Steel Metal Building Design

PEBs are designed by companies using their own custom software that must include some black arts routines. I don't know of anyone who has reproduced their results with available software.

Creative bribery could fix that....

I do not know of any commercially available software programs that will allow you to design or analyze PEBs. Many of the primary steel frame members used in PEB's are rigid, multi-hinged, and non-prismatic.

Like what passington has stated, the PEB designers utilize proprietary software platforms that they've developed over the decades.

Unless you want to develop your own in-house software, I suggest that you perform hand calculations. It certainly can be done. I know this because I have done it many times in the past to evaluate existing PEB steel frames to upgrade and reinforce them (at Owner's insistence) for compliance to current Building Code Standards.

===signed,

CaptMoosie, Ph.D, P.E.

I forgot to mention above that many PEB's, depending on the building layout, size, and configuration, feature multiple bays and spans with continuous girders therefore making many frames indeterminate.......you'll have to perform FEM techniques in the design and analysis. But having non-prismatic girders and columns makes this a more difficult endeavor to say the least.

Why do you want to re-invent the wheel? I've heard the ads of The General for years, here in Ca. I really know nothing about the company, but their ads have always sounded responsible and knowledgeable. There must be at least several others...

Do not waste your time the steel building people have the specs for location, snow load, once in100 year events etc. Prices are not going to be beat by doing it yourself as they buy in quantity far exceeding one building purchase. In these economic times the prices are very low. Back in the 80's I had a 30 x 60 insulated erected for $ 28,000.00 and still looks great today.. At the time I had a complete building for the price of lumber alone not to mention insulation. labour, siding etc..

It is always best to contract building inspection dept and get the proper snow load for the geography as well as seismic possibilities. I have found that if properly spec-ed out they heat reasonably and keep relatively cool with proper insulation and colour choices. Plenty of ceiling fans also keep the heating costs much lower even on moderate hight.

Since your building sites are to be located in California, then you should (search) for something like ''metal building california'' to get quite a selection of specific and locally qualified construction candidates.

If you want build in another state, then search similarly, and exclusively, within that state. In any case, hire from among in-state, experienced construction companies, and rely on their specific software, knowledge, expertise, and engineering licenses.

If you happen to be a licensed engineer in another state, then you should not want to risk increased liability, etc.... by trying to practice your engineering discipline in a state in which you are not licensed... California lawyers will line-up to (illuminate...) the error of your ways, if you try there...

A very good find davlamb! GA from me! I didn't even know this company and it's software existed until now.

I can just image what it costs + yearly licensing fees!!! OUCH!!!!!!

Sincere thanks for valuable "on topic" information and wisdom.