These columns on one of our current large industrial sites highlight the importance of considering the temporary condition of tall steel frame columns when undertaking the permanent baseplate and foundation design. Temporary forces generated by wind loads on exposed freestanding columns can often govern the design and ignoring them can lead to costly temporary measures being required during construction.
At Craddys we always look to avoid the need for temporary works by designing in permanent solutions where possible. In this example, foundation bases and baseplate arrangements were oversized to resist temporary wind moments and facilitate freestanding conditions.
Whilst foundations became marginally bigger, importantly from a H&S, buildability, time and cost perspective this was far better than the option of temporary strutting, kentledge and/or additional craneage. Never neglect the temporary condition.
The columns form part of a circa 1,300,000 ft2 industrial building ranging from 20m to 30m in height.
