Systems construction (pre-engineered buildings) offers an undisputed value proposition by Carmine Martuscello

Systems construction, commonly known as pre-engineered buildings, has become widely-accepted and applied for diverse facilities nationwide. It can now be found in buildings ranging from office, industrial, warehouse, distribution, government, and medical facilities; to retail, agricultural, community, religious, athletic and entertainment centers. Systems construction is also being applied in retrofits. Its widespread use, backed by the industry’s estimated $45 billion annual revenues (Source: IBISWorld), is a testament to the many advantages it offers. Specifically, its design flexibility, speed of construction, consistent quality, sustainability, and predictable project completion schedules and cost factors all have made systems construction popular with leading construction companies and their clients. For real estate investors, executives and facility managers contemplating a construction project, understanding and then giving serious consideration to the systems construction option makes good business sense.

“From Design Flexibility and Space Optimization…” The integrated building systems applied in systems construction encompass all of a building’s structural components; the frames, walls, roof, fasteners, doors and windows. They accommodate virtually any design parameter, including, building size, shape, exterior and interior aesthetics. Additionally, they can be integrated with conventional building materials to create a hybrid solution, where appropriate. Facilities requiring large open spaces such as warehouses and distribution centers can be created using clear span and long bay structural systems.  Bay spacing can be accommodated from 16 to 30 ft. and space optimized applying various modular framing systems with interior modules designed to minimize interior columns.

Facilities such as luxury car dealerships where a high-end brand must be projected can rely on exterior options such as stucco, brick and glass used in conjunction with attractive metal wall panel systems. Roof systems too, are presented with choices. In the case of new construction projects, there are structural and structural/architectural roof systems, and roofs for retrofits are offered in low-profile, high-profile and slope designs.   

“…To Streamlined Construction Processes and Schedules” In addition to the many design options these precision-engineered and manufactured building systems provide, their value proposition also includes greater control over the construction process, schedule and related costs. For example, Butler Manufacturing, a leader in systems construction, has made testing and quality control of its structural components a top priority. Butler subjects its products to rigorous strength and load testing to ensure product integrity. At Butler, full-scale structures are erected in order to thoroughly analyze, test and assess performance. Advanced computer modeling promotes the optimal use of raw materials, combined with precision engineering (e.g., factory-punched structurals) facilitate accuracy, easy and speedy assembly which, in turn, reduces labor requirements. Data has shown that system construction can reduce the construction time by 30% over conventional building methods when combined with a design-build approach.

“Building to Customers’ Exact Specifications” For anyone concerned that systems constructions means compromise in terms of the project specifications, dismiss that misconception. Applying leading-edge engineering software and adhering, Butler buildings are custom-designed to meet customers’ exact specifications. With innovators like Butler, the first systems construction manufacturer to use Building Information Modeling to create 3D building models, expect that systems construction will continue to deliver a high value proposition that encompasses faster delivery, optimum quality, design flexibility and lower costs.

Carmine Martuscello is director of marketing at Racanelli Construction Company, Inc., Melville, N.Y.