Pre-engineered Building Trends To Watch Out For

Consistent innovation with out of the box thinking is the key to survival in an evolving environment. In pre engineered buildings (PEB), the out of the box thinking has only picked pace in recent years. Here, we trace the latest trends in pre engineered buildings.

What makes PEBs stand out

PEBs have emerged as the ideal solution in construction due to their advanced design structure that allows on-site installation. It has several advantages that have drawn considerable attention; a few being,

Better return on investment
Quick installation
Significantly fewer errors and waste compared to traditional construction,
Cost-effectiveness.

You can read our previous blog for a closer look at the advantages of PEBs.

Technological trends in PEBs

Advanced software: Based on the complexity of the construction different software needs to be employed. For instance, in the case of multiplex construction, the STAAD application is preferred. MBS (Metal Building Software), on the other hand, is applied to simpler buildings. 2D and 3D software technologies have made planning PEBs considerably easier.

BIM (Building Information Modelling) engineering: TEKLA is a promising 3D software. It has outdone MBS and comes handy in areas where MBS technology was found deficient. After completing the model, it also forms a list of raw materials, shop floor drawings for fabrication, dispatch list, etc. TEKLA has proven to minimise errors and reduced the breach between detailing, assembling and dismantling.

Nesting software: PEB plants are furnished with nesting software-aided high-speed CNC plate cutting machines for burr-free cutting. They have emerged as a viable alternative to pug cutting machines where finishing often becomes an issue. Scrap generation is also reduced due to nesting software.

CNC machines: CNC machines are installed to operate machine tools with programming inputs. CNC punching and drilling machines are used to make holes for clamping and for proper on-site alignment. Cold roll forming machines are used to produce C/Z purlins, wall and roof cladding with the help of their auto pinching and shearing techniques. Apart from these, there are other specialised machines for producing various accessories like anchor bolts, clips, etc.

These technologies have created scope for expansion of PEBs’ applications. Apart from industrial construction, they are now being used for hospitals, offices, houses, hotels, stadiums, auditoriums, airports, etc.

Check out why PEBs make more business sense.

Application trends in PEBs

Warehouses: Modern warehouses are no longer bare box-type structures but are being designed as per the specific requirements of customers. PEB warehouses offer bare storage, more clear span, customisation, in-built crane facility, etc. Traditional warehouses led to losses due to their rigidity but customisation has helped to minimise loss due to weather with temperature regulating abilities as well as better space utilisation. The latest market survey reports that 80% of the warehouses are being built using the PEB technique which has now taken over traditional construction.

Hospitals: Pre engineered building techniques were gaining considerable fame due to the speed at which they can be erected. In 2020, a thousand-bed hospital in Wuhan was constructed in 10 days to curb the Covid-19 virus. In India, a three-storey covid ward was planned for Mumbai’s Kasturba Hospital by BMC in less than three months employing the pre engineered building techniques for the first time.

Airports: With more and more people opting for air transport, the need to upgrade and renovate runways, terminals, hangars and administrative buildings have rapidly risen. Terminal buildings are mostly built out of PEBs. Hindon’s Airport Terminal was built in less than 4 months in 2019 by pre engineering. Furthermore, airport hangars made out of PEBs ensure the scope for expansion as and when required.

Residential purposes: Pre engineered buildings have been around for decades but their potential was only tapped recently. Ever since then, the industry has only seen an upward trend. From constructing hospitals, warehouses, shopping complexes to residential buildings, the shift owes its success to constant upgrading of the technology to further improve the design and system involved. When compared to industrial buildings, residential buildings have different architectural requirements but the benefits of steel construction such as faster installation, easy dismantling, efficient space planning are beginning to favour the utilisation of PEBs for residential construction.

Conclusion

It is believed that advances in PEBs have improved the construction industry of India along with the Make in India initiative started by the government. Pre engineered buildings in India have gained popularity in the last two decades. With constant evolution in every aspect from technology, design and application, pre engineered buildings pack a greater punch than concrete buildings. The industry has witnessed growth at 16.15% CAGR alone in 2016-2020. Further, India is said to be the fastest-growing market in PEB construction.

Pinax Steel offers complete PEB solutions, including the entire backend work from scratch as per the customer’s requirements to deliver the final structure on-site. We have executed our PEB designing and manufacturing services to IOCL, Border Roads Organization (BRO), NTPC, etc. To prove our credentials Contact us for any prefabricated building requirements.