https://issuu.com/mortonbuildi...Post-frame construction refers to a highly engineered wood-framed building that can be built with a variety of exteriors. A post-frame building blends superior efficiency, flexibility and strength and has paved the path for it to become a trusted method throughout the construction industry.
A post-frame building brings many advantages to a customer, as the design of the structure allows for clear spans up to nearly 100 feet, maximum efficiency, limited maintenance, speedy construction and lower construction costs.
Post-Frame Construction at a Glance
FOUNDATION OPTIONS
Post-frame buildings can be built on different foundation options to adapt to a variety of site and climate conditions. Buildings can be built on concrete columns in the ground or columns mounted on a monolithic slab.
For facilities constructed with lower columns in the ground, Morton has engineered its own concrete foundation system, using specially designed components and superior materials to produce its strongest building to date. A concrete column, an internal threaded adjustment bracket, stainless splashboard, internal column connector and a wood upper column make up the system that removes wood from the ground, eliminating the need for treatment and providing an eco-friendly option.
The Morton Foundation System
LAMINATED COLUMNS
Perhaps one of the most critical components of a post-frame building is its upper columns. Morton utilizes triple-laminated, hydraulically compressed wood columns made out of No. 1 Southern Yellow Pine. Splices are staggered and spaced for consistent strength and lamination provides the ability to add column stiffeners for high-demand environments.
Laminated Column
HEAVY-DUTY TRUSSES
Another major element of a post-frame building is heavy-duty trusses. Morton buildings feature specially engineered trusses that are densely webbed and centered over each laminated column to increase strength and longevity. Truss widths vary, as Morton provides standard options in 18′, 24′, 30′, 36′, 42′, 48′, 54′, 60′, 66′, 72′, and 81′. Morton also provides differing roof pitches that create additional design flexibility.
The trusses, coupled with upper and lower columns, create a clear-span construction model that eliminates the need for interior support beams or walls. Without interior support beams, customers are given virtually unlimited options in interior design or floor plans.
Morton Trusses
EXTERIOR OPTIONS
On the exterior, customers are free to cover the building frame with a variety of materials. Morton is well-known for its commercial-quality Hi-Rib steel. Morton’s steel is .019 inches thick, or 26-gauge, with a one-inch tall major rib, providing added strength over the typical steel from a competitor that is .015 inches thick with five-eighths of an inch major rib. Two minor ribs between each one-inch major rib add even more strength to the steel.
While Morton’s Hi-Rib steel has been reliable for generations, it is important to note that post-frame buildings can be adapted for any type of exterior finish. Other available finishing materials include brick, stonework, masonry or siding.
Steel Comparison
SPEEDY CONSTRUCTION AND LOW CONSTRUCTION COSTS
According to the National Frame Builders Association, post-frame buildings are built more quickly than other kinds of buildings because the building columns and interlocking frame can handle larger weight loads than stud-wall construction. This creates the need for fewer structural materials, controlling time and cost.
The result of these components is a versatile, low-maintenance, cost-effective building. With more than 100 construction centers located throughout the United States, Morton Buildings and its industry-leading crews erect thousands of post-frame buildings each year.
Learn more about Morton Buildings and post-frame construction here.
