Metal structures from design to erection
Engineering, fabrication, logistics and erection in the same contract. For industrial, logistics and commercial warehouses in Brazil and Paraguay.
What it is
A structure built at the plant and erected on site
A metal structure is the steel skeleton of the building: columns, beams, trusses, purlins and bracing. The pieces are cut, welded and painted at the plant and arrive on site ready to erect.
Because fabrication happens while the foundation is being built, the project gains time. And because every piece comes from a calculated design, what arrives on site is exactly what was drawn.
When it pays off
Where steel tends to win
It's not the answer for every project. These are the cases where it tends to be the best choice:
Large span
Large areas with no columns in the middle, for production, storage or a sales floor.
Tight schedule
Fabricating while the foundation is built shortens the path considerably.
A project that will grow
A well-designed metal structure takes expansions more easily.
Weak soil
Steel weighs less than concrete, which lightens the load on the foundation.
What goes into the design
What our engineering defines
Every item comes out calculated and recorded in the design calculation report.
Span and bay spacing
The distance between columns, planned for the layout of the operation.
Service loads
Equipment, storage and people, per ABNT NBR 6120.
Wind
The effect of wind based on the region and the shape of the building, per ABNT NBR 6123.
Sections and connections
Rolled, welded or cold-formed sections, per ABNT NBR 8800 and 14762.
Corrosion protection
Industrial painting or galvanizing, according to the project's environment.
Interfaces with concrete
Bases, anchor bolts and foundations coordinated per ABNT NBR 6118.
How it works
How your project moves forward
One person follows every stage. You know what's happening and when.
- 01
Briefing
We understand the operation, the site and the schedule.
- 02
Preliminary study
Feasibility, structural system and investment range.
- 03
Engineering
Structural design, detailing and coordination.
- 04
Fabrication
Cutting, welding and painting at our own plant, with inspection.
- 05
Logistics
Numbered pieces ship out in the order they'll be erected.
- 06
Erection
Our own crew, with a lifting and safety plan.
- 07
Handover
Project reviewed with you and complete documentation.
Steel or concrete
Steel or concrete? It depends on the project.
There's no single right material for everything. There's the right one for your span, your soil and your schedule.
Up to about 25 meters of span, precast tends to compete well. For larger spans, weak soil, or when the project will grow, steel tends to win. If your case is the other way around, we'll tell you. See the full comparison.
| Criterion | Metal structure | Precast concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Large spans | Excellent | Depends |
| Industrialization | High | Medium |
| Self weight | Lower | Higher |
| Erection speed | High | Depends |
| Future expansion | Simple | More difficult |
| Maintenance | Requires corrosion protection | Lower |
Before you close the deal
Before comparing price, compare what's included
A price per square meter is misleading. Check whether the proposal includes:
- Structural design and ART
- Fabrication and painting or galvanizing
- Transport to the job site
- Erection with equipment
- Who handles the foundation
- Gutters, flashing and cladding
- Schedule with dates
Our proposal breaks out each item separately. It's easy to compare. How to compare metal structure proposals, item by item
FAQ
Questions about metal structures
How much does a metal structure cost?
It depends on the span, the height, the roof and the site. A price per square meter without a design is a guess. Send what you have and we'll come back with an investment range and scope. See what changes the cost.
Does metal structure rust?
Without protection, yes. That's why corrosion protection and industrial painting are defined according to the project's environment: indoor, urban area, coastal or industrial.
Do you only do the structure?
We handle engineering, fabrication, logistics and erection of the structure. The foundation we either build or coordinate with your contractor. What's included is written into the proposal, item by item.
How long does the project take to finish?
The schedule comes out of the preliminary study, with a date for each stage. Fabricating while the foundation is built shortens the path considerably.
Do I need a finished design already?
No. We work with you from the initial idea through the executive design.
See also
The types of projects we build
Next step
Have a project in metal structure? Our engineering team will evaluate it.
Send the project details and the drawings. You'll get feasibility, scope and what's still needed to move forward.