Naked Buildings: You see them in thenews after a severe wind event - sheet metaldeck flapping and flying off buildings tofind a tree or pole. One could be excusedfor thinking that severe winds find sheetmetal clad buildings the way that tornadoesfind trailer parks. In reality, sheet metalcladding and deck panels have inherentstrength that can be properly utilized in de-sign to prevent your building from becom-ing the eye-candy of the disaster news story.

After the storm, looking for the respon-sible party is too little too late for an owner.The specification clearly identified the pro-prietary cladding product on the drawing.Perhaps the specification also includedcompliance to FM, UL or ASTM standards(e.g. FM 4450 Class 1, UL 580, ASTME1592) and CSSBI guidelines. An installa-tion subcontractor bid the project with thismaterial quoted from the manufacturer. Ifwe break this down, we start to see holes inthe process.

The Canadian Sheet Steel Building In-stitute (CSSBI) is an industry-sponsored or-ganization which provides importantresearch and manufacturer supported infor-

mation to assist in design, specification,handling and installation. Although theyprovide sample specifications and designprocedures, they do not provide design/per-formance standards or standard of care ex-pectations (e.g. not written in mandatorycontract or building code language).

Both UL and FM provide test basedcompliance standards that play a significantrole in ensuring that the product and instal-lation meet performance expectations. Atthe least, the owner/consultant can avoidtesting each assembly for every condition.Cladding manufacturers invest heavily intesting and proudly publish reports. Thefine print always advises that the tests maynot be sufficient compliance to any condi-tion or building code.

With some exceptions, mostcladding/deck manufacturers sell commod-ity component products at efficient prices.They usually supply a full range of parts, asa service convenience, but don’t sellcladding “systems” or structural engineer-ing services (e.g. select thickness, grades,fasteners or spacing). They may provideload tables and suggested assembly detailsfor the consultant’s design convenience andinclusion in project drawings. Only theproject consultants can deter-mine the suitability of any prod-uct or assembly.

Some cladding manufacturersretain their proprietary technol-ogy and testing information butthey can provide signed/sealeddrawings as part of the supplyprice to the sub-contractor, whenrequested in advance.

The supply/install subcontractor makesa submission based on guidance in the spec-ification and presumed compliance by asupplier, whose product may be explicitlydefined in the specification. Ultimately, theconsultant requires signed/sealed shopdrawings from the supplier, who looks tothe manufacturer, who doesn’t provide en-gineering services. This service probablywasn’t included as a line item in the sub’sbid price, wasn’t confirmed in bid qualifi-cation and may not be easily available.

A new team member, a steel buildingsystem consultant, can improve projectspecifications and component selectionsand ensure compliance of cladding suppliersubmissions. The steel building consultantalso supports the supply/install subcontrac-tor with services required to comply withsubmission and installation. Avoid thenaked building scenario in your projectportfolio by including a steel building ex-pert on the project team.

Paul Ransom, P.Eng. has been activelyinvolved in the steel building industry formore than 25 years, is a member of CSAA660 committee and the founder of Steel

Building Experts – specialists in providinginnovative services to maxi-

mize the quality, sustainabil-ity and safety of metal

building projects. For moreinformation go to www.steel-

buildingexperts.ca or call(905) 617-2729.

PAGE OCR B6 – MARCH 2014 – The Ontario Construction Report

NORTH AMERICAN STEEL CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE

PAUL RANSOM, P.ENGGuest Columnist — The GTA Construction Report

Exposing the truth behind Naked Buildings

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905-617-2729steelbuildingexperts.ca

905-639-9628paulransom.ca