Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEBs) have become a game-changer in construction, offering speed, efficiency, and design flexibility. At the Everest Connect Event in Ahmedabad, industry leaders discussed the nuances of PEBs and their engineering-driven approach, moving far beyond traditional material-based categorisation.

The construction world has witnessed a paradigm shift with the rise of Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEBs), which have redefined engineering, design, and execution. At a recent Everest Connect Event Panel Discussion in Ahmedabad, experts delved into the nuances of pre-engineered solutions, emphasising their engineering-based tonality rather than just material-specific categorisation.

Beyond RCC: The rise of pre-engineered solutions

Traditionally, construction relied heavily on Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC), but today, the industry has embraced pre-engineered, pre-fabricated, and pre-cast methodologies. As one of the panellists rightly pointed out, RCC members are now available in precast forms, indicating a shift toward an all-encompassing pre-engineered approach.

Defining specifications: A multi-faceted approach

Before finalising specifications for any project, it is imperative to determine the purpose and functionality of the building. This includes:

• Understanding the operation and maintenance requirements
• Deciding the building’s lifecycle (5, 20, or 50 years)
• Considering environmental factors such as cyclonic zones, coastal areas, and chemical-afflicted zones

Structural engineers factor in these parameters before defining the design basis. Once this clarity is achieved, decisions can be made regarding roofing materials, structural components, and protective measures.

Material selection: A wide spectrum of choices

Gone are the days when a single roofing solution dominated the market. Today, PEBs offer multiple roofing and cladding options, including:

• PPGI Sheets
• PVC Sheets
• FRP Sheets
• Screw-Down Systems

The key is to analyse why, when, what, and how before selecting the most suitable material. Corrosion resistance, ventilation, and lighting considerations are crucial in material selection.

The art of layout planning in PEBs

While architects play a significant role in factory and industrial layouts, they may not always have insights into:

• Wind bracing and expansion joints
• Optimised ventilation and lighting solutions
• Erection and treatment issues in PEBs

Thus, PEB solutions require an integrative approach in which designers, engineers, and contractors collaborate to ensure optimal functionality without compromising execution feasibility.

Understanding the distinction: Pre-engineered vs. prefabricated

Sricharan Vulchi, VP & Business Head, Everest Steel Building Solutions, highlighted a common misconception—PEBs are not just prefabricated structures. He explained that while PEBs are engineered, designed, detailed, manufactured, and installed as an end-to-end solution, prefabrication simply involves following consultant-provided drawings without incorporating value engineering.

The discussion also brought forward an analogy: “Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings” vs. “Pre-Engineered Buildings.” Just as people associate Colgate with toothpaste,  PEB has become synonymous with steel buildings. Still, it is essential to differentiate pre-engineered steel buildings from other pre-engineered solutions.

Embracing value-engineered PEBs

A key takeaway from the discussion was the need for more accountability in contracts. One audience member pointed out that contractors often follow designs without questioning their efficiency, leading to missed opportunities for value engineering.

As the industry advances, collaborative and informed decision-making will be vital in maximising PEB efficiency, optimising costs, and ensuring long-term durability. This event reinforced that PEBs are not merely a structural alternative but a holistic engineering solution that revolutionises modern construction.

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