Maximimized Operational Efficiency Through Obstruction-Free Interior Space
Uninterrupted space allows for more efficient movement of materials and easier operation of forklifts
Steel structures are eminently adaptable, and as an added bonus, have no obstruction columns. These support columns are a major source of annoyance in traditional warehouse structures, particularly for forklift operations. Steel structure warehouses permit forklift travel at over 30% greater speed than traditional structures, and because the walls are free of obstructions, forklift operators have a clear view of the warehouse floor and can control the movement of large, unconsolidated loads without obstructing the view of other personnel. Finally, because forklift operations do not obstruct the view of other employees, the potential for accidental contact with other employees is greatly reduced. In 2023, the Ponemon Institute put the average cost to a company for a warehouse accident at $740,000. This explains the growing emphasis that warehouse companies place on automated systems.
Increased vertical space usage and up to 25% more usable space
Steel warehouses also take into consideration space above the warehouse floor. With unobstructed clear spans and vertical clearance exceeding 30 feet, vertical space can be expanded in the following ways:
Vertical space can be utilized in the following ways: Tall pallet racking systems maximize cube storage without floor space interference
In adjustable mezzanines, vertical space can also be utilized to create additional storage or work platforms (e.g., in tiered systems, vertical space can be utilized to create multiple levels of storage or work platforms).
Eliminating vertical support columns creates additional floor space and along with increased vertically usable space, allows for increased overall storage per square foot. With the other benefits, this is also the reason 67% of logistics operators selected steel over traditional methods.
Design Flexibility and Scalability for Evolving Logistics Needs
Easy reconfiguration of layouts without structural changes.
Steel warehouse buildings that span clear areas without interior columns or heavy support walls allow businesses to change layouts in a few days. Warehouse managers can do it themselves instead of hiring contractors. Old style warehouses are structurally disruptive. Companies report a reduction in downtime during these changes when moving from conventional structures. Increased flexibility is necessary when dealing with busy seasons or launching new products.
Modular expansion—adding bays or height while preserving structural integrity
Expanding steel buildings is relatively easy, especially if additional steel structures are added. Beyond modification of the foundation, the only constraints on expansion of steel structures is cost and customer design. Because steel structures have design constraints, manufacturers of steel structures plan for customer growth by providing additional empty space in the structure to allow for increased lateral growth. If the customer experiences growth, the manufacturer incurs less expense. Traditional construction for growth or expansion of a facility is generally 30-40% of the cost of the facility. Warehouse growth can be achieved by means of a combination of vertical and lateral expansion. Vertical expansion would require the use of higher storage racks. The use of the entire available space on a parcel of property, while still providing access for building, would generally facilitate the highest through-put.
Warehouse of Pre-Engineered Steel Structures—Cost-Effective Construction and Long-Term ROI
Build time reduction = 40–60% (vs. older construction)
Structures made of Pre-engineered steel are manufactured using a more advanced construction technique that is 40-60% faster than other techniques. These techniques employ prefabricated steel components and an advanced bolting technique. Using these methods, the schedule and pace of the construction is, more often than not, on schedule. In fact, premature completion of the schedule is common for such projects. Because of the advanced nature of the techniques, the cycle time of the construction is reduced by 30-50% as compared to traditional techniques. Hence, the construction of such a facility is completed sooner than expected, and revenue is generated earlier. A loss of construction cycle is a rare occurrence and when it does occur, the waste of construction materials is less than 2% of the total construction materials used. A reduction of construction costs by at least 2% is commonplace in other construction activities.
Extremely low maintenance. Long service life. Lower life-cycle costs.
Compared to other building materials, steel structures require less maintenance over the years. Because of this, steel structures are more cost efficient. Repair and maintenance costs for steel structures are significantly lower, since steel structures do not deteriorate as quickly as other materials. Steel structures also provide a faster means of construction. The overall cost of steel structures is less than conventional buildings, which costs 3-5% of the building's value each year. Steel frames maintain their integrity and do not require replacement for more than 50 years. Conventional frames typically require replacement within 30-40 years. Steel frames outperform conventional frames in waste reduction during construction, with steel frame waste at less than 2% compared to conventional frames, which are between 10-15% waste. In addition, steel framed structures maintain the longest return on investment of all other structures.
Integrity of Structure and Flexibility in Design
Light Weight and High Resilience to Common Stresses
Steel warehouses can be fabricated to withstand significant loads, including heavy snow loads (50 psf), and wind loads up to 150 mph. Prefabricated steel warehouses are resistant to corrosion and are well suited for chemical and other harsh environments. ASTM A653 galvanized steel is used in harsh environments to prevent corrosion, and is long lasting in eroding and other corrosive environments. Thus, the corrosion resistant steel structures have greatly improved service life and reduced maintenance costs.
GFRC panels are also used to improve the fire resistant capacity of structures. The use of GFRC panels reduces project duration and containment time for a fire. Also, the use of these panels reduces the overall cost and provides a longer service life, compared to traditional building methods.
Performance Attribute Industry Impact
Wind resistance (150+ mph) storms
Corrosion protection (ASTM A653) life
Safe inventory
FAQ
Advantages of a steel structure warehouse
Improved operational and scalable efficiency is provided by unobstructed workspace, vertical storage, greater and quick reconfiguration capabilities provided by steel structure warehouses.
Steel vs traditional construction
The traditional construction vs. steel construction assembly time, maintenance, and life service, structural performance and material waste is superior and creates and provides better ROI and cost savings.
Why steel structure suits demanding environments
Natural elements and operational performance of rust resistance, high strength to weight ratio makes fire resistance and steel superior.