How Do I Know What Building Foundations I Need?
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You can’t build a great building on a weak foundation.” While often used as a metaphor for character, it applies perfectly to commercial steel buildings too. A solid foundation is essential for ensuring the long-term success, reliability, and durability of your steel structure. The right foundation protects your steel building against harsh weather, moisture, and ground movement, safeguarding your investment for years to come. That’s why choosing the right foundation is one of the most important steps in any commercial steel project. With various foundation options available, it might feel a little overwhelming to select the best one for your project. But don’t worry – at BM Steels, our expert team is always on hand to guide you through the process. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of steel building foundations and explain why they are crucial for a successful build.
Types of Foundations for Commercial Steel Buildings
Every steel project is unique, so the choice of foundation will depend on your specific site and the scope of the project. After a thorough site survey, our engineers will recommend the best foundation for your building’s needs. When it comes to steel structures, the three main foundation types are:
• Pad Foundations
• Strip Foundations
• Piled Foundations
Here’s a closer look at each option.
Pad Foundations
Pad foundations are a popular choice for buildings that need porous floors rather than solid concrete ones. They’re ideal for agricultural buildings, barns, equestrian centres, and partially open structures like pavilions. With pad foundations, square holes are dug into the ground and filled with mass concrete to form solid cubes. The steel columns are then bolted onto these cubes, which serve as the building’s foundation. The size of each concrete pad will vary depending on the ground conditions and the size of the steel frame.
Strip Foundations
In some cases, strip foundations are needed to connect the pad foundations around the building’s perimeter. These foundation strips help link the pads and support any perimeter walls that may be required. Like pad foundations, strip foundations are engineered based on soil type and load requirements. This ensures that they provide sufficient strength and stability for the structure.
Piled Foundations
Piled foundations are used when the ground conditions are poor or when the building’s load is particularly heavy. A pile foundation consists of deep holes drilled into the ground and filled with reinforced steel and mass concrete. These piles transfer the building’s load to deeper, more stable layers of soil or rock. The tops of the piles are often connected to pile caps and strip foundations, reinforcing the structure even further.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Foundation
Our team of civil engineers will take several factors into account when deciding which foundation is right for your steel building, including:
• Soil type and quality: Different soils have different load-bearing capacities, so it’s crucial to choose the right foundation for your site.
• Building load: This includes the weight of the structure itself as well as any vehicles, machinery, or equipment that will be housed within the building.
• Weather conditions: Wind, rain, snow, and even potential seismic activity all need to be factored in when selecting your foundation.
• Frost lines: In colder climates, foundations need to be deep enough to prevent damage from frost heave.
• Building dimensions: The size and layout of the building also play a role in determining the most suitable foundation.
Why Solid Foundations Are Crucial
A strong foundation is critical for the long-term performance of any steel building. Here’s why:
• Weight distribution: A solid foundation ensures that the weight of the building is evenly distributed, preventing overloading and structural issues.
• Protection from moisture and pests: A well-constructed foundation helps keep water and pests out, which can extend the lifespan of the building.
• Stability: The right foundation prevents the building from shifting or sinking, ensuring that it remains level and secure.
At BM Steels, our experts will carefully assess your site and recommend the best foundation for your project’s specific needs. We’ll also guide you through the reinforcement options and explain the necessary curing times for the foundation to set properly.
Let BM Steels Help Lay the Foundation for Your Success
When you work with BM Steels, you can trust that our experienced team will lay a strong, stable foundation that’s built to last. Whether it’s a warehouse, agricultural building, or industrial facility, we’re committed to providing high-quality foundations that set your project up for long-term success.
To learn more about our steel foundation solutions or to request a no-obligation, free estimate, get in touch with us today. We’re here to help you every step of the way.