About Steel Arch Building Kits

Steel building kits can be used in many kinds of construction.

From agricultural buildings to workshops and warehouses, you can find a steel arch building kit for many different purposes. Steel arch building kits can be inexpensive, quick to erect and durable.

Features

Steel arch buildings are still based loosely around the Quonset hut designs that were introduced to the U.S. during the second World War. Quonset huts have a semi-circular cross section and are made from corrugated steel. The main difference is that while Quonset huts need an internal supporting structure, modern steel arch buildings don't.

Benefits

Architecturally, an arch is one of the most stable structures. The freedom from internal supports means a lot of open floor space, very useful for barns and warehouses. The simple design means that no special skills are needed to set up a steel arch building kit, and a small group of people can do the work unaided.

Considerations

While an arch design is stable, it does create some restrictions. You might find a steel arch building unsuitable for a retail outlet, for example; it's difficult and expensive to add windows because the walls of the structure are load-bearing and cutting into them weakens the structure. Adding extensions to the sides of the building is a problem for the same reason. Insulating a steel arch building is also difficult because steel conducts heat very easily.

References

• Garage Plans Etc.: Steel Arch Building Kits
• Prefab Metal Building Kits: What is the Best Suited Prefab Commercial Metal Building For Your Use?

Resources

• Intervale Community Farm: High Tunnels Construction Tips