Steps to take while preparing an industrial steel building site

Ensuring the success of your steel building project is done by making preparations before the project starts. There is one crucial thing to consider before the installation begins, which is site preparation. An adequately prepared job site is a must to create a strong foundation for industrial steel buildings in Canada and make sure that the building is compliant with all the local building codes.

Building permits

Before getting started with the construction project, it is vital to make sure that your building is compliant with local, state and federal construction codes. Failing to do so can turn out to be a costly mistake. If your building does not meet the local building codes, you could be bound to pay heavy citations and fines. At worst, you may also be forced to tear down part of your building to meet permit requirements.

We advise you to consult your local building department official for assistance.

Site selection

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an installation site. In some cases, it is best to hire a professional to examine your property to select the right location for your steel building.

Access

When selecting the site, keep in mind that it is accessible for material delivery. Make sure that there is a clear path to the site that is free of obstructions, such as overhead wires. During the construction process, make sure that space allows for a 10 to 12-foot clearance.

Orientation

Consider the orientation of your steel building on your property and how the elements and surroundings will affect the structure.

Drainage

Examine the site and its surroundings well. First, you need to consider whether water will drain away from your building. Evaluate the surrounding area for elements that could interfere with drainage.

Site preparation

Once you have selected the site for your steel building, the preparation begins. First, the surveyors will assess the site to make sure it is level and stake it out. Based on the soil composition, your contractor will suggest a more solid foundation bed to facilitate better drainage.

Once this is complete, the groundwork begins. You need to get rid of trees, shrubs, large rocks from the installation site. Next, the ground will be levelled.

Make sure to put some of the excavated soil aside to fill any remaining holes once the foundation job is over.

Laying the foundation

Your steel building needs a foundation on which it is easy to anchor the columns. Some agricultural steel buildings have gravel or dirt floors, and they use concrete piers instead of a full slab. However, a concrete slab may be needed in commercial or industrial steel buildings.

Whatever foundation you choose, we recommend that you hire an experienced foundation engineer to design the same. Your erection drawings will incorporate an “anchor-bolt setting plan”, which will give the engineer the necessary information to design a suitable foundation for your steel building.

For more information regarding preparing your building site, contact Ironspan Canada to speak with our metal building expert.