Instructor Alexander Newman, P.E., F.ASCE Mr. Newman, is managing engineer in the Natick, Massachusetts, office of Exponent Failure Analysis Associates, where he is responsible for building collapse and failure investigations. For 17 years immediately prior to joining Exponent, he was principal structural engineer with Maguire Group Inc., a national A/E firm. In addition, his diverse engineering and managerial experience includes positions of project engineer with a consulting engineering firm, design engineer with a light-gage and pre-cast concrete panel manufacturers, and manager of fabrication division with a steel fabricator. During more than 25 years of professional practice, Mr. Newman has been involved with structural design of numerous projects utilizing metal building systems as well as conventionally framed structures. Mr. Newman has authored many publications that appeared in leading engineering magazines, including a number of award-winning articles. His book Metal Building Systems:Design and Specifications, published by McGraw-Hill Book Company, now in its second edition, is a definitive work on the subject matter and has been translated into Chinese. Additionally, he is the author of a popular reference book Structural Renovation of Buildings:Methods, Details, and Design Examples, also from McGraw-Hill. He has conducted many educational seminars around the country for design professionals, building officials, owners and contractors on the subject of metal building systems and served as an expert consultant on the subject.

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Course Description Metal Building Systems (MBS), also known as pre-engineered buildings, are used in over two-thirds of all new low-rise non-residential buildings in this country. These versatile structures, which are designed and produced by their manufacturers, can be found in all kinds of buildings from factories to churches. Cost-effectiveness, speed of construction, and many other benefits of MBS explain why they have become one of the fastest growing segments of the construction industry. Despite their popularity, MBS remain a mystery to many specifiers because reliable information about them is hard to find. You will learn how metal building systems work and how to properly specify them without falling into many traps awaiting the unwary designers of these deceptively simple structures. The seminar covers every aspect of MBS, from specifics of their foundation design to the available types of metal roofing and wall materials. The seminar provides a step-by-step explanation of ordering MBS. It explains a rather arcane topic of the design of light-gage metal framing in simple terms and explores a few typical challenges facing the specifying engineers. Some heatedly debated and controversial topics, such as selection of a proper lateral-drift and vertical deflection limits, are examined in detail. The seminar concludes with tips on avoiding construction problems with MBS. Seminar participants will see that the suppliers of metal building systems are not the same and will learn to spot the difference between the reputable manufacturers and others.

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Seminar Benefits

• Learn about the available types of metal building systems and the optimal range of their uses. Find out when to specify single-span and multiple-span rigid frames and when to consider other types of metal-building structures.
• Navigate with confidence in the arcane world of cold-formed secondary framing, used to roof purlins and wall girts, and learn what kinds of lateral bracing these members require.
• Avoid premature roofing failures by specifying the correct types of metal roofing. Study the must-have details for installation of various metal roofing types.
• Learn how to select proper drift and defection criteria, the most controversial parameters of MBS.
• Find out how various building needs influence the choice of wall materials. Learn about the limitations of using each of these in metal building systems, from metal panels to precast concrete and masonry walls.
• Avoid costly errors in specifying MBS for difficult applications, such as when the building is too large or too small, has a complex layout, requires nonmetal wall materials, or has fixed-base columns.
• Examine the relationships of various parties involved in the design and construction of MBS. Receive a step-by-step overview of the procuring process and discover where it is most likely to go wrong.

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Who Should Attend

Structural engineers, architects, contractors, building officials, facility managers, and owners who are involved or thinking about getting on board of this fast-growing type of construction. While some discussion topics are technical in nature, those who are not engineers will not be overwhelmed because the instruction is kept to an enjoyable and easy-to-understand level.

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Summary Outline

Day One

• Terminology, history, typical uses, advantages, and disadvantages of metal building systems (MBS)
• Industry groups and publications
• Primary framing
• Secondary framing
• Girts
• Purlins
• Design of light-gage C and Z sections
• How MBS work structurally
• The competition
• Metal roofing
• Types
• Advantages
• Limitations
• Tips on improving roof performance
• Testing methods
• Roofing finishes
• Common and emerging materials for walls of MBS
• Practical design tips for various wall systems
• Pitfalls to avoid

Day Two

• Lateral drift
• Horizontal and vertical deflections
• Design of foundations for MBS
• Insulation for MBS
• The process of purchasing MBS
• Responsibilities of players
• Owner
• Architect
• Engineer
• Manufacturer
• Builder
• What to specify in contract documents
• What can go wrong during construction
• Some recurring problems with MBS
• Common specification pitfalls
• Re-roofing and renovations of MBS
• Special considerations for buildings with cranes
• Current design trends and latest industry practices
• Conclusion

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Attendees’ Comments

“The instructor’s knowledge of the subject and the take home materials were excellent.”
-Gary L.Roberts, DPW-ED, Fort Leonard Wood, MO

I would highly recommend this seminar to anyone involved in design of metal buildings. It was excellent!”
-Bobby G. Grissett, Structural Engineer, Pensacula, FL

“I found the seminar to be very informative. The instructor is very knowledgeable in the subject and explained topics/situations as they related to actual projects. The fact that the instructor is a practicing engineer and not just a professor adds clout to the seminar.”
-Lydia M. Canda, Navy Public Works Center, Washington DC

“The most comprehensive information on metal building design I’ve found and just what I’ve been looking for.”
–Lynn Hynes, President/Project Manager, LTH Ltd., Oklahoma City, OK

“Excellent seminar! I am looking forward to future seminars with Mr. Newman as the presenter.”
-E.T.Torrence, Consulting Engineer, E.T.Torrence Consulting, New Smyrna Beach, FL

“This was the best ‘real world’ seminar I have attended. Mr. Newman’s approach to the subject was very practical. All of the material presented was relevant and helpful.”
–William L.Wells, Vice President, Klingner & Associates, P.C., Quincy, IL

“Mr.Newman is highly knowledgeable about the topic with obvious secure grasp of the fundamentals. It was an excellent presentation which included field experience and anecdotes.“
-Gregory G.Boss, P.E., BCK Engineering, LLC, Lawrenceville, GA

“This was the best ‘real world’ seminar I have attended. Mr. Newman’s approach to the subject was very practical. All of the material presented was relevant and helpful.”
–William L.Wells,Vice President, Klingner & Associates, P.C., Quincy, IL

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Locations & Dates Design of Metal Buildings: Avoid Pitfalls in Specifying & Procuring $1,045 M $1,255 NM This course is no longer available.

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