 |
steel hangars informationPROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT WITH THE PRE-ENGINEERED ADVANTAGE! |
| Home | Contact |
Whether you need a small private hangar for your hobby plane, or a large,
state-of-the-art hangar
for a corporate jet…
Why Pre-Engineered Steel?
The term, “pre-engineered or prefabricated metal buildings system” refers to the design, engineering and manufacturing process of today’s metal buildings. The process of designing and engineering a metal building has been greatly improved over the years, due to the implementation of sophisticated computer aided design and drafting (CADD) of the building. A pre-engineered building purchased today is highly technologically advanced.
The use of the word “system” refers to the fact that all the differing components of the building are engineered to the required specifications and load codes, and shipped together to the job site. Nothing needs to be out sourced from other vendors. Windows, doors, roofing, trim- all are custom fit to each building. This pre-designed system is therefore extremely efficient, and easy to assemble, as each part is a perfect fit to each other part.
For all these reasons, metal building systems have significant cost advantages over many other more traditional types of construction. Since you can design your own aviation hangar and choose between a wide range of styles and exteriors, your new steel hangar can easily fit in with any existing buildings and the overall environment.
Clear span designs provide column free interiors for wide open floor space and eave heights that can accommodate larger aircraft. Clean, bright interiors coupled with individualized designs and features such as curved roofs, parapet walls, mezzanines, and offices mean that you do not have to settle for a typical box building that has been converted to a hanger.
Protect Your Investment…
Investing in a steel aviation hangar is also an investment in security. One of the main advantages of steel is its fire proof nature- it will contain even a severe fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings and aircrafts. Modern aircrafts are usually very safe, but whenever fuel and electric equipment are involved there is always an increased risk of fire.
Steel aviation hangars have long been the most popular choice among both civilians and the military because they are cost-efficient, safe, durable, low maintenance and can be erected quite speedily.
Advantages of a Steel Airplane Hangar include….
- It’s simple and cost efficient to expand a pre-engineered steel hangar at a later date. A well designed steel structure is easy to modify, allowing for new ports to be opened up, walls to be moved and new buildings to be connected to the original hangar. If you foresee expansion it is a good idea to let your manufacturer know, as there may be certain steps that can be taken to make this easier later on.
- Pre-engineered metal hangars are erected much faster than traditional construction.
- A steel hangar is almost maintenance free. It comes pre-painted in the factory and the paint finish is warranted for at least 20 years. This means that you will spend less time caring for your hangar and more time in the air.
- Both property and fire insurance can be 30-40% lower for a steel building than a wood building.
- Steel hangars are engineered to meet or exceed any building codes in any zoning, including in earthquake prone locales.
- Building with steel is a sustainable choice, and all new steel is now made using recycled steel.
Environmental Benefits of Building with Steel…
Did you know that steel is now the most recycled material on the planet?
Take a look at these significant facts:
- Steel is 100% recyclable, and all new North American steel currently being forged contains recycled steel.
- Every ton of steel that is recycled saves approx. 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone.
- Both air and water emissions from steel production are a whopping 90% lower today than just 10 years ago.
- Almost all the hazardous waste once generated by the steel industry is now being recycled for beneficial use.
Choosing a supplier…
Look for a pre-engineered steel building supplier who combines up-to-the-minute steel building technology with long time experience within the steel building field.
The best way to know if they are a reputable company is to get references, go see some examples of their hangars in your area, or contact the Better Business Bureau to check for any complaints.
A manufacturer should be AISC certified; this assures that every facet of their production has been audited and is the highest degree of technological efficiency and quality.
Watch out for any sales rep who seems more interested in giving you a hard sell and closing the deal quickly, than addressing your questions and concerns. If you feel uncomfortable, that is a good sign that you are being pressured to purchase, and should raise an immediate red flag!
Steel building suppliers and manufacturers abound! By taking your time and doing a bit of checking, you are sure to find one who meets all your needs including: price, service, speed of delivery, building features and design or whatever other individual requirements you have for your steel hangar.
For a superior building both the steel quality and structural designs should meet or exceed industry standards.
Features of a High Quality Steel Hangar include….
- 26 gauge, 80,000 psi. roof and wall sheeting (Resistant against dings and dents)
- PBR/R Roof and Wall Sheeting (Additional overlap stops leakage)
- Pre-cut framed opening (Industry standard is a frame kit- with this you need to cut the opening on site yourself)
- All girts, purlins, main frames, and end walls have pre-welded clips (Industry standards are not pre-welded).
- All parts are pre-marked (Industry standards have limited markings) for easier erection
- Engineer Certified Erection Drawings, Anchor Bolt Plans and Letter of Certifications
- Solid I-Beam Construction
- 50,000 PSI High Built-Up Main Strength Steel Plate
- Submerged Arc/Welded Frames
- A-325 High Strength Bolts
- Pre-punched Components
- Girt and Purlin Overlap
- Galvanized Gable Sheeting Angle
- Galvanized Purlin Briding Angle
- Galvanized Base Angle
- 20-25 year paint warranty
- Die Formed Corrugated Ridge Cap
- Eave Closures
- Mastic Sealant on Roof
- Self-drilling and Self Tapping Screws with Pre-assembled washers
- Factory Trained Inventory of Parts at Jobsite
Planning the Steel Aircraft Hangar …
LOCATION
Be prepared to do some detailed research to find a suitable location for your hangar. Some of the things to be considered are:
- A large enough plot of land (if you don’t already own one)
- The site must be in an area where zoning, pollution, and noise regulations allow you to house aircraft. Your local building codes authority can help you with these issues.
- If you are going to lease airport land, you need a clear understanding of the airport leasing agreement. Inform your hangar manufacturer of any regulations or restrictions that will impact the hangar design and specifications in advance of creating the building design. If you will be on airport land, they are the first ones you need to be speaking to.
- Availability of utilities and other services, such as sources of fuel sources, must be considered.
- Local weather patterns may also be a determining factor in where you decide to build.
We cannot stress highly enough the importance of good communication with your aircraft hangar supplier or manufacturer about any and all details involved in the project!
DESIGN
Aircraft hangars are highly specialized custom-designed buildings. The requirements for the housing of individual aircrafts are extremely varied. It is a good idea to carefully work out and list your specific requirements before contacting a steel building manufacturer. In designing the hangar, you must meet local zoning requirements as well as satisfy the requirements for all aircraft that will potentially be housed in the facility.
How do you decide upon the proper size? Both the size and the design of your facility depend upon the activities that will take place there.
Will you perform maintenance and avionics work on-site? Are you conducting business administration which requires on-site office space?
Here are some of the different areas you might consider...
THE HANGAR
The size is determined by the number and types of aircraft you will be housing. Aircraft manufacturers and third-party organizations provide Facility and Planning Criteria, which dictate individual aircraft housing needs. This information can be found on the web – typically on your aircraft manufacturer’s website!
If you will be housing more than one aircraft, taking the time to come up with an efficient layout for your aircraft can save valuable space.
MAINTENANCE AREA
The size of this area is determined by the physical needs of performing maintenance & avionics activities. These are different for airframe work, for power-plant maintenance, landing gear, etc. Maintenance needs to be performed in a safe enclosed environment away from the heat, cold, wind and rain.
Clean protected environments are key to a comfortable work area. Some activities, like painting, require special facilities. You may also require overhead hoists, machine tools, and other special equipment for various tasks.
Your hangar can be designed to have an overhead crane for engine overhauls or a ventilation system for a paint booth.
WAREHOUSING
Will you be storing machinery or spare parts?
OFFICE, ADMIN AND OTHER STUFF
Your needs in this area will vary widely depending on whether you are housing a single plane or your hangar is a business housing many aircraft. Along with office space, your business might need lounge space, washrooms, meeting rooms, or overnight facilities.
BUILDING UTILITIES
This space is determined by the varying requirements for electrical, mechanical, air-conditioning equipment, fire-protection (sprinkler & foam systems), fuel storage, communications equipment, etc.
Your hangar must comply with local fire-safety regulations for housing aircraft.
Decide whether your hangar requires some or all of the above areas. Then estimate the total floor-space for each area to get a general idea of the length and width of your structure. The height must be able to accommodate the tail of the largest plane you anticipate having in your hangar. An experienced manufacturer can be a huge help with this process.
OTHER DETAILS…
Along with planning the steel structure itself, there are many other things to be considered…
- Parking lots and/or pedestrian walkways
- Ramps, taxiways, and aprons need to be paved
- Ramp and hangar lighting
- Landscaping
- Security fences and gates
- Underground utility layouts
- fire protection sprinkler systems
- electric, telephone, cable, sewer, gas piping, and tie-ins to existing systems
- Underground drainage and storm water runoff control
- Site grading, contour, excavation
- Concrete foundations
(All of these elements will not be necessary for every hangar project. Your engineering contractor should be able to assist you. This is one of the main reasons to make sure you are working with an experienced supplier.)
Hangar Doors…
One of the main considerations of an aircraft hangar is the door. There are various types of doors available, each with different advantages and disadvantages. Both the size and the number of aircraft you will be housing will determine which type of hangar door to install.
Types of doors include…
Sliding Doors are doors on rollers that follow a track. Two different types are "crossovers" and
"outriggers".
Pros: Simple and easy, cost-effective, sturdy, straightforward to clean.
Cons: Manual doors require strength to open, tracks can be jammed and must be cleaned.
Crossovers allow you to open portions of the entire framed opening at a time.
Outriggers will open up the entire framed opening at
once, and require “outrigger” apparatus that extends past both ends of the framed opening.
Vertical Lift are hoisted up overhead, either like a garage door, or "stacked."
Pros: operated with an electrical motor, sturdy, dependable.
Cons: somewhat more costly, may require professional servicing if they get jammed.
"Stackers" are less expensive, less robust, and typically manually operated. Their advantages include their simplicity and their low cost.
Bi-Folding vertically opening doors, which fold in two down the center.
Pros: motorized, long history of dependable use, strong.
Cons: more costly, may require service if jammed.
Folding Fabric Hangar Doors usually open vertically on rollers
Pros: Low cost, “crash-forgiving,” aesthetic.
Cons: They tend to provide less security than metal doors, although high-end fabric door
manufacturers address this issue very efficiently.
The type of door you choose can have significant structural implications for your hangar. Discuss these options with your steel hangar supplier at the time of the initial design.
Tailgates are small doors located at the top, center of the framed opening. They allow the tail to fit through the door. They are a useful feature if you need to house aircraft whose tail-height exceeds the hangar eave-height.
The different mechanisms to open the different doors are also varied. There are both manual and electric.
In Summary…
Although the planning of a steel hangar can seem complicated, with some research, a clear idea of what you need, and good communication with your metal building supplier, you will soon have a building that perfectly meets your needs for many years to come!
REFERENCES:
http://www.a1steelbuildings.com/aircraftstorage.html
http://www.coastalsteelstructures.com/types/airplane-hangars.html
http://www.buildingsguide.com/steel-building-planning/commercial-industrial/aircraft-hangar.htm
The Whole Building Design Guide, http://www.wbdg.org/design/aviation_hangar.php
Rigid Building Systems, http://www.rigidbuilding.com/aviation.htm
Premier Steel, http://www.premiersteel.org/CommercialSteelBuildings.html
