With the right foundations, steel structures offer strength, durability and longevity, and steel buildings can be protected against future subsidence, damp problems and leaks.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common types of foundation for steel buildings, and what to consider when laying foundations for steel frames to be built upon.
Do steel buildings need a foundation?
Steel frames can, in extreme weather, be susceptible to wind uplift; however, this can be mitigated by securing the steel structure to an appropriate foundation.
With the right foundation, you can also ensure steel buildings deliver on their environmentally friendly potential, regardless of the type of soil or other surface they are erected on.
Types of foundation for steel buildings
There are several types of foundation for steel buildings constructed from pre-engineered steel frames:
• Concrete slab foundation steel structures
• Concrete pier foundation steel structures
• Perimeter wall foundation steel structures
As the names suggest, these involve a solid slab that forms the floor of the building, concrete piers that support the steel columns but allow a gravel or dirt floor to be laid, or a retaining perimeter wall poured around the perimeter of the steel structure.
Before you lay foundations for a steel building
A professional soil survey can reveal any causes for concern, such as expansive soils, frost levels and the local water table.
Once you know what you’re building on, you can decide if the soil is suitable or if you need to excavate and replace the topmost layers.
You can also assess typical wind speeds in the area to predict wind uplift risk, and calculate the likely load-bearing demand that will be placed on your foundation once the steel building is erected and occupied.
Choosing the right foundation for your steel building
Taking all of the above into account, you can determine the best foundation for your steel building.
A concrete slab foundation is suitable if you want a solid concrete floor in your building; concrete piers allow you to build a foundation that can support an infilled dirt or gravel floor.
Perimeter wall foundations can be used with or without either slab or pier foundations, giving you versatility to create the precise base layer needed to support and strengthen the steel structures above.
For more information about building steel frame houses, speak to our specialists on 0161 624 3168 or via our online contact form.
