Codes, Standards & Engineering
Every ESB steel building is developed around its intended use, site conditions and agreed specification. Structural design, manufacturing information and principal components are coordinated for the individual project.
PROJECT-SPECIFIC ENGINEERING
Engineering Starts with the Building
There is no single specification that suits every steel building. Its span, length, eaves height, openings, intended use and site location all influence the structural design and component specification.
ESB coordinates this information before manufacture so the building can be assessed against the relevant project requirements. The final design basis and applicable standards are confirmed through the engineering process.
DESIGN INPUTS
What Shapes the Structural Design?
The structural design is developed from the individual building configuration and the conditions it will encounter throughout its intended life.
Site Location and Exposure
The project postcode, altitude, surrounding terrain and degree of exposure help determine the wind and snow actions considered during the structural assessment.
Building Geometry
Span, length, eaves height, roof pitch and bay arrangement all influence the building loads, structural member sizes and overall frame configuration.
Openings and Load Paths
Roller doors, personnel doors, windows, open elevations and other large openings can affect bracing positions and the way loads are transferred through the structure.
Use and Additional Loads
The intended building use and any proposed solar panels, ceilings, services, storage systems or other additional loads should be identified before the structural design is finalised.
TECHNICAL FRAMEWORK
Design and Manufacturing Standards
The following standards and guidance are expected to form part of the ESB design and manufacturing framework. The precise standards, editions and UK National Annexes applicable to each building are confirmed by the structural engineer and relevant manufacturers.
Basis of Design and Loading
Structural loading is assessed using either the BS 6399 series or the BS EN 1991 series, according to the structural design method selected for the project.
Relevant standards include BS 6399-1:1996 for dead and imposed loads, BS 6399-2:1997 for wind loads and BS 6399-3:1988 for imposed roof loads.
The corresponding Eurocode references are BS EN 1991-1-1:2002 for self-weight and imposed loads, BS EN 1991-1-3:2003+A1:2015 for snow loads and BS EN 1991-1-4:2005+A1:2010 for wind actions, together with the relevant UK National Annexes.
Structural Steel Design
ESB cold-formed steel building frames are designed in accordance with BS 5950-5:1998 or BS EN 1993-1-3:2006, as selected by the structural engineer for the individual project.
Project-specific structural calculations are prepared and issued by a structural engineer with professional indemnity insurance.
Manufacture and Execution
Structural components and building kits are manufactured in accordance with the applicable parts of BS EN 1090.
These include BS EN 1090-1 for conformity assessment, BS EN 1090-2 for the execution of steel structures and BS EN 1090-4 for cold-formed structural steel elements. BS EN ISO 3834 applies where welding forms part of the manufacturing process.
Steel Materials and Protection
Continuously coated steel products are specified to BS EN 10346, with dimensional and shape tolerances to BS EN 10143.
BS EN ISO 1461 applies to hot-dip-galvanised fabricated components, while the BS EN ISO 12944 series applies to protective paint systems where required.
Roofing and Wall Cladding
Profiled metal roofing and wall cladding are specified with reference to BS EN 14782, BS EN 508-1 and the recommendations of BS 5427.
Factory-made, double-skin metal-faced insulated panels are specified to BS EN 14509.
Fire and Building Regulations
Fire and Building Regulations
Where required, product fire performance is classified using BS EN 13501-1 for reaction to fire and BS EN 13501-2 for fire resistance.
The completed building may also need to satisfy Approved Documents A, B, C and L, together with project-specific Building Control requirements.
DOCUMENTATION AND TRACEABILITY
Evidence Behind the Building
Structural design information must carry through into manufacture and delivery. Approved drawings, calculations and component information help ensure that the manufactured building corresponds with the agreed configuration and specification.
The documentation supplied for each project depends on the building design, product specification and ESB’s agreed scope of supply.
Project Documentation
The applicable project information may include:
Project-specific structural calculations
General arrangement drawings for approval
Foundation loads and base reactions
Structural member and component identification
Cladding and insulated-panel product information
Declaration of Performance and CE or UKCA information, where applicable
Delivery, assembly and erection information
Always refer to the latest approved drawings, structural information and project-specific documentation issued for the building.
PROJECT RESPONSIBILITIES
Clear Responsibilities at Every Stage
A properly coordinated building depends on accurate project information and clearly defined responsibilities. ESB, the structural engineer, the client and the appointed contractors each contribute different information and expertise.
ESB and the Structural Engineer
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Review the building dimensions, use, openings and supplied site information
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Determine the applicable structural design approach and loading criteria
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Prepare project-specific structural calculations and foundation reactions
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Produce the general arrangement and construction information
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Manufacture the agreed ESB building package to the approved specification
Client and Appointed Contractors
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Confirm the site location, intended use, dimensions and required openings
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Provide accurate ground levels, site conditions and relevant project information
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Obtain planning permission, Building Control approval and other required consents
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Arrange the foundation design and construction using the issued reactions
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Appoint competent contractors to unload, assemble and complete the building
The precise division of responsibility must be confirmed within the quotation, approved drawings and agreed project documentation.
ENGINEERING QUESTIONS
Codes, Standards and Engineering FAQs
Straightforward answers about structural design, applicable standards and project responsibilities.
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Which design standard will be used for my building?
The structural engineer selects the appropriate design method and applicable standards for the individual project. This may include the BS 5950 series or the relevant Eurocodes, depending on the building system, project requirements and engineering approach.
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Are all ESB buildings structurally calculated?
Each made-to-measure ESB building is assessed using its dimensions, openings, intended use, site location and applicable loading information. Project-specific structural calculations are prepared by the appointed structural engineer.
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Does ESB design the concrete foundations?
ESB can provide the structural reactions and base loads generated by the building design. The concrete slab, foundations and ground-bearing solution must be designed by a suitably qualified professional using those reactions and the actual ground conditions.
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Does compliance with structural standards guarantee Building Regulations approval?
No. Structural design forms only part of Building Regulations compliance. Requirements concerning fire safety, insulation, drainage, access and the proposed use must also be considered by the client, their professional advisers and Building Control.
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What engineering information will I receive?
The information supplied depends on the agreed project scope and building specification. It may include structural calculations, general arrangement drawings, foundation reactions, construction drawings, component identification and relevant product documentation.
START YOUR PROJECT
Discuss Your Steel Building with ESB
Tell us about the proposed use, site location, dimensions and required openings. We’ll help define the building specification and arrange the project-specific structural design information required for your ESB building.
Prefer to talk?
Call ESB Sales on 0800 009 6985