred to as a gauge, which is a standard
numbering system to designate the thickness of mate-
rials. 29 gauge material is our lightest or thinnest gauge
used only for liner. Most of our standard panels are
rolled with 26 or 24 gauge material, where all standing
seam panels are at a minimum of 24 gauge. The lower
the gauge is the thicker the material.
Finishes
Mesco's panels are available in three different finishes.
Galvalume Plus
Signature 200
Signature 300
Galvalume Plus
Recently a new development has introduced a new
product called Galvalume Plus. Galvalume Plus is the
trade name for a patented sheet steel product having a
highly corrosion resistant coating of 55% aluminum -
44% zinc alloy followed by a state-of-the-art polymeric
passivation system. This newly developed passivation
system is a two component package consisting of an
acrylic-based polymer resin system and an inorganic
corrosion inhibitor.
Galvalume Plus is excellent where corrosion resist-
ance is required and can be used in high profile
application like architectural panels and residential
roofing. Galvalume Plus is also perfectly suited for
standing seam roofing applications.
The base metal is 26 or 24 gauge Galvalume Plus
steel. The base metal is pretreated and then primed
with a primer for superior adhesion and superior resist-
ance to corrosion. The painted panels are available in
two finishes: Mesco's standard Signature 200 or
Mesco's premium finish Signature 300.
Signature 200 and Signature 300
Appearance is one of the most important features of a
covering system, particularly the walls. Nothing
enhances the appearance of a wall more than the color
finish. In addition, the color finish of a building will often
provide added protection against normal weathering.
After early metal buildings were established as good
utility buildings, people began to consider them for other
uses. Galvanized steel was often painted to provide a
more pleasing appearance. This is certainly under-
standable, since color plays such an important role in
our lives. Even bare wood or concrete block is not a par-
ticularly attractive material unless it has been given a
42 Introduction to Metal Buildings
good color finish. In any event, the first painted metal
buildings were coated by a standard procedure of
applying a good primer and then a good grade of com-
mercial paint. Generally, paint consist of three basic
ingredients:
1. Pigment - this gives the paint its color.
2. The vehicle or carrier - this provides paint with flex-
ibility and offers protection of the pigment.
3. Solvent - this assures a compatible joining of the
pigment and vehicle and proper curing.
The wide selection and proportions possible with each
of these basic ingredients are reasons why you see
such a great number of paints available for so many dif-
ferent purposes.
Typical color finishes do not bond very well to metals,
especially Galvalume Plus steel is limited because of
the corrosion resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to
apply a primer to insure adequate adhesion of the
system to the metal substrate and to obtain optimum
corrosion resistance.
To capitalize and insure a quality product, in 1998 NCI
Building Systems purchased several coil-coating plants
strategically located throughout the United States.
These coil-coating plants use an innovative process of
oven-baking the finish on the coils.
Coil stock goes through an exacting pre-cleaning and
pretreatment process to insure proper adhesion of the
Signature 200 or Signature 300 finish, uniformity of
thickness, and flexibility for forming purposes. The fol-
lowing is a typical process:
1. Coil stock starts by receiving a hot alkaline deter-
gent wash, under pressure, to remove oil and other
residues.
2. Material is rinsed thoroughly.
3. A pretreatment coating system is applied.
4. The primer is roller coated on both sides.
5. Polymer coat is oven-baked.
6. Final color finish is applied by roller coating to
assure a uniform film of finish to the exterior sur-
face and polyester baked to the interior surface.
7. Finishes are oven-baked.
A warranty is a very important sales tool. Almost as
important as the warranty itself is the exacting means of
judging whether or not the finish falls within the limita-
tions of the warranty. A standard 20-year finish warranty
is available on all of our panels against peeling, blis-

tering, cracking, fading, and chalking. This warranty
covers cost of labor and material to repair, replace, or
repaint material proved to be defective under the terms
of the warranty. If you have never seen or heard of the
20-year finish warranty ask your District Manager to
supply you with a copy.
Signature 200 is Mesco's standard modified sili-
conized polyester paint system. Most of Mesco's panels
are available in the standard color offerings. Signature
200 offers optimum exterior protection and resistance to
chemical corrosion and ultraviolet radiation. This
coating also offers excellent chalk, fade and mar resist-
ance.
Signature 300 is Mesco's premium fluorocarbon paint
system. Signature 300 coating is formulated with
Kynar 500 /Hylar 5000 polyvinyulidene fluoride resin
and modified with a proprietary resin for toughness.
This long-life finish offers the ultimate in color retention,
film flexibility and durability.
Lesson 4
manufacturer insulation, but the MPact program does
have the capability of pricing insulation within a building
quote. The insulation is the standard white vinyl backing
in the thickness of 3", 4", or 6". However, it is good prac-
tice to work with a local insulation buyer in your area.
Joining and Fastening
All the elements or parts that go together to make up a
complete wall or roof system must join and fasten
together in such a manner to assure pleasing appear-
ance, good protection, and low maintenance.
Laps and Joints
Lapping, tongue and groove, or snap down or mechan-
ical seaming can be used to join the panel edges of two
panels that are set side by side.

Fiberglass
Another material available for use in the light transmit-
ting panel is high strength translucent glass fiber
LAP JOINT
reinforced polyester. The light transmitting panels
match the standard panel profiles and are " thick,
weigh 8 ounces per square foot, and are white with a
granitized top surface. Mesco's light transmitting panels
are available in both insulated and uninsulated panels
with a UL 90 Wind Uplift rating. Insulated light transmit-
ting panels are available in "PBR" panel and Standing
Seam Panel profiles only.
The benefits of the use of light transmitting panels are
obvious: TONGUE AND GROOVE

As light transmitting panels, the need for artificial SNAP DOWN SEAM
light is reduced and electrical cost lowered.
As decorative panels, the appearance of a
building is enhanced.

Insulation
It was mentioned earlier that one of the most important
SNAP DOWN PROCESS
jobs a covering system must perform is to retain heat
inside a building during winter, and keep heat outside in MECHANICALLY SEAMED
the summer. Heat flow cannot be stopped but it can be
slowed considerably by using heat-reflective materials
or colors, materials that are poor heat conductors, or by
trapping still air. Therefore, a good insulation may have
a reflective surface exposed to heat, plus many small
cells or pockets to trap and hold air as still as possible.
This explains why most good insulating materials are
made of light, fluffy substances like fiberglass, organic MECHANICALLY SEAMING PROCESS
fibers, cotton, cork or foamed plastics. Mesco does not
Introduction to Metal Buildings 43
Lesson 4

Endlap an adequate distance, which is a 3" minimum overlap.

When two panels are to be joined together end to end,
the intersection is identified as an endlap or end-joint
condition.The following illustration shows how the
panels should be installed with back-up plates. Also
shown is the sequence of installing the fasteners for
endlap panels.
COMPLETE ENGAGEMENT
OF BACK-UP PLATES
Wall panels may also be lapped with the upper panel
over the lower, although this is not a common practice.
Wall panels are cut to run continuously from floor to
roofline. The standard maximum length panel is 50'.
However, longer panels are available upon request.
Since sidelap and end-lap conditions occur in most cov-
ering systems, they deserve a substantial amount of
attention both in design and in selection of materials to
do a specific job. It is important to note that the fewer
the joints in any covering system, the less chance for
problems of weather tightness to arise. Thus, the wider
the panel, the fewer the sidelap conditions and the
longer the panel, the fewer the end-lap conditions.
Mesco's standard practice of roll forming from coil sheet
stock has made it possible to reduce substantially the
number of endlaps and sidelaps in the total covering
system.

Sealants
Regardless of the joining and fastening method used in
a covering system, a sealer, or sealant, is invariably
used to provide added protection and weather tight-
ness. Three basic types of sealants are:
Tube Sealant: such as mastic from a caulking gun.
Tape Sealant: Tri-Bead - often referred to as mastic
tape. It is used at the eave, outside closures, endlaps,
and trim connections.
Minor Rib - used to fill voids at minor ribs of the panel at
the eave.
Factory Applied Sealant: a foam sealant that consists of
a glue and gas mixture that is factory injected into the
female leg of the standing seam panels.

Fasteners
The fastening or attaching of panels to structural mem-
bers and to neighboring panels is of such prime
importance that they are emphasized frequently in
FASTENER # 1E selling situations. As the design and material of the cov-
ALL LOCATIONS ering panels have improved throughout the years, so
4 have the methods of fastening.
Standard fasteners come in two (2) types and groups,
7 1 3 2 5 6 8 various lengths and colors, and three (3) different
grades. Using the correct fastener for the right job is
vital. It is important to take into account the location,
application, and circumstances when choosing the fas-
tener that is best for the particular job.
Joining is particularly important when weather protec-
The two (2) types of fasteners are self-tapping and self-
tion is being considered. Roof panels must always be
drilling. The type that is used is determined by the
joined so that the upper panel laps over the lower panel
preference of the builder. The self-tapping screws
44 Introduction to Metal Buildings

require pre-drilling the panel/trim prior to applying the
fasteners. This step is not necessary for the self-drilling.
The self-drilling fastener combines a unique non-
walking point with a drill bit shaped tip to provide quick,
positive penetration of both metal panels and steel
framing. The threads are engineered to maximize strip
out and pull out values while avoiding over-driving
torque.
Self-drilling fasteners should be used with unpunched
panels and framing structural members. The self-drillers
are now available in various sizes. Keep in mind that
panel fasteners are used for two different purposes.
One is for fastening the covering panel to the interme-
diate structural members. The second purpose is for
attaching panels to one another, such as side-to-side or
end-to-end.
Panel screws are used for two (2) purposes. Depending
on the use of the fastener, all fasteners will fall into one
(1) of two (2) groups -- member screws and stitch
screws.
Fasteners used in panel-to-steel, trim-to-steel, and
steel-to-steel applications are member screws.
MEMBER SCREW
Fasteners being used in panel-to-panel and trim-to-
panel applications are stitch screws. The length of the
member screws is primarily dependent on the thickness
of insulation used. Stitch screws are a standard length
(" for self-tapping and " for self-drilling.) Fasteners metal roof industry. With the electric seamer, the cost of
being used on colored panels or trim will match the
color of the material, plain fasteners will be used on
Galvalume panels.
STITCH SCREW
Fasteners come in three (3) grades. The grades apply
to the material of which the fastener is constructed.
Lesson 4
Again, the grade will be dependent on the specific
needs of the customer and the building. The three
grades are carbon steel or zinc capped head, which are
also known as Long Life, and stainless steel. You
should always use a Long-Life fastener (Zinc Capped or
Stainless) when a finish warranty is desired.
Electric Seamer
Mesco's mechanically seamed standing seam roof
panel requires the use of an electric seamer.
Unlike the other fastening systems, this system secures
the panels side-by-side by seaming the panel edges
together. A portable self-powered roll-forming machine
called the electric seamer does this seaming.
The electric seamer works at close tolerances and folds
the panel edges over twice creating a double standing
seam, which is weather tight. This mechanically formed
standing seam fastening system is a revolution in the
the standing seam roof has been cut while its features
have been saved.
Trim and Flashing
The final element of a good covering system is the
method of handling its edges. For example, there must
be some method of joining and finishing so that the tran-
sitions from wall panels to roof panels offer both
weather protection and good appearance.
Flashing is a word used to describe a material for
joining two components together to provide proper
weather tightness.
Trim on the other hand, generally refers to a material or
part used to finish out and cover a joint or juncture to
Introduction to Metal Buildings 45
Lesson 4

EAVE TRIM

GUTTER
RIDGE FLASHING

RAKE TRIM

DIE FORMED RIDGE

RAKE ANGLE

PEAK BOX

WALL PANEL

FLASHING, GUTTER, AND TRIM

NOTE: TRIM PROFILE MAY VARY

improve appearance.Gutter refers to a channel member
installed at the eave of the roof for the purpose of car-
rying water from the roof to the drains or downspouts.
Conclusion
The purpose of this lesson was to encourage you to
think of a covering system as possessing several ele-
ments, all of which are very important to the complete
building system. In presenting the various elements of
the Mesco covering system, we have tried to acquaint
you with the terminology used in the metal building
industry. We have also tried to provide a brief descrip-
tion of the products and methods associated with the
Mesco wall and roof systems.

46 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Lesson 4 Self Test

Lesson Four: Self-Test

1. Why do many potential building prospects never give serious consideration to a pre-engineered
metal building?
A. Traditional Beliefs
B. Misconceptions
C. Lack of knowledge of Pre-engineered Metal Buildings
D. All of the Above
2. What are the two most obvious, but equally important, features of a covering system, (as stated in
this manual)?
A. Structural Stability and Resistance to Sound
B. Economical and Easy Installation
C. Appearance and Protection
D. Control Moisture Condensation and Protect Against Fire
3. A properly designed covering system must have sufficient strength and rigidity to resist forces and
transmit applied loads to the structural system.
A. True
B. False
4. Mesco's panels are available in what finishes?
A. Galvanized Steel, Signature 200, and Galvalume Plus
B. Galvalume Plus, Galvanized Steel, and Kynar
C. Galvalume Plus, Signature 300, and Signature 200
5. Roll-Forming is a continuous process performed on a machine consisting of a series of graduated
metal rolls arranged in pairs, called stands.
A. True
B. False
6. An end-lap is when two panels join together end to end. Roof panels must always be joined so that
the upper panel laps over the lower panel an adequate distance. What is the minimum overlap dis-
tance?
A. 4"
B. 10"
C. 5'
D. 3"
E. 8"
7. Self-drilling fasteners should be used with pre-punched panels and framing structural members.
A. True
B. False
8. When fastening a wall panel to a girt, it is considered?
A. Roof Panel to Panel
B. Wall Panel to Panel
C. Roof Panel to Structure
D. Wall Panel to Structure

Introduction to Metal Buildings 47

Lesson 4 Self Test
9. What word is used to describe a material for joining two components together to provide proper
weather tightness?
A. Trim
B. Gutter
C. Flashing
D. Rake
E. None of the Above
10. A complete covering system consists of several elements, such as, structural framing, covering
material, insulation, joining/fastening finishes, and trim/flashing.
A. True
B. False
11. Water vapor is present in all buildings.
A. True
B. False
12. A wall system attaches to which of the following?
A. Base Angles
B. Rake Angles
C. Girts
D. Eave Struts
E. All of the Above

48 Introduction to Metal Buildings


Lesson Five: The Roof System
Throughout history man has had to satisfy the basic
need of a "roof over his head" to shelter himself, his
family, and his possessions from cold, heat, rain, and
snow. At first, this protection from the elements was
very simple, even crude in form; but as man became
more and more civilized he demanded better and more
elaborate protection. Through succeeding centuries he
learned many things about shielding himself from the
elements. Through trial and error, he has sorted through
a multitude of different materials, trying to find the ideal
combination for roofing materials that were strong, but
not too heavy, and materials that were long-lasting and
resistant to weathering, and materials that would not
leak, blow away, or fall apart.
Today, we see many kinds of roofs and roofing mate-
rials; wood shingle, plastic or composition shingles, tar
paper, tile, slate, built-up roofs, and various kinds of
metal roofs. For our purposes we need only study the
types most frequently used for nonresidential use: Built-
Up Roofs, Single-Ply Roofs, and Metal Roofs.
The Built-Up Roof
Built-up roofing is so called simply because it is a com-
bination of layers of various materials built-up into a
composite covering from a base or roof deck. This type
of roof is particularly suitable for flat surfaces; and when
made of good materials and properly installed, it may
provide satisfactory protection from the elements for
many types of commercial, community, and industrial
buildings.
METAL DECK
Lesson 5
It is difficult to present information of a general nature
on built-up roofs because so many types are available.
A comparison of any two built-up roofs must take into
consideration the relative quality of materials and work-
manship, as well as any differences in basic design.
Built-up roofing can be laid on decking made of wood,
steel, gypsum, or concrete slab. Probably the most
common roof in use today is installed on steel decking,
which is supported by a bar joist system. Bar joists are
actually structural features and are not really pertinent
to a study of built-up roofing. However, it is important to
note that they must be designed to span distances that
do not exceed the steel roof deck design conditions for
live and dead loads. Steel roof decking is usually made
of 22 or 24 gauge steel and is fastened to the bar joists
by welds or screws. Although different applicators might
use a variation of materials and procedures, here is one
example of a built-up roof on a metal deck.
INSULATION BOARD
ADHESIVE
METAL DECK
The first step involves the installation of rigid board roof
insulation with screws or nails through disks or plates.
If a second layer of insulation is specified the joints are
staggered and a recommended adhesive or asphaltic
bitumen bonds the two layers together. Once in place
the insulation is mopped or strip coated in preparation
for the next layers.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 49
Lesson 5
Next, several layers of roofing felt are laid between Advantages of a Built-Up Roof
mopped-on layers of heavy bitumen. Roofing felt is
made of heavy paper or cloth, impregnated with water- 1. Built-Up roofs accommodate roof penetrations with
proofing materials. Generally from 3 to 5 layers are relative ease.
applied. The number of layers properly installed deter-
2. Built-up roofs have enjoyed public acceptance for
mines the permanence of the roof system.
many years.
3. Built-up roofs are well adapted to the construction
of flat or very low pitch roofs
FELTS
TAR Disadvantages of a Built-Up Roof
1. Due to ultra-violet breakdown, the life cycle
expectancy of this type of roof system is very lim-
ited.
2. Maintenance is often necessary and expensive.
Tars and asphalts gradually lose their natural oils,
dry out and crack with exposure to the natural ele-
ments.
3. The bonds or warranty on built-up roofs have many
limiting conditions.
INSULATION
BOARD 4. They are not usually fire-safe.
METAL DECK
5. Trouble spots and damage are not easily detected
until it is too late to correct them economically.

Single-Ply Roofing Membranes

A new generation of roofing membranes has estab-
TAR AND lished itself along side the traditional built-up roofs.
GRAVEL
Made of synthetic elastomers, the new materials are
FELTS generally provided in preformed sheets. The preformed
sheets are delivered to the site in rolls. The rolls are
sometimes large enough to cover an entire roof area,
but most of the time; successive strips are placed adja-
cent to one another and sealed where they overlap.
The ability of elastomeric to elongate, even in sub-
freezing temperatures, may be their greatest asset as
roofing membranes. Substrate movement, a by product
of normal building movement, is accommodated by
INSULATION
elastomeric roofing systems with its physical character-
BOARD istics and installation techniques. Elastomeric roofing
METAL DECK
membranes are in general single-layered, synthetic
polymer materials with elastic properties.

Types of Single-Ply Roofing

Finally, a protective-wearing surface of gravel, slag,
marble chips, or a roof coating material is often spread Membranes:
over the topcoat of tar. Shown is a cutaway view of the
Neoprene: The first synthetic rubber. Neoprene
various layers, which make up a typical built-up roof.
exhibits good resistance to petroleum oils, solvents,
Built-up roofs represent an area of considerable com-
heat and weathering.
petition, and you will find it beneficial to become
knowledgeable on the various types and methods used EPDM: An elastomer synthesized from ethylene, propy-
in your area. lene and a small proportion of a diene monomer. It has
50 Introduction to Metal Buildings

good resistance to ozone and is inexpensive, and light-
weight.
Thermoplastic Materials
PVC (polyvinyl chloride): Through plasticizing and
proper formulation, PVC materials can be obtained
which show elastomeric properties and ease of installa-
tion.
ECB: This thermoplastic material is a mixture of eth-
ylene, copolymer, bitumen, and anthracite micro-dust.
The membrane resists aging and the effects of weath-
ering, and can be repeatedly heat formed without
detriment to its original qualities.
PVC and EPDM currently dominate the preformed
sheet market.
Methods of Erection Elastomeric Roofing
Membranes Can Be Installed in One of Three
Ways:
1. Loose Laid
2. Partially Adhered
3. Fully Adhered
Loose Laid
The loose laid system directly illustrates the principle
behind elastomeric membrane design: floating free, the
roofing membrane expands to accommodate substrate
movement at any part of the roof.
BALLAST
SINGLE PLY
MEMBRANE
INSULATION
BOARD
METAL DECK
A typical loose laid system is held in place with ballast,
preferably river bottom gravel. Insulation is placed
Lesson 5
directly on the substrate without attachment. There is no
bonding between the loose laid membrane and the sub-
strate, except at the perimeter of the roof and at the roof
penetrations. These areas require careful design and
installation. If the membrane consists of more than one
section, a sealing technique is applied to achieve a
band at the laps. The ballast weight is typically specified
between 5 and 10 pounds per square inch, depending
on the size and shape, and protects the membrane from
the ultra violet rays of the sun and wind uplift.
Partially Adhered
The partially adhered is a modification of the loose laid
system. The partially adhered system provides for a
restricted amount of movement and partial bonding is
achieved with the use of adhesive or with a combination
of adhesive and mechanical fasteners. If adhesive is
the bonding agent, it is applied in strips to allow for a
specified percentage of unbonded area. To separate
sections of the membrane from the substrate, a bond
breaker such as masking tape is sometimes used.
SINGLE PLY
MEMBRANE
ADHESIVE
MECHANICAL
FASTENER
(NAIL OR SCREW)
INSULATION
BOARD
METAL DECK
If bonding with mechanical fasteners, generally nails or
screws with disks or plates, are installed on top of the
insulation and serve to attach the insulation to the roof
deck (substrate). The membrane is then bonded to the
disks or insulation board with the adhesive.
Fully Adhered
The fully adhered system bonds the entire membrane to
substrate with an adhesive and often with mechanical
fasteners as well. The fully adhered system functions
very much like a conventional built-up roof.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 51
Lesson 5
to both substrate and to the bottom surface of the mem-
brane. The sheets bond directly to the substrate, and
mechanical pressure is usually applied to assure bond
SINGLE PLY strength.
MEMBRANE
ADHESIVE
Heat welding is used with thermoplastic materials such
as PVC. A controlled source of heat melts the material
until it welds itself together.
Solvent welding is again used with materials such as
PVC and is a technique interchangeable with heat
welding. The material becomes soluble in solvent
cement and the seams are fused together. Immediately
afterward mechanical pressure should be applied to
achieve proper bond strength.
Other methods are utilized with other materials, but the
INSULATION methods just described are primarily used.
BOARD
METAL DECK
Advantages of Single-Ply Membranes
1. Economical Installation
2. Roof Penetrations are Easily Accommodated
The decks (substrates) commonly used with elas-
tomeric systems are rigid board insulation with metal 3. Expansion and Contraction
deck, concrete, and plywood.
4. Lightweight
Seams Disadvantages of Single-Ply Membranes
The integrity of elastomeric roofing systems is directly 1. Short Life Cycle (Ultra-Violet Breakdown)
related to the proper installation of seams. Two types of
seams are performed with elastomeric sheets, most 2. Dependency Upon Workmanship
commonly lap seams and very infrequently, butt seams.
3. Susceptible to Foot Traffic Punctures
4. High Cost of Material
6. Material is Combustible

LAP SEAM
Both sealants and sealing techniques must be compat-
ible with the membrane materials. The following is a list
of sealing methods and materials:
Adhesive is used with thermosetting materials such as
neoprene and EPDM. The adhesive is usually applied
52 Introduction to Metal Buildings
Metal Roofs
Even though we have frequently pointed to metal build-
ings as the "modern way to build", it is interesting to
observe that metals have long been recognized as the
best roofing materials.
In order to obtain the many advantages offered by metal
at a reasonable price, today's building owner can now
turn to roof panels made of either aluminum, aluminum-
zinc alloy coated steel, or aluminum clad steel; all of
which are available at relatively economical prices.
Originally, metal sheets used for roofing were flat and it
was necessary to join them by either welding or sol-
dering, or to introduce lap seams and joints. To facilitate
this type of installation, it became a common practice to
crimp or flange the edges of the panels. Later, in order
to provide panels with greater strength, the metal sheet
was formed so as to have ribs or corrugations.

The illustration below represents an early application of
this principle of the continuous corrugated panel.
Although largely replaced by more appealing configura-
tions, it is still available through our components division
and is known as the "C" and "D" panel. The "D" panel
has the extra purlin bearing leg for roof application.
Lesson 5
2. Die formed ridge saves time on installation.
3. The panel is available from all plants allowing low
freight to any location.
4. Start installation at either end; therefore, allows
flexible installation.

Standard Screw Down Roof Panel
To help achieve just the look you want in your new
building, we have a selection of attractive, long-life, low-
maintenance panel systems.
The deep-ribbed "PBR" panel is ideal for roof and wall
applications. It provides an even-shadowed look
designed for commercial and industrial applications.
"PBR" Panel
5. The economical profile is cost effective.
6. Finish Warranty available. The panel has a 20-year
life span when used with long life fasteners.
7. Wind Uplift Rating. The panel qualifies under sev-
eral UL90 construction numbers.
8. Profile light transmitting panels are available for
the "PBR" Panel.
9. Extra Purlin Bearing Leg ensures flush fit for better
sidelap connections, and fewer leaks.

"PBR" Roof Panel Installation

36" Coverage
12" 12" 12" It is recommended that both sides of the ridge of a
building be sheeted simultaneously. This will keep the
1 1/4"

1" " 4" 4"

insulation covered for the maximum amount of time,
COLOR and the panel ribs can be kept in proper alignment for
the ridge panel or cap. As the sheeting progresses,
"

3" 1"
check for proper coverage. See illustration for panel
"PBR" Panel sheeting sequence.

Description: This purlin bearing leg panel is used for

the roof, deep ribs create an even-shadowed appear-
13 1
ance. The area between the ribs is reinforced. 1 0
1
14 2
1
Gauge: 26 and 24 15
9
Length: 45' maximum is standard but longer lengths 6
8
available by special request. 5
7 3
4
Fasteners: Standard coated, zinc- aluminum cast 2
1
head, or stainless steel head screw.
Dimensions: 36" coverage x 1" deep.
Finish: Galvalume Plus and Commercial - Industrial
Series.
Usage: Roof or wall panel applications. As a roof
panel the "PBR" panel offers the extra purlin bearing
leg and offers more leakage protection.
Ridge Panel/Cap
Limitations: Not designed for coverage over bar joist. The ridge of the building is the horizontal line formed by
Not designed to be used as rigid secondary. Five foot opposing sloping sides of a roof running parallel with
on center purlin spacing. the building length. The ridge is covered by a transition
Features and Benefits of the "PBR" Panel: of the roofing material, often called a Ridge Panel or
Ridge Cap. When a ridge panel matches the configura-
1. 36" coverage allows ease of installation. tion of the roof panel, it is called a die formed ridge
panel.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 53
Lesson 5
Die formed ridge panels are to be installed as each side
of the roof is sheeted. This aids in keeping both sides of
the roof aligned. See illustration for clarification.
proof, since the only penetration made in the roof
during installation is in the eave panel, which is
located outside the building shell. Standing Seam
eliminates penetrations elsewhere in the roof,
which are the major causes of leaks.

DIE FORMED 3. Ideal Retrofit Roof System

ROOF RIDGE
FASTENERS Standing Seam systems are ideal for new building
roofs, and as a replacement roof for older buildings
having either a metal or built-up roof. In some
cases standing seam panels can be installed
without interrupting normal business operations.
TAPE When retrofitting with standing seam, building
SEALANT owners also have the opportunity to install addi-
tional insulation that can result in significantly lower
heating and cooling costs.
4. Energy Efficient/Lower Operating Costs
Standing Seam roof systems easily accommodate
insulation material to provide a building that is
highly energy efficient. When special insulation
requirements occur, thermal barrier materials are
RIDGE PURLINS
TAPE SEALANT
available for use over the purlins in order to effec-
tively reduce heat transfer and maintain the
thermal integrity of the roof system.
Properly installed, a building with a standing seam
Standing Seam Roof Panel Systems roof system can mean lower initial heating and
cooling equipment costs, as well as lower fuel
Mesco offers four different Standing Seam Roof Panel costs over the life of the structure.
Systems:
5. Technical Support
Ultra-Dek
Mesco's technical staff supports the needs of
Double-Lok architects, contractors and owners by providing
detailed product specification information and
BattenLok engineering or design assistance. The standing
SuperLok seam roof systems are designed to meet the ever-
changing AISI specifications and other industry
The screw down roof is obviously the most economical codes. This technical support ensures that each
choice for a roofing system. However, at times a roof roof is right for each building.
may require a standing seam panel system, especially,
6. Longevity of Materials
on a building with a roof slope of :12 or less. Overall
benefits and selling points of a standing seam roof To ensure long life, all standing seam roof systems
system are: are formed from 24 gauge Galvalume Plus, an
aluminum-zinc alloy coating applied to the steel
1. Unique Floating Clip
substrate by the hot-dip process in accordance
The standing seam system is designed to cope with ASTM A-792.
with the forces of expansion and contraction with a When a painted finish is desired, Mesco offers their
unique floating steel clip that allows the roof panels superior Signature 300 fluorocarbon paint
to move freely up and down the roof slope. The coating, formulated with 70% polyvinyulidene fluo-
floating clip is also self-centering, insuring thermal
ride resins. Mesco stands behind Signature 300
expansion capability in either direction.
painted panels with a comprehensive optional war-
2. Virtually Leak Proof ranty assuring protection for up to twenty years
against blistering, peeling, cracking, chipping,
The Standing Seam Systems are virtually leak excessive color fade and chalk.
54 Introduction to Metal Buildings

7. System Quality and Performance
Mesco systems and products are manufactured in
facilities that are Category MB quality certified by
the American Institute of Steel Construction. The
standing seam roof systems eliminate the need for
through fasteners by interlocking panel edges at a
raised seam, utilizing a factory applied sealant.
This, in conjunction with the floating action of the
concealed clip assembly, is the basis of the supe-
rior performance of Mesco's standing seam roof
systems. Combined with weather tight construc-
tion, excellent materials and overall strength these
qualities result in a versatile, efficient and mainte-
nance free roof system with a lasting appearance
and structural integrity.
Ultra-Dek and Double-Lok
Panel Size: 24" wide, 3" high standing seam
Configuration: The female leg is suitable to accept
the other male leg and form a locking assembly or
seam.
Gauge: 24 gauge structural quality aluminum alloy
coated. Minimum yield stress of 50,000 psi. 22 gauge
available upon request but not a standard offering.
Length: Recommended 55'-0" maximum.
Substrate: Galvalume Plus
Standard Colors: Architectural Series
Warranty: 20-year available
Sealant: Factory applied mastic
Insulation: Can accept up to 6" of fiberglass and 1"
rigid thermal blocks
Wind Uplift: UL90 rated - tested in accordance with
ASTM E283 and E331 for water penetration and air
infiltration. FM class 1 rated as well.
Endlaps: Prepunched endlaps ensure proper place-
ment of fasteners. Mastic is applied between panels
and secured with # - 14 x 1 1/4" self-tapping fas-
teners through the panels and into the backup plate to
form a compression joint.
Fasteners: Standard coated, zinc- aluminum cast
head, or stainless steel head screw.
Light Transmitting Panels: Optional insulated or
non-insulated
Ultra-Dek
Usage: New and retrofit applications
Lesson 5
Limitations: Recommended for roof slopes of :12
or greater. When using the fixed clip we recommend
for double slope buildings 200' wide or less, and single
slope buildings 100' wide or less. (May vary upon
extreme weather conditions).
24"
3"
COLOR
19"
SNAP DOWN SEAM
SNAP DOWN ENGAGEMENT
Features and Benefits of Ultra-Dek:
1. No panel penetration is required inside the building
envelope other than at the endlaps connected by a
compression joint, which seals out the elements.
2. Panel side laps arrive at the job site containing fac-
tory-applied sealant, which contributes to the
system's weather tight construction.
3. Optional weather tightness warranty that assures
that the roof system will remain weather tight for
extended service life.
4. May be factory notched at both ends, allowing for
field installation to commence or finish from either
end of the building.
5. Endlaps have a 16 gauge backup plate with pre-
punched holes allowing for a solid connection at
endlaps and proper fastener spacing.
6. High or low clips accommodate a variety of insula-
tion systems, with up to 1" thermal spacers at the
purlin.
7. UL 90 rated for lower insurance costs.
8. Does not use the mechanically seamed system.
This panel interlocks when snapped together;
therefore, there is no need for seaming equipment,
allowing ease of installation.
9. Economical standing seam roof panel.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 55
Lesson 5
Double-Lok
Usage: New and retrofit applications.
Limitations: Recommended for roof slopes of :12
or greater. When using the fixed clip we recommend
for double slope buildings 200' wide or less and single
slope buildings 100' wide or less (May vary upon
extreme weather conditions). Oil canning is not a
reason for rejection.
24"
3"
COLOR
19"
MECHANICALLY SEAMED
MECHANICALLY SEAMING ENGAGEMENT
Features and Benefits of Double-Lok:
1. No panel penetration is required over the building
envelope other than at the end laps, which are
connected by a compression joint, which is spe-
cially designed to seal out the elements.
2. Panel side laps arrive at the job site containing a
factory pre-applied sealant, which contributes to
the system's weather tight construction.
3. Optional product and weather tightness warranty is
available, contributing to additional customer con-
fidence.
4. May be factory notched at both ends allowing for
field installation to commence or finish from either
end of building or on both sides simultaneously
5. Endlaps have a 16 gauge backup plate with pre-
punched holes allowing for a solid connection at
endlaps and proper fastener spacing.
6. High or low clips can accommodate a variety of
insulation systems, including 1" thermal spacers at
the purlins.
7. UL 90 rated for lower insurance costs on Factory
Mutual class 1-rated projects.
56 Introduction to Metal Buildings
8. 80% less exposed fasteners than traditional side
lap panels and all fasteners are long life allowing
for increased weather tightness.
9. Panels available in low-gloss Kynar paint with a
20-year finish warranty, which minimizes appear-
ance of oil canning.
10. The side lap has been tested for air infiltration and
water penetration under ASTM E283 and E331
methods. Minimal air infiltration and water penetra-
tion and acceptability among specifiers.
BattenLok - Architectural Standing
Seam Panel
16"
" COLOR
2"
Panel Size: 16 inches wide, 2 inch high standing
seam
Gauge: 24 gauge, 22 gauge available on request but
not standard
Length: Recommended 55'-0" maximum.
Substrate: Galvalume Plus
Standard Colors: Architectural Series
Warranty: 20-year available
Sealant: Factory applied
Insulation: Can accept up to 6 inches blanket fiber-
glass and 1 inch rigid board thermal blocks
Seamed: Roof is mechanically seamed in the field
Wind Uplift: UL 90 rated
Concealed Clips: A choice of concealed fastening
clips is available for this panel system including UL
rated clips. These clips hold the panel firmly in place
without unsightly exposed fasteners. Each clip system
offers the ability to accommodate thermal movement.
Ideal Retrofit Roof System
Usage: This panel is a structural panel that spans up
to five feet on purlins, or can be used as an architec-
tural panel over a solid deck. This flat panel is
designed with striations to minimize oil canning. It is
designed to meet the ever-changing AISI specification
and other industry codes.
Limitations: Recommended for roof slopes of :12
or greater. Oil canning is not a reason for rejection.
 Lesson 5

Advantages of BattenLok:
1. Aesthetically pleasing architectural design with
vertical ribbed seams, which are easily custom
flashed.
2. A great product for hip and valley, and turndown
mansard application. The panels can be turned
down over the eaves to form a wall panel appear-
ance.
3. A feature of the BattenLok is that the sidelaps are
mechanically seamed with an electric seamer for a
sure lock.
4. This system features easy to handle 16" wide
panels with over 50 years of service in the market-
place. The proven durability and performance of
the BattenLok panel, with the factory-installed
mastic and swaged endlaps, ensures weather
tightness.
5. BattenLok is a structural panel that spans up to
five feet on purlins, or can be used as an architec-
tural panel on plywood and felt substrate.
6. BattenLok is a flat panel with vertical ribs creating
no voids, therefore, no eave closure plugs are
required
7. BattenLok is designed to meet the ever-changing
AISI specifications and other industry codes
8. The natural forces of expansion and contraction
can cause roof leaks. The BattenLok system is
Battenlok Panel Used in a Retrofit Roof
installed using special clip assemblies that allow
Application
for roof movement. This system is designed to
handle thermal shock; therefore, it won't crack,
blister, absorb moisture or require painting, SuperLok
patching, or caulking usually needed with ordinary
nonmetal roof system. 16"

2" " COLOR

Description: The SuperLok standing seam roof

system blends the aesthetics of an architectural panel
with the strength of a structural panel. This panel has
earned uplift ratings that are the highest in the industry
for standing seam roofs, assuring the reliability of per-
formance. This panel is Factory Mutual approved to
satisfy stringent code requirements and is ICBO
approved.
Gauge: 22 and 24 (Minimum quantity may be
required)
Finish: Galvalume Plus and Architectural Series

Introduction to Metal Buildings 57

Lesson 5
Length: Recommended 55'-0" maximum.
Fasteners: Concealed fastening system. A choice of
concealed fastening clips is available for this panel
system including UL rated clips. These clips hold the
panels firmly in place without unsightly exposed fas-
teners. Each clip system offers the ability to
accommodate thermal movement.
Dimensions: 12", or 16" wide and 2" high
Usage: SuperLok is a field-seamed panel that com-
bines a slim rib with exceptional uplift resistance. This
panel has been designed to withstand the most rig-
orous conditions. This system was designed to be
installed over open framing, " plywood, or a com-
posite roof assembly may be used as alternate
substructures.
Limitations: Minimum recommended slope: on 12.
Features and Benefits of SuperLok:
1. Can be installed over purlins and bar joists.
2. Factory notched for endlaps allowing ease of
installation.
3. Clip allows 2" panel movement allowing for expan-
sion and contraction.
4. Sealant factory applied for less field labor and
longer life.
5. Weather tightness warranty available
6. System qualifies for UL 90 wind uplift ratings under
four types of construction including open framing,
composite, and solid deck methods.
7. Metal Closures for longevity
8. Machine seamed which meets stringent code
requirements, such as, Factory Mutual
Oil Canning
BattenLok and SuperLok panels have striated sur-
faces to meet the demand of any design challenge.
While Mesco has recognized and responded to this
requirement we have a responsibility to point out that a
wide and perfectly flat appearance is not possible. In
some wide products, panel distortion, called oil canning,
will occur and tolerance and/or additional support
behind the panel may be more visible under certain
lighting conditions. Minimizing foot traffic during and
after installation can eliminate the need for additional
support behind panel faces.
58 Introduction to Metal Buildings
Roof Protection
By studying the details of various roof systems you will
acquire basic product knowledge that makes you
familiar with the specifications, types of material, fas-
tening systems, options and applications of our different
metal roof systems. The objective is to provide your
customer with the best possible roof protection, equal
with his/her needs and his/her budget.
One of the most important functions of a building is to
keep out the elements: rain, ice, snow, and wind.
Built-up roofs can, of course, be quite satisfactory, but
organic materials must eventually decay; therefore, it is
necessary to establish a budget for periodic mainte-
nance to assure the lasting weather tightness of built-up
roofs. On the other hand, many building systems man-
ufacturers make roofs of materials such as coated
galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, aluminum coated
and aluminum zinc alloy. Inorganic materials take a
firmer stand against the elements.
Even an inorganic roof that is weather tight at the time
of construction may cause the owner inconvenience
and costly maintenance if the original design failed to
consider the effects of wind uplift and expansion and
contraction.
Wind Uplift
When the wind blows over the roof of a building, suction
is created. Similar to the airfoil effect on the wing of an
airplane, this exerts an upward pull, or wind uplift, on
the roof. Therefore, the stronger the wind, the stronger
the upward force wanting to separate the roof from its
supporting framework.
A key design factor in combating wind uplift is the
method of fastening the roof to the structure. Greatly
due to superior fastening design implemented by
Mesco, all of the roof systems have withstood and
passed the rigorous testing required to meet
Underwriters Laboratories Class 90 wind uplift ratings
and the Code of Engineers Guide Specification CEGS-
07416.

Expansion and Contraction
Every roof moves due to expansion and contraction.
Unlike the forces of wind uplift, you cannot resist the
forces of expansion and contraction without impairing
the weather tightness of your roof. Therefore, your roof
must be designed to allow for that movement.
The most common damage that results from expansion
or contraction of a building is cracked pavement.
Leaving expansion joints between stretches of pave-
ment is the most recognized solution for prevention of
this damage.
Both Mesco's screw down and standing seam roof sys-
tems allow for roof movement transversely (across the
width of the building) and longitudinally (along the
length of the building).
The screw down roof system allow for the transverse
movement by the panel corrugation, while the natural
roll of the purlin handles the movement in the other
transverse direction. When the roof contracts due to the
cold, the purlins have a natural tendency to roll toward
the ridge. When the roof expands due to the heat, the
purlins have a natural tendency to roll away from the
ridge. The forces of expansion and contraction would
cause fasteners to be loosened, requiring annual main-
tenance if Mesco did not allow for the transverse
movement.
The standing seams roof systems allow for transverse
movement in a much different fashion. The transverse
movement in one direction is again handled by panel
corrugation, and the movement in the other direction is
accomplished with a floating clip, which joins the panels
LOW FLOATING CLIP
3 3/8" HIGH
HIGH FLOATING CLIP
4 3/8" HIGH
Lesson 5
to the purlins without the need of any holes through the
panel's roof surface. The floating clip allows the roof to
move transversely 2" in each direction, accommodating
for the expansion and contraction imposed on the roof.
FLOATING CLIP SYSTEM
However, with a standing seam roof, the purlins have a
bracing system of knock-in-bridging to reduce the nat-
ural roll of the purlins. The standing seam roof clip is
attached to the purlins via self-drilling fasteners, and the
clip is attached to the panel leg. The knock-in-bridging
helps the purlin system to be more rigid. If the purlins
were to move the standing seam roof system would not
resist wind uplift or live load forces and the clips would
not stay fastened correctly.
PEAK
GING EAVE TO
INSTALL BRID
#12 X 1" S.D.S. BEND LEG OVER
W/O WASHER
PEAK PURLIN
EAVE STRUT 1 X 1 X 14 GA ANGLE
When a building length gets over 600 feet, it may be
necessary to also accommodate for longitudinal move-
ment. Expansion and contraction of a buildings roof
system causes lengthwise movement. Mesco may
accommodate for longitudinal movement with an
expansion joint and transition trim. An expansion joint is
basically an extra slotted clip attached to the purlins,
allowing the purlins to move in the longitudinal direction.
If longitudinal movement is not accommodated for the
sidelap of the panel system, it may have the tendency
to tear apart.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 59
Lesson 5
metal roofs, but also a new roof solution for ordinary
LONGITUDINAL construction.
EXPANSION STANDING SEAM
JOINT TRIM ROOF PANEL

(2) 1/2" X 1 1/2" BOLTS

WITH (2) NUTS (4)1/2"X 1 1/2" BOLTS Built-up Roof being Retrofitted with Standing Seam
EXPANSION SIDE FIXED SIDE Roof System and added insulation.
LONGITUDINAL
EXPANSION JOINT

All roofs are subjected to these different forces of

nature; wind uplift, transverse movement and longitu-
dinal movement due to expansion and contraction, live
load, or snow load. The optimum roof system is one that
is designed and constructed so that it is anchored
securely to the building (to support wind or live load).
However, the roof system should be able to move in any
transverse or longitudinal direction (to allow for the Completed Retrofit using Standing Seam Roof
transverse and longitudinal pushing and pulling of System.
expansion and contraction). It should also maintain the
complete weather tight integrity of the roof. Few built-up Re-roofing has often been thought of as a last resort.
or traditional roofs can do that. Mesco has unique and Only after a present roof has been patched, repaired,
patented roof systems that are designed and tested to resealed and repaired again, will a customer consider
withstand these forces. installing a new roof on his/her present building.

STANDING SEAM
ROOF PANEL
Retro-R Panel
INSIDE METAL 36" NET COVERAGE
CLOSURE
12" 12" 12"
TRANSVERSE
EXPANSION JOINT
TRIM 1" 2" 2" 2"
"

COLOR
STANDING SEAM
FIXED SIDE ROOF PANEL

OUTSIDE Description: Retro-R, the patented retrofit roof

METAL system is the fastest and most economical solution to
CLOSURE
your re-roofing dilemma. This one-step setup is
designed for easy installation over your existing metal
TRANSVERSE
roof. Retro-R is cost effective with savings up to 50%
EXPANSION JOINT
over other roofing solutions. And because it is so easy
EXPANSION SIDE to install, Retro-R will not interrupt the normal course
of your business. Retro-R is available in a wide
Retrofit Roofing Solutions variety of colors or with a Galvalume Plus finish. Let
Retro-R save the day, by saving time and money.
A significant market for the Mesco Builder organization Gauge: 29
has become available utilizing the Retro-R,
BattenLok, Ultra-Dek, and Double-Lok roof systems Finish: Galvalume Plus, and Commercial Industrial
as not only a re-roofing solution, for both built-up and Series
60 Introduction to Metal Buildings

Fasteners: The manufacturer recommends a "Long
life fastener". The manufacturer does not recommend
self-drilling fasteners.
Advantages of Retrofit Roof Systems:
1. Get rid of leaks for the long term. Compared to tra-
ditional roofing systems, Retrofit roofs provide
superior weather tightness, effectively draining rain
and snow. Unlike flat built-up roofs, Retrofit roof
systems are sloped, so water doesn't stand. They
also drain to the building's exterior, further
decreasing the chance of leaks. In certain environ-
ments, the life cycle of a Retrofit roof system can
extend 40 years or more when properly main-
tained.
2. Save on Maintenance. Materials in built-up roofs
expand and contract at different rates during tem-
perature changes, causing cracking, flaking and
shrinking. Retrofit roof systems expand and con-
tract at the same rate, minimizing damage. They
also resist corrosion thanks to the aluminum-zinc
alloy coating.
3. Save on Energy Bills. When installed correctly with
the proper insulation, Retrofit roof systems can
lower climate control costs, saving more money.
4. Fast, easy installation. Because the Retrofit roof
systems simply cover your existing built-up roof,
installation is fast, convenient and economical.
There is no need to interrupt daily business activi-
ties, and in some cases, can be installed with no
on-site modification.
5. Update Building's Exterior. With a Retrofit roof
system, you can enhance an outdated roof, or
simply dress up the building's appearance, quickly
and easily. Retrofit roof systems feature innovative
design details and adapt to facades and light trans-
mitting panels.
Fact is, even the best built-up roofs can leak, but a
retrofit metal roofing system substantially lowers
chances of roof failure due to atmospheric conditions.
With proper installation, these durable, weather tight
roofs can provide years of trouble-free protection. They
go up over the existing roof so there's no troublesome
material tear-off or costly interruption of daily opera-
tions. What's more, a Retrofit system is an economical
way to enhance the facility's exterior.
Sales Approach
Because the roof is that portion of a building that protects
occupants and contents from the elements, you and your
customer should give it the most critical consideration. It is
Lesson 5
for this reason that Mesco has devoted a considerable
amount of time and money in the research, testing and
design of roof systems. The challenge to you is twofold:
1. Develop thorough product knowledge of all the roof
systems you have to offer, and those offered by
your competition. Our components company,
MBCI, has even more roof systems to offer than
previously mentioned. For example:
LokSeam
QwikLok
FlexLoc
Contact your local Components District Manager
for additional panel offerings.
2. Make sure your customer knows the value of good
roof protection, particularly, through wind uplift and
the forces of expansion and contraction.
Of course, almost every product feature and
service that you have to offer can be an important
consideration in a buying decision, but in most
selling situations we find that a good roof presen-
tation is a key to successful sales.
Conclusion
The purpose for this lesson was to enhance your
awareness of the different types of traditional roof sys-
tems, such as built-up roofs, and single-ply membrane
roofs, but more importantly enhance your knowledge of
the different type of metal roofs that Mesco has to offer:
Screw Down Roof Systems
"PBR" Panel
Standing Seam Roof Systems
Ultra-Dek
Double-Lok
BattenLok
SuperLok
Retrofit Systems
Retro-R
The features and benefits of each roof panel, and the
sales advantages of each system are to help aid you in
selling the various different products Mesco has to offer.
Finally, we covered the benefit of a newly emerging
market for Retrofit roof systems utilizing our standing
seam roof systems to solve your customer's problems
of an old, leaky, run down traditional roof.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 61
Lesson 5 Self Test

Lesson Five: Self-Test

1. Which type of roof is not used in nonresidential construction?

A. Wood or Composition Shingles
B. Single-Ply Roofs
C. Built-Up
D. Metal
2. Which of the following is not a disadvantage of a Built-Up Roof?
A. Built-Up Roof is not Fire-Safe
B. Initial investment is generally reasonable unless a tear-off is required
C. Maintenance is frequent and expensive
D. Trouble spots are hard to detect
3. Which of the following is not a disadvantage of a Single -Ply Membrane?
A. Lack of Design Criteria
B. Dependency upon Workmanship
C. Burns Easily
D. Lightweight
E. High Cost of Material
4. A built-up roof professionally installed is the most durable, reliable and maintenance free roof avail-
able today.
A. True
B. False
5. Which of the following is not a feature of Mesco's "PBR" panel?
A. 36" Coverage
B. Trimless Ridge
C. Cost Effective
D. Not Weather tight
E. Extra purlin Bearing Leg
6. This roof panel interlocks when snapped together eliminating the need for seaming equipment.
A. Double-Lok
B. "PBR"
C. Ultra-Dek
D. BattenLok
E. None of the Above
7. This roof panel is a structural panel that spans up to five feet on purlins, or can be used as an archi-
tectural panel over a solid deck.
A. Double-Lok
B. "PBR"
C. Ultra-Dek
D. BattenLok
E. None of the Above
8. Every roof moves due to expansion and contraction. Mesco accommodates that movement by
panel corrugation, natural purlin roll, floating clips, and expansion joints.
A. True
B. False

62 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Lesson 5 Self Test
9. Wind uplift is when the wind blows over the roof of a building creating suction. This upward force
wants to separate the roof from its supporting framework. Therefore, all of Mesco's roof systems
have withstood and passed the rigorous testing required to meet Underwriters Laboratories Class
90 Wind uplift ratings.
A. True
B. False
10. A standing seam roof has a bracing system called knock-in-bridging. What is knock-in-bridging's
function?
A. Elevate Wind Uplift
B. Control Expansion
C. Control Contraction
D. Reduce the Natural Roll of the Purlins
E. None of the Above
11. Which of Mesco's roof systems is perfect to cover an existing built-up roof?
A. Screw Down Roof
B. Standing Seam Roof
C. Retrofit Roof
D. All of the Above
E. B and C only
12. The ridge of the building is the horizontal line formed by opposing sloping sides of a roof running
parallel with the building width.
A. True
B. False

Introduction to Metal Buildings 63

Lesson 6
Lesson Six: The Wall System
Most buildings erected today are designed with some
degree of aesthetic appeal, whether a contemporary
office or a more traditional warehouse located in a
heavy industrial area. Durable, functional and econom-
ical structures are still very important, but the customers
are demanding more. They want their buildings to be
aesthetically appealing as well.
It has become a must to offer a striking design and
visual appeal to sell any types or style of building in
today's market. Descriptive words such as, eye-
catching, modern, attractive, elegant, and beautiful,
appeal to the prospective customer. The increasing
trend toward a more sophisticated design is one of the
greatest advantages in the marketing of a metal building
system. The aesthetic design of a building becomes an
integral part of every sales proposal offered to a cus-
tomer. As a Mesco authorized builder you can offer the
most complete selection of the one product that con-
tributes most to the visual appearance of a building, the
exterior walls.
While the roof provides overhead protection from the
weather, and steel framing provides the supporting
framework, neither contributes as much to exterior
appeal as the wall system.
Types of Walls
The types of wall materials available today are practi-
cally unlimited. They can range from wood, brick and
block, tilt up panels to metal panels. From the viewpoint
of building construction, walls are divided into two major
groups: load-bearing wall construction and skeleton-
frame construction.
Load-Bearing Wall Construction
Load-bearing wall construction has been the method of
structural design employed since the earliest days of
the Roman Empire. In Lesson One: The History of Metal
Buildings, the thick walls of masonry used in the Arch
Design employ the same principle as that applied to
wall construction in today's common practice of load-
bearing wall construction. The walls support their own
weight plus the remaining load of the building.
In this method, roof beams and bar joists rest upon the
exterior walls, which, in turn, transmit the loads to the
foundations. It is evident that walls must be of sufficient
strength to carry resultant loads as well as their own
weight. Consequently, as height of buildings increase
64 Introduction to Metal Buildings
the required thickness of walls and the weights brought
upon the foundations become excessive and uneco-
nomical. And although this type of wall construction is
still in use today, a more modern and functional system
has been introduced, called the curtain wall and frame
system.
Curtain Wall and Frame System
Curtain wall and frame construction is a popular way to
build for commercial occupants. Not only can it be more
economical, but also the unlimited selection of exterior
materials provides superior wall systems that are diffi-
cult to surpass. Lighter weight and more economical
walls offer better insulating efficiency as well. Greater
flexibility in material and color selection is available.
And, in most instances, curtain walls are faster and
easier to erect.
Mesco Wall Systems
All of the Mesco wall systems are curtain wall and frame
classification. Because wall panels play such an impor-
tant role in the visual aesthetics of a building, it simply
makes good marketing sense to offer the customer a
broad selection of wall systems to chose from, so that
you can best meet his/her needs and desires. Although
appearance is very important, it is usually not the only
objective. Performance and budgetary constraints must
also be important considerations.
Selecting the right wall system to meet the needs for a
specific building solution, and at the same time satisfy
both the personal wishes and business sense of the
customer is not an easy job.
It will call for a careful study and analysis of your cus-
tomer's business, the building's end use, and what the
customer considers to be attractive and functional in a
wall system. One way to make this easier is to acquire
a good knowledge of the various wall systems you have
available to offer your customer. The remainder of this
lesson will be dedicated to introducing the different
 Lesson 6
Mesco wall panels and the sales features and benefits Slide Doors
of each panel.
Light Transmitting Wall Panels (wall lights)
Also keep in mind that a wall system consists of more
than just the basic covering panel. A complete wall All of these accessories are covered in Lesson Seven:
system must take these various components into con- Metal Building Accessories. Study the sizes and other
sideration: specifications of these accessories. Learn to associate
them with the wall system, because accessories are
Structural framing support often a requirement and a necessary part of the total
wall system.
Basic covering material
Liner panel and interior wall partitions are also available
Insulation utilizing the Mesco wall systems. Liner panel is often
Joining and fastening used for an interior application to protect blanket insula-
tion in areas of high traffic where other abuse resistant
Exterior & Interior finishes interior finishes are not provided. Interior wall partitions
Trim, fascia, and flashing are often used to section off a particular part of a
building for office space or other uses. Mention of the
If the wall is to be insulated, standard white vinyl blanket liner panel and partitions are necessary here, to realize
insulation in thickness of 3", 4", and 6" is often used. It that they are part of the entire wall system. See Lesson
is field installed by sandwiching the roll insulation Seven: Metal Building Accessories for further explana-
between the girts and the covering panels. See the illus- tion and illustration.
tration below. The tabs of adjoining insulation rolls are
folded and stapled to assure good vapor barrier. Panel Types
BLANKET "PBR" Panel
INSULATION WOOD BLOCK
FOR INSTALLATION
SUPPORT ONLY
36"
12" 1"
COLOR

"PBR" Panel

Description: This panel is used both for the roof and

ARCHITECTURAL
WALL PANEL
Wall Accessories
Wall accessories are also a very integral and important
selling point when a customer is considering a wall
system. All of Mesco's wall systems are available with
the following wall accessories:
Personnel Walk Doors
Overhead Door Framed Openings
Aluminum Horizontal Slide Windows
Aluminum Narrow Lite Accent Windows
Louvers
sidewalls; the "PBR" Panel's deep ribs create an
even-shadowed appearance. The area between the
major ribs is reinforced with minor ribs. The "PBR"
panel is one of the most economical wall covering sys-
tems.
Gauge: 29, 26, 24 and 22.
Length: 45' maximum is standard but longer lengths
available by special request.
Fasteners: Standard coated, zinc- aluminum cast
head, or stainless steel head screw.
Dimensions: 36" coverage x 1" deep.
Finish: Galvalume Plus and Commercial - Industrial
Series.
Usage: Roof, wall, liner, mansard, and soffit panel
applications.

Introduction to Metal Buildings 65

Lesson 6
"PBR" Panel Features and Benefits:
1. 36" Coverage for ease of erection.
2. Manufactured at all plants for low freight to any
location.
3. Start installation at either end for flexible erection.
4. Economical profile that is cost effective.
5. Finish Warranty - 20-year life when used with long
life fasteners.
6. The panel provides diaphragm capabilities and girt
stability in metal building construction.
7. Profile wall lights are available for the "PBR" Panel.
8. The panel can be reverse rolled putting the paint
finish on the under side for installation as a wall
panel.
"PBA" Panel
36"
12" 1"
COLOR
"PBA" Panel
Description: The Architectural "PBA" Panel for side-
walls produces a decorative smooth shadow line
creating a distinctive architectural effect with semi-
concealed fasteners. Ribs are 1" deep and major
corrugations spaced 12" on center. The net coverage
of panel is 3'-0".
Gauge: 26 and 24.
Length: Maximum recommended 45'-0". Longer
lengths available on special order.
Fasteners: Various, depending on application.
Finish: Galvalume Plus and Commercial - Industrial
Series.
Dimensions: 36" wide by 1" deep.
Usage: Wall panel, liner panel, soffit panel, mansard
panel face, and back sheet.
Limitations: Installation may be difficult with very
thick insulation.
"PBA" Panel Features and Benefits:
1. Semi-concealed fastener panel for attractive archi-
tectural application.
66 Introduction to Metal Buildings
2. The striations reduce oil canning, textured appear-
ance.
3. Available in the standard Signature 200, which is
a silicone polyester color offered with a standard
20-year warranty.
4. Single continuous panel to sill until panel exceeds
40'-0 length for attractive application with no end
laps, and ease of installation.
5. Signature 300 premium finish optional for a finish
with 20-year warranty, ultimate resistance to color
change and chalk.
6. Embossed texture available, embossing the metal
reduces glare and the potential for oil canning.
7. Fire rating, the panel carries a UL "Class A" fire
rating.
"PBU" Panel
36"
6"
COLOR "
"PBU" Panel
Description: This utility panel with ribs 6" on centers
is especially useful for liners, partitions, soffits, etc.,
because of its shallower " deep ribs and relative
ease of installation.
Gauge: 29, 26, 24, and 22.
Finish: Galvalume Plus and Commercial Industrial
Series (29, 24, and 22 Ga. available in Polar White
and Galvalume Plus).
Length: Maximum recommended 40'-0". Longer
lengths available on special order.
Usage: Wall panel, liner panel, soffit panel, mansard
panel face, and back sheet.
"PBU" Panel Features and Benefits:
1. Signature 200 has 20-year warranty.
2. Reverse rolled profile that places color on the
reverse side of the panel yields a flat profile
appearance with fasteners recessed in flutes.
3. Fire rating, the panel carries a UL "Class A" fire
rating.
4. Single continuous panel eave to sill until panel
exceeds 40'-0" length causing an attractive

appearance with no end laps, and ease of installa-
tion.
5. Signature 300 optional finish that offers the pre-
mium paint finish with 20-year warranty, ultimate
resistance to color changes and chalks.
6. Face fastener that yields diaphragm capabilities
and girt stability.
7. Embossed texture optional, embossing the metal
reduces glare and the potential for oil canning.
8. Optional Perforated condition for ventilation or
acoustical applications.
NuWall
12"
COLOR
2"
NuWall 1"
Description: NuWall combines the ease of installa-
tion in both new and retrofit applications with a
pleasing aesthetic appeal. The shadow lines created
with the NuWall panel will enhance any structure's
appearance. Installation of panels is performed com-
pletely outside with no disruption of the workplace on
the inside.
Gauge: 22, 24, and 26 (All gauges have a minimum
quantity required)
Finish: Galvalume Plus and Architectural Series.
Length: Recommended 40'-0" maximum.
Fasteners: Concealed fastening system. The panel is
attached to the structure with self-drilling fasteners on
one side of the panel only. No clips are required. The
adjoining panel simply snaps into the previous panel,
concealing the fasteners from view.
Dimensions: 12" wide 2" high.
Usage: NuWall is ideal for both new and retrofit
applications. In retrofit applications, the NuWall
panel can be installed over an existing "PBR" or "M"
panel wall. This saves both labor and material. Other
panel profiles and other forms of construction may
require the use of sub-girts.
Lesson 6
Flat Panels - Artisan Series
12"
COLOR 1"
L12
4" 4" 4"
COLOR 1"
L12 with beads
Artisan Series
Description: The simplicity of the Artisan Series
panel is its best design feature. Uniform dimensions
and clean appearance allow the designer to plan mod-
ules, eliminate complicated pieces, and follow wall
curvatures.
Gauge: 26, 24, and 22 (26 and 22 Ga. may require
minimum quantity).
Finish: Galvalume Plus and Polar White (Smooth or
Embossed Texture with or without stiffener breaks),
Commercial - Industrial Series.
Length: Maximum recommended 20'-0" Rules of
Thumb for Artisan Panel Lengths:
Up to 4'-0" Long Use L12, L10, or L8
4'-0" to 10'-0" Long Use L8 Only
Fasteners: Concealed fastening system Artisan
Series panels use the Positive fastening method and
are attached directly to the substructure. The fastener
is concealed behind the flush face.
Dimensions: 8", 10", and 12" wide by 1" high.
Usage: The Artisan panels are used for soffits and
interior liners.
Artisan Series Limitations:
1. The panel provides no diaphragm action due to the
concealed fastener design. Installation over thick
or reinforced blanket insulation may induce oil can-
ning. The product is designed for application over
rigid framing.
2. The product is susceptible to oil canning and
should be sold in the heaviest gauge, embossed
and with grooves when possible.
3. Not recommended for external wall application.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 67
Lesson 6
Artisan Series Features and Benefits:
1. Factory applied sidelap sealant for watertight con-
nection.
2. The panel sidelap has passed tests for air infiltra-
tion and water penetration per ASTM E283 and
E331 test procedures.
3. The panels qualify for 1, 1, and 2 hour UL fire rat-
ings when installed under certain composite
construction methods. This provides possible
lower insurance costs, and meets code require-
ments.
4. Perforation available for ventilation or acoustical
applications.
5. The panel is available in the rock wall option, which
is an aggregate coating for aesthetic applications.
6. Structural integrity due to panel depth and gauge
availability, large spanning conditions are avail-
able.
7. Finish warranties available, a 20-year warranty is
available for Galvalume Plus and a 20-year war-
ranty is available for Signature 300.
ShadowRib
16"
COLOR
3" 1"
5"
ShadowRib
Description: ShadowRib combines aesthetics,
economics, and function to bring definition to metal
structures. ShadowRib is a proven performer and a
versatile tool to the designer.
Gauge: 24 and 22 (22 Ga. minimum quantity may be
required).
Finish: Galvalume Plus and Architectural Series.
Length: Maximum recommended 40'-0".
Fasteners: Concealed fastening system. Panels may
be secured to the structure from outside the building
with the ShadowRib concealed clip, or from inside
68 Introduction to Metal Buildings
the building with an expansion fastener. Both are pos-
itive fastening methods that create secure interlock
between panel and structure.
Dimensions: 16" wide by 3" high.
Usage: The ShadowRib panel can be used for
walls, fascias, and equipment screens. Apply the
panel over light gauge framing, purlins, girts, structural
steel, and joists. In many instances, the panel can
span from floor to ceiling without interior support,
making it ready to apply a variety of insulation
methods into the 3" cavity.
IPS - Insulated Panel Division of NCI
IPS's Company History
NCI Building Systems, L.P. acquired Insulated Panel
Systems (IPS) in February 1997. IPS manufactures a
complete line of insulated panels for both wall and roof
applications at the plant located in Stafford, Texas. IPS
serves both the new and retrofit construction market.
These products have undergone careful research and
development. Testing consists of thermal resistance, air
leakage, water penetration, strength, wind uplift, ignition
properties, surface burning, room fire test, roof deck fire
test, and roof covering fire test.
Exclusively from Insulated Panel Systems is the "SSP"
roof panel. The "SSP" panels are ideal for temperature
controlled roof systems and can be snapped together
with IPS's patented Versalok sidelaps then mechani-
cally seamed. IPS's "EWP" Wall Panels, "ESP" Wall
Panels, and the "IPP" Partition Panel system are all
thermally efficient, affordable, aesthetically pleasing
products. All of the wall panels are available with our
Rockwall system. The Rockwall process bonds real
stone aggregate to steel panels, combining the advan-
tages of steel with the durability and beauty of stone
aggregate.

Insulated "EWP" Wall Panel
Description: "EWP" panels offer contemporary
styling in an easily installed panel that is manufactured
in the thickness of 2" or 4". "EWP" uses a joint with
concealed fasteners. The ribbed profile gives the
building a strong vertical accent that is ideal for metal
building applications. Both exterior and interior metal
skins have stucco embossed pre-painted finish. The
panel is designed to module on 36" width.
Gauge: 22, 24, and 26 (22 Ga. minimum order
required).
Finish: Both faces are stucco embossed, Rockwall
Stone-Coated, silicone polyester, and fluorocarbon
polymer, See IPS Color Chart.
Length: Max 48'-0".
Fasteners: Concealed with clips at side joints.
Dimensions: Width: 36"; Thickness: 2", 2", 3", and
4".
Usage: Contemporary look and vertical linear profile
allow maximum use of shadows and flat surfaces to
create a custom wall effect.
Limitations: Load/span tables for wind loads are
available upon request.
Insulated "EWP" Features and Benefits:
1. Foam thickness of 2", 2", 3", and 4" that provides
excellent insulating properties providing R-values
from 17.2 to 30.6.
2. Complete Load/Span tables available allowing
designer to make proper use of panel span capa-
bilities.
3. Excellent test results for air leakage and water
penetration through panel joint that confirms
weather tightness in compliance with specifica-
tions.
4. Good Surface burning characteristics, which
comply with model building codes for, foam plas-
tics.
5. Concealed fasteners with clips, which provides a
contemporary alternative to exposed fasteners.
6. Vertical indented ribs at 6" centers which utilizes
Lesson 6
maximum use of shadows and flat surfaces for
strong vertical accents.
Insulated "ESP" Wall Panel
Description: This architecturally pleasing panel is
ideal for commercial applications. Low profile exterior
structure and offset lap joint with concealed fasteners
give "ESP" panels an attractive appearance for ver-
tical applications. The panel is designed to module on
36" width.
Gauge: 22, 24, and 26 (22 Ga. minimum order
required).
Finish: Surfaces are stucco embossed, Rockwall
Stone-Coated, silicone polyester, and fluorocarbon
polymer, See IPS Color Chart.
Length: Max 48'-0".
Fasteners: Concealed with clips at side joints.
Dimensions: Width: 36"; Thickness: 2", 2", 3", and
4".
Usage: "ESP" is an architecturally pleasing econom-
ical insulated wall system.
Limitations: Load/span tables for wind loads are
available upon request.
Insulated "ESP" Features and Benefits:
1. Foam thickness of 2", 2", 3", and 4" for excellent
insulating properties providing R-values from 17.2
to 30.6.
2. Complete Load/Span tables available, allows
designer to make proper use of panel span capa-
bilities.
3. Excellent test results for air leakage and water
penetration through panel joint confirming weather
tightness in compliance with specifications.
4. Good Surface burning characteristics comply with
model building codes for foam plastics.
5. Concealed fasteners with clips provide a contem-
porary alternative to exposed fasteners.
6. Lightly striated design gives a flat appearance for
most architectural and commercial applications.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 69
Lesson 6
Insulated "IPP" Liner Panel
Description: Attractive flat embossed profile pro-
duced in thickness of 2" to 4". "IPP" utilizes a
concealed fastener joint that retains the high thermal
properties built into all IPS insulated panels. Easy to
maintain finishes that adds to the appearance of your
building. It is designed to module on 36" centers and
has an USDA approved finish as a standard coating.
Gauge: 22, 24, and 26 both faces (22 Ga. minimum
order required).
Finish: Both faces are stucco embossed, Rockwall
Stone-Coated, Signature 200, and Royal K- 70. See
IPS Color Chart.
Length: Max 48'-0".
Fasteners: Concealed with clips. Concealed fastener
installation hardware includes steel clips and screws.
Dimensions: 36" Wide by 2", 2", 3", and 4" thick.
Usage: Interior partitions and ceilings - Can also be
used as an exterior wall panel.
Limitations: Butyl side-joint sealant is field installed.
Insulated "IPP" Features and Benefits
1. Foam thickness of 2", 2", 3", and 4" for excellent
insulating properties providing R-values from 17.2
to 30.6.
2. Complete Load/Span tables available, allows
designer to make proper use of panel span capa-
bilities.
3. Excellent test results for air leakage and water
penetration through panel joint confirming weather
tightness in compliance with specifications.
4. Good surface burning characteristics complying
with model building codes for foam plastics.
5. Concealed fasteners with clips provide a contem-
porary alternative to exposed fasteners.
6. Use of symmetrical mesa embossed surfaces on
both sides creates uniformity in finish and color
throughout the building's interior.
7. 48'-0" maximum length which allows for contin-
70 Introduction to Metal Buildings
uous uninterrupted partition walls capable of with-
standing most interior design loads (5 psf).
8. Instant interior partition that is energy efficient.
9. Offset lap joint that retains high thermal properties.
Insulated Rockwall Stone-Coated
TecFoam Walls
Description: All of IPS's wall panels are available with
the Rockwall Finish system. IPS Rockwall gives
you the advantage of steel wall panel construction
with the durable beauty of stone aggregate. The
Rockwall process bonds real stone aggregate to
steel panels with a super adhesive system. A clear
sealer gives the finished panel a crisp glazed appear-
ance.
Gauges: 24 and 26.
Finishes: Sand Rock, and Granite Rock.
Length: Max 20' Fasteners: Concealed with clips.
Dimensions: Width: 36"; Thickness: 2"- 4".
Usage: The Rockwall finish is available on all IPS
panel profiles:
"RWP" Roof/Wall Panel
"EWP" Wall Panel
"ESP" Wall Panel
"IPP" Partition Panel
Limitations: For wall applications only.
IPS Rockwall Features and Benefits:
1. Foam thickness of 2", 2", 3", and 4" for excellent
insulating properties providing R-values from 17.2
to 30.6.
2. Complete Load/Span tables available, allows
designer to make proper use of panel span capa-
bilities.
3. Excellent test results for air leakage and water
penetration through panel joint confirming weather
tightness in compliance with specifications.
4. Good Surface burning characteristics that comply
with model building codes for foam plastics.

5. Concealed fasteners with clips provide a contem-
porary alternative to exposed fasteners.
Concrete Wall Systems
General Information
The concrete wall systems listed in this lesson are a
group of economical wall systems that have been care-
fully selected and designed to be compatible with the
Mesco Building Systems.
The walls are constructed from components that are
manufactured by universally accepted construction
methods. The general categories of concrete walls
described are tilt-up and precast.
Tilt-up wall systems include load-bearing panels, non-
load-bearing panels and wainscot panels.
Precast wall systems may be load-bearing or non-load-
bearing and include flat panels, flat panels with spandrel
beams, single-tee panels, double-tee panels, and wain-
scot panels.
Components used for each wall system include panels,
joints, flashing and connections.
The buildings illustrated are typical of many being con-
structed in modern industrial parks. They demonstrate
the use of precast flat wall panels with spandrel beams,
tilt-up wall panels and precast tee panels.
Tilt-Up Wall Components
Tilt-up wall components can be defined as those built by
the general contractor on the job-site using temporary
casting facilities. They are usually wide, flat panels that
span from grade to roof. The walls may be load-bearing
or non-load-bearing and may act as shear walls to resist
wind and seismic forces.
Common thicknesses of tilt-up concrete walls are 5",
6", 7", and 8". Typically panels are 20, 25, or 30 feet
Lesson 6
wide. Panel heights are determined by building heights
and frequently range up to 40 feet.
Concrete
Concrete for tilt-up walls is often designed to have a
minimum ultimate strength of 3,000 psi at 28 days. It
should be delivered to casting bed (a form used to pour
concrete into to obtain a desired form) with a slump (the
correct mixture of water and concrete to obtain a
desired strength) of 3 to 4 inches.
Curing
Curing of job-built panels is limited to the use of curing
agents and membranes.
The panel designer furnishes reinforcing steel specifi-
cations. Reinforcing is placed at mid-depth of panel.
The amount of reinforcing that is required for tempera-
ture and shrinkage is usually adequate for normal panel
loading. Extra reinforcing is installed around openings
and at lifting inserts.
Inserts
Inserts are installed in panels, prior to pouring concrete,
as necessary for the lifting operation and attachment to
structure. Number and location of lifting inserts may be
determined by the manufacturers of these items or by
the contractor in association with a structural engineer.
Tilt-Up Construction Planning
Along with the decision to use tilt-up construction, the
construction procedure should be established. Planning
should involve everyone who will be associated with
placing the walls. This includes those responsible for
forming, placing concrete and reinforcing steel, fin-
ishing, erecting wall panels and erecting structural steel.
The planning should consider the layout of the site and
building and proper access should be provided.
Particular attention should be given to providing oper-
ating room for concrete trucks and erecting cranes.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 71
Lesson 6
The entire construction procedure should be organized
to proceed in an orderly sequence. During space-plan-
ning of the job site, it is often helpful to use scaled
model cutouts of wall panels and equipment on a print
of the building floor plan.
Tilt-Up walls are the most commonly used Concrete
Wall System in the erection of Mesco Building System's
projects.
Precast Wall Components
A subcontractor usually supplies precast wall compo-
nents. They are manufactured off-site using permanent
casting facilities and transported to the job-site. Several
precast wall systems are flat panels, flat panels com-
bined with spandrel beams, double-tee or single-tee
panels and wainscot panels.
Some precast wall systems are designed to be load-
bearing. With appropriate design, economy may be
achieved by replacing the perimeter steel framing with
the precast wall system.
Panel Sizes
Thickness and configuration determine precast prod-
ucts available in the contractor's area. Typical flat
panels are 4 to 6 inches thick and are 4, 5, 6, 8, or 10
feet in width. Typical flange thickness of tees range from
2 to 3 inches and flange widths are 4, 6, 8, or 10 feet in
width. Length of all wall components is determined by
building heights and precaster's capability.
Concrete
Concrete for walls is usually a high strength, typically
4,000 to 6,000 psi. Vibration of casting beds increases
concrete density.
Curing
Curing of precast panels can be accomplished by
means of curing agents and membranes. However,
72 Introduction to Metal Buildings
steam curing is widely used and is most effective.
Reinforcement
The type of reinforcing steel used varies widely with the
precaster. Pre-stressing is usually provided. Pre-stress
is the process to introduce internal stresses into (as a
structural beam) to counteract the stresses that will
result from applied load (as in incorporating cables
under tension in concrete).
Inserts
Inserts or other lifting devices are used to lift panels
from lifting beds. Top edge inserts are often used to
erect panels. Type of inserts and methods of lifting
panels will vary among different precasters.
The details shown apply equally to precast panels as
well as tilt-up panels. Use of precast wall panels often
requires the utilization of a precast concrete subcon-
tractor in the builder's area. The type of wall panels or
sections used on a project depends on the types com-
monly manufactured and supplied by the local
subcontractor. Double-tees, single-tees, or flat panels
may not be available in all areas.
Erecting precast panels is done after the primary struc-
ture has been erected, which is just opposite of the
tilt-up procedure.
Performance Characteristics of Tilt-
Up and Precast Wall Systems
The performance characteristics of precast and tilt-up
concrete wall systems are outstanding in many impor-
tant areas.
Economic Considerations
The cost of concrete wall systems is low in comparison
to masonry walls of similar or equal performance.
In many cases, tilt-up wall panels are the most cost
effective of the concrete wall systems. Load-bearing tilt-
up walls, which are designed to replace the perimeter
steel columns and girders, provide the greatest cost
savings.
In some areas of the United States, standard precast
single-tees or double-tees are used for wall panels and
are competitively priced.
Off-site precast flat panels are available in many areas
of the country and use existing all-weather manufac-
turing facilities and local precaster experience and
techniques. A high degree of quality control plus addi-

tional handling, loading and transportation requirements
will usually result in higher in-place panel costs in com-
parison to job-built tilt-up panels.
Thermal Properties
Thermal properties of an uninsulated concrete wall
system are adequate for buildings in some areas of the
United States. The U-value for a 5" thick wall is .064.
If additional insulation or interior finish is required, rigid
or batt insulation and gypsum board can provide a U-
value of 0.16 and 0.05, respectively.
Fire Resistance
Concrete wall systems offer fire resistance in a range
from incombustible for precast tees to 4 hour separation
for a 7" thick flat panel. Low insurance premiums are
assured for the owner.
Weather Resistance
The stubborn resistance of concrete to all kinds of
weathering is well known. Properly constructed con-
crete panels will provide a lifetime of service even in the
most severe climates.
Maintenance
Concrete wall systems with natural finishes and long
life, all-weather sealants provide many years of mainte-
nance free service.
Durability
Concrete wall systems are highly resistant to damage
resulting from physical contact. They withstand the hard
day-to day usage present in many warehouses and
offer excellent security against theft and vandalism.
Sound Transmission
Concrete wall panels offer very good resistance to
sound transmission. The resistance is in proportion to
the wall thickness. Sound transmission class varies
from 44 decibels for a 4" thick wall to 54 decibels for a
7" thick wall. These values exceed normal sound
transmission requirements for most types of buildings.
Appearance Options
Concrete wall panels can be manufactured with appear-
ance options related to specific project requirements.
Where maximum economy is essential, the panels may
be left with a smooth trowel or textured concrete finish.
Lesson 6
If a special color is important, the wall panels can
receive special paint or other applied finishes.
The use of exposed aggregates combined with natural
and colored cement result in an unlimited number of fin-
ishes and appearance options.
The market opportunities for Mesco Wall Systems are
similar in many respects to those corresponding roof
systems. However, the availability of multiple different
wall panels from Mesco, MBCI, and IPS offers even
greater flexibility.
The exact choice of the wall system that you decide to
present to your customer will probably not be made
during the initial stages of the sale. The requirements of
the specific job, the individual customer, and the exact
selling or competitive situation will greatly affect the final
selection.
Only you and your customer can determine the correct
building solution and selection of wall materials.
It would not be possible or practical to include a long list
of competitors who make products similar to the wall
systems that have just been presented. The flexibility of
Mesco's complete series of wall systems provides you
with a great market potential to out class your competi-
tors. So far, no competitor has been able to offer a
comparable selection of walls. With the combination of
Mesco, MBCI, and IPS we have the capabilities of
offering our builders the advantage of a single source
supplier with the widest range of product offering in the
metal building industry. Generally, you really do have a
great opportunity to sell smarter than your competitors.
Conclusion
Product knowledge is essential and you must continu-
ally keep up to date on Mesco's current product offering
and new products that develop. The more familiar you
become with what you are selling, the easier it will be for
you to point out customer benefits. This will help you
sell smarter and better.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 73
Lesson 6 Self Test

Lesson Six: Self-Test

1. Which of the following systems contribute the most to exterior appeal?

A. Roof System
B. Primary Framing
C. Wall System
D. Secondary Framing
E. Both A and C
2. Which of the following is not a wall accessory?
A. Walk Door
B. Framed Opening
C. Window
D. Light Transmitting Panel
E. Louver
3. Which of Mesco's panels can be used as a roof or wall application?
A. "PBA" Panel
B. "PBR" Panel
C. "PBU" Panel
D. Max-Span Panel
E. Both B and C
4. The Architectural "PBA" panel for walls produces a decorative smooth shadow line creating a dis-
tinctive architectural effect with semi-concealed fasteners.
A. True
B. False
5. Which type of wall classification does the Mesco wall systems fall into?
A. Load-Bearing Wall Construction
B. Wood
C. Brick
D. Curtain Wall and Frame System
6. Which panel, when reversed rolled, offers a flat profile appearance with fasteners recessing in the
flutes?
A. "PBA" Panel
B. "PBR" Panel
C. Flat Panel/Artisan Series
D. "PBU" Panel
7. IPS's Rockwall process bonds real stone aggregate to steel panels, combining the advantages of
steel with the durability and beauty of stone aggregate. All of IPS's wall panels are available with
the Rockwall system.
A. True
B. False
8. Concrete wall systems, such as tilt-up and precast wall systems, are not compatible with a Mesco
Building System.
A. True
B. False

74 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Lesson 7

Lesson Seven: Metal Building Accessories

In addition to frame, wall, and roof systems, there are
other components of a metal building system generally Light Transmitting Panel
referred to as accessories. These include roof ventila- A "light transmitting panel" is a plastic roof panel
tors, light transmitting panels, interior liner panels, installed to admit light. The acrylic modified, UV stabi-
louvers, wall lights, wall openings, windows, pedestrian lized, SBS, light transmitting panels are high strength
doors, overhead doors, fascias, mansards, canopies, translucent panels that are made of glass fiber rein-
and trim in general. Any numbers of these items are forced polyester. The high strength translucent panels
required to complete a metal building system. These
match standard panel profiles, are " thick, weigh 8
individual components are also manufactured as inte-
ounces per square foot, and are white with a granitized
gral units for the metal building system. When installed,
top surface. Insulated light transmitting panels are also
they will be compatible in both design and appearance
available.
with the wall and roof systems that they penetrate.
Light transmitting panels are installed using the same
Roof Ventilators procedures as a steel panel. Care should be taken
when installing fasteners in the light transmitting panels
A roof vent is defined as an accessory, used on the roof to avoid cracking the material. Pre-drill " diameter fas-
that allows the air to pass through. Gravity ridge roof tener clearance holes in the overlapping sidelap and
ventilators are manufactured from Galvalume steel, endlap.
and maybe painted white. The ventilator body is made
Do not under any circumstance step or walk on surface
of 26 gauge steel and the skirt matches the roof slope.
of light transmitting panel. If foot traffic is necessary
Chain operated dampers are furnished when specified.
over light transmitting panel, use walk boards that are
Standard operators include cable, pulleys, cable
properly supported by building purlins.
clamps, and eyebolts. Three continuous vents may be
operated from each operator. Each non-continuous vent
requires an operator.
Ventilators are equipped with standard bird screens and UPHILL
riveted end caps. Ridge ventilators are 10' long and
have 12" throat. Ultra-vents are 1'-11" long with a 12" 4
throat. 20" and 24" round ventilators are also available.

3
1
PEAK
PANEL
BIRDSCREEN
5
2 IN
G
E ET TION
SH EC
10'-0" CONTINUOUS R
DI
VENT
DOWN HILL
ROOF
PANEL

Panels are installed in sequence that corresponds

with 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
END CAP OUTSIDE CLOSURE
SKIRT WITH TAPE SEALER

Introduction to Metal Buildings 75

Lesson 7

Liner Panel hardware, half screen, and the glass is available in a

Liner panel is a metal panel attached to the inside
flange of the girts or the purlins. The liner panel is used
when it is desirable to protect the field installed insula-
tion and improve inside appearance. Mesco's panels
that are available as liner panel are as follows:
"PBA" Panel
"PBR" Panel
Artisan Series
clear or bronze tint. The windows are self-framing and
self-flashing to the wall panels. Mesco's windows are
certified by Architectural Aluminum Manufacturers
Association for the performance requirements of
ANSI/AAMA. The aluminum horizontal slide windows
are available in the following sizes:
3'-0" x 3'-0" 4'-0"x 3'-0"
4'-0"x 4'-0" 6'-0"x 3'-0"
INSIDE CLOSURE

Louvers GIRT

Louvers are an opening provided with fixed or

adjustable slanted fins to allow for the flow of air.
Mesco's louver frames are of 18 gauge galvanized steel
frame, painted to match the wall color with 20 gauge
SILL ANGLE
blades, and are self-framing and self-flashing. The lou-
vers can come with fixed or adjustable blades. Standard JAMB ANGLE
sizes are as follows:
2'-0" x 2'-0" 3'-0" x 2'-0"
3'-0" x 3'-0" 4'-0" x 3'-0"
3'-0" x 4'-0" 4'-0" x 4'-0" BASE ANGLE
5'-0" x 4'-0"

Mesco also has a fixed 2'-0" x 7'-0" slim line window

REMOVABLE
available. This narrow, fixed window is perfect for an
SCREEN INSIDE CLOSURE office environment to admit natural light.
GIRT
JAMB
ANGLE
WALL
PANEL

TAPE
SEALER

WINDOW

WALL
PANEL

Windows BASE
MEMBER
Windows are openings in the wall of a building for the
admission of light and air. The standard windows avail-
able through Mesco are horizontal slide units; with a mill
standard finish with bronze painted finish as an avail-
able option. The windows are furnished with complete

76 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Lesson 7

Walk Doors BASE ANGLE

Walk doors are doors used by personnel for access to
and exit from a building. Standard personnel doors are DOOR JAMB
manufactured from 20 gauge galvanized steel with an
embossed finish in white or bronze prime coat. The
doors are flush and have vertical mechanical inter- THRESHOLD
locking seams, which join both hinge and lock edges.
The doors are provided with top and bottom inverted 16
gauge galvanized steel channels spot-welded within the TAMP-INS
door. The door is reinforced, stiffened and sound dead-
ened with impregnated kraft honey comb core
TAPE
completely filling the inside faces of the door and lami- SEALER
nated to the inside faces of the panels. All doors are
available with applicable hardware, such as panic hard-
ware, mortice lockset, standard lever lockset, weather
strip, closures, or keyed alike. The doors can be all
metal, half glass, or narrow lite and available in sizes,
3'-0" x 7'-0", 4'-0" x 7'-0", or 6'-0" x 7'-0" (2 - 3 x 7 leaves,
with one or both active). Glazing is by others.
The doorframes are of 16 gauge galvanized steel, pre- Framed Openings/Overhead Door
painted white with 8" standard jamb depth and Openings
constructed for non-hand installation. The frames are
provided with head and jamb flashing, optional weather Framed openings consist of framing members and
strip, 1 pair of 4" x 4" hinges, and reversible strike flashing which surround an opening for accessories
plate. such as windows, louvers, fans, and roll up doors.
Overhead door framing is designed to resist applicable
Walk Door Framing System wind loads and consists of channel jambs with a struc-
tural header at the top of the opening. 26 gauge
galvanized steel flashings, color coordinated with wall
color is provided to conceal panel edges around the
opening.
GIRT

EAVE STRUT
DOOR FRAME

GIRT
WALK DOOR COLUMN HEADER
ANGLE (WDA)
USED FOR
BRACING
GIRT
BASE
ANGLE
JAMB

JAMB

OPENING WIDTH
The threshold of the door is aluminum and supplied with
flat head screws and expansion shields for attachment
to a masonry floor.

Introduction to Metal Buildings 77

Lesson 7

Open Wall Conditions

NAILER
Mesco offers a wide range of wall panels for use on a BY BUILDER
metal building; see the section on wall systems.
However, there are many good reasons for using other
types of materials in combination with metal panels or SPANDREL

by themselves to meet client's needs and/or desires.
When a metal building is opened for collateral material
it is considered an open wall condition. A few common
collateral materials are masonry, glass, wood, and con-
crete or any combination of these. Mesco has
developed details for the integration of these materials
into the building system. Refer to the following details.
Typical Open Wall Conditions
HEIGHT
HEIGHT
(OPTIONAL)
FINISHED FLOOR
Tilt-Up (Spandrel Beam Optional) -
Open for collateral material with a spandrel
beam. Collateral materials are tilt-up walls
or concrete block walls (CMU). The
spandrel beam is designed to provide for
support of collateral material that weighs
62.5 #psf, which is equivalent to 5" tilt-up or
8" hollow CMU.

FINISHED FLOOR
HEIGHT

Remain Open - Open to

remain open for passage or FINISHED FLOOR
to the outside elements.

Open For Glass

HEIGHT

HEIGHT

FINISHED FLOOR
FINISHED FLOOR

Masonry - Open
for masonry wall. Deduct Panels Only

78 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Lesson 7

Canopies
The function of the canopy is to provide shelter to areas 12
1
that require open access. Loading docks are prime
examples of such open areas where a "roof overhead"
is put to good use. Not only do canopies protect mer-
chandise and supplies as they are loaded and unloaded
but shelter and shade the crews during work opera-

ELEVATION
tions.
PROJECTION
A canopy over a doorway or walkway is especially
appreciated during rain, sleet, or snowstorms, when
people enter or leave a building. Below Eave
Mesco offers three types of standard canopies on the
sidewall-eave follow the roof, below eave, and box
follow the roof.
Refer to the following details. As a standard minimum
canopy projection is 1' and maximum projection is 15'.
Any canopy over 6' projection will utilize acantilever
beam, see details below.
ELEVATION

PROJECTION

Box Follow The Roof

PROJECTION

Eave Follow The Roof

Examples of Canopies

PROJECTION

Eave Follow The Roof

(Projection Over 6'-0")

Introduction to Metal Buildings 79

Lesson 7

Mansards/Facades Simple Eave Trim Shown

Trim Type and Style May
The function of a mansard or facade is twofold, to pro- 3 Vary
vide shelter for walkways, door entrances or areas that
require open access, and to provide custom designed
12
appearance for impressive buildings. Whether they are
large or small buildings, the addition of a mansard or
facade can add a great deal of "eye appeal" to an oth-
erwise plain structure.

M INI M UM
2 '-0"
A mansard or facade is defined as an architectural treat-
ment, partially covering a wall, usually concealing the
eave and/or the rake of a building. A mansard is a
sloped architectural treatment, whereas, the facade is
vertical. A mansard or facade can be located on the
sidewall, the endwall, or both. As a standard
mansards/facades are limited to 1'6" minimum projec-
tion, 6' maximum projection, and a maximum height of
9'. Refer to the following details for more information. Mansard - Sidewall Elevation

Sidewall and Endwall 3'-0" M INIMUM

Mansard/Facade
HEIGHT

The combination of the sidewall and endwall

mansards/facades is a very simple installation. This
condition utilizes basically the same beams, purlin
extensions and other secondary structural members as
in the separate mansards/facades. The main difference
is in the pieces to form the corner, which joins the side-
wall to endwall members.
SOFFIT ELEVATION

The mansards/facades, since they are most often used

to enhance the appearance of the building, are avail- PROJECTION
able with soffit panels and closure trims so the
mansards/facades are "finished out", no unsightly red
iron or exposed structural shapes.
Facade - Endwall Elevation
MINIMUM
AT PEAK

3
6"

Simple Eave Trim Shown

3'-0" MINIMUM
3'-0 MINIMUM

12 Trim Type and Style May

HEIGHT

Vary
HEIGHT

MINIMUM
2'-0"
SOFFIT ELEVATION
SOFFIT ELEVATION

PROJECTION

PROJECTION

Mansard - Endwall Elevation Facade - Sidewall Elevation

80 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Lesson 7

Examples of Mansards/Facades buildings have come a long way since their introduction
to the market. It is very common to not even know that
a metal building is a rigid metal structure, with all the
accessories and auxiliary materials available to
enhance and hide metal framing members.

When to Sell Mansards/Facades

The sale of a mansard/facade system is dependent
upon the market opportunities for the sale of the main
building. There are many items, however, when the
mansard/facade broadens the acceptability of the
product line and creates sales, which might otherwise
be lost. Markets such as Sales and Service,
Commercial Offices, Retail Stores, and Recreational
Buildings are typical situations where appearance and
"image" literally demand the use of distinctive
mansards/facades.

Conclusion
It is to be understood that the lesson covering acces-
sories of a metal building is just an introduction to the
accessories available on a Mesco building. This lesson
did cover the most common accessories used in the
market today. Accessories can have a common use
such as doors and windows or accessories can be used
to "dress-up" the appearance of a metal building. Metal

Introduction to Metal Buildings 81

Lesson 7 Self Test

Lesson Seven: Self-Test

1. A mansard or facade is defined as an architectural treatment, partially covering a wall, usually con-
cealing the eave and/or the rake of a building.
A. True
B. False
2. A standard roof vent operator does not include?
A. Cable
B. Pulleys
C. Cable Clamps
D. Handle
E. Eye Bolts
3. Liner panel is a metal panel attached to the inside flange of the girts.
A. True
B. False
4. Which of the following is not a standard window size offered by Mesco?
A. 3' x 3'
B. 4' x 3'
C. 4' x 6'
D. 6' x 3'
E. 2' x 7'
5. All of Mesco's windows and louvers are self-framing.
A. True
B. False
6. Which of the following is not a standard door size offered by Mesco?
A. 7' x 4'
B. 3' x 7'
C. 4' x 7'
D. 6' x 7'
7. Overhead door framing is designed to resist applicable wind loads and consists of channel jambs
with a structural header at the bottom of the opening.
A. True
B. False
8. Which standard open wall condition would be used to open a building into another building?
A. Open for Masonry
B. Open for Collateral Material
C. Open for Glass
D. Open to Remain Open
E. None of the Above
9. Any canopy with the projection of over 6' will be designed with a cantilever beam.
A. True
B. False

82 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Lesson 7 Self Test
10. Which canopy has a face panel?
A. Below Eave
B. Box Follow the Roof
C. Eave Follow the Roof
D. All of the Above
11. When using a mansard/facade unsightly red iron or exposed structural shapes are visible.
A. True
B. False

Introduction to Metal Buildings 83

Lesson 8

Lesson Eight: Project Planning and Construction

NOTICE OF SAFETY DISCLAIMER: This manual is intended as an instruction aid in the assembly of metal build-
ings and components. The Introduction to Metal Buildings manual is not being offered nor should it be construed
as a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of the metal building assembly and safety issues. Neither Mesco
Building Solutions, NCI Building Systems, or any of their affiliated entities intend the presentation of this manual
as an exhaustive study of all safety issues involved in the assembly of metal buildings, and expressly disclaim any
liability therefore. Prior to beginning any construction project, a builder should familiarize himself with all applicable
metal building assembly installation and erection procedure as well as all applicable safety laws and regulations.

Most of the emphasis in Introduction to Metal Buildings
thus far has been on the presentation of product infor-
mation. Knowledge of Mesco products is probably the
single most important job objective of any Builder who
is truly interested in becoming an effective building con-
sultant.
An area that is particularly useful in building sales effec-
tiveness is product application and construction.
Knowledge of construction is essential for the
Buildership so that it can convert the customer's needs
and desires into building plans and specifications that
can, in turn, be interpreted into preliminary building
costs. This information is an important part of almost
every building proposal. Apart from the fact that knowl-
edge of construction better equips you to convert needs
and desires into building solutions, it also helps you
understand plans and specifications. A factor that is
equally important is that customers judge you on your
knowledge of buildings and the building industry.
Obviously, the better equipped you are to answer the
customer's questions and solve his/her building prob-
lems, the easier it will be to eliminate competition. The
result? Better use of your time to help the customer
reach a favorable buying decision sooner.
Two distinct working groups perform the actual con-
struction of most buildings: The General Contractor and
Subcontractors.
General contractors can be organized in two different
formats: Bid or Design Build. For the purpose of overall
discussion general contractors will do both bid and
design build work.
The bidding general contractor bids on the total building
project, with the use of relatively complete plans and
specifications, usually prepared by an architect or engi-
neer who has been retained by the owner, and arrives
at the total selling price. If he/she receives the contract,
he/she then awards bids to subcontractors who have
agreed to perform their duties within a designated time,
and of course, within the contract price.
The general contractor is responsible for overall coordi-
nation of the project, from clearing of the land to
installing the lock on the front door, readying the
building for occupancy. When a contractor has this full
responsibility, many refer to it as a "turn key project".
Most building projects will have one or more specialty
builders, or subcontractors, who perform part of the
work. Following is a list of duties generally handled by
subcontractors:
1. Removal of existing obstacles
2. Grading and excavation
3. Masonry
4. Electrical work
5. Heating and air conditioning
6. Plumbing
7. Finished floors, ceilings, etc.
8. Paving and landscaping
The general contractor usually does concrete and car-
pentry work. However, on some jobs, the
subcontractors perform this portion of the job.

84 Introduction to Metal Buildings


The extent to which subcontractors are used on con-
struction projects depends on the nature of the job, and
on the size and organization of the general contractor in
charge. While a contractor on the construction project
might serve as a subcontractor, on another job he/she
might function as the general contractor.
The role that subcontractors play in the Mesco Builder
System of construction depends on the organization of
the Buildership, as well as the nature of the project.
Some builder organizations subcontract all grading and
excavation, concrete work for the foundation and the
floor, and collateral masonry work, while others are
equipped to handle virtually all functions except those
normally handled by specialty trades, such as plumbing,
heating, and electrical work. It is possible that two iden-
tical projects will utilize subcontractors to a different
degree due to job scheduling.
For example, your Buildership may be equipped to con-
struct foundations on one job, but it is determined
beforehand that this same kind of work on another
project must be awarded to a subcontractor in order to
meet the project completion date. There are no set rules
governing where and how often subcontractors are uti-
lized.
The information presented in this lesson will not make
you a construction expert. However, if you become
familiar with the terminology and methods outlined, and
periodically visit buildings during various stages of con-
struction, you will be surprised how quickly you develop
a good knowledge of the construction procedures.
Pre-Construction Preparation
One of the first prerequisites before actual construction
begins is the thorough inspection of the conditions of
the proposed building site. This is usually done well in
advance of the final planning stage since site conditions
affect the total costs that are to be included in the pro-
posal.
Site Considerations
History
The previous use of the land may not appear to be a
major consideration, as it will not affect the size or type
of proposed building. However, it may determine
whether or not you want to build on that particular site
at all.
Suppose you have the knowledge of an underground
stream located directly beneath the proposed building
location, or you discover that the site was previously
used for the local city dump. These are not normal con-
Lesson 8
ditions, but similar scenarios do exist. A Builder does
not want to run into any surprises that will cause extra
monetary investment or physical labor to complete the
project.
Building Codes
Most cities and towns of any size have instituted
building codes that protect the public against injury to
life and property. The types of construction, quality of
materials, floor loads, allowable stresses and many
other requirements relating to buildings are covered by
these codes. A building department or a local building
official generally administers codes, which examines
and approves plans of proposed buildings. These offi-
cials will visit buildings during construction to make sure
the buildings are being constructed according to the
drawings the officials or the building department previ-
ously approved.
Codes vary widely in their requirements, from city to
city, and county to county. It is important to become
familiar with the various codes and regulations enforced
in your specific market area.
A Builder is responsible for knowing and using the cor-
rect codes and loads for their local area. Any deviation
from recommended loading by Metallic is the responsi-
bility of the Builder.
Zones
Zoning should always be considered before the site
selection is final.
Zoning ordinances regulate the size and use of build-
ings and the use of land. There are four types of zones
generally recognized throughout a city:
Residential
Business
Industrial
Unrestricted
Introduction to Metal Buildings 85
Lesson 8
Business zones are areas incorporated within reason-
able walking distances of residential areas for
marketing and shopping. Industrial zones are areas
generally near waterways, railroads and other trans-
portation connections for manufacturing and
commercial use. Outlying districts are zoned in the
same manner to maintain them for present or future
use. Each city or county has different zoning laws;
therefore, it is essential to become familiar with the
zoning laws in your specific market area.
Restrictions
Restrictions of a building site (as defined by codes and
zones) must be considered before final plans of a
building are completed, since they can affect the size
and type of structure. Examples of typical restrictions
may be:
Buildings, as a rule, are not permitted to cover
the entire lot. Uncovered spaces, such as courts,
yards, etc., must be provided so that light and air
are available to the occupants. This, of course,
limits the square footage of possible floor space.
Buildings also are restricted as to permissible
height. Depending on the zone, taller buildings can
be erected if portions of a building are set back a
certain distance from the street.
Off-street parking requirements are another fre-
quent restriction.
Availability of access to the building site can
often be a safety restriction. The site might be
located adjacent to a proposed interstate-highway
system which, when built, would limit convenient
access to the property.
Building restrictions vary considerably from one com-
munity to another. A working knowledge of zoning laws
and building codes will help you better serve your
market area.
Utilities
One of the first steps in the preparation of the site is
consideration of the utility connections: water main,
sewer, gas main, telephone, and electrical service lines.
Water, sewer, and gas mains are generally located in
easements parallel to property lines or adjacent streets.
Occasionally, they are located beneath streets or on the
other side of the street from the site that require boring
or tunneling for access.
Permits are often required to connect to the main sewer
line, water, and gas line. Inspections are required, and
in some cases, "tap" fees are charged to connect.
86 Introduction to Metal Buildings
Telephone and electrical lines provide more convenient
connections since they are usually exposed above the
ground. However, more and more telephone and elec-
trical cables are being installed underground as well.
Some zones even require all cables to be buried.
Excavation should never be attempted without notifying
the local utility coordinating group to verify existing
utility locations.
Electrical subcontractors take care of all necessary
wiring, but they do not make connections to the main
line. This is performed by the local power and light com-
pany, which inspects the electrical work before making
the final hook up. In most metropolitan areas, electrical
work is also subject to inspection by the local building
official or department.
The telephone company usually handles telephone
connections. The general contractor handles conduits
within the floor or wall system.
The exact location of service lines should always be
considered, since utility companies charge on the basis
of "distance from the nearest source" (power line, water
main, and so on) to the buildings. This, of course,
affects the total cost of the project.
Soil
It is essential to know the soil's characteristics before
building construction begins. Is it hard or soft? Is the soil
composed of rock, boulders, gravel, sand, or clay?
What are the specific sizes of the composition? Open
test pits, loading box and platform, and test borings are
three types of soil tests used to determine soil compo-
sition. These tests establish the bearing value of the
soil, which in turn determines the amount of weight the
soil will support.
Firms specializing in this service, such as testing labo-
ratories normally perform testing.
It is not necessary that you know how to perform these
tests, but you should become familiar with soil condi-
tions in your area, and realize their importance to the
total project. Many cities have established presumptive
bearing capacities, which determine the maximum
allowable loads that are placed on building sites. Soil
tests are usually performed prior to foundation and
paving design.
Site Preparation
Prior to the actual construction of the building, the first
step is the preparation of the site. The land is surveyed
to establish the exact boundary of the plot. In this
survey, the building is also located and the desired
grade level is staked out.

The exact elevation of the building, and the grade level,
are established by the use of a surveyor's instrument
called a level. The elevations are usually set in relation
to the top of the road or nearby buildings.
The land is then cleared of all obstructions, such as
trees or boulders, which interfere with the construction
project. If it is necessary to remove any existing build-
ings, a wrecking or demolition contractor performs this
work prior to the rough grading or rough leveling of the
land.
Grading
Rough grading is leveling the site to conform to the
designed building and site elevations. This is usually
called the subgrade. The rich top layer is removed and
saved to be spread over the area later.
After the site has been leveled, the exact location of the
building is marked. With the use of a transit and a meas-
uring tape, the corners are located and staked out
according to the plans.
Excavation and Fill
Excavation is digging out or hollowing the land to pre-
pare it for the necessary footings and foundations of the
structure. There are two general types of excavation
performed on most construction projects:
1. General excavation - The bulk of the earth and
rock is removed to prepare for the footings and
foundation walls of the structure. An amount suffi-
cient for back filling and final grading should be
retained.
2. Minor excavation - Pick and shovel are used for
trimming up trenches and footings prior to the
actual pouring of concrete. In some cases small
machines may be utilized to handle minor excava-
tion work.
Fill or back fill might also be required in order to achieve
the necessary grade level. Filling is simply adding earth
and rocks where void places exist. In cases where the
slope of the land is abrupt, it maybe necessary to build
walls to support this fill. When back filling the soil must
be well compacted or packed solidly in order to insure
against future settlement.
Drainage
Throughout the site preparation, excavations should be
kept dry. Whenever ground water is present, it should
be removed from the site, either by draining into pre-
pared pits, or by pumping out the water. Some site
locations might even require the placement of well
points, where pipes are put into the ground to drain
Lesson 8
water from various locations. However, regulations
should be checked before any drainage system is
installed. This should be a part of any good site plan. A
lot of foresight is necessary in considering drainage
systems. It might prevent future problems and extra
expense.
Concrete Work
Concrete presents a substantial part of most building
projects, regardless of the size. Like almost any other
material, it can give good service for years, or be a
source of real problems, depending on the ingredients
and care used in proportioning and placing it.
The two essential requirements of quality concrete are
strength and durability. A proper balance between these
two characteristics is necessary in order to get a good,
strong foundation. In order to achieve this balance, four
steps must be properly completed:
1. Selection of materials
2. Proportioning of materials
3. Placing and finishing of concrete
4. Curing of concrete
Selection of Materials
The materials used in making concrete are water,
aggregates (sand and gravel), portland cement, and
admixtures.
There are several types of portland cement available for
different types of jobs. However, we are mainly con-
cerned with the normal Type I portland cement, as it is
the one most commonly used on construction of foun-
dation and floors.
Together with the water, aggregate and cement, addi-
tional elements are sometimes required in the concrete
to help make it react differently. These elements are
called admixtures. One such admixture is used to accel-
Introduction to Metal Buildings 87
Lesson 8
erate the rate of early strength gain so that forms can be
removed earlier. This reduces the time it usually takes
before concrete can be finished, also known as the
appropriate curing time.
In addition, there are other ingredients, which can be
added, such as air infiltrating agents used for roadwork,
where the concrete must be resistant to salts and
freezing. Retarders are sometimes used during hot
weather so that concrete may be moved from the mixer
to its final position before the initial set takes place.
Proportioning of Materials
Quality concrete inherently possesses high compres-
sive strength. If a tensile strength is desired, steel
reinforcing bars must be embedded in the concrete to
resist this tension. Tensile strength is the resistance to
stretching or drawing out of the concrete. The most
important, single consideration in obtaining the desired
strength of concrete lies in the proper proportioning of
the materials.
The compressive strength is usually defined in terms of
so many pounds per square inch in 28 days, which is
the norm for concrete to reach its designed strength. A
typical batch of concrete with a specified strength of
3,000 psi at 28 days would have approximately these
proportions:
Cement . . . . . . . . . .94 pounds
Sand . . . . . . . . . . . . .185 pounds
Coarse Aggregate . .360 pounds
Water . . . . . . . . . . . .5 gallons face is ready to be finished. Wood or metal floats are
Practically all concrete is machine mixed in a rotating
drum cylinder, either in a "Ready-Mix" truck, or a similar
mixer on the job site.
Placing and Finishing of Concrete
88 Introduction to Metal Buildings
No element in the entire cycle of quality concrete pro-
duction requires a more careful consideration than the
final operation of placing and finishing. Placing and fin-
ishing are both dependent on workmanship, so here,
care and skill are especially important.
Forms hold the concrete in place until it has hardened.
They are usually constructed of wood or metal, and
must be rigid enough to support the weight of the con-
crete without deformation or appreciable deflection, and
should be tight enough to prevent the seepage of water.
The concrete is deposited uniformly in order to prevent
segregation of the aggregates and to make certain the
reinforcing steel is completely covered without voids.
Concrete is conveyed from the mixer to the forms by
means of barrows, by inclined chutes, or is pumped.
Normally, the concrete is vibrated by an electric or
pneumatic vibrator or spaced to assure well, uniform
coverage, and to prevent honeycombing from occur-
ring. In placing concrete in deep layers, a gradual
increase in water content in the top layers usually
results from the increased pressure on the lower por-
tion. This excess water is called Latinate, and should be
removed before further finishing, because it produces
lower strength concrete in the upper levels if permitted
to remain.
When pouring concrete floor slabs, the surface is
screeded prior to finishing. Screeding is the process of
striking off the excess concrete to bring the top surface
to proper contour and elevation. A template is moved
back and forth on the forms, with a sawing motion, to
force concrete into the low areas.
After the foundation or floor is roughly leveled, the sur-
used initially to compact the concrete, forcing the larger
aggregates below the surface. Steel trowels are then
used to obtain a smooth surface and to compact it for a
hard finish. If there are areas exposed to outdoor
usage, such as walks or driveways, a broom finish is
recommended. The broom finish is simply taking a
broom and wiping it across the concrete. This roughens
the surface for a friction grip, so that the concrete is not
slippery when wet.
Curing of Concrete
Concrete hardens because of the chemical reaction
between portland cement and water. This process con-
tinues as long as temperatures are favorable and
moisture is present.
The quality of concrete, or the strength of the concrete,
is dependent on the temperature and moisture condi-
tions in which it cures. In addition, its resistance to
abrasive action is also increased by these same ele-

ments in curing.
While it is important that the amount of water used in
mixing be controlled so that the consistency is as nearly
normal as practical. It is just as important that concrete
is not allowed to dry out too soon or it will reach strength
less than 50% of its potential.
Temperature has a considerable effect on the rate of
hardening. In the past, you could not pour concrete
during the winter season because the water in the mix-
ture would freeze and prevent the proper setting. But
now, construction operations may continue throughout
the year. The most favorable conditions are between 50
and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, good curing tem-
peratures may range below 50 F and even below 32
F, if the concrete is properly protected from cold air
during the first 72 hours after being placed.
With suitable precautions, concrete can be placed
during cold weather and have the same qualities as
concrete cured during the summer months.
Foundations
The actual construction of a building must obviously
begin with the laying of the foundation, a necessary
base for any structure. Because all ground, regardless
of the bearing value of the soil, has a tendency to move,
the building must be built on a good, strong foundation
that is designed for the anticipated loads.
The old saying, "a building is only as strong as its foun-
dation" is still just as true today as it was years ago
when someone coined that phrase. While materials and
methods are much improved, faulty foundations remain
a paramount source of trouble for some building con-
struction. Leaky basements, cracking walls, and settling
floors are typical trouble spots. And once they exist,
they can present some of the most difficult problems to
solve.
Foundations are actually broken down into two classifi-
cations:
1. Walls
Lesson 8
2. Footings
A foundation wall means any wall with a major portion
located below the grade level. The wall serves as a
base support for other walls and columns. A footing is a
structural unit used to distribute building loads to the
bearing materials.
Foundations used for rigid frame buildings are consid-
erably different from those normally required for
conventional structures with load-bearing walls. The
choice of foundation is determined in part by the basic
loads, which need to be resisted.
Foundations for metal buildings are usually not subject
to extremely heavy vertical loads; however; they are
required to withstand transverse loads of considerable
magnitude. Transverse loads tend to push out the foun-
dation, and if not adequately provided for, they could
cause failure not only of the foundation, but also of the
main structural framing members. These loads are
resisted by two methods:
1. Use of steel tie-bars. The reinforcing bars are con-
nected to anchor bolts, providing a continuous tie
between the column bases.
A spread tie, or hairpin, which transfers the load
from the column anchor bolts to the welded wire
fabric (used in floor slab) is used where the trans-
verse loads are not large. Basically, it utilizes the
same design principle as the tie-bars.
2. Increasing size of footing. Increasing the size of
the footing helps counteract the force exerted by
transverse loads, thus preventing the movement of
the foundation. This method is usually the most
expensive.
The type of foundation depends upon the geographical
location of the building, topography of land, frame loads
imposed on foundation, local building code restrictions
and architectural considerations. Generally, there are
three types of foundations used with our building sys-
tems:
FLOATING SLAB
1. Floating Slabs. Floating slabs consist of a concrete
slab, monolithically poured with a continuous
Introduction to Metal Buildings 89
Lesson 8
grade beam. The grade beam is either spread
directly under the column or reinforced along the
bottom to carry the vertical column loads.
LOAD BEARING
FOUNDATION WALL
2. Pier, Footing, and Grade Beam consist of a square
or rectangular footing and a grade beam wall. A
drilled pier may be utilized in lieu of the square or
rectangular footing. Piers and footings carry most
of the vertical loads.
Floors
A floating slab, or slab on grade, is the general type of
floor system often used with metal buildings. It is either
poured monolithically with the foundation wall, or
poured after the foundation wall is in place. In both
cases, the concrete slab encases steel serving as rein-
forcement. This steel reinforcing reduces the cracking
of the floor and helps control expansion and contraction.
Where there are additional concentrated-load require-
ments standard reinforcing bars are often necessary.
Many floor slabs are constructed with a vapor barrier to
prevent passage of moisture from the soil through the
concrete. The most common barrier used is a polyeth-
ylene sheet material. This is placed on top of a gravel or
sand base, with the concrete being poured directly over
the material.
The type of floor system required and the thickness of
floor depend on what loads are anticipated. The
average of these floor loads is uniformly distributed. Any
concentrated load, such as machinery or storage racks,
and any moving load, such as forklift trucks, must be
90 Introduction to Metal Buildings
considered in order to establish the floor design.
Many local building codes establish minimum floor-
design loads for various end uses.
Another consideration in the floor design is the type of
joints used. A construction joint is simply a joint required
where construction begins and ends, from one day's
pour to the next.
An expansion or control joint is used where the floor
slab abuts a wall or where a steel column or pier passes
through the floor. It is used to control the contraction
that will occur, by merely forcing the crack to occur at a
predetermined point. Actually, an expansion joint in a
concrete foundation might better be classified as a con-
traction joint because during the curing process, the
concrete shrinks in volume approximately the same
amount that would normally result from a 100 degree
drop in temperature.
If the finished concrete floor is to be sealed, hardened,
or waterproofed. Chemicals or additives are often
applied during the final finishing or soon after curing to
achieve the results desired.
Pre-Erection
In the pre-erection phase, there are several things that
are necessary to consider: access to the site, assuring
sufficient workspace requirements at the site, avail-
ability of required utilities, a comprehensive safety
awareness program, and a familiarity with the erection
drawings.
The vehicle transporting your building parts must gain
access to the building site from the adjacent highway or
road. Such access should be studied and prepared in
advance of arrival. All obstructions, overhead and oth-
erwise, must be removed and the access route
graveled or planked if the soil will not sustain the heavy
wheel loads.
Inspect to insure that there is enough room to physically
perform the tasks required to erect the building.
Application of sheeting and trim can be expensive when
there is not sufficient working space because of the
proximity of adjacent buildings or other obstructions.
The availability of any required utilities should also be
considered in advance. Take careful note of any over-
head electric lines or other utilities to avoid hazards and
damage (notify your utility company when necessary).
Develop a comprehensive safety awareness program in
advance to familiarize the work force with the unique
conditions of the site, and the building materials, along
with the appropriate "Safe Work" practices that will be

utilized.
Finally, before erection of the building can commence,
you and your crew must familiarize yourselves with the
erection drawings furnished with every Mesco building.
Each plan is specially prepared for each individual
building and should be strictly adhered to.
Erection of the Building
The next stage in the construction process of a Mesco
building is the erection of the structural and covering
systems. We will merely discuss the general steps in
this process. One of the best ways to become familiar
with this phase is to visit an actual construction job
within your local area. Select a building that is conve-
niently located so that you can make several visits
throughout the construction phases. If it is fairly small,
most of the erection of the structural members, roof and
walls can be completed in a relatively few days.
Unloading and Layout of Material
Pre-planning of the unloading operations is an impor-
tant part of the erection procedure. This involves
careful, safe and orderly storage of all materials.
Detailed planning is required at the job site where
storage space is restricted. Here, a planned separation
of materials in the order of erection process is neces-
sary to minimize the costly double handling of materials.
While set procedures are not possible in all cases, spe-
cial attention should be given to the following items:
1. Location of carrier vehicle during unloading.
Unload material near their usage points to mini-
mize lifting, travel, and rehandling during building
assembly.
2. Prepare necessary ramp for truck. The edges of
the concrete slab should be protected to minimize
the danger of chipping or cracking from truck traffic
if the materials are to be laid out on the slab. One
important safety consideration is the fact that
materials stored on the slab may subject the
workers to possible injury from falling objects.
3. Schedule lifting equipment. The manufacturer nei-
ther supplies lifting equipment nor labor to unload
the truck. The type and size of lifting equipment is
determined by the size of the building and the site
conditions. The weight and size of the largest piece
of structural steel is to be lifted as high as it has to
be lifted and the distance of the lift from the posi-
tion of the crane all impact the selection of the
crane or other lifting equipment. Length of boom,
capacity and maneuverability of lifting equipment
will determine its location for both unloading and
Lesson 8
erection.
Use the same lifting equipment to unload and erect
structural parts of the building if possible.
Combining the unloading process with the building
erection usually minimizes lifting equipment costs.
As soon as the truck is unloaded, the lifting equip-
ment should start erecting the columns and raising
the assembled rafters into position.
4. CONSIDERATION OF OVERHEAD ELECTRIC
WIRES. OVERHEAD POWER LINES ARE A
CONTINUING SOURCE OF DANGER.
EXTREME CARE MUST BE USED IN LOCATING
AND USING LIFTING EQUIPMENT TO AVOID
CONTACT WITH POWER LINES.
5. Schedule crew. Depending on the crew size, valu-
able time can generally be gained if the supervisor
plans and watches ahead instead of getting tied up
with a particular unloading chore.
6. Check Shipment. When shipments are received in
the field, two inspections are necessary:
a. When items, boxes, crates, bundles or other large
components are received and unloaded for the
carrier, they should be checked off from the
packing list. If during the inspection, damages, or
shortages of items are found a report should be
filed with the carrier immediately at the site. When
damages are evident from the exterior of con-
tainers, they should be opened and inspected
thoroughly at the time of receiving shipments.
b. When bundles, crates, cartons, boxes, etc. are
opened following delivery, another check must be
performed to determine the quantity received and
their condition. If during this inspection damages or
shortages of items are found upon opening the
crates or cartons, a written claim should be sent to
the carrier no later than fourteen days after
delivery. If a shortage is discovered within a con-
tainer, then a written notice should be mailed or
faxed to the manufacturer at the same time the
claim is sent to the carrier. Unless these two impor-
tant inspections are made and any reports or
claims are filed immediately, settlements become
very difficult and usually all parties suffer the loss.
Location of Building Parts
Columns and rafters are usually unloaded near their
respective installed positions on blocking on the slab in
position for easy makeup.
Endwalls are usually laid out at each end of slab with
the columns near respective anchor bolts.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 91
Lesson 8
Hardware packages should be located centrally, usually
along one sidewall near the center of the building. This
will minimize walking distances to other parts of the slab
area.
Purlins and girts, depending on the number of bundles,
are usually stored near the sidewalls clear of the other
packages or parts.
Sheet packages are usually located along one or both
sidewalls off the ground and sloping to one end to
encourage drainage in case of rain.
Accessories are usually unloaded on a corner of the
slab or off the slab near one end of the building to keep
them as much out of the way as possible from the active
area during steel erection.
Storing Materials
Structural Framing Members
As previously emphasized, a great amount of time and
trouble can be saved if the building parts are unloaded
at the building site according to a prearranged staging
plan. Proper location and handling of components will
eliminate unnecessary handling.
Blocking under the columns and rafters protect the
splice plates and the slab from damage during the
unloading process. It also facilitates the placing of
slings or cables around the members for later lifting and
allows members to be bolted together into subassem-
blies while on the ground.
XX
XX NOTE: Piece marks are stenciled
on primary structural members,
1'-0" from end.
If water is allowed to remain for extended periods in
bundles of primed parts such as girts, purlins, etc., the
pigment will fade and the paint will gradually soften
reducing its bond to the steel. Therefore, upon receipt of
92 Introduction to Metal Buildings
a job, all bundles of primed parts should be stored at an
angle to allow any trapped water to drain away and
permit air circulation for drying. Puddles of water should
not be allowed to collect and remain on columns or
rafters for the same reason.
Wall and Roof Panels
DRAINAGE
ELEVATE
TARP
AIR CIRCULATION
Mesco's wall and roof panels including color coated
Galvalume and galvanized, provide excellent service
under widely varied conditions. All unloading and erec-
tion personnel should fully understand that these panels
are quality merchandise, which merits cautious care in
handling and storing.
Under no circumstances should panels be handled
roughly. Packages of sheets should be lifted off the
truck with extreme care taken to insure that no damage
occurs to ends of the sheets or to side ribs. Please note
the designated "pick points" to prevent crimping
damage during lifting of bundles. The packages should
be stored off the ground sufficiently high to allow air cir-
culation underneath the packages. One end of the
package should always be elevated to encourage
drainage in case of rain.
All stacked metal panels are subject, to some degree, to
localized discoloration or stain when water is trapped
between their closely nested surfaces. Mesco exercises
extreme caution during fabricating and shipping opera-
tions to insure that all panel stock is kept dry. However,
due to climatic conditions, water formed by condensa-
tion of humid air can become trapped between stacked
sheets. Water can also be trapped between the stacked
sheets when exposed to rain. This discoloration caused
by trapped moisture is often called wet storage stain.
Use wood blocking to elevate and slope the panels in a
manner that will allow moisture to drain. Wood blocking
placed between bundles will provide additional air cir-
culation. Cover the stacked bundles with a tarp or
plastic cover leaving enough opening at the bottom for
air to circulate.
 Lesson 8

Metal Building Erection the building.

Responsible personnel, experienced in rigging and 7. When the first bay is completed, the individual
handling light steel members in a safe manner should frames are erected and tied together by skeleton
complete the layout, assembly, and erection of the or lead purlins and the fill-in purlins are installed
metal building. Improper handling can easily result in after the costly lifting equipment has been
injury, delays and unexpected added costs. This is par- released.
ticularly true when raising assembled rafters for wide 8. When the proper tools and equipment are avail-
buildings. able in sufficient quantity and in good/safe working
Mesco Building Solutions includes a Installation Manual condition.
with each job. In addition, these manuals may be pur-
chased from Mesco's Sales Department. The Conclusion
Installation Manual is a guide for the erection process
and reflects the techniques in use in the metal building The basics of metal building erection, from the primary
industry believed to be most representative of good structures to the secondary structures, have been cov-
erection practices. The erector should always use ered in this workbook. We have briefly encapsulated the
proven and safe erection methods. Knowledge of basic sequence of events from construction site plan-
and adherence to OSHA and other local codes or ning through erecting a Mesco Building System. Many
laws governing jobsite safety is critical, and is the other phases, such as mechanical, electrical, interior
responsibility of the erector. If any questions arise finishing and landscaping need to be done to finish and
regarding erection questions on a specific building, the complete most projects. Although there are many other
erector should contact Mesco's Customer Service events, procedures, and essentials that are involved in
Department. the erection of a metal building, the brief overview
Introduction to Metal Buildings provides will benefit not
Tips to Keep Erection Costs Down only Builders but also their employees with knowledge
to better serve the customer.
Minimum costs should be obtained when the following
conditions are met during the erection of a Mesco
building:
1. When safety practices are discussed and initiated
in advance of any work procedure.
2. When the overall work of erecting the building is
divided into individual jobs, and when each job is
assigned to teams of workers consisting of two to
seven workers each, with three to five worker
teams preferred.
3. When individual workers are properly trained and
instructed in advance as to what they are to do and
the safe way to do it. This eliminates time wasted
while waiting to be told what to do next.
4. When building parts are properly laid out according
to advanced planning so as to avoid lost time in
repetitive handling or in searching for specific
items.
5. When as many parts as can be safely raised in a
single lift are bolted together in subassemblies on
the ground where assembly work is faster and
safer, thereby, requiring fewer lifts and fewer con-
nections to be made in the air.
6. When erection of the steel framework starts at one
end and continues bay by bay to the other end of
Introduction to Metal Buildings 93
Lesson 8 Self Test

Lesson Eight: Self-Test

1. Which one of the following is the Builders usually offer the owner design service by his/her staff
architects an/or engineers?
A. Bid General Contractor
B. Bid Subcontractor
C. Design Build General Contractor
D. Design Build Subcontractor
E. None of the Above
2. Which of the following is not a pre-construction site consideration?
A. Laying the Foundation
B. Building Codes
C. Previous use of Land
D. Building Site Restrictions
E. Utility Connections
3. To which load is a foundation extremely subjected?
A. Snow
B. Collateral
C. Vertical
D. Transverse
E. None of the Above
4. During the Pre-Installation stage it is necessary to develop a comprehensive safety awareness pro-
gram in advance to familiarize the work force with the unique conditions of the site, and the building
materials, along with the appropriate "Safe Work" practice that will be utilized during erection.
A. True
B. False
5. What are the two essential requirements of quality concrete?
A. Cement and Sand
B. Coarse Aggregate and Water
C. Strength and Durability
D. Placement and Curing
6. Which of the following is not a common location of building parts during unloading, layout, and
storage of material?
A. Purlins and Girts near the sidewalls
B. Central location of Hardware Packages
C. Endwalls are laid out at each end of the slab
D. Accessories are unloaded in the center of the slab
E. None of the Above
7. What are 3 criteria that handling and storing panels should meet?
A. Handle carefully
B. Stored elevated off the ground.
C. One end of the panels be elevated higher than the other end to promote drainage.
D. B and C
E. A and B
F. All of the Above
8. Safety issues should be discussed and initiated in advance of any work procedures.
A. True
B. False

94 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Glossary

Glossary: Terminology Commonly Used in the Metal

Building Industry

Basic Terms and Descriptions

Accessory: A building product which supplements a basic solid panel building such as a door, window, light
transmitting panel, roof vent, etc.
Agricultural Building: A structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, live-
stock or other agricultural products. Such structures should not include: spaces meant for habitation or to be
occupied, spaces in which agricultural products are processed, treated, or the possibility of being as a place of
occupancy by the general public.
Aluminum Coated Steel: Steel coated with aluminum for corrosion resistance.
Anchor Bolts: Bolts used to anchor members to a foundation or other support.
Anchor Bolt Plan: A plan view drawing showing the diameter, location and projection of all anchor bolts for the
components of the Metal Building System and may show column reactions (magnitude and direction). The max-
imum base plate dimensions may also be shown.
Approval Drawings: A set of drawings that may include framing plans, elevations and sections through the
building for approval of the builder.
ASD: Allowable Stress Design.
Assembly: A group of mutually dependent and compatible components or subassemblies of components.
Astragal: a closure between the two leaves of a double swing or double slide door.
Automatic Crane: A crane which when activated operates through a preset series of cycles.
Auxiliary Crane Girder: A girder arranged parallel to the main girder for supporting the platform, motor base,
operator's cab, control panels, etc., to reduce the torsional forces that such a load would otherwise impose on
the main crane girder.
Axial Force: A force tending to elongate or shorten a member
Bar Joist: A name commonly used for Open Web Steel Joists
Base Angle: An angle secured to a wall or foundation used to attach the bottom of the wall paneling.
Base Plate: A plate attached to the bottom of a column, which rests on a foundation or other support, usually
secured by anchor bolts.
Base Tube: See "Cast in Place Base"
Bay: The space between the main frames measured normal to the frame
Beam: A member, usually horizontal, that is subjected to bending loads. Three types are simple, continuous, and
cantilever.
Beam and Column: A Structural system consisting of a series of rafter beams supported by columns. Often used
as the end fame of a building.
Bearing End Frame: See "Beam and Column"

Introduction to Metal Buildings 95

Glossary
Bearing Plate: A steel plate that is set on the top of a masonry support on which a beam or purlin can rest
Bent: See "Main Frame".
Bill of Materials: A list that enumerates by part number or description each piece of material or assembly to be
shipped. Also called tally sheet or shipping list.
Bird Screen: Wire mesh used to prevent birds from entering the building through ventilators and louvers.
Blind Rivet: A small headed pin with expandable shank for joining light gauge metal. Typically it is used to attach
flashing, gutters, etc.
Box Girder: Girders, trucks or other members of rectangular cross section enclosed on four sides.
Bracing: Rods, angles or cables used in the plane of the roof and walls to transfer loads, such as wind, seismic
and crane thrusts to the foundation
Bracket: A structural support projecting from a structural member. Examples are canopy brackets, lean-to
brackets, and crane runway brackets,
Bridge (Crane): That part of an overhead crane consisting of girders, trucks, end ties, walkway and drive mech-
anism that carries the trolley and travels in a direction parallel to the runway
Bridge Crane: A load lifting system consisting of a hoist, which moves laterally on a beam, girder or bridge which
in turn moves longitudinally on a runway made of beams and rails
Bridging: Bracing or systems of bracing used between structural members
British Thermal Unit (BTU): The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1
degree Fahrenheit.
Builder: A party who, as a routine part of his/her business, buys Metal Building Systems from a manufacturer for
the purpose of resale.
Building: A structure forming an open, partially enclosed, or enclosed space constructed by a planned process
of combining materials, components, and subsystems to meet specific conditions of use.
Building Aisle: A space defined by the length of the building and the space between building columns.
Building Code: Regulations established by a recognized agency describing design loads, procedures and con-
struction details for structures usually applying to a designated political jurisdiction (city, county, state, etc.).
Built-Up Roofing: A roof covering made up of alternating layers of tar and materials made of asphalt.
Built-Up Section: A structural member, usually an "I" shaped section, made from individual flat plates welded
together.
Bumper: An energy-absorbing device for reducing impact when a moving crane or trolley reaches the end of its
permitted travel, or when two moving cranes or trolleys come into contact.
Butt Plate: The end plate of a structural member usually used to rest against a like plate of another member in
forming a connection. Sometimes called a splice plate or bolted end plate.
Bypass Girt: A wall framing system where the girts are mounted on the outside of the columns.
"C" Section: A member in the shape of a block "C" formed from steel sheet, that may be used either singularly
or back to back.
Cab-Operated Crane: A crane controlled by an operator in a cab supported on the bridge or trolley.
Camber: Curvature of a flexural member in the plane of its web before loading.
Canopy: A projecting roof system that is supported and restrained at one end only.
Cantilever Beam: A beam supported only at one end with the other end free to move.

96 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Glossary
Capillary Action: That action which causes movement of liquids when in contact with two adjacent surfaces
such as panel sidelaps.
Cap Plate: A plate located at the top of a column or end of a beam for capping the exposed end of the member.
Capacity (Crane): The maximum load (usually stated in tons) that a crane is designed to support.
Cast In Place Base: A continuous member imbedded in the edge of the foundation to which the wall panels are
attached.
Caulk: To seal and make weather-tight joints, seams, or voids by filling with a waterproofing compound or mate-
rial.
Chalking: When the paint finish on panels has a white powder film due to over exposure.
Channel, Hot Rolled: A member formed while in a semi-molten state at the steel mill to shape having standard
dimensions and properties.
Cladding: The exterior metal roof and wall paneling of a Metal Building System. See also "Covering."
Clip: A plate or angle used to fasten two or more members together.
Closure Strip: A strip, formed to the contour of ribbed panels and used to close openings created by ribbed
panels joining other components, either made of resilient material or metal.
CMU: Concrete Masonry Unit. Generally, used to construct masonry walls
Cold Forming: The process of using press brakes or rolling mills to shape steel into desired cross sections at
room temperature.
Collateral Loads: The weight of additional permanent materials required by the contract, other than the Building
System, such as sprinklers, mechanical and electrical systems, partitions and ceilings.
Column: A main member used in a vertical position on a building to transfer loads from main roof beams, trusses,
or rafters to the foundations.
Component: A part used in a Metal Building System. See also "Components and Cladding".
Components and Cladding: Members which include girts, joists, purlins, studs, wall and roof panels, fasteners,
end wall columns and endwall rafters of bearing end frames, roof overhang beams, canopy beams, and masonry
walls that do not act as shear walls.
Concealed Clip: A hold down clip used with a wall or roof panel system to connect the panel to the supporting
structure without exposing the fasteners on the exterior surface.
Connection: The means of attachment of one structural member to another.
Continuity: The terminology given to a structural system denoting the transfer of loads and stresses from
member to member allowing the members to act as a single unit.
Continuous Beam: A beam having three or more supports.
Covering: The exterior metal roof and wall paneling of a Metal Building System.
Crane: A machine designed to move material by means of a hoist.
Crane Aisle: That portion of a building aisle in which a crane operates, defined by the crane span and the unin-
terrupted length of crane runway.
Crane Girder: The principal horizontal beams of the crane bridge that supports the trolley and is supported by
the end tracks.
Crane Rail: A track supporting and guiding the wheels of a top-running bridge crane or trolley system.

Introduction to Metal Buildings 97

Glossary
Crane Runway Beam: The member that supports a crane rail and is supported by columns or rafters depending
on the type of crane system. On underhung bridge cranes, the runway beam also acts as the crane rail.
Crane Span: The horizontal distance center-to-center of runway beams.
Crane Stop: A device to limit travel of a trolley or crane bridge. This device normally is attached to a fixed struc-
ture and normally does not have energy-absorbing ability.
Crane Support Column: A separate column that supports the runway beam of a top-running crane.
Curb: A raised edge on a concrete floor slab or in the roof for accessories.
Curtain Wall: Perimeter wall panels that carry only their own weight and wind load.
Damper: A baffle used to open or close the throat of ventilators. They can be operated manually or by motors.
Dead Loads: The dead load of a building is the weight of all permanent construction, such as floor, roof, framing,
and covering members.
Design Professional: Any Architect or Engineer.
Diagonal Bracing: See "Bracing".
Diaphragm Action: The resistance to racking generally offered by the covering system, fasteners, and sec-
ondary framing. Distortion of the overall roof, floor, or wall shape.
Door Guide: An angle or channel used to stabilize or keep plumb a sliding or rolling door during its operation.
Downspout: A conduit used to carry water from the gutter of a building.
Drift (Sidesway): Transverse displacement at the top of a vertical element due to lateral loads. Drift should not
be confused with Deflection.
Drift (Snow): The snow accumulation at a height discontinuity.
Drift Pin: A tapered pin used during erection to align holes in steel members to be connected by bolting.
Eave: The line along the sidewall formed by the intersection of the planes of the roof and wall.
Eave Canopy: A projecting roof system on the sidewall whose overhanging edge is supported at the building.
Eave Gutter: See "Gutter".
Eave Height: The vertical dimension from finished floor to the top of the eave strut.
Eave Strut: A structural member located at the eave of a building that supports roof and wall paneling.
Edge Strip: The surface area of a building at the edges of the roof and corners of the walls where the wind loads
on components and cladding are greater than at other areas of the building.
Effective Wind Area: The area used to determine the wind coefficient. The effective wind area may be greater
than or equal to the tributary area.
Elastic Design: A design concept utilizing the a property of materials allowing for non-permanent shape distor-
tion under a specified range of loading.
Electric Operated Crane: A crane in which the bridge, hoist or trolley is operated by electric power.
Electric Overhead Traveling Crane: An electrically-operated machine for lifting, lowering and transporting
loads, consisting of a movable bridge carrying a fixed or movable hoisting mechanism and traveling on an over-
head runway structure.
End Approach: The minimum horizontal distance, parallel to the runway, between the outer-most extremities of
the crane and the centerline of the hook.

98 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Glossary
End Bay: The bays adjacent to the endwalls of a building. Usually the distance from the endwall to the first inte-
rior main frame measured normal to the endwall.
End Frame: A frame located at the endwall of a building that supports the loads from a portion of the end bay.
End Post: See "Endwall Column".
End Stop: A device attached to a crane runway or rail to provide a safety stop at the end of a runway.
End Truck: The unit consisting of truck frame, wheels, bearings, axles, etc., which supports the bridge girders.
Endwall: An exterior wall that is parallel to the interior main frames of the building.
Endwall Column: A vertical member located at the endwall of a building that supports the girts. In post and beam
endwall frames, endwall columns also support the rafter.
Endwall Overhang: See "Purlin Extension".
End Zone: The surface area of a building along the roof at the endwall and at the corners of walls. (see Edge
Strip)
Engineer/Architect of Record: The engineer or architect who is responsible for the overall design of the building
project. The manufacturer's engineer is not the Engineer of Record.
Installation: The on-site assembling of fabricated Metal Building System components to form a completed struc-
ture.
Erection Bracing: Materials used by erectors to stabilize the building system during erection, also typically
referred to as temporary bracing.
Erection Drawings: Roof and wall erection (framing) drawings that identify individual components and acces-
sories furnished by the manufacturer in sufficient detail to permit proper Erection of the Metal Building System.
Erector: A party who assembles or erects a Metal Building System.
Expansion Joint: A break or space in construction to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the mate-
rials used in the structure.
Exterior Framed: A wall framing system where the girts are mounted on the outside of the columns.
Fabrication: The manufacturing process performed in a plant to convert raw material into finished Metal Building
System components. The main operations are cold forming, cutting, punching, welding, cleaning and painting.
Facade: An architectural treatment, partially covering a wall, usually concealing the eave and/or the rake of the
building.
Fading: Refers to the paint finish on panels becoming less vibrant of color.
Fascia: A decorative trim or panel projecting from the face of a wall.
Field: The job site, building site, or general marketing area.
Filler Strip: See "Closure Strip".
Film Laminated Coil: Coil metal that has a corrosion resistant film laminated to it prior to the forming operation.
Fixed Clip: A standing seam roof system hold down clip that does not allow the roof panel to move independ-
ently of the roof substructure.
Fixed Base: A column base that is designed to resist rotation as well as transverse or vertical movement.
Flange: The projecting edge of a structural member ( e.g. the top and bottom horizontal projections of an I beam).
Flange Brace: A member used to provide lateral support to the flange of a structural member.
Flashing: The metal used to "trim" or cover the juncture of two planes of material.
Introduction to Metal Buildings 99
Glossary
Floating Clip: A standing seam roof system hold down clip that allows the roof panel to transversely move inde-
pendently of the roof substructure. Also known as a "Sliding Clip" or "Slip Clip".
Floor Live Load: Those loads induced on the floor system by the use and occupancy of the building.
Flush Girts: A wall framing system where the outside flange of the girts and the columns are flush.
Footing: A pad or mat, usually of concrete, located under a column, wall or other structural member, that is used
to distribute the loads from that member into the supporting soil.
Foundation: The substructure, which supports a building or other structure.
Framed Opening: Framing members and flashing which surround an opening.
Framing Plans: See "Erection Drawings".
Gable: The triangular portion of the endwall from the level of the eave to the ridge of the roof.
Gable Overhang: See "Purlin Extension".
Gable Roof: A roof consisting of two sloping roof planes that form a ridge and form a gable at each end.
Galvanized: Steel coated with zinc for corrosion resistance.
Gantry Crane: A crane similar to an overhead crane except that the bridge for carrying the trolley or trolleys is
rigidly supported on one or more legs running on fixed rails or other run-way.
Girder: A main horizontal or near horizontal structural member that supports vertical loads. It may consist of sev-
eral pieces.
Girt: A horizontal structural member that is attached to sidewall or endwall columns and supports paneling.
Glaze: The process of installing glass in windows and doors.
Glazing: Glass panes or paneling used in windows and doors.
Grade: The term used when referring to the ground elevation around a building.
Grade Beam: A concrete beam around the perimeter of a building.
Ground Snow Load: The probable weight of snow on the ground for a specified recurrence interval exclusive
of drifts or sliding snow.
Grout: A mixture of cement, sand and water used to fill cracks and cavities. Sometimes used under base plates
or leveling plates to obtain uniform bearing surfaces.
Gusset Plate: A steel plate used to reinforce or connect structural elements.
Gutter: A light gauge metal member at an eave, valley or parapet designed to carry water from the roof to down-
spouts or drains.
"H" Section: A steel member with a cross section in the shape of an "H".
Hair Pin: "V" shaped reinforcing steel used to transfer anchor bolt shear to the concrete floor mass.
Hand-Geared (Crane): A crane in which the bridge, hoist, or trolley is operated by the manual use of chain and
gear without electric power.
Haunch: The deepened portion of a column or rafter designed to accommodate the higher bending moments at
such points. (Usually occurs at the intersection of the column and the rafter.)
Header: The horizontal framing member located at the top of a framed opening.
High Strength Bolts: Any bolt made from steel having a tensile strength in excess of 100,000 pounds per square
inch.

100 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Glossary
High Strength Steel: Structural steel having a yield stress in excess of 36,000 pounds per square inch.
Hinged Base: See "Pinned Base".
Hip: The line formed at the intersection of two adjacent sloping planes of a roof.
Hip Roof: A roof that is formed by sloping planes from all four sides.
Hoist: A mechanical lifting device usually attached to a trolley that travels along a bridge, monorail, or jib crane.
May be chain or electric operated.
Horizontal Guide Rollers: Wheels mounted near the ends of end trucks, which roll on the side of the rail to
restrict lateral movement of the crane.
Hot-Rolled Shapes: Steel sections (angles, channels, "S" shapes, "W" shapes, etc.) which are formed by rolling
mills while the steel is in a semi-molten state.
"I"-Beam: See "S" shape.
Ice Dam: A buildup of ice which forms a dam at the eave, contributing to an excessive build-up of snow on the
roof.
Impact Load: A dynamic load resulting from the motion of machinery, elevators, craneways, vehicles, and other
similar moving forces. See "Auxiliary Loads".
Impact Wrench: A power tool used to tighten nuts or bolts.
Importance Factor: A factor that accounts for the degree of hazard to human life and damage to property.
Insulation: Any material used in building construction to reduce heat transfer.
Internal Pressure: Pressure inside a building.
Jack Beam: A beam used to support another beam, rafter or truss and eliminate a column support.
Jack Truss: A truss used to support another beam, rafter, or truss and eliminate a column support.
Jamb: The vertical framing members located at the sides of an opening.
Jib Crane: A cantilevered or suspended beam with hoist and trolley. This lifting device may pick up loads in all
or part of a circle around the column to which it is attached.
Jig: A device used to hold pieces of material in a certain position during fabrication.
Joist: A light beam for supporting a floor or roof.
Kick-Out (Elbow) (Turn-Out): An extension attached to the bottom of a downspout to direct water away from a
wall.
Kip: A unit of measure equal to 1,000 pounds.
Knee: The connecting area of a column and rafter of a structural frame such as a rigid frame.
Knee Brace: A diagonal member at a column and rafter intersection designed to resist transverse loads.
Lean-to: A structure having only one slope and depending upon another structure for partial support.
Length: The dimension of the building measured perpendicular to the main framing from outside to outside of
endwall girts.
Leveling Plate: A steel plate used on top of a foundation or other support on which a structural column can rest.
Lift (Crane): Maximum safe vertical distance through which the hook, magnet, or bucket can move.
Lifting Devices (Crane): Buckets, magnets, grabs and other supplemental devices, the weight of which is to be
considered part of the rated load, used for ease in handling certain types of loads.

Introduction to Metal Buildings 101

Glossary
Light Transmitting Panel: Panel used to admit light.
Liner Panel: A metal panel attached to the inside flange of the girts or inside of a wall panel.
Live Load: Loads that are produced (1) during maintenance by workers, equipment, and materials, and (2)
during the life of the structure by movable objects and do not include wind, snow, seismic, or dead loads. Also
see "Roof or Floor Live Load".
Load Indicating Washers: A washer with dimples, which flatten when the high strength bolt is tightened. The
bolt tension can then be determined by the use of feeler gauges to determine the gap between the washer and
the bolt head.
Longitudinal: The direction parallel to the ridge or sidewall.
Longitudinal (Crane): Direction parallel to the crane runway beams.
Louver: An opening provided with fixed or movable slanted fins to allow flow of air.
Low Rise Building: A description of a class of buildings usually less than 60' eave height. Commonly, they are
single story, but do not exceed 4 stories.
LRFD: Load and Resistance Factor Design.
Main Frame: An assemblage of rafters and columns that support the secondary framing members and transfer
loads directly to the foundation.
Main Wind Force Resisting System: A structural assembly that provides for the overall stability of the building
and receives wind loads from more than one surface. Examples include shear walls, diaphragms, rigid frames,
and space structures.
Manufacturer: A party who designs and fabricates a Metal Building System.
Manufacturer's Engineer: An engineer employed by a manufacturer who is in responsible charge of the struc-
tural design of a Metal Building System fabricated by the manufacturer. The manufacturer's engineer is not the
Engineer of Record.
Masonry: Anything constructed of materials such as bricks, concrete blocks, ceramic blocks, and concrete.
Mastic: See "Sealant".
Mean Roof Height: Average height of roof above ground.
Metal Building System: A complete integrated set of mutually dependent components and assemblies that form
a building including primary and secondary framing, covering and accessories, and are manufactured to permit
inspection on site prior to assembly or erection.
Mezzanine: An intermediate level between floor and ceiling occupying a partial area of the floor space.
Mill Duty Crane: Cranes with service classification E and F as defined by CMAA.
Moment: The tendency of a force to cause rotation about a point or axis.
Moment Connection: A connection designed to transfer moment as well as axial and shear forces between con-
necting members.
Moment of Inertia: A physical property of a member, which helps define strength and deflection characteristics.
Monolithic Construction: A method of placing concrete grade beam and floor slab together to form the building
foundation without forming and placing each separately.
Monolithic Pour: The placing of concrete in a monolithic construction.
Monorail Crane: A crane that travels on a single runway beam, usually an "S" or "W" beam.
Multi-Gable Building: Buildings consisting of more than one gable across the width of the building.

102 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Glossary
Multi-Span Building: Buildings consisting of more than one span across the width of the building. Multiple gable
buildings and single gable buildings with interior columns are examples.
Multiple Girder Crane: A crane, which has two or more girders for supporting the lifted load.
Oil Canning: A waviness that may occur in flat areas of light gauge formed metal products. Structural integrity is
not normally affected by this inherent characteristic; therefore oil canning is only an aesthetic issue. Oil canning
is not a cause for rejection of the material.
Open Web Steel Joists: Lightweight truss.
Order Documents: The documents normally required by the Manufacturer in the ordinary course of entering and
processing an order.
Outrigger: See "Auxiliary Crane Girder".
Overhanging Beam: A simply supported beam that extends beyond its support.
Overhead Doors: See "Sectional Overhead Doors".
Panels: See "Cladding".
Panel Notch: A notch or block out formed along the outside edge of the floor slab to provide support for the wall
panels and serve as a closure along their bottom edge.
Pan Panel: A standing seam panel, which has vertical sides and has no space between the panels at the side
laps.
Parapet: That portion of the vertical wall of a building that extends above the roofline.
Parts and Portions: See "Components and Cladding".
Peak: The uppermost point of a gable.
Peak Sign: A sign attached to the peak of the building at the endwall showing the building manufacturer.
Pendant-Operated Crane: Crane operated from a pendant control unit suspended from the crane.
Personnel Doors: doors used by personnel for access and exit from a building.
Pick Point: The belted part of panel bundles where the bundle is to be lifted.
Piece Mark: A number given to each separate part of the building for erection identification. Also called mark
number and part number.
Pier: A concrete structure designed to transfer vertical load from the base of a column to the footing.
Pig Spout: A sheet metal section designed to direct the flow of water out through the face of the gutter rather
than through a downspout.
Pilaster: A reinforced or enlarged portion of a masonry wall to provide support for roof loads or lateral loads on
the wall.
Pinned Base: A column base that is designed to resist transverse and vertical movement, but not rotation.
Pin Connection: A connection designed to transfer axial and shear forces between connecting members, but
not moments.
Pitch: See "Roof Slope".
Plastic Design: A design concept based on multiplying the actual loads by a suitable load factor, and using the
yield stress as the maximum stress in any member, and taking into consideration moment redistribution.
Plastic Panels: See "Light Transmitting Panels".

Introduction to Metal Buildings 103

Glossary
Ponding: 1) The gathering of water at low or irregular areas on a roof.
2) Progressive accumulation of water from deflection due to rain loads.
Pop Rivet: See "Blind Rivet".
Porosity: The measurement of openings in buildings, which allow air to enter during a windstorm.
Portal Frame: A rigid frame so designed that it offers rigidity and stability in its plane. It is generally used to resist
longitudinal loads where other bracing methods are not permitted.
Post: See "Column".
Post and Beam: A structural system consisting of a series of rafter beams supported by columns. Often used
as the end frame of a building.
Post-tensioning: A method of pre-stressing reinforced concrete in which tendons are tensioned after the con-
crete has reached a specific strength.
Power Actuated Fastener: A device for fastening items by the utilization of a patented device that uses an explo-
sive charge or compressed air to embed the pin in concrete or steel.
Pre-tensioning: A method of pre-stressing reinforced concrete in which the tendons are tensioned before the
concrete has been placed.
Pre-Painted Coil: Coil of metal, which has received a paint coating.
Press Brake: A machine used in cold-forming metal sheets or strips into desired sections.
Pre-stressed Concrete: Concrete in which internal stresses of such magnitude and distribution are introduced
that the tensile stresses resulting from the service loads are counteracted to a desired degree; in reinforced con-
crete the pre-stress is commonly introduced by tensioning the tendons.
Primary Framing: See "Main Frame".
Prismatic Beam: A beam with a uniform cross section.
Public Assembly: A building or space where 300 or more persons may congregate in one area.
Purlin: A horizontal structural member that supports roof covering and carries loads to the primary framing mem-
bers.
Purlin Extension: The projection of the roof beyond the plane of the endwall.
Rafter: The main beam supporting the roof system.
Rail (Crane): See "Crane Rail".
Rails (Door): The horizontal stiffening members of framed and paneled doors.
Rake: The intersection of the plane of the roof and the plane of the endwall.
Rake Angle: Angle fastened to purlins at rake for attachment of endwall panels.
Rake Trim: A flashing designed to close the opening between the roof and endwall panels.
Rated Capacity (Crane): The maximum load (usually in tons), which a crane is designed to support safely.
Reactions: The resisting forces at the column bases provided by foundations that hold a structure in equilibrium
under a given loading condition.
Reinforcing Steel: The steel placed in concrete as required to carry the tension, compression and shear
stresses.
Remote-Operated Crane: A crane controlled by an operator not in a pulpit or in the cab attached to the crane
by any method other than pendant or rope control.
104 Introduction to Metal Buildings
 Glossary
Retrofit: The placing of new metal roof or wall systems over deteriorated roofs or walls.
Rib: The longitudinal raised profile of a panel that provides much of the panel's bending strength.
Ribbed Panel: A panel, which has ribs with sloping sides and forms a trapezoidal shaped void at the side lap.
Ridge: The horizontal line formed by opposing sloping sides of a roof running parallel with the building length.
Ridge Cap: A transition of the roofing materials along the ridge of a roof; sometimes called ridge roll or ridge
flashing.
Rigid Connection: See "Moment Connection".
Rigid Frame: A structural frame consisting of members joined together with moment connections so as to render
the frame stable with respect to the design loads, without the need for bracing in its plane.
Rolling Doors: Doors that are supported at the bottom on wheels that run on a track.
Roll-Up Door: A door that opens by traveling vertically and is gathered into a roll suspended some distance
above the floor.
Roof Covering: The exposed exterior roof surface consisting of metal panels.
Roof Live Load: Loads that are produced (1) during maintenance by workers, equipment, and materials, and
(2) during the life of the structure by movable objects which do not include wind, snow, seismic or dead loads.
Roof Overhang: A roof extension beyond the endwall or sidewall of a building.
Roof Slope: The tangent of the angle that a roof surface makes with the horizontal, usually expressed in units
of vertical rise to 12 units of horizontal run.
Roof Snow Load: The load induced by the weight of snow on the roof of the structure.
Runway Beam: See "Crane Runway Beam".
Runway Bracket: A bracket extending out form the column of a building frame, which supports the runway beam
for top-running cranes.
Runway Conductors: The main conductors mounted on or parallel to the runway, which supplies electric cur-
rent to the crane.
"S" Shape: A hot rolled beam with narrow tapered flanges.
Sag Member: A tension member such as rods, straps or angles used to limit the deflection of a girt or purlin in
the direction of its weak axis.
Sandwich Panel: A panel used as covering consisting of an insulating core material with inner and outer metal
skins.
Screw Down Roof System: A screw down roof system is one in which the roof panels are attached directly to
the roof substructure with fasteners that penetrate through the roof sheets and into the substructure.
Scupper: An opening in a gutter or parapet system, which prevents ponding.
Sealant: Any material that is used to seal cracks, joints or laps.
Secondary Framing: Members that carry loads from the building surface to the main framing. For example -
purlins and girts.
Seaming Machine: A mechanical device that is used to close and seal the side seams of standing seam roof
panels.
Sectional Overhead Doors: Doors constructed in horizontally hinged sections. They are equipped with springs,
tracks, counter balancers, and other hardware, which roll the sections into an overhead position clear of the
opening.

Introduction to Metal Buildings 105

Glossary
Seismic Load: The lateral load acting in any direction on a structural system due the action of an earthquake.
Self-Drilling Screw: A fastener that combines the function of drilling and tapping.
Self-Tapping Screw: A fastener that taps its own threads in a predrilled hole.
Seller: A party who sells a Metal Building System with or without its erection or other fieldwork.
Shear: The force tending to make two contacting parts slide upon each other in opposite directions parallel to
their plane of contact.
Shear Diaphragm: See "Diaphragm Action".
Shim: A piece of steel used to level base plates or align columns or beams.
Shipping List: See "Bill of Materials".
Shop Primer Paint: The initial coat of primer paint applied in the shop. A temporary coating designed to protect
the steel during shipping and erection until the building exterior and interior finish coverings have been installed.
This coating may or may not serve as a proper prime coat for other finishing paints.
Shot Pin: See "Power Actuated Fastener".
Side Lap Fastener: A fastener used to connect panels together above their length.
Sidesway: See "Drift (Sidesway)".
Sidewall: An exterior wall, which is perpendicular to the frames of a building system.
Sidewall Overhang: See "Eave Canopy".
Sill: The bottom horizontal framing member of a wall opening such as a window or louver.
Simple Connection: See "Pin Connection".
Simple Span: A term used in structural design to describe a beam support condition at two points which offers
no resistance to rotation at the supports.
Single Slope: A sloping roof in one plane. The slope is from one sidewall to the opposite sidewall.
Siphon Break: A small groove to arrest the capillary action of two adjacent surfaces. (Anti- Capillary Groove).
Sister Column: See "Crane Support Column".
Slide Door: A single or double leaf door, which opens horizontally by means of sliding on an overhead trolley.
Sliding Clip: A standing seam roof system hold down clip, which allows the roof panel to thermally expanded
independently of the roof substructure.
Slope: See "Roof Slope".
Snow Drift: See "Drift (Snow)".
Snow Load: See "Roof Snow Load".
Snug Tight: The tightness of a bolt in a connection that exists when all plies in a joint are in firm contact.
Soffit: A material, which covers the underside of an overhang.
Soil Bearing Pressure: The load per unit area a structure will exert through its foundation on the soil.
Soldier Column: An intermediate column used to support secondary structural members; not part of a main
frame or beam and column system.
Spacer Strut (Crane): A type of assembly used to keep the end trucks of adjacent cranes on the same runway
beams a minimum specified distance apart.

106 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Glossary
Span: The distance between two supports.
Specification (Metal Building System): A statement of a set of Metal Building System requirements describing
the loading conditions, design practices, materials and finishes.
Splice: A connection in a structural member.
Spreader Bar: Elongated bar with attached hooks and/or chains used from a crane to lift long sections of panels,
or structural members such as rafters.
Spud Wrench: A tool used by erectors to line up holes and to make up bolted connections; a wrench with a
tapered handle.
Square: The term used for an area of 100 square feet.
Stainless Steel: An alloy of steel, which contains a high percentage of chromium to increase corrosion resist-
ance. Also may contain nickel or copper.
Standing Seam: Side joints of roof panels that are arranged in a vertical position above the roofline.
Standing Seam Roof System: A roof system in which the side laps between the roof panels are arranged in a
vertical position above the roofline. The roof panel system is secured to the roof substructure by means of con-
cealed hold down clips attached with screws to the substructure, except that through fasteners may be used at
limited locations such as at ends of panels and at roof penetrations.
Stiffener: A member used to strengthen a plate against lateral or local buckling.
Stiffener Lip: A short extension of material at an angle to the flange of cold formed structural members, which
adds strength to the member.
Stiles: The vertical side members of framed and paneled doors.
Stitch Screw: A fastener connecting panels together at the sidelap.
Straight Tread Wheels: Crane wheels with flat-machined treads and double flanges, which limit the lateral
movement of the crane.
Strain: The deformation per unit length measured in the direction of the stress caused by forces acting on a
member. Not the same as deflection.
Stress: A measure of the load on a structural member in terms of force per unit area.
Strut: A member fitted into a framework, which resists axial compressive forces.
Stud: A vertical wall member to which exterior or interior covering or collateral material may be attached. May be
either load bearing or non-load bearing.
Suspension System: The system (rigid or flexible) used to suspend the runway beams of underhung or mono-
rail cranes from the rafter of the building frames.
Sweep: The amount of deviation of straightness of a structural section measured perpendicular to the web of the
member.
Tapered Members: A built up plate member consisting of flanges welded to a variable depth web.
Tapered Tread Wheels: End truck wheels with treads which are tapered; the large diameter being toward the
center of the span.
Tensile Strength: The longitudinal pulling stress a material can bear without tearing apart.
Tension Forces: Forces acting on a member tending to elongate it.
Thermal Block: A spacer of low thermal conductance material that is installed between the purlin and roof insu-
lation, to prevent energy loss.

Introduction to Metal Buildings 107

Glossary
Thermal Conductance, (C-Factor): The time rate of heat flow through unit area of a body induced by unit tem-
perature difference between the body surfaces. Units are BTU / (Hour x ft 2 x degree F) [Imperial system] or
Watts / (m 2 x degree C) [SI system]. See "Thermal Resistance".
Thermal Conductivity, (K-Factor): The time rate of heat flow through unit thickness of a flat slab of a homoge-
nous material in the perpendicular direction to the slab surfaces induced by unit temperature gradient. Units for
K are (BTU x in) / (hour x ft 2 x degree F) or BTU/ (hour x ft x degree F) [Imperial System] and Watts / (m x degree
C) [SI System]. See "Thermal Resistivity".
Thermal Resistance (R-Value): Under steady conditions, the mean temperature difference between two defined
surfaces of material or construction that induces unit heat flow through unit area. Note: Thermal resistance and
thermal conductance are reciprocals. To obtain the U-Factor, overall thermal transmittance. R-Value for materials
and/or combinations of materials must first be evaluated. U-Factor is then the reciprocal of the sum of these indi-
vidual R-Values.
Thermal Resistivity: Under steady conditions, the temperature difference between parallel surfaces of a slab
(large enough so there is no lateral heat flow) of unit thickness that induces unit heat flow through unit area. Note:
Thermal resistivity and thermal conductivity are reciprocals. Thermal resistivity is the R-Value of a material of unit
thickness.
Thermal Transmittance (U-Factor): The time rate of heat flow per unit is under steady conditions from the fluid
on the warm side of a barrier to the fluid on the cold side, per unit temperature difference between the two fluids.
To obtain, first evaluate the R-Value and then compute its reciprocal.
Through-Fastened Roof System: A roof system in which the roof panels are attached directly to the roof sub-
structure with fasteners, that penetrate through the roof sheets and into the substructure.
Through Ties: Reinforcing steel, usually in the concrete, extending from one column pier to the other column
pier, tying the two columns of a rigid frame together to resist thrust.
Thrust: The transverse component of a reaction usually at the column base.
Tie: A structural member that is loaded in tension.
Ton: 2,000 pounds.
Track: A metal way for wheeled components; specifically, one or more lines of ways, with fastenings, ties, etc.,
for a crane way, monorail or slide door.
Translucent Panels: See "Light Transmitting Panels".
Transverse: The direction parallel to the main frames.
Tributary Area: The area directly supported by the structural member between contiguous supports.
Trim: The light gauge metal used in the finish of a building, especially around openings and at intersections of
surfaces. Sometimes referred to as flashing.
Trolley (Crane): The unit carrying the hoisting mechanism.
Trolley Frame (Crane): The basic structure of the trolley on which are mounted the hoisting and traversing
mechanisms.
Truss: A structure made up of three or more members, with each member designed to carry a tension or com-
pression force. The entire structure in turn acts as a beam.
Turnout: See "Kick-Out".
Turn-of-the-Nut Method: A method for pre-tensioning high strength bolts. The nut is tightened an additional
amount from the Snug Tight position, corresponding to a few blows of an impact wrench or the full effort of a man
using an ordinary spud wrench. The amount of rotation required depends on the bolt diameter and length.

108 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Glossary
Twist Off Bolts: Bolts with a segment, which shears off at a predetermined torque during bolt tightening. These
bolts utilized a specially designed wrench for proper installation.
Uplift: Wind load on a building, which causes a load in the upward direction.
Valley Gutter: A heavy gauge gutter used for multi-gabled buildings or between buildings.
Vapor Barrier: Material used to retard the flow of vapor or moisture to prevent condensation from forming on a
surface.
Ventilator: A roof mounted accessory, which allows the air to pass through.
"W" Shape: A hot rolled I-shaped member with parallel flanges generally wider than "S" shapes.
Wainscot: Wall material, used in the lower portion of a wall that is different from the material in the rest of the
wall.
Walk Door: See "Personnel Door".
Wall Covering: The exterior wall surface consisting of panels.
Web: That portion of a structural member between the flanges.
Web Stiffener: See "Stiffener".
Wheel Base: Distance from center-to center of the outermost crane wheels.
Wheel Load: The vertical forces without impact produced on a crane ok wheel bearing on a runway rail or sus-
pended from a runway beam. Maximum wheel load occurs with the crane loaded at rated capacity and the trolley
positioned to provide maximum vertical force at one set of wheels.
Width: The dimension of the building measured parallel to the main framing from outside to outside of sidewall
girts.
Wind Bent: See "Portal Frame".
Wind Column: A vertical member designed to withstand transverse wind loads, usually in the endwall.
X-Bracing: Bracing system with members arranged diagonally in both directions to form an "X". See "Bracing".
"Z" Section: A member cold formed from steel sheet in the approximate shape of a "Z".
Zinc-Aluminum Coated: Steel coated with an alloy of zinc and aluminum to provide corrosion resistance.

Introduction to Metal Buildings 109

Answers to Lesson Self Tests

Answers to the Self-Tests

Lesson One
1. C 7. B
2. A 8. D
3. B 9. C
4. A 10. D
5. E 11. A
6. A 12. A

Lesson Two
1. B 7. D 13. A
2. E 8. B
3. D 9. A
4. B 10. E
5. C 11. B
6. A 12. B

Lesson Three
1. D 7. A 13. C
2. B 8. C
3. E 9. B
4. B 10. E
5. D 11. A
6. A 12. B

Lesson Four
1. D 7. B
2. C 8. D
3. A 9. C
4. C 10. A
5. A 11. A
6. D 12. E

Lesson Five
1. A 7. D
2. B 8. A
3. D 9. A
4. B 10. D
5. B 11. E
6. C 12. B

110 Introduction to Metal Buildings

 Answers to Lesson Self Tests

Lesson Six
1. E 5. D
2. D 6. D
3. E 7. A
4. A 8 B

Lesson Seven
1. A 6. A 11. B
2. D 7. B
3. A 8. D
4. C 9. B
5. A 10. B

Lesson Eight
1. C 5. C
2. A 6. D
3. D 7. F
4. A 8. A

Introduction to Metal Buildings 111

MESCO BUILDING SOLUTIONS
P.O. Box 93629
Southlake, TX 76092
800-556-3726