Revolutionizing construction with Everest steel building solutions

The world of construction has witnessed a paradigm shift with the rise of Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEBs), which have redefined engineering, design, and execution. At a recent Everest Connect Event Panel Discussion in Ahmedabad, experts delved into the nuances of pre-engineered solutions, emphasizing their engineering-based tonality rather than just material-specific categorization.

Beyond RCC: The rise of pre-engineered solutions

Traditionally, construction relied heavily on Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC), but today, the industry has embraced pre-engineered, pre-fabricated, and pre-cast methodologies. As one of the panelists rightly pointed out, RCC members are now available in pre-cast forms, indicating a shift toward an all-encompassing pre-engineered approach.

Defining specifications: A multi-faceted approach

Before finalizing specifications for any project, it is imperative to determine the purpose and functionality of the building. This includes:

·  Understanding the operation and maintenance requirements

·  Deciding the building’s lifecycle (5, 20, or 50 years)

·  Considering environmental factors such as cyclonic zones, coastal areas, and chemical-afflicted zones

Structural engineers’ factor in these parameters before defining the design basis. Once this clarity is achieved, decisions can be made regarding roofing materials, structural components, and protective measures.

Material selection: A wide spectrum of choices

Gone are the days when a single roofing solution dominated the market. Today, PEBs offer multiple roofing and cladding options, including:

·   PPGI sheets

·   PVC sheets

·   FRP sheets

·    Screw-down systems

The key is to analyze why, when, what, and how before selecting the most suitable material. Corrosion resistance, ventilation, and lighting considerations also play a crucial role in material selection.

The art of layout planning in PEBs

While architects play a significant role in factory and industrial layouts, they may not always have insights into:

·   Wind bracing and expansion joints

·   Optimized ventilation and lighting solutions

·   Erection and treatment issues in PEBs

Thus, PEB solutions require an integrative approach where designers, engineers, and contractors work together to ensure optimal functionality without compromising execution feasibility.

Understanding the distinction: Pre-engineered vs. Prefabricated

Sricharan Vulchi, VP & Business Head, Everest steel building solutions, highlighted a common misconception— PEBs are not just pre-fabricated structures. He explained that while PEBs are engineered, designed, detailed, manufactured, and installed as an end-to-end solution, pre-fabrication simply involves following consultant-provided drawings without incorporating value engineering.

The discussion also brought forward an analogy: “Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings” vs. “Pre-Engineered Buildings.” Just as people associate Colgate with toothpaste, the term PEB has become synonymous with steel buildings, but it is essential to differentiate pre-engineered steel buildings from other pre-engineered solutions.

The road ahead: Embracing value-engineered PEBs

A key takeaway from the discussion was the need for more accountability in contracts. One audience member pointed out that contractors often follow designs without questioning their efficiency, leading to missed opportunities for value engineering.

As the industry advances, collaborative and informed decision-making will play a vital role in maximizing PEB efficiency, optimizing costs, and ensuring long-term durability. This event reinforced that PEBs are not merely a structural alternative but a holistic engineering solution that revolutionizes modern construction.