Selection of Structural Members - Thump Rules

[Macro001]

Good day all,

Please help me to sort out the issues listed below
Fabrication & Installation of Storage Shed:
I would like to understand how we would choose the structural members and their sizes if the requisition shows only the dimension of a shed. For example, requirement is to build a storage shed of length 6 meters, height 6 meters & width 6 meters. No member sizes are provided. What would you do if you have to choose the members and sizes for columns, base plates, rafter beams, ridge beams, purlins etc
Same situation I am facing for almost all type of structural steel jobs (like skids, handrails, platforms, stairs, ladders etc). I often do not receive much details. I am basically an estimation engineer and I do not get much time to perform load calculations to select the sections.

Please help me out.. I am facing serious issues due to wrong selection of sections.

Thanks in advance and your earliest responses will be highly appreciated!

 

[msquared48]

I don't know how you can do any accurate estimating without without design drawings.

Looks to me like you are being set up to fail.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[klaus.]

What country ??


best regards
Klaus

 

[Macro001]

Hi Mr. Mike,

Usually I am requested to provide budgetary quotes for steel works. I tried convincing the management several times by pointing out the missing details albeit I am forced to provide the quote in order to maintain the Client - Contractor relation ship. Mostly, Steel works in my projects carries little price implication nevertheless, I want it to be logical.

All I need is some thump rules using which I can do my estimate with max +/- 30% accuracy level in case of missing section details.

Or I will be so thankful if you can suggest any document or book where I can learn how to choose these sections and calculation of loads.

Hi Mr. Klaus,

I work in Qatar.


Thanks all for taking time to see my request.

Best Regards,

 

[SlideRuleEra]

See "Rules of Thumb for Steel Design" published in the February 2000, issue of AISC's "Modern Steel Construction" magazine.

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[MotorCity]

If the goal of your task is to simply provide a ballpark estimate for steel, you can estimate a rough steel weight based on the type of structure and your experience. For example, "typical" buildings may range anywhere from 5 psf to 10 psf for steel gravity framing. Use your experience for whatever type of building you have and estimate the tonnage.

 

[dik]

I'd guess approx 10 psf for your steel quantity. Your building is pretty high for the footprint. Don't know what wind loading or other live loads.

Dik

 

[Macro001]

Thank you all