TRUTH Exposing the behind Naked Buildings By Paul Ransom P. Eng. Special to the GTA Construction Report Naked Buildings: You see them in the news after a severe wind event - sheet metal deck flapping and flying off buildings to find a tree or pole. One could be excused for thinking that se- vere winds find sheet metal clad buildings the way that tornadoes find trailer parks. In reality, sheet metal cladding and deck panels have in- herent strength that can be properly utilized in design to prevent your building from becoming the eye-candy of the disaster news story. After the storm, looking for the responsible party is too little too late for an owner. The specification clearly identified the proprietary cladding product on the drawing. Perhaps the specification also included compliance to FM, UL or ASTM standards (e.g. FM 4450 Class 1, UL 580, ASTM E1592) and CSSBI guidelines. An installation subcontractor bid the project with this material quoted from the manufac- turer. If we break this down, we start to see holes in the process. The Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute (CSSBI) is an industry-sponsored organization which provides important research and manu- facturer supported information to assist in de- sign, specification, handling and installation. Although they provide sample specifications and design procedures, they do not provide de- sign/performance standards or standard of care expectations (e.g. not written in mandatory con- tract or building code language). Both UL and FM provide test based compli- ance standards that play a significant role in en- suring that the product and installation meet performance expectations. At the least, the owner/consultant can avoid testing each as- sembly for every condition. Cladding manufac- turers invest heavily in testing and proudly publish reports. The fine print always advises that the tests may not be sufficient compliance to any condition or building code. With some exceptions, most cladding/deck manufacturers sell commodity component products at efficient prices. They usually supply a full range of parts, as a service convenience, but don’t sell cladding “sys- tems” or structural engineering services (e.g. select thickness, grades, fasteners or spacing). They may provide load tables and suggested assembly details for the consul- tant’s design convenience and inclusion in project drawings. Only the project consult- ants can determine the suitability of any prod- uct or assembly. Some cladding manufacturers retain their proprietary technology and testing information but they can provide signed/sealed drawings as part of the supply price to the sub-contractor, when requested in advance. The supply/install sub-contractor makes a submission based on guidance in the specifi- cation and presumed compliance by a supplier, whose product may be explicitly defined in the specification. Ultimately, the consultant re- quires signed/sealed shop drawings from the supplier, who looks to the manufacturer, who doesn’t provide engineering services. This serv- ice probably wasn’t included as a line item in the sub’s bid price, wasn’t confirmed in bid qualification and may not be easily available. A new team member, a steel building sys- tem consultant, can improve project specifica- tions and component selections and ensure compliance of cladding supplier submissions. The steel building consultant also supports the supply/install subcontractor with services re- quired to comply with submission and installa- tion. Avoid the naked building scenario in your project portfolio by including a steel building ex- pert on the project team. Paul Ransom, P.Eng. has been actively in- volved in the steel building industry for over 25 years, a member of CSA A660 committee and the founder of Steel Building Experts – specialists in providing innovative services to maximize the quality, sustainability and safety of metal building projects. For more informa- tion go to www.steelbuildingexperts.ca or call (905) 617-2729. The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Spring 2014 – 9