GENERAL ERECTION MANUAL

Home page     General Erection Manual.


TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION:

PAGES

1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1

2 FOUNDATIONS

2-4

3 ORGANIZING THE ERECTING: PROCEDURE AND EQUIPMENT

5

4 MATERIAL LAYOUT 6
5 RIGID FRAME BUILDING: OVERALL FRAMING 7
6 ERECTING THE FRAME 8-13
7 INSULATION 14-16
8 SHEETING INSTALLATION: GENERAL INFORMATION 17
9 WALL SHEETING INSTALLATION 18-25
10 ROOF SHEETING INSTALLATION 26-29
11 TRIM INSTALLATION DETAILS 30-32
12 ACCESSORIES SECTION 33
13 CABLE BRACE GRIP APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 34
14 TYPICAL METAL BUILDING MATERIALS 35
15 METAL BUILDING NOMENCLATURE 36

GENERAL INFORMATION

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

    Upon request, the Manufacturer of its Marketing Service may supply the name(s) of potential vendors that supply additional components and contractors to install concrete and erect the building components or to perform other work pertaining to the installation and erection of the building components. Manufacturer nor its Marketing Service have not investigated such vendors and contractors, and the provision of the name(s) does not constitute a recommendation of their skill or competence.

    It is important to the buyer to rely solely on his own investigation when selecting a vendor or contractor.  It is also important to check for comparisons and to be completely satisfied as to price, quality and timeliness as to the job.  The Manufacturer and its Marketing Service or other affiliates are not, nor will be involved in construction; any representation or agreement between Dealer or Contractor and Buyer concerning delivery, construction, modifications or other items are between the parties thereto.

    This manual is intended to provide buyers and their erectors with some recommended procedures for erecting their building components.  However, Manufacturer is not liable for the quality of erection, safety procedures during erection, poor foundation design or construction, site preparation, site selection, including soil and drainage testing or the negligence of other parties.

Because of the wide variation throughout the country in loading and zoning requirements and environmental conditions (snow, wind, etc.), it is the responsibility of the builder or owner to make certain that his building conforms to all codes and is adequate to withstand local environmental conditions. When necessary, and upon specific request, the Building Manufacturer can engineer supply building components to meet special requirements, at moderate additional cost.

    Before starting construction, we suggest that you read the erection procedure and thoroughly study the specific erection drawings marked for construction supplied with your building.  This will allow you to plan the work properly and could avoid unnecessary delays during construction.  You should also familiarize yourself with laws and regulations governing permitting, labor and employment, safety, material handling and disposal, and any other issues which may apply to your business.

    Erection of these buildings, as all construction, can be very dangerous.  Dealer and Buyer are responsible for all safety procedures, and should follow all appropriate for all safety procedures, and should follow all appropriate rules and regulations as well as standard industry safety procedures.

    Corrections of minor misfits and a reasonable amount of cutting and reaming are considered a part of erection.  Errors in fabrication which prevent the proper assembly and fitting of parts by moderate use of reaming, chipping, or cutting should be reported to the fabricator, so that he may either correct the error or approve the method of correction to be used.

back to top

page 1


FOUNDATIONS

General Information

    Foundation design and construction are the most important steps in the building process, and the contractor or owner is ultimately responsible for the quality of the foundation.  It must be noted that improper or inadequate foundation construction will severely limit the building performance and could lead to costly repair or rebuilding.

     It is essential that the building foundation meet certain design assumptions and load conditions.  For this reason, all building foundations should be designed by a local soils engineer, in accordance with local city, county and state codes.

     Certain basic guidelines and considerations for foundation design are outlined on the anchor bolt drawings furnished by the company.  Careful consideration of the following notes will be helpful in completing the foundation.

General Foundation Notes

  1. The top of the floor or foundation must be square, level and smooth, and the anchor bolts accurately set to a tolerance of (PLUS OR MINUS) 1/16" on dimensions within the group spacing for an individual member.  All other dimensions shall be within (PLUS OR MINUS) 1/8".
  2. All embedded structural steel (including reinforcing bars, wire mesh and anchor bolts) will not be supplied by the building Manufacturer.
  3. All anchor bolts should be  3/4" ANCHOR BOLTS  in order to conform to manufacturer's design assumptions.
  4.  Refer to Anchor Bolt Plans for specific details and dimensions

page 2


SQUARING THE FORM WITH STRING LINES

Foundation Layout

    Regardless of the type of foundation that is used and its specific configuration, the foundation outline should be carefully and accurately laid out before any excavation is made.  Whenever possible, a transit or similar means should be used to lay out the foundation perimeter this will insure accurate placement of corner measures and, in turn, insure a square foundation.

    Your building is manufactured to close tolerances and therefore requires a square and level foundation.  Several methods may be used to achieve the proper foundation

NOTE: Wind can blow the strings sideways, or the strings might sag while putting up forms.  Support the string lines to prevent this if necessary

Diagonal Method picture Right triangle method
Another method of assuring a square foundation is the Right Triangle Method.  Use the dimensions of the two sides of the right triangle A and B as shown in the chart and adjust the string lines to obtain the proper length for C.  Check square of all four corners
Dimension A Dimension B Dimension C
15' 20' 25'
18' 24' 30'
21' 28' 35'
24' 32' 40'
27' 36' 45'
30' 40' 50'

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                     page 3


 FOUNDATION FORMS AND ANCHOR BOLTS

FORMING

 

After the building foundation has been designed, careful planning should be exercised in the construction of its forms.  To the right is an example of the panel notch forming necessary for the accommodation of the building paneling.

It is extremely important that all Anchor Bolts be placed accurately in accordance with the Anchor Bolt Plan.  Before pouring concrete, study carefully the following general notes describing size, type and position of Anchor Bolts.

Setting Anchor Bolts

  1. Use 3/4" Anchor Bolts or equivalent. Not supplied by building manufacturer.
  2. The threaded portion of the bolt should be a minimum of 2-1/2". Anchor Bolts should project 2" minimum above surface of concrete.  (Refer to Anchor Bolt Setting Plan.)
  3. All Anchor Bolts should be held in place with a template (see right) or similar means in order to remain plumb during the pouring of the concrete.  All templates should be prepared in advance so that they can be quickly nailed into place.  Be sure to clean machine oil from bolts before placing them in template.  The bolt threads should be covered or protected from concrete during pouring.
  4. Air Relief Holes should be drilled in the template to allow trapped air to escape.  When floating concrete, vibrate until wet concrete appears at top of air relief holes.

 

Page 4 picture

back to top

page 4


ORGANIZING THE ERECTING: PROCEDURE AND EQUIPMENT

A.     Material Layout:

a.                  “Shake-Out” of Materials Near Foundation

b.                  Laying building parts on lumber.  Cover with tarps if conditions require.

B.     Assembling Parts:

a.                  Attaching all clips and plates and joining structural members together where specified by the proper erection procedure.

C.     Erecting Main Frames:

a.                  Set main columns over anchor bolts.

b.                  Lift main rafters in line with columns.

c.                   Attach wall girts.

d.                  Attach roof purlins.

e.                  Attach flange braces to girts and purlins.

f.                    Attach cable bracing.

D.    Erect Endwall Frames:

a.                  Set endwall columns and jambs.

b.                  Lift endwall rafter in line with columns.

c.                   Attach endwall girts.

d.                  Attach cable bracing and square building.

E.     Square Building

F.      Frame walk doors and window openings

G.    Exterior sheeting procedures:

a.                  Attach sidewall sheeting.

b.                  Attach endwall sheeting.

c.                   Eave trim.

d.                  Attach roof sheeting.

H.    Install accessories and trim

Exercise common safety practices when using equipment for building construction

 Required Tools and Equipment
  • Electric power source nearby

  •  Electric impact wrench

  •  Level 4’ long

  •   Drift pins or punches

  •  Gin pole or hoisting equipment

  •  Come-Along

  •  Taglines, chain, or cables with chokers

  •  Ladders

  •  Electric drill and bits

  •  Rope or cable (for temporary bracing)

  •  Box wrench, open end wrench, and sockets (probable sizes used: 3/4”,  7/8”, 1-1/16”, 1-1/4”, 1-7/16”)

  •  Screw gun with 2,500 RPM adjustable torque

  •  Screw gun socket drivers size 5/16” and 3/8”

  •  Concrete drill with masonry bits

  •  Steel measuring tapes 25’ and 100’ long

Optional Tools and Equipment
  •  Vise Grips or Clamps

  •  Scaffolding

  •  Metal shims

  •  Washers

  •  Acetylene torch set

  •  Power actuated nail gun

back to top

page 5


MATERIAL LAYOUT

           After the building material is unloaded, it should be placed in and around the building site near the place where it will be used.  This is referred to as “Shaking Out.”  While each job will vary according to the size or site conditions, the layout below typifies an arrangement which offers conveniences for assembly.  Columns and roof beams are laid in position for rising.  Girts, Purlins, Columns and Braces are divided according to the requirements of each bay.  Each part is numbered for quick identification.

Carefully check these numbers against shipping lists to insure that the correct parts and quantities have been received.

            The layout of materials illustrated below is provided as an aid to identify and locate building parts.  Once the erection procedure has begun, however, erection crews and machinery must have access to that portion of the building which is under construction.

CAUTION:

WATER SENSITIVE MATERIALS

(Bare or Coated Galvanized, Galvalume, Aluminized, Aluminum, etc.) These panels or boxes must be stored in a dry, warm atmosphere.  If this material is allowed to get wet or moisture is permitted to form (condensation) between the materials, serious deterioration of the finish will occur.

FOR YOUR OWN PROTECTION

If these materials get wet, separate and dry all materials immediately.

 

Overview picture

back to top

page 6


RIGID FRAME BUILDING: OVERALL FRAMING

           The illustration below is a three-bay structure of typical Rigid Frame clear span design, with top-mounted “Z” purlins, and sidewall girts.  Endwall girts are flush mounted.

            However, since the manufacturer provides various building designs for its customers, all details shown represent typical buildings and connections only, and variations may exist.

PLEASE NOTE:  This erection booklet must be used in conjunction with the erection drawings marked “For Construction” supplied with your building materials.

Building overview

   

page 7B picture

  Listed below is a list of check points to use when plumbing all wall columns.  Using a carpenter’s level will show if they are not plumb.

  1. Uneven concrete at the base of columns is the most common culprit.  Sometimes dirt, pebbles, or debris is hidden beneath the base plate.  Simply removing the column and cleaning away the debris will plumb the column.  Other times the concrete has set up unevenly in which case metal shimming is required.  Torque anchor bolts tight after shim is in place. Check for plumb.  Repeat process with thicker or thinner shim if required.
  2. Improperly set anchor bolts that are too far apart or too close together will cause unlevel frames.  Minor shimming at the haunch and peak will correct this.

back to top

        page 7


ERECTING THE FRAMING

           Begin erection of the building starting with an interior Bay, preferably one with no window or door openings (an uninterrupted bay) and one with permanent wind bracing.

Step 1 picture Step 2 picture
Step 3 picture Step 4 picture
Step 5 picture

step 6 and 7 picture

page 8


Step 8: Add all field cut openings, walk door openings, window openings and base angle

page 9


Framed Opening Details

page 11

SECTION "A"

SECTION "B"

SECTION "C"

section A diagram section b diagram section c diagram
  1. 4 x 3, 16 gauge clips & #12 screws will be provided for all framed openings.
  2. Member screws are used to attach panel and/or trim  to the structures. These fasteners may be self tapping or self drilling

DETAIL AT HEAD TRIM

Detail head trim photo
page 10

Step 9: add purlin bridging angle and sheeting angle.  Purlin Bridging angles are valuable in maintaining purlin spacing, and their installation is a very important step in the erection process.

page 11


Step 10 picture

page 12


STEP 11

Final structural framing inspection

  • Conduct final Inspection on all structural bolts

Be sure that all connections have proper amount of bolts installed, and proper torque

  • Check wall for plumbness and make necessary adjustments using shims where required.

Check all framed openings for square and plumb
  • Apply touch up primer to areas where field modifications were performed.

NOTE - Turn of the nut method:

There shall first be enough bolts brought to a snug tight condition to insure that the parts of the joint are brought into good contact with each other.  Snug tight is defined as tightness at the low impact setting of an impact wrench or the full effect of a man using an ordinary spud wrench.  All nuts should then be turned an additional 1/3 of a turn to produce minimum allowed tension.

back to top

page 13


INSULATION

NOTE: The insulation outlined on this page is a general representation of most typical insulations and their installation.  However, individual manufacturers may vary slightly in their insulation types and application procedures.

If insulation for the building is desired, longer screws may be needed. The standard 1" long self drilling screws (S.D.S) will suffice for blanket insulation up to 3-1/2" thick. Optional 1-1/2" long self drilling screws (S.D.S) will be needed for blanket insulation 4" to 6" thick. For insulation types other than fiberglass blanket type, special screws will be needed.  Please consult with insulation supplier on this matter.

Insulation overview diagram

page 14


Insulation Tape Placement

Blanket Insulation Details

page 17 picture
Eave trim insulation detail detail at base
gutter detail at eave detail at rake

NOTES

  1. Details shown above are for blanket insulation.

  2. Blanket insulation over 3" thick require longer member screws.

  3. Rigid board insulation may require longer member screws.

  4. Fasteners and sealants are omitted for clarity.

page 15


Blanket Insulation Details (con't)

blanket insulation detail picture

CAUTION!

Failure to tuck facing of insulation back from the panel edge at the base and eave could result in irreparable panel damage and will void the panel warranty.

 

Back to top

page 16


SHEETING INSTALLATION

 General Sheeting Instructions

 

  •         Identify the sidewall sheets, the endwall sheets, and roof sheets.  Prearrange them in a convenient location near portion of the building being worked on.  Be certain to use the correct length of sheet before fastening it to the building.

  •         Be sure all sheets are secured or protected from the wind at all times

  •         Install the sidewall sheets first, beginning on the side away from the primary visual source, such as the rear wall of the building.  This will produce the best appearance, because the sheeting laps will be on the side away from the viewer.

Do not use roll caulking (mastic sealant) on laps when sheeting sidewalls

  •         Install the endwall panels next, again concealing the laps away from the front view of building.

Do not use roll caulking (mastic sealant) on laps when sheeting endwalls

  •         The roof sheets are installed last.  Start these so that the laps are away from the prevailing wind.  It is standard among metal buildings to use roll caulking (mastic sealant) on laps when sheeting the roof.

  •         Use self-tapping screws (S.T.S) at all locations where screws go through only sheeting or trim.  Use self-drilling screws (S.D.S) at all locations where they go through both sheeting and purlins and girts.

  •         For effective results, it is vital that an adjustable torque screw gun with 2,500 RPM be used for the self-drilling screws supplied with your building.  Failure to use a 2,500 RPM gun speed will result in broken drill points on these screws.

NOTE: Occasionally the rubber washer may spin out from under the self drilling screw head; replace it with a new self drilling screw. (S.D.S) If this becomes frequent, reduce the torque on the screw gun or replace it as needed.

NOTE: Occasionally the screw hole of a self tapping screw (S.T.S) may become oversized, use a #17 x 3/4” self tapping screw (S.T.S) to correct this.  If this becomes frequent, reduce the torque on the screw gun or replace it as needed.

back to top

page 17


WALL SHEETING INSTALLATION

Step 1

      Diagram for identifying the wall panels, the proper seam lap, and the proper screw placement when fastening the sheets to the building.

page 22 picture
NOTE: Wall sheeting does not require role caulking (mastic sealant) and is NOT supplied for wall sheeting

 

DISCLAIMER FOR ARCHITECTURAL PANEL

The architectural style panel will occasionally reflect a wavy appearance.  This is referred to in the industry as “oil canning” and this condition can magnify when panels are placed over blanket insulation.  Oil canning is a characteristic of a flat surfaced panel and can be found throughout the industry.  Therefore, when ordering an architectural panel, you must realize this may or may not occur and is not a manufacturing error.  It appears more pronounced in darker colors.  The waviness will be warranted as far as certification and integrity.  However panels will not be warranted for oil canning and/or appearance.  Please be aware that this may occur and advise your customer (for your own protection) before ordering.

page 18


Step 2

Pre-drilling the high rib lap for self-tapping screws (S.T.S)

      Prearrange the sheeting in stacks near the area convenient to where they will be attached to the building.  Measure the lengths of the sheets and check them with the area to be covered.

      Make certain that the sheets at one end of the stack are lined up; this end should be set at the base of the building.  Secure the stack firmly while drilling to prevent misalignment.

      On the exterior lapping rib, mark the pilot hole to be pre-drilled at 18” spaces, start 2 ¾” in from the bottom end of the sheets. Use 1/8” diameter drill bit.  Remember drill pilot holes only this side of the sheet.

Do not drill holes in siphon side of sheets

 

      Stop 18” hole pattern 12” from top end of sheeting due to eave and gable flashing in later steps.

 

step 2 picture

page 19


Step 3

Begin sheeting the sidewalls first. Plan the lap so that it is not visible from the front of the building.  Start the first sheet at corners with center of high rib in line with edge of steel line as shown.  See next page for center line starting point for  first sheet.

it is very important that you use a level to plumb the wall sheets while holding them to place by hand.  When plumb, run the first two screws through the girt to hold the sheet in place.

step 3 picture

 

page 20


Step 4

After completing sidewall sheets continue with the endwall sheets.

 

step 4 picture

page 21


Erectorpage26.jpg (49099 bytes) NOTES:
  1. All details shown with 8" deep structural members and standard wall panels.  Refer to your salesperson for non-standard conditions.
  2. Refer to information furnished by door manufacturer for complete door installation instructions.
  3. Member screws are used to attach panel and/or trim to the structurals.  These fasteners may be self-drilling or self-tapping.
detail at jamb base picture
DETAIL "A" DETAIL "B" DETAIL "C"
detail a diagram detail b diagram detail c diagram

page 22


Window Details

window picture Notes:
  1. Field cut wall panels at windows to the required rough opening size.  Be sure to field check all measurements before cutting.
  2. Windows must be installed from center to center of the high ribs to be self flashing.
  3. Windows are installed from inside of the building by setting the sill over the bottom panel and tilting into the vertical position.
  4. Caulk the top and side panels around the windows
Nominal window Width Rough Opening Width

2'-0"

1'-10"

3'-0" 2'-10"
4'-0" 3'-10"
5'-0" 4'-10"
6'-0" 5-10"
Net Window Height Rough Opening Height
2'-0" 2'-1/2"
3'-0" 3'-1/2"
4'-0" 4'-1/2"
5'-0" 5'-1/2"

page 23


SECTION "A" SECTION "B" SECTION "C"
section a & b diagram section c diagram

page 24


picture step 5

NOTE: When fastening the top of the eave trim to the sheet highs use 3 or 4 screws per 10' length of trim.  Locate these screws in line with a high rib, so that when sheeting the roof, the screw head will not obstruct the roof sheet.

Pop rivets or #14 x 7/8" to connect end laps of flashing together.

back to top

page 25


ROOF SHEETING INSTALLATION

 

STEP 6

Installing the roof sheeting:  Use the stack pre-drilling method like that shown for the wall sheets on page 19.

step 6 picture

page 26


DETAIL "A"

Extend sheets four inches past ace simple eave trim

typical screw pattern diagram
detail A picture

STEP 7

The numbers shown on the roof sheeting below indicate the order of which they are to be applied.  Note the ladder detail showing easy access while on the roof and the ridge cap detail for buildings with steep roof pitches.

CAUTION: NEVER walk on or step on High-rib part of sheet.  Always walk on lower part of sheeting where it is fastened to the roof purlins.

CAUTION: If not using a sheeting ladder, always lay down a 2"x8"x10' or larger board support to walk on roof sheeting between purlins.

Notice: Install your ridge cap panel as the roof sheets are installed. Do not place all your roof sheets, then go back and place your ridge caps later.

Step 7 picture SHEETING LADDER- A method of moving on the roof to prevent sheeting damage between purlins.  Also used for support on higher pitched roofs.
Sheeting ladder picture

    page 27


Skylight Details
skylight detail picture NOTES:
  1. All end laps must be a minimum of 6".
  2. 3" reinforcement panels are required only on the lower and middle purlins.
  3. Taps seal must be applied with no gaps or breaks.
  4. Member screws are used to attach the panel to the structurals.

 

Screw layout detail Detail at high side panel lap condition
screw layout picture high side panel picture

 

page 28


Ridge Vent Installation Details

view continous vent picture continous vent

 

view round vent

 

 

NOTES:

  1. One pull cable and winch is furnished for every three round or continuous vents with dampers.
  2. The cable must pull the damper bar or pull chain straight.
  3. Vents with fixed dampers are similar.
  4. Refer to the information furnished by the vent manufacturer for complete vent installation and operation instructions.
  5. Member screws are used to attach the panel to the structurals.
round vent picture

Cable picture

Back to top

page 29


TRIM INSTALLATION DETAIL

IMPORTANT: Always sweep the roof and any other places, such as on the base trim, clean of drill shavings.  Neglecting to do this will result in unsightly rust stains.

NOTE: Pop rivets are supplied to connect end laps of flashing pieces.

STEP 8

 

page 30


corner building view

page 31


Gutter, Rake, Eave and Downspout Details

DETAIL AT RAKE
Rake Details picture 1 Rake Details picture 2
DOWNSPOUT DETAILS
Erectorpage40pic3.jpg (12957 bytes) Downspout details picture 2
NOTE:
  1. Make sure building is plumb and square before sheeting.
  2. Rake trim, gutter and eave trim lap 2".  All other trim laps 1".
  3. Do not cut wall panels with a circular saw after the panels are installed.   The hot shavings may damage the panel finish and void the panel warranty.
  4. Metal shavings must be swept from the roof each day to avoid surface rusting.

 

DETAIL AT GUTTER
Detail at gutter

Back to top

page 32


ACCESSORIES SECTION

NOTE: Uninsulated Hi-rib Skylights

  • The skylight sizes will be approximately 5'-8", 8'-6 1/2", 11'-4" and 17'-1"

  • The 5'-8" skylight will cover up to one 5' purlin space in the roof.

  • The 11'-4" skylight will cover up to two 5' purlin space in the roof.

  • The 17'-1" skylight will cover up to three 5' purlin space in the roof or for a full length skylight on a sidewall with less than a 17' eave.

  • The 8'-6 1/2" skylight will work in the sidewall only or with sliding doors.

page 33


CABLE BRACE GRIP APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Erectorpage42part1.jpg (66747 bytes)
Cable Bracing steps 5 thru 7

Back to top

page 34


TYPICAL METAL BUILDING MATERIALS

metal building materials

Back to top

page 35


METAL BUILDING NOMENCLATURE

Base Angle
10' sections of angle secured to the foundation to support the wall sheeting a the base.
Bay
The distance between the main frames is from an end frame to a main frame measured parallel to the ridge.
Bracket
A structural support projecting from a column on which to fasten another structural member.
Built-up section
A structural member, usually an "I" section made from individual flat plates welded together.
Canopy
A projecting beam extending out from the sidewall that is supported and restrained at one end only.
Clip
An angle or plate used for fastening several members together.
Drift pin
A tapered pin used during erection to align holes in steel members to be bolted.
Eave
The line along the top of the sidewall formed by the intersection of the roof and sidewall.
Flashing
A light gauge metal trim which provides a weather seal and which also enhances the appearance of the building corners, gable line, eave line, and around openings.
Framed opening
Jambs, headers and flashing which surround an opening in the wall of a metal building.
Gable
The triangular portion of the endwall that slopes from the top corner of the eave line to the peak.
Girt
A horizontal structural member that is attached to sidewall or end wall columns and supports the wall sheeting.
Header
A horizontal framing member located at the top of a framed opening.
Jamb
The vertical framing members located at the sides of an opening.
Lean-to
A structure having only one slope and is dependent upon another structure for partial support.
Overhang
An extension of the roof beyond the endwall.
Purlin
A horizontal structural member attached to the primary frame and which supports the roof sheeting.
Rafter
Main beam supporting the roof system.
Single slope
A building having a roof sloping in one direction from sidewall to sidewall.
Soffit
The underside covering of any exterior portion of a building, such as an overhang or mansard.
Wind column
A vertical member supporting an endwall, designed to withstand horizontal wind loads.

 

Back to top

page 36


 

 

Commercial../Pictures of Commercial Buildings../Why buy an Ace Commercial Metal Building../Residential../Industrial Panal and Trim Color Selection Chart../Pricing../Installation../Pictures of Residential Buildings../Why Buy an Ace Residential Metal Building../Components../General Erection Manual.

HOME PAGE