Agricultural Steel Structures

Savings in agricultural structures come from repetition and from matching spans to how the building is actually used. We tune bay spacing to purlin and sheeting capacity, use tapered or haunched rafters where they reduce weight, and standardize frames so one set of details covers the whole building. Clear spans are sized for machinery turning and storage layouts rather than oversized by default, and future extension bays are allowed for in end-frame details so the owner can grow without rework.

Typical members are hot-rolled or welded tapered rafters and columns, cold-formed purlins and girts, and bracing rods or angles. We weld haunches, base plates and end plates under controlled shop conditions to the AWS D1.1, AS/NZS 1554.1 or EN 1090 requirements specified, and drill or punch holes on CNC lines so frames bolt together without site modification.

Every piece carries a clear erection mark and orientation reference, which matters on rural sites where crews may be small and assembly happens with basic lifting equipment. Purlins, girts and cleats are cut to length and grouped by bay, and bolt sets are bagged per connection type, so the delivery arrives as an organized kit rather than loose stock that must be sorted before work can begin.

Each order runs to an inspection and test plan covering material receipt, fit-up, welding and coating. Plates and sections are traced to mill certificates, and welds receive visual inspection with magnetic particle or ultrasonic testing where the specification calls for it. We check hole patterns, frame lengths and base plate geometry against shop drawings, and record coating thickness on galvanized and painted items. The client receives a QC dossier that links every marked piece to its material and inspection records.

Livestock housing, fertilizer stores and processing areas create aggressive internal atmospheres from ammonia, moisture and chemical dust, often more severe than the outdoor exposure. We assess the internal and external corrosivity separately, typically in the C3 to C5 range of ISO 12944, and commonly recommend hot-dip galvanizing to EN ISO 1461 or AS/NZS 4680 for frames, purlins and girts. Duplex systems are specified where splash, washdown or manure contact is expected, and details avoid ledges where dust and moisture collect.

Agricultural buildings are often delivered to remote rural sites with limited unloading facilities. We pack frames, purlins, sheeting accessories and bolts in bundles sequenced by bay, so crews can unload and erect progressively without sorting through the full delivery. Container loads are planned to keep long rafters protected and stable, and bundles are tagged to match the packing list. Export documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists and certificates of origin, is prepared for smooth customs clearance.

We support the client or the appointed erector with clear erection drawings, anchor bolt setting plans and a recommended frame-by-frame sequence that establishes a braced bay early. Our engineers provide input to the method statement on temporary bracing and lifting of long rafters, and answer technical queries during assembly. Where agreed, we can provide technical advisory on site to review anchor setting, plumbness and bracing before sheeting begins.