- 16 September 2020
- Posted By Boss Buildings
When investing in a metal building, some of your primary concerns are likely the safety of the building, its durability, and the longevity you can expect from the structure. In the United States, there are several standards in place to ensure the design of every building, including those made of steel, stand strong in the face of the challenges that they face.
Every building is subject to various loads that the structure must be able to withstand. These loads are broken into several classifications based on the type of force they assert on the structure. Collateral, dead, impact, and live loads are all types of vertical loads, while horizontal and longitudinal loads are also considered during the design phase of the building.
Some of these loads account for integral aspects of the building. Dead and collateral loads, for example, refer to the weight of the building materials themselves and the additional equipment essential to the building, respectively. Contrarily, impact and horizontal loads account for outside forces such as snowfall, wind, and even earthquakes.
The specific standards placed on your building will be dependent on your location. Most geographic areas have their own building codes that must be met or exceeded. Typically, these codes are based on the local climate and risk factors. A building in the mountains of Colorado will likely have more stringent snow load requirements, a structure in San Francisco will need to account for the risk of earthquakes, and a metal building on the coast of Florida will have to meet wind and hurricane standards.
The design team of Boss Buildings works with you to ensure your building meets or exceeds all the necessary building codes, whether they’re nationwide standards or unique to your situation. Call today on (336) 673-3065 to talk to an expert about the building codes of your location!
