Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings are an innovation in modern construction. The method uses advanced materials like high-strength structural steel, including hot-rolled and cold-formed sections, which provide enhanced load-bearing capacity and structural efficiency. Galvalume-coated steel panels are widely adopted for superior corrosion resistance, enhancing the durability of PEB structures in diverse climates.
The increasing focus on energy conservation has led to the use of insulated sandwich panels for walls and roofs, minimizing thermal loss. Buildings are designed to include vapor barriers, high-performance sealants, and energy-efficient glazing to improve their sustainability.
Integration of smart sensors and building management systems (BMS) is gaining prominence, improving climate control, security, and energy monitoring. Modular design enables flexibility in architectural expression while expediting the construction timeline. PEB systems allow up to 80m clear spans and 60m eave heights, providing voluminous, column-free interiors. The system allows for customization, accommodating specialized needs like crane systems, mezzanine floors, and large door openings.
Challenges in PEB implementation include design complexity vs. standardization. Although PEBs offer design versatility, achieving complex architectural aesthetics, maintaining structural efficiency can be challenging. Remote site locations and challenging topography can complicate logistics and erection of large steel components. Deploying certified erectors trained in systematic installation practices is therefore important.
"Hindustan Unilever’s PEB facility is a testament to Interarch’s engineering expertise in delivering a structure that combines durability, aesthetics, and sustainability."Manish Garg,
CEO, Interarch Building Solutions
Misconceptions about durability and fire resistance are common. Applying advanced anti-corrosive coatings, certified welding practices, and providing long-term service support are the solutions being offered by companies. Striving for green certification while managing cost and project timelines requires careful planning.
A recent project of Interarch is Hindustan Unilever’s Sumerpur facility in Uttar Pradesh. This greenfield manufacturing facility, spread across an area of 35,000 m2. This ultra-modern PEB, India’s tallest Pre-Engineered Multistorey Process Building, designed for detergent production, has a height of 63 meters and steel tonnage of 5,000 MT.
Consultant to the project is L&T Technology Services while Interarch undertook end-to-end solution comprising engineering, manufacturing, supply, and on-site erection of the complex structure, which consists of seven distinct buildings such as the process high bay, HAG biomass, packing raw material SFG, raw material utility structure, and pipe rack.
Interarch used advanced structural design tools such as MBS, STAAD Pro, and Tekla Structures, and in-house developed software for precision analysis and cost-effective solutions, while enabling precise customization.
The complex mezzanine floors supporting monorail cranes, MEP systems, and solar panels were designed to sustain live loads ranging from 5 kN/m² to 10 kN/m². Leak-proof connections were achieved with innovative standing seam roofing systems, particularly where multiple structures intersected. The PEB is designed for zero-carbon footprint, with sustainable features allowing adaptability and minimal future environmental impact.
