| |
PEBs |
Conventional Steel Buildings |
| Design |
Quick and efficient; since PEBs are mainly formed of standard sections and connections, design time is significantly reduced. Basic designs are used over and over. |
Slow, each conventional steel structure is designed from scratch by the consultant, with fewer design aids available to the engineer. |
| Delivery |
Average 6 to 8 weeks. |
Average 20 to 26 weeks. |
| Foundations |
Simple design, easy to construct and light weight. |
Extensive, heavy foundations required. |
| Erection Cost & Time |
Both costs & time of erection are minimized. The erection process is easy, fast, step by step and with hardly any requirement for equipments. |
Typically, they are 20% more expensive than PEBs. In most cases, the erection costs and time are not estimated accurately. Erection is slow and extensive field labor is required. Heavy equipment is often needed. |
| Architecture |
Outstanding architectural design can be achieved at low cost using standard architectural features and interface details. |
Special architectural design and features must be developed for each project, which often require research and thus resulting in much higher costs. |
| Future Expansion |
PEBs are designed with future expansion in mind. It is simple, easy and cost effective. One supplier can co-ordinate changes. |
Future expansion would be more difficult and, more likely, costlier. |
| Responsibility |
Single responsibility for design, supply and even erection of PEBs. |
Multiple responsibilities can result in questions of who is responsible when components do not fit properly. |
| Structure Weight |
Pre engineered buildings are on the average 30% lighter because of the efficient use of steel. Primary framing members are tapered built up section. With the large depths in areas of higher stress. |
Primary steel members are selected hot rolled “T” sections. Which are, in many segments of the members heavier than what is actually required by design? Members have constant cross section regardless of the varying magnitude of the local stresses along the member length. |
| Seismic Resistance |
The low weight flexible frames offer higher resistance to seismic forces. |
Rigid heavy frames do not perform well in seismic zones. |
| Overall Price |
Price per square meter may be as low as by 30 % as compared to conventional buildings. |
Higher price per square meter. |
| Building Accessories |
Designed to fit the system with standardized and inter changeable parts. Including pre designed. |
Every project requires different and special design for accessories and special sourcing for each item. Flashing and trims must be uniquely designed and fabricated. |
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