Pre-engineered steel buildings commonly use steel that meets ASTM or AISI standards, such as ASTM A36 or A992. These standards ensure consistent strength, weldability, and compliance with building codes. Selecting the right grade ensures your metal building performs safely and reliably for its intended purpose.
When you’re planning a pre-engineered steel building, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about layout, insulation, or exterior finishes. But there’s one factor that plays a huge role in the long-term strength, safety, and durability of your building, and that’s the quality of the steel itself.
Choosing the right steel starts with understanding grades and standards. These are the benchmarks that tell you whether the metal you’re using will perform as expected, comply with code, and stand up to real-world conditions. Let’s take a closer look at what that means and how to make smart decisions for your next steel building project.
Built to Code…and Beyond
In the U.S., most structural steel used in metal buildings is produced according to standards set by organizations like the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and the AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute). These standards are not just guidelines. They’re critical to ensuring that your building materials meet the safety, performance, and quality levels required by local and national building codes.
Let’s say you’re designing a warehouse, a retail center, or an agricultural facility. Your local jurisdiction will require that the building meets certain structural performance requirements for things like wind, snow, seismic loads, and more. If your steel components don’t conform to recognized standards, it can not only delay your build but potentially lead to costly redesigns, or worse, structural issues down the road.
Common Steel Grades in PEMBs
Different steel grades are designed for different purposes. Here are a few you’ll likely encounter when specifying materials for your steel building:
- ASTM A36 – This is one of the most commonly used carbon steel grades. It offers good strength and excellent weldability, making it a popular choice for general structural components.
- ASTM A572 – Available in several grades, this steel provides better strength-to-weight ratios and is often used when higher performance is needed without increasing material thickness.
- ASTM A992 – This is the standard for wide-flange structural shapes (like I-beams and H-beams). It’s known for excellent strength, weldability, and resistance to fatigue, ideal for the primary framing system of your PEMB.
Each grade comes with its own balance of strength, ductility, weldability, and cost. Choosing the right one depends on your building’s function, location, and loading requirements.
Why It Matters
Think of steel grades and standards as your building’s DNA. Even two metal buildings that look identical from the outside may perform very differently if one is built with higher-grade steel that meets stringent standards and the other is not.
- Performance: Steel grades directly affect how your building handles stress, loads, and vibrations. Higher-grade steel can allow for longer spans or fewer columns, giving you more usable interior space.
- Safety: In areas prone to heavy snow, high winds, or seismic activity, selecting the proper steel grade is critical for life safety. Standards ensure your structure won’t just look good. It will hold up when it counts.
- Compliance: Building inspectors and code enforcement officers will check your plans and materials for compliance. Steel that doesn’t meet recognized standards can stall your project before it even begins.
Work With a Trusted Manufacturer
It’s important to work with a steel building manufacturer that’s transparent about the materials they use. A reputable supplier will specify which grades and standards their steel components meet and ensure everything is engineered to match the performance requirements of your project.
If you’re ever unsure about what’s being used in your steel building, don’t hesitate to ask. A good partner will walk you through your options and explain how different grades and specs impact your design, performance, and cost.
From Vision to Steel Structure
CURIOUS HOW IT ALL COMES TOGETHER?
Take a closer look at Allied Steel’s step-by-step design process. From initial concept through final plans and see how we turn your ideas into durable, high-performance buildings.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Cut Corners on Steel Quality
Your steel building is only as strong as the materials it’s built with. Grades and standards aren’t just technical specs. They’re the backbone of long-term performance. By choosing the right steel grade and ensuring it complies with trusted standards like ASTM and AISI, you’re making a smart investment in the durability, safety, and success of your project.
Whether you’re building a metal workshop, warehouse, or retail space, starting with quality steel sets the foundation for everything else to follow. Ready to take the next steps? Please get in touch.