Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/493534
28 | A PR IL 2015 Steel Building Systems In addition to being strong, sheet steel is flexible and adaptable, and new products are being developed all the time. Nucor Building Systems, a CSSBI member, recently introduced TrussFrame, a metal framing sys- tem that allows for larger clear spans than solid web systems. TrussFrame enables spans of more than 250 feet, providing wide open interior space. TrussFrame is a hybrid rigid frame system that con- sists of three-plate, built-up columns with solid webs and open-web rafters. The rafters consist of two-plate built-up tees assembled into a truss, using web angles. TrussFrame provides design flexibility with unob- structed, column-free interior space. Unsightly beams and columns are eliminated, providing a spacious design esthetic. A mer ican Buildings Company (ABC) has t wo new daylight ing products that it will be rolling out in spring – the Standing Seam Integrated Prismatic Skylight and Curb-Mounted Prismatic Skylight. ABC calls the St anding Seam Integrated Skylight the ideal solution for daylighting in new construction when using its Standing Seam 360 or Standing Seam II roof panel. Manufactured as a complete unit, the integrated skylight is factory- mounted to the trapezoidal panel and seamed in place with the rest of the roof during construction. This skylight, which is manufactured from two layers of durable high-performance polycarbonate, is double glazed. ABC's Curb-Mount Prismatic Skylight can be used in new construction and in retrofit applications. The lens is double glazed with acrylic over acrylic. The pris- matic dome is sealed with a silicone and urethane seal between the prismatic lenses before it is welded with an encapsulating and insulated thermal break. Regional sales manager Chris Ripley says Butler Manufacturing has many specialty products, such as the MR-24 roof system, that helps its customers oper- ate more efficiently. "Last year, we commemorated the 45th anniversary of the MR-24 roof system," Ripley says. Over the years, the MR-24 has been enhanced with daylighting innovations and certified energy perfor- mance upgrades. Today it meets the reflection and emission standards for "cool roofs," lowering roof tem- peratures and reducing the amount of energy required to cool buildings. A new product – the RetroLite daylighting system – enables building owners to incorporate daylighting into existing buildings to minimize lighting-related electric- ity costs. Designed for retrofits to the MR-24 roof sys- tem and ThermaLiner insulation system, it can reduce electricity expenses by up to 70 per cent. Another new product, Truss Purlin XT technology with the Landmark 2000 structural system enables building owners to construct a framing system that can span up to 60 feet "Utilizing large bay structure increases usable space," says Ripley. "That is ideal for commercial and industrial building applications that require large areas of open floor space." In addition to new products, manufacturers have been coming up with new applications of sheet steel building systems. For example, in November 2014, BEHLEN Industries LP, which makes rigid frame and frameless steel building systems, completed construc- tion of the world's largest convex-style frameless steel building in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. It has a clear span of 313 feet (95 metres) and houses an international-size soccer field and bleachers. The components of the field and bleachers were manufactured at the company's Brandon, Manitoba plant and put in 70 containers and transported by rail to Montreal. There they were put on container vessels and shipped to St. Petersburg, Russia. From there they were taken by rail to the construction site in south- central Siberia. BEHLEN is also manufacturing 31 industrial build- ings for Shell Canada's Carmon Creek oil project near Peace River, Alberta. "This is a huge job, which will keep our plant working at full capacity for many months," says Sean Lepper, BEHLEN VP and general manager. "That means more work for BEHLEN employees and more jobs during the winter when we're typically slow." Completion of the construction of the buildings is slated for the first quarter of 2017. BEHLEN was recognized recently by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce at the annual MBiz Awards for Long Term Achievement. "In the last year, we've reached some major milestones, including expand- ing internationally, developing new technology in our plant and receiving our largest ever contract," says Lepper. "Winning this award gives us confidence our efforts are paying off." Another example of a manufacturer finding a new product application is Robertson Building Systems, which can trace its metal component manufactur- ing roots back to 1863. The Ancaster, Ontario-based company says its insulated metal panels are gaining market share because of their thermal value and ease of installation. They are also a path to the increased thermal efficiency demanded in the new energy codes. Robertson's insulated panels consist of two single- skin metal panels that attach to a structure with con- cealed clips. A continuous air barrier helps prevent cold air from entering a building in the winter, and keeps hot air out in the summer. Robertson's steel cladding is often used as part of a modern design. An example is Mike's Bike Shop, a 9,570-square-foot retail storefront and repair shop in Dieppe, New Brunswick. The main f loor holds a large retail space, a bike repair area, washrooms and change rooms. In addition there is a large delivery and storage area. MR-24 roof system; Retrolite daylighting system. World's largest convex-style frameless steel building, Krasnoyarsk, Russia. Canada Games Centre, Halifax, NS. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BUTLER MANUFACTURING; BEHLEN INDUSTRIES LP; VICWEST BUILDING PRODUCTS