In their search for a new building, many of our customers quickly recognize the benefits of a steel building solution. But there are different types of steel buildings, and not all offer the same efficiencies and benefits. There are four main types of steel buildings that can fall under the umbrella of being pre-engineered solutions.
These are the Quonset Hut and its arch-type variants, the C-Channel Metal Building, the traditional Rigid Frame Metal Building system, and the Hybrid steel building solution.
Each of these steel building solutions has its merits, advantages and disadvantages; and each is better suited for specific functions and applications. We have explored the Rigid Frame and C-channel in great depth in previous blogs, so let’s now turn our attention to the Quonset Hut and other arch-type steel structures.
What Is a Quonset Hut / Arch Metal Building?
The Quonset Hut was the first pre-engineered steel building, originally manufactured as a temporary structure during the World Wars. It consisted of pole arches with sheets of metal cladding lain over top. These structures were incredibly easy to transport and, because of their stackability, could be easily assembled and reassembled on the war front.
One feature most appreciated during this time was the ability of the structure to contain and lift when a bomb was detonated inside of it. And, of course, because they were entirely made of steel components, the Quonset Hut was fire-resistant.
Tip: The Quonset and all arch-structures, like the C-Channel and Rigid Frame Metal Building Systems are made from 100% steel components. As such, they share an “A”-Fire Rating. Many customers don’t realize that this non-combustibility factor can save significant money on insurance premiums for the life of their pre-engineered steel building.
Like other pre-engineered steel buildings, today’s steel arch buildings must be custom engineered to withstand the loads and codes of the specific location in which they will be erected. Simply speaking, the gauge of the steel determines the ultimate strength of the structure – the lower the gauge, the thicker and stronger each arch will be.
The Arch – Strength and Integrity
The Quonset Hut serves many great purposes – and truth be told, I have a bit of a protective affiliation for it, because it was the first steel building I was taught to recognize, and to sell. The most amazing thing about the Quonset, is that the integrity of the entire structure remains entirely dependent on the integrity of each individual arch. And anyone who has traveled to Europe and witnessed the historical architecture there, understands the strength of that arch.
That the arch provides the structural support for the building means that all Quonsets have clear-span interior. As is the case for all pre-engineered steel buildings, columns and posts are not required for structural integrity. This means there is nothing to get in the way of 100% usable interior space.
Height measurements differ: an arch building’s height is taken from the center of the highest component – the highest point of the arch.
While C-channel or rigid frame buildings are measured at the EAVE HEIGHT (not at the peak) – where the sidewall meets the roof. A 12′ metal arch building may compare to a 9′ gable building depending on the pitch.
The arches are made of deep corrugated galvalume steel, where the corrugation itself provides added structural strength.
The corrugated panel serves as both the structure and the exterior covering – a hallmark of the economical design of arch steel buildings.
Depending on the width, several segments are bolted together to form each individual arch, which is then bolted to the next in sequence.
The arches are anchored to a foundation – usually a floating slab – with industrial base plates, which are essential to line up the arches without twisting.
Structural Security & Aesthetic Appeal
The first Quonsets were often referred to as dome structures. Their shiny, half-moon shapes quickly became a familiar sight across Canadian provinces, especially for agricultural uses like livestock housing and crop storage. But customers soon realized there was a significant amount of space lost on the sidewalls of the arch building. Manufacturers created variations to minimize this lost space, though some inefficiency remains.
In the last few decades, unexpectedly heavy snow and rain caused collapses in structures of many types, which led to stricter National Building Codes. The thicker gauges of steel required to meet these codes raised the cost of arch steel buildings significantly.
At the same time, some municipalities passed bylaws restricting arch-type structures in commercial and residential areas, citing their industrial aesthetic and shiny galvalume finish.
Tip: The types of loads and their magnitudes are critically important to the design and construction of any pre-engineered steel building. Both the location of the site where a building will be located, as well as the location and positioning of the building ON THAT site, are extremely important in determining the integrity of any pre-engineered steel structure. If a building is going to be located in an area with obstructions, other buildings or trees for example, then that building must be engineered to withstand the additional snow that may occur as a result of the snow shadow – that is, the redirected snow accumulations that are caused by the positioning of those obstructions, in relation to the steel building. Today, Pre-engineered Steel Building suppliers are very weary of obtaining this vital information from customers. When discussing your project, be certain to share information about your site with your Building Consultant.
It’s generally not recommended to apply paint to the arches of these structures, aesthetic customization is typically limited to the Endwalls. Since the arch itself provides the structural integrity, openings for doors and windows are also usually restricted to the Endwalls. Adding sidewall openings requires additional engineering and increases overall cost.
Tip: If you are buying a Quonset Hut, make sure to find out if both Endwalls of the structure have been included in your cost summary. Many suppliers consider the Endwall an optional feature and include it at an additional cost to the standard kit.
Many suppliers market metal arch building kits as do-it-yourself options, but bolting thousands of connections and maintaining alignment of the arches can be tedious and time consuming.
Tip: Make sure to discuss the inclusion of the base plate connector in your building quote. This connector will help to diminish the twisting of the arches during construction.
Butyl rubber caulking applied between the arches during the construction process has been shown to reduce the possibility of water leakage in these steel arch buildings.
Tip: Many suppliers consider this caulking an optional feature and include it only at an additional cost to the standard kit. It is extremely difficult to apply effectively after the building has been erected.
Key Considerations for Your Quonset Hut / Arch Metal Building Project
- Intended Use and Space Requirements: Arched metal steel buildings are often suited for smaller spans (up to about 35’ wide), backyard shops, garages, and agricultural storage.
- Building Codes and Permits: Site-specific snow loads, positioning, and local bylaws can limit where arched metal buildings may be approved.
- Choosing a Reputable Provider: Ask whether base plate connectors, endwalls, and caulking are included in your cost summary, as these are sometimes listed as optional.
Closing Out
There is little doubt that the Quonset Hut and other arch-type structures have provided valuable solutions for many customers. Once a very affordable steel option, they have become more specialized as building codes and municipal bylaws imposed stricter guidelines.
As a result, these buildings now serve a narrower segment of the market. Their increased cost and issues with aesthetics have led many customers to consider other pre-engineered systems, such as C-Channel or Rigid Frame structures, which offer comparable do-it-yourself assembly or wider spans with different design flexibility.
When you buy a building from Norsteel, we become your partner throughout the process. We work with you, or with your general contractor, to ensure that all your building requirements are met. Your project is our project, and we’ll be with you the whole way through.
Have questions about the right steel building for your project? Call us at 1-866-822-4022 or fill out the form on our Contact page to connect with a building consultant.
