scope:

INTRODUCTION

Although the basic structural and architectural components of industrial buildings are relatively simple, combining all of the elements into a functional economical building can be a complex task. General guidelines and criteria to accomplish this task can be stated. The purpose of this guide is to provide the industrial building designer with guidelines and design criteria for the design of buildings without cranes, or for buildings with light-to-medium duty cycle cranes. Part 1 deals with general topics on industrial buildings. Part 2 deals with structures containing cranes. Requirements for seismic detailing for industrial buildings have not been addressed in this guide. The designer must address any special detailing for seismic conditions.

Most industrial buildings primarily serve as an enclosure for production and/or storage. The design of industrial buildings may seem logically the province of the structural engineer. It is essential to realize that most industrial buildings involve much more than structural design. The designer may assume an expanded role and may be responsible for site planning, establishing grades, handling surface drainage, parking, on-site traffic, building aesthetics, and, perhaps, landscaping. Access to rail and the establishment of proper floor elevations (depending on whether direct fork truck entry to rail cars is required) are important considerations. Proper clearances to sidings and special attention to curved siding and truck grade limitations are also essential.