Choosing building materials manufactured with quality and designed for a multitude of uses in tough conditions, will ensure a long-lasting, versatile structure that will last for years. By combining the finest engineering and designed materials, adaptable and resilient structures can offer robustness and longevity to waste management operations.
By Margaret Foley
Building design is crucial in any application, but for waste management facilities in particular, operations must prioritize strength and versatility above all to meet the demands of their industry. A dependable and functional building made with high-quality components will allow businesses to operate at peak efficiency for years to come, without having to worry about excess maintenance or costly issues arising with their structure.
Steel frame structures have become increasingly popular amongst waste and recycling operations, and for good reason. Not only can they be customized around an individual business鈥� unique requirements, but from the right manufacturer, operations will also benefit from a state-of-the-art design and engineering process that ensures the longevity of their building.
aesthetics. Photos courtesy of ClearSpan.
During that design process, two of the most important components for operations to consider are their building鈥檚 framing and cladding. By incorporating the right combination of materials, businesses will end up with a versatile, reliable structure that enables them to stay profitable over time, while also maintaining an ideal environment for workers and any stored materials.
Steel Frames Built to Last
When designing a structure intended for long-term, versatile use, choosing the right frame is crucial. The most durable frames are made of steel, and the two most common types are Truss frames and I-beam frames.
Truss frames are combined networks of triangular sections connected at their ends by joints. Each longer truss network is then attached together to form a frame with excellent strength and long-term durability. Truss frames are relatively lightweight compared to other steel frames, and with high clearances and no required interior support posts, they can still be built to massive dimensions. Their arched design allows for additional height within the structure, providing extensive usable space, without sacrificing strength.
I-beam frames are another steel frame style known for versatility and longevity. While Truss Arch frames are made with steel segments of hollow pipe, I-beam frames are built with solid steel beams. When cross-sectioned, I-beams look like the capital letter I, with two flat, horizontal edges connected by a longer flat vertical piece. Although I-beam frames are heavier than Truss Arch frames, they offer increased strength and resilience capable of enduring extreme weather. I-beam frames can also be built to massive sizes.
It is crucial that all Truss and I-beam frame components are made from the highest quality steel available. For optimal use and profitability, steel frames should be manufactured using the latest design technology. As well as using advanced engineering, thorough quality control checks are paramount at every stage of manufacturing and construction to detect any flaws that might cause future problems. An outstanding frame must be able to regularly withstand inclement weather, extreme climate conditions, and extensive wear and tear. In addition to passing rigorous quality testing during construction, all structures must also pass local building code requirements. Multiple inspection checkpoints during frame manufacturing will help guarantee a long, productive lifespan and promote overall building efficiency.
Choosing a quality Truss or I-beam frame can provide waste management operations with reliable, multi-functional structures that are ready for the long run and support greater profitability over time.
Functional, Dependable Cladding Choices
While frames are the bones of a structure, when planning a long-lasting, versatile building, a more outwardly visible design element is also one of the most important: cladding. Choosing the right cladding is key for weather-resistance and functionality, both in the short term, as well as in the long run.
In addition to offering protection from the elements, various cladding types can provide further benefits. Some cladding is climate sensitive, can help maintain a healthy environment within a structure or can provide aesthetic value. Steel framed structures are generally outfitted with three types of cladding material: polyethylene fabric, vinyl fabric, metal panels, or a combination.
Polyethylene fabric cladding is lightweight, cost-effective, easily installed, and is climate sensitive. It can allow natural light to permeate into the structure, while still maintaining a protective barrier. This can help operations save on regular electricity costs, as well as create a calming, natural ambience within the structure.
Fabric cladding is especially suitable for waste management processes like composting or large rubbish storage. A poly-clad structure without end walls, for example, can protect waste under cladding, allowing for sunlight permeation and unimpeded airflow. This eliminates the need for electric daytime lighting, and enables maximum ventilation throughout the structure, which can help prevent moisture buildup. Poly fabric cladding can also shield what is inside the structure from excess heat, mitigating bacterial growth and odors affecting working conditions. Alongside moisture management and odor mitigation, polyethylene fabric cladding may feature a rip-stop weave to help prevent tears from growing.
When operations prefer fabric cladding but need thicker, heavier cladding with increased durability, they might choose an architectural polyvinyl cover. Architectural vinyl covers consist of many layers, and their durability makes them both long-lasting and suitable for many purposes. Architectural vinyl fabric covers offer increased strength and durability compared to polyethylene cladding, while still allowing some light permeation.
If businesses prefer something more traditional, they might consider metal cladding. Metal cladding comes in many styles and is suitable for a wide variety of applications. Durable, cost-effective metal panels can be shaped in various corrugations, with connective grooves and joints that provide long use and strong resiliency. Many metal panels come with an anti-corrosive coating to extend their lifespan and protective features.
While metal cladding sometimes consists of single sheets, operations can also select insulated metal panels, which are comprised of a metal sheet, insulation, and another metal sheet sandwiched together. This style of cladding can provide excellent thermal insulation and helps maintain a steady temperature within a structure, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Insulated metal panels offer a rugged cladding option with versatile applications.
In addition to the cost-effective impact on a structure鈥檚 robust weather-readiness and interior environment, cladding can also enhance a building鈥檚 appearance. Operations may opt to clad their structures in their company鈥檚 brand colors, or colors that blend into the surrounding natural landscape for an environmentally congruent appearance.
The right cladding can help operations cut down on costs, both initially and monthly. Polyethylene, polyvinyl and metal cladding are versatile and long-lasting, and can provide the protection and support that waste management businesses of all types depend on.
of applications.
Additional Design Elements for Efficiency and Longevity
As well as choosing from framing and cladding options, operations can also consult expert building designers and engineers to learn about additional design elements, and how they might be customized for a company鈥檚 specific needs, now and for the future. Some projects might integrate elements like varying floor heights, door, window, or stair placements, along with unique structural features like conveyor belt openings, internal walls, and more. All waste management businesses in need of rugged, time-tested buildings can benefit from choosing quality frames and cladding, but adding the extra touch of project-specific custom designs can extend their structure鈥檚 capabilities and lifespan even further.
When companies choose building materials manufactured with quality and designed for a multitude of uses in tough conditions, they choose a long-lasting, versatile structure that will last for years. By combining the finest engineering and designed materials, adaptable and resilient structures can offer robustness and longevity to waste management operations. | WA
Margaret Foley is a Copywriter at ClearSpan Structures. She has a passion for environmental solutions and more than a decade of combined work experience in writing and marketing. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.ClearSpan.com.