Production sheds – with metal construction or prefabricated reinforced concrete?
Production halls are the basis of any industrial, logistics or production activity. Whether it is a factory, warehouse, service base or logistics center, the right choice of construction is key to the long-term efficiency of the building.
Most often, investors hesitate between two main options - production halls with a metal structure And with prefabricated reinforced concrete construction. Both solutions have their advantages, but the choice depends on a number of factors - purpose of the building, dimensions, budget, implementation timelines and future expansion plans.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the advantages and disadvantages of both types of construction, how and when each solution is most appropriate.
What are production halls??
Production halls are industrial buildings, intended for production processes, storage, assembly activities or logistics. They are distinguished by:
- large open spaces without internal columns
- high load capacity of the structure
- possibility to install cranes and heavy equipment
- fast construction and possibility of future expansion
Depending on its construction, production halls can be built mainly from metal construction or from precast concrete.
Production sheds with metal construction
Metal structures are one of the most popular solutions for industrial buildings. They consist of steel columns, farms, beams and ties, which form the main supporting structure of the building.
Advantages of metal production halls
- Fast construction
One of the biggest advantages of the production halls with a metal structure is the build rate.
The elements are pre-manufactured in a factory setting and assembled on site. This allows:
- significantly shorter construction times
- minimal wet processes
- less dependence on atmospheric conditions
In many cases, a production hall can be built in a few months.
- Lower dead weight
Steel structures are significantly lighter than reinforced concrete. This has several important advantages:
- smaller loads on foundations
- lower foundation costs
- easier transport of the elements
That's what metal ones do production halls especially suitable for weaker soils.
- Large open spaces
Metal trusses allow the construction of very large openings without internal columns.
This is extremely important for:
- production lines
- warehouses
- logistics centers
- assembly shops
Large free spaces provide better production organization and greater flexibility.
- Easy extension
The metal ones production halls can be relatively easily expanded.
With business growth, it is possible:
- building extension
- adding new modules
- change of internal distribution
This makes metal construction preferred for companies, who plan development.
- Lower cost in many cases
In standard industrial buildings, metal construction is often a more economical solution.
Especially at:
- warehouse bases
- logistics centers
- production workshops
Disadvantages of metal production halls
Despite the many advantages, these metal gowns also have some limitations.
- Lower fire resistance
Steel loses its bearing capacity at high temperatures.
Therefore, it is often necessary:
- fire protection coating
- special paints
- additional protection
- Need for anti-corrosion protection
Metal structures must be protected from corrosion by:
- galvanizing
- special coatings
- regular maintenance
Production sheds with prefabricated reinforced concrete construction
The other main type production halls are those with precast reinforced concrete.
Here the main elements – columns, beams, panels and roof structures – are manufactured in advance in a factory and assembled on the construction site.
Advantages of precast concrete
- Extremely high strength
Reinforced concrete is a very resistant material, which can take heavy loads.
This makes it suitable for:
- heavy industry
- production lines with massive equipment
- warehouses with heavy loads
- Excellent fire resistance
One of the greatest advantages of reinforced concrete is its natural fire resistance.
For many industries, this is extremely important, For example:
- chemical industry
- production with a high fire hazard
- warehouses for combustible materials
- Long service life
Production halls of precast concrete can have a service life of over 50–60 years with minimal maintenance.
The material is:
- weather resistant
- corrosion resistant
- resistant to mechanical effects
- Better sound insulation
Reinforced concrete structures have better acoustic characteristics.
This is important for:
- noisy productions
- enterprises near populated areas
- heavy machinery industries
Disadvantages of precast concrete
- More weight
Reinforced concrete structures are significantly heavier than metal ones.
This leads to:
- larger foundations
- higher cost of foundations
- more difficult transport of the elements
- A more difficult extension
The expansion of production halls with precast concrete it is often more complicated.
The reasons are:
- heavier structures
- more limited modularity
- more complex relationships between elements
- Longer construction process
Although precast concrete is also factory produced, installation is usually slower compared to metal structures.
When to choose metal construction?
Production sheds with metal construction are best suited for:
- warehouses and logistics centers
- greater distances between columns
- short construction times
- limited budget
- future expansion plans
Metal sheds are extremely popular with small and medium-sized businesses, that need a quick solution.
When to choose precast concrete?
Production sheds with prefabricated reinforced concrete are more suitable at:
- heavy industry
- high loads
- high requirements for fire resistance
- long-term industrial complexes
- buildings with a high operating load
They are preferred in large-scale industrial projects.
What factors should be considered?
When choosing between the two types production halls several main factors should be analyzed:
- Purpose of the building
The type of production, machines and loads are key to choosing a structure.
- Dimensions of the hall
For very large openings, metal construction is often more efficient.
- Term for construction
If time is critical, the metal ones production halls usually build faster.
- Budget
Price depends on:
- the size of the building
- the construction scheme
- the materials used
- Possibility of future expansion
Many companies choose metal construction precisely because of the ease of expansion.
Combined solutions
In practice, they are also often used combined production halls, which combine:
- reinforced concrete columns
- metal roof structure
This solution combines the advantages of both materials and is often the optimal option for large industrial sites.
Conclusion
The choice between production halls with a metal structure And precast concrete it depends on the specific needs of the business, production characteristics and long-term development plans.
Metal structures offer fast construction, lower weight and greater flexibility, making them an excellent choice for many industrial applications. On the other hand, precast concrete provides exceptional strength, fire resistance and durability.
Therefore, when planning new production halls it is important to make a careful analysis of all factors - from the construction requirements to the budget and the future development of the business. Only in this way can the most suitable solution be chosen, which will guarantee efficiency, security and sustainability of the investment in the long term.