Metal Building

Systems Manual

2018 Edition

Based on the 2018 IBC®, ASCE/SEI 7-16, and

Common Industry Practices R

Research | Leadership | Education

 2018

Metal Building
Systems Manual
 Metal Building System Manual

ISBN 978-1-60983-875-1

Copyright by
MBMA
1300 Sumner Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115-2851

COPYRIGHT 2019

Published by the Metal Building Manufacturers Association

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This publication is a copyrighted work owned by the Metal
Building Manufacturers Association. Without advance written permission from the
copyright owner, no part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in
any form or by any means, including, without limitation, electronic, optical, or
mechanical means (by way of example and not limitation, photocopying or recording by
or in an information storage and retrieval system). For information on permission to copy
material exceeding fair use, please contact MBMA at 1300 Sumner Ave., Cleveland, OH
44115-2851. Phone: (216) 241-7333.

The information contained in this document is believed to be accurate; however, it is

being provided for informational purposes only and is intended for use only as a guide.
Publication of this document by the International Code Council should not be construed
as the ICC or MBMA engaging in or rendering engineering, legal, or other professional
services. Use of the information contained in this workbook should not be considered by
the user as a substitute for the advice of a registered professional engineer, attorney, or
other professional. If such advice is required, you should seek the services of a registered
professional engineer, licensed attorney, or other professional.

Cover photographs provided by MBMA.

Publication date: April, 2019

First printing

Printed in the United States of America

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PREFACE
The MBMA Metal Building Systems Manual incorporates the results of research undertaken by
MBMA, its member companies and other industry groups. In many respects, it reflects
refinement and advances in the knowledge of load application methods and design. This edition
of the Metal Building Systems Manual replaces the 2012 edition.

Most municipalities in the United States have now adopted a building code. In the past, where a
building code did not govern the design, the recommended loads in the MBMA Low-Rise
Building Systems Manual (the predecessor to the Metal Building Systems Manual) were often
specified. In recognition of the decreased need for MBMA loads, the Metal Building Systems
Manual now focuses on how to apply the loads specified by the International Building Code and
ASCE 7. Although the information in the new manual can be applied to low-rise buildings in
general, it concentrates on issues related to design, code compliance and specification of metal
building systems.

Use of this manual is totally voluntary. Each building manufacturer or designer retains the
prerogative to choose its own design and commercial practices and the responsibility to design
its building systems to comply with applicable specifications and safety considerations.

This 2018 edition of the MBMA Metal Building Systems Manual brings the manual into
conformance with the 2018 Edition of the International Building Code and ASCE 7-16 (referred
to herein as IBC and ASCE 7, respectively). It incorporates the results of research and
development undertaken by MBMA, its member companies and other industry groups. It also
updates referenced standards to the current editions.

Although every effort has been made to present accurate and sound information, the
responsibility for an individual project rests with the design professional and contract parties.
MBMA and ICC assume no responsibility whatsoever for the application of this information to
the design or construction of any specific building system.

MBMA and ICC expressly disclaim all liability for damages of any sort whether direct, indirect
or consequential, arising out of the use, reference to, or reliance on this manual or any of its
contents. MBMA AND ICC DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES EXPRESS AND
IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I DESIGN PRACTICE AND LOAD APPLICATION .................................. 1

1.1 BACKGROUND ................................................................................................. 1
1.2 DESIGN PRACTICE ........................................................................................... 3
1.3 LOAD APPLICATION.......................................................................................... 3
1.3.1 Definitions .......................................................................................... 4
1.3.2 Live Loads .......................................................................................... 7
1.3.3 Roof Live Loads ................................................................................. 8
1.3.4 Wind Loads ...................................................................................... 11
1.3.5 Snow Loads ................................................................................... 183
1.3.6 Seismic Loads ................................................................................ 228
1.3.7 Tsunami Loads............................................................................... 229
1.3.8 Load Combinations ........................................................................ 230

CHAPTER II CRANE SYSTEMS ............................................................................. 231

2.1 GENERAL.................................................................................................... 231
2.2 CRANE TYPES ............................................................................................. 231
2.2.1 Top Running Cranes ...................................................................... 232
2.2.2 Underhung Bridge Cranes ............................................................. 233
2.2.3 Underhung Monorail Cranes .......................................................... 234
2.2.4 Jib Cranes ...................................................................................... 235
2.2.5 Single Leg Gantry Crane ................................................................ 237
2.2.6 Stacker Crane ................................................................................ 237
2.3 CRANE SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................. 238
2.3.1 Bridge or Monorail Cranes ............................................................. 239
2.3.2 Jib Cranes ...................................................................................... 241
2.4 CRANE LOADS ............................................................................................ 241
2.4.1 Wheel Load .................................................................................... 242
2.4.2 Vertical Impact ............................................................................... 242
2.4.3 Lateral Force .................................................................................. 243
2.4.4 Longitudinal Force.......................................................................... 243
2.4.5 Crane Loading Conditions .............................................................. 243
2.5 BUILDING FRAMES AND SUPPORT COLUMNS .................................................. 244
2.5.1 Single Crane Aisle with One Crane ................................................ 244
2.5.2 Single Crane Aisle with Multiple Cranes ........................................ 244
2.5.3 Multiple Crane Aisles with Single Cranes ....................................... 244
2.5.4 Multiple Crane Aisles with Multiple Cranes .................................... 244
2.5.5 Deflection and Drift......................................................................... 246
2.5.6 Building Layouts ............................................................................. 246
2.5.7 Brackets and Crane Columns ........................................................ 250
2.6 RUNWAY BEAMS AND SUSPENSION SYSTEMS ................................................ 251
2.6.1 Single Crane .................................................................................. 251
2.6.2 Multiple Cranes .............................................................................. 251
2.6.3 Top Running Bridge Cranes ........................................................... 252

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2.6.4 Underhung Cranes and Monorails ................................................. 253

2.7 LONGITUDINAL CRANE AISLE BRACING .......................................................... 255
2.7.1 Single Crane .................................................................................. 256
2.7.2 Multiple Cranes .............................................................................. 256
2.8 RUNWAY STOPS .......................................................................................... 257
2.9 FATIGUE ..................................................................................................... 258
2.9.1 Crane Service Classifications......................................................... 258
2.9.2 Designing for Fatigue ..................................................................... 259
2.10 CRANE W HEELS AND RAILS.......................................................................... 261
2.10.1 Crane Wheels ................................................................................ 261
2.10.2 Rails ............................................................................................... 261
2.10.3 Rail Attachments ............................................................................ 265
2.11 HEAVY-DUTY CYCLE CRANES ...................................................................... 267
2.11.1 Crane Runway Loading .................................................................. 267
2.11.2 Building Classifications .................................................................. 269
2.11.3 AIST Load Combinations ............................................................... 270
2.11.4 Deflection ....................................................................................... 271
2.11.5 Fatigue ........................................................................................... 271
2.11.6 Detailing and Fabrication Considerations ....................................... 271
2.12 SPECIFICATION OF CRANE SYSTEMS ............................................................. 275
2.13 ERECTION ................................................................................................... 275
2.14 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE .................................................................... 275
2.15 CRANE EXAMPLE ......................................................................................... 276

CHAPTER III SERVICEABILITY ............................................................................. 283

3.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 283
3.1.1 Vibration ......................................................................................... 284
3.1.2 Wind-Induced Motion ..................................................................... 284
3.1.3 Thermal Expansion and Contraction .............................................. 284
3.1.4 Connection Slip .............................................................................. 285
3.1.5 Corrosion ....................................................................................... 286
3.2 ASCE 7 SERVICEABILITY REQUIREMENTS ..................................................... 286
3.3 PONDING INSTABILITY .................................................................................. 289
3.3.1 IBC REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................... 290
3.3.2 ASCE 7 REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 290
3.3.3 AISC 360 REQUIREMENTS ................................................................ 291
3.3.4 SJI TECHNICAL DIGEST NO. 3 ........................................................... 292
3.4 DEFLECTION OF MEMBERS ........................................................................... 292
3.5 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS RELATIVE TO SKYLIGHTS ....................................... 293
3.6 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS RELATIVE TO CLADDING, FRAME DEFORMATION,
AND DRIFT ................................................................................................. 293
3.7 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS RELATIVE TO CRANES ........................................... 303

CHAPTER IV COMMON INDUSTRY PRACTICES ................................................. 307

SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... 307

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1.1 Introduction .......................................................................................... 307

1.2 Definitions............................................................................................ 307
SECTION 2 – SALE OF A METAL BUILDING SYSTEM ................................................... 310
2.1 General................................................................................................ 310
2.2 Changes in Order Documents or Contract Documents ....................... 311
SECTION 3 – DESIGN OF A METAL BUILDING SYSTEM ................................................ 312
3.1 Design Responsibility .......................................................................... 312
3.2 End Customer Responsibility .............................................................. 313
3.3 Manufacturer’s Responsibility .............................................................. 315
SECTION 4 – MATERIALS AND FABRICATION ............................................................. 318
4.1 Materials and Material Tests ............................................................... 318
4.2 Fabrication ........................................................................................... 318
SECTION 5 – DELIVERY AND RECEIPT ...................................................................... 322
5.1 Delivery ............................................................................................... 322
5.2 Receipt ................................................................................................ 322
SECTION 6 – ERECTION AND OTHER FIELD W ORK .................................................... 324
6.1 General................................................................................................ 324
6.2 Metal Building Systems Erection and Other Field Work ...................... 324
6.3 Site Survey .......................................................................................... 325
6.4 Concrete Slab, Foundation and Anchor Bolt Setting ........................... 325
6.5 Interruption, Delays, or Overtime Wages............................................. 325
6.6 Hazardous Job Site Conditions ........................................................... 326
6.7 Accessibility of Job Site and Building Floor Area ................................. 326
6.8 Erection Tolerances............................................................................. 326
6.9 Method or Sequence of Erection ......................................................... 326
6.10 Correction of Errors and Repairs ......................................................... 329
SECTION 7 – INSURANCE ........................................................................................ 331
7.1 General ............................................................................................. 331
7.2 Manufacturer Insurance .................................................................... 331
7.3 Dealer, Erector, Contractor and General Contractor Insurance ........ 331
7.4 End Customer Insurance .................................................................. 331
7.5 Leased Equipment Insurance ........................................................... 332
7.6 Insurance Certificates ....................................................................... 332
SECTION 8 – GENERAL ........................................................................................... 333
8.1 Permits, Assessments, Pro Rata and Other Fees ............................ 333
8.2 Code or Deed Restriction Compliance .............................................. 333
8.3 Postponement of Shipment............................................................... 333
8.4 Penalties and Bonds ......................................................................... 333
8.5 Completion and Acceptance ............................................................. 333
8.6 Indemnification for Modifications, Adaptations and Repairs.............. 334
8.7 Consequential Damages .................................................................. 334
8.8 Changes in Product or Standards ..................................................... 334
8.9 Paragraph Headings ......................................................................... 334
SECTION 9 – FABRICATION TOLERANCES ................................................................. 335
9.1 Cold-Formed Structural Members ....................................................... 335
9.2 Built-Up Structural Members ............................................................... 337

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CHAPTER V PERFORMANCE GUIDE SPECIFICATION ...................................... 341

SECTION 1 – GENERAL ........................................................................................... 342
1.1 Metal Building System Components .................................................... 342
1.2 Related Sections ................................................................................. 343
1.3 References .......................................................................................... 343
1.4 Design Requirements .......................................................................... 345
1.5 Submittals ............................................................................................ 347
1.6 Quality Assurance ............................................................................... 348
1.7 Qualifications ....................................................................................... 348
1.8 Field Measurements ............................................................................ 349
1.9 Warranty .............................................................................................. 349
1.10 Administration ...................................................................................... 349
SECTION 2 – PRODUCTS ......................................................................................... 349
2.1 Materials – Roof System ..................................................................... 349
2.2 Materials – Wall Systems .................................................................... 351
2.3 Materials – Trim ................................................................................... 352
2.4 Materials – Metal Personnel Doors and Frames ................................. 352
2.5 Materials – Doors and Frames, Other Than Personnel ....................... 352
2.6 Materials – Windows ........................................................................... 353
2.7 Materials – Translucent Panels ........................................................... 353
2.8 Materials – Accessories ....................................................................... 354
2.9 Fabrication – Primary Framing ............................................................ 354
2.10 Fabrication – Secondary...................................................................... 354
2.11 Fabrication – Gutters, Downspouts, Flashings and Trim ..................... 355
SECTION 3 – EXECUTION ........................................................................................ 356
3.1 Execution ............................................................................................. 356
3.2 Erection – Framing .............................................................................. 356
3.3 Erection – Wall and Roofing Systems ................................................. 357
3.4 Erection – Gutter, Downspouts, Flashings and Trim ........................... 357
3.5 Erection – Translucent Panels ............................................................. 358
3.6 Installation – Accessories .................................................................... 358
3.7 Tolerances ........................................................................................... 358

CHAPTER VI IAS METAL BUILDING ACCREDITATION PROGRAMS ................ 359

6.1 INSPECTION PROGRAM FOR MANUFACTURERS OF METAL BUILDINGS (AC472) 359
6.1.1 Introduction .................................................................................... 359
6.1.2 Objectives ...................................................................................... 360
6.1.3 Benefits .......................................................................................... 360
6.2 INSPECTION PRACTICES OF METAL BUILDING ASSEMBLERS (AC478) .............. 361

CHAPTER VII ENERGY CODES ............................................................................ 363

7.1 GENERAL.................................................................................................... 363
7.2 ENERGY DESIGN GUIDE FOR METAL BUILDING SYSTEMS ................................ 363
7.3 ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE: A GUIDE FOR METAL BUILDING CONTRACTORS .. 364

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CHAPTER VIII FIRE PROTECTION........................................................................ 365

8.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 365
8.2 FIRE RESISTANCE DESIGN GUIDE FOR METAL BUILDING SYSTEMS .................. 365

CHAPTER IX CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA AND INFORMATION ............................ 369

9.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 369
9.2 RAIN LOADS................................................................................................ 369
9.3 LOAD DATA OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES .................................................... 373

CHAPTER X GLOSSARY ....................................................................................... 375

APPENDIX ............................................................................................................... 413

APPENDIX A1 TAPERED MEMBERS .................................................................... 415

A1.1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................. 415
A1.2 HISTORICAL DESIGN .................................................................................... 415
A1.3 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ............................................................................. 415

APPENDIX A2 BOLTED END-PLATE CONNECTIONS ........................................ 417

A2.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 417
A2.2 RESEARCH ................................................................................................. 417

APPENDIX A3 METAL BUILDING FOUNDATIONS .............................................. 418

A3.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 418
A3.2 TYPES OF FORCES ...................................................................................... 418
A3.2.1 Large Column Uplift Force ................................................................ 418
A3.2.2 Horizontal Thrust Force .................................................................... 418
A3.3 METHOD OF LATERAL LOAD RESISTANCE ...................................................... 419
A3.4 TENSION TIES ............................................................................................. 419
A3.5 HAIRPIN RODS ............................................................................................ 420
A3.6 SHEAR BLOCKS/KEYS .................................................................................. 421

APPENDIX A4 GUTTERS, DOWNSPOUTS AND SCUPPERS ............................. 422

A4.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 422
A4.2 GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS ....................................................................... 422
A4.3 SECONDARY EMERGENCY OVERFLOW .......................................................... 425
A4.4 DESIGN AND SELECTION PROCEDURE ........................................................... 425
A4.5 MODIFIED SMACNA PROCEDURE ................................................................ 426
A4.6 RAIN LOAD EXAMPLE ................................................................................... 429

APPENDIX A5 ROOF EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION ................................... 432

A5.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 432

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A5.2 RESEARCH ................................................................................................. 432

APPENDIX A6 HANGING LOADS ON PURLINS ................................................... 433

A6.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 433
A6.2 METHODS OF ATTACHMENT .......................................................................... 433

APPENDIX A7 WIND LOAD COMMENTARY ........................................................ 439

A7.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 439
A7.2 BASIC CODE AND STANDARD EQUATIONS ...................................................... 439
A7.2.1 Kinetic Energy of Wind Field ............................................................. 439
A7.2.2 External Pressures and Combined External and Internal Pressures 443
A7.2.3 Internal Pressures ............................................................................. 450
A7.3 MAIN FRAMING W IND LOADS ........................................................................ 453
A7.3.1 Envelope Method .............................................................................. 453
A7.3.2 Directional Method ............................................................................ 455
A7.3.3 Main Framing Loads for Bare Frames .............................................. 456
A7.4 WIND LOADS FOR COMPONENTS AND CLADDING ............................................ 457
A7.4.1 General ............................................................................................. 457
A7.4.2 Pressure Coefficients ........................................................................ 458
A7.5 INTER-RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CODE PARAMETERS ..................................... 458
A7.6 WIND SPEED MAPS AND MEASURING METHODS ............................................ 459
A7.7 ROOF PANEL UPLIFT CAPACITY DETERMINATION ........................................... 461
A7.7.1 Introduction ....................................................................................... 461
A7.7.2 Uplift Tests ........................................................................................ 462

APPENDIX A8 LIGHTNING PROTECTION ............................................................ 466

A8.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 466
A8.2 RESOURCES AND REFERENCES .................................................................... 466

APPENDIX A9 SNOW REMOVAL .......................................................................... 467

A9.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 467
A9.2 DRAINAGE .................................................................................................. 467
A9.3 WHEN TO REMOVE SNOW ............................................................................ 467
A9.4 SNOW /ICE REMOVAL PROCEDURE ................................................................ 468

APPENDIX A10 VEHICULAR ACCESS DOORS ................................................... 470

A10.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 470
A10.1.1 Sheet Door........................................................................................ 470
A10.1.2 Rolling Slat Door ............................................................................... 471
A10.1.3 Sectional Door .................................................................................. 471
A10.1.4 Vertical Lift Door ............................................................................... 472
A10.2 DOOR & ACCESS SYSTEMS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (DASMA) .......... 472

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A10.3 METAL BUILDING AND ROLLING SHEET DOOR SYSTEM BEHAVIOR .................. 473
A10.3.1 Rolling Sheet Door Details ................................................................ 474
A10.3.2 Jamb Flexibility and Modeling ........................................................... 474
A10.3.3 Design of Door Jambs – CBSA Program .......................................... 476
A10.3.4 Designing a Building with Rolling Sheet Doors ................................. 483
A10.3.5 Notes on Drawings ........................................................................... 484
A10.3.6 Rolling Slat Door Analysis................................................................. 484

APPENDIX A11 CLEANING PANEL SURFACES .................................................. 486

APPENDIX A12 CLEANING STRUCTURAL STEEL ............................................. 486

APPENDIX A13 OSHA STEEL ERECTION REGULATIONS ................................. 487

A13.1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................. 487
A13.2 SYSTEMS ENGINEERED METAL BUILDINGS .................................................... 488
A13.3 RULING ON GUTTER INSTALLATION ............................................................... 488
A13.4 STEEL COALITION LUBRICANT TASK GROUP FINAL REPORT ............................ 490

APPENDIX A14 CONVERSION FACTORS ............................................................ 515

APPENDIX A15 ADDRESSES OF ORGANIZATIONS ........................................... 517

APPENDIX A16 METAL ROOFING DETAILS ........................................................ 523

SECTION 1 – TRAPEZOIDAL RIB PANEL DETAILS ....................................................... 524
SECTION 2 – VERTICAL RIB PANEL DETAILS (LOW SLOPE) ........................................ 553

APPENDIX A17 BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................... 586

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