Mueller Pre-Fab User Manual
Prefabricated
Steel building
inStallation Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. Site and Foundation Preparation
General Information................................................. 1
Squaring of Foundation..............................................2
Anchor Bolt Settings ...............................................3-4
B. Building Delivery and Storage
Unloading and Preparation of Parts for Assembly ..........................1
Unloading, Handling, and Storage of Materials ............................2
Location of Building Parts ............................................3
Care and Handling of Mueller Sheet Metal...............................4-6
C. Erection of Primary and Secondary Structural
General Information................................................. 1
Tools and Equipment Required ........................................ 2
Typical Building Parts ............................................... 3
Raising Rigid Frames ..............................................4-8
Erecting Column and Beam Endwalls ...................................9
Erecting Remaining Frames........................................10-11
Assembly of Brace Cables ..........................................12
Installation of Wind Bracing ........................................13-16
D. Insulation
Wall Insulation ....................................................1-2
Roof Insulation ...................................................3-5
E. Sheeting
Fastener Layout ...................................................1
Aligning the Girts...................................................2
Screw Alignment..................................................3-4
Installation of Wall Panels ...........................................5-9
Preparing the Eave ..............................................10-11
Installation of Roof Panels .........................................12-24
Skylight Installation ..............................................25-26
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METAL BUILDING TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
F. Trim
Flashing .........................................................1
Peak Sheet Ridge Installation .........................................2
Typical Screw Placement for Peak Sheets/Ridge Roll ....................... 3
Sealant Tape Application at Ridge Flashing ...............................4
Rake Trim ........................................................ 5
Corner Trim ....................................................... 6
Eave Trim .......................................................7-9
Gutter ........................................................10-13
Door Trim .....................................................14-15
Overhang Trim Details ..............................................16
G. Doors and Accessories
Personnel Doors ..................................................1-2
Roll-Up Doors ..................................................... 3
Windows......................................................... 3
Ridge Vents......................................................4-7
Pipe Deck Flashing .................................................8
H. Glossary
Metal Building Terms and Definitions ...................................1-9
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SECTION A
Site & foundation
PreParation
PREPARATION OF SITE AND FOUNDATION
1. General
Before the Mueller prefabricated steel building arrives, the site and foundation should be prepared.
This includes leveling the terrain and constructing the foundation. Mueller buildings are typically
designed to be placed on a permanent slab. A concrete contractor is highly recommended for this
phase of the construction.
2. Procedural Steps
A. Remove trees, debris, and other items from the building location.
B. Smooth and level the ground where the foundation is to be made.
C. Construct the foundation using the materials recommended by your concrete contractor.
NOTE: Mueller Steel Building Systems will provide blueprints that show placement in
the concrete slab. Check the anchor bolt plan thoroughly upon receipt. If you
have any questions, call your Mueller Steel Building Systems Salesperson.
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A-1
SQUARING OF FOUNDATION
For proper building erection, it is critical the foundation is square. The following examples are
suggested to ensure square foundation.
Dimensions
Must Be
Equal
Measurement:
A same as B
C same as D
E same as F
G same as H
Transit
G
A
B
F
C
E
D
H
A-2
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ANCHOR BOLT SETTINGS
It is extremely important that anchor bolts be placed accurately in accordance with the anchor bolt
setting plan. All anchor bolts should be held in place with a template or similar means, so they will
remain plumb and in the correct location during placing of the concrete. Check the concrete forms
and anchor bolt locations prior to the pouring of the concrete. A final check should be made after
the completion of the concrete work and prior to the steel erection. This will allow any necessary
corrections to be made before the costly erection labor and equipment arrives.
B
1
1
/2˝
D
1
1
/2˝
Projection of anchor bolts “D”
given on anchor bolt plan
1
/2˝
1
Form
Board
Template*
C
C
Steel
Line
B
Dimension of A, B and C as
given on anchor bolt plan
NOTE: Measurements are from steel line to steel line.
* Template not included.
A
A
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A-3
ANCHOR BOLT SETTINGS
Refer to your anchor bolt drawing for proper sizes and dimensions.
Stake
Template
Form
Board
Anchor
Bolts
1
/2˝
1
1
/2˝
1
Anchor Bolt
Foundation
Sheet
Ledge
NOTE: Suggested protrusion is 2 1/2" of threads above concrete.
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SECTION B
building delivery
and Storage
UNLOADING AND PREPARATION
OF PARTS FOR ASSEMBLY
The vehicle transporting your building parts must gain access to the building site from the
adjacent highway or road. Such access should be studied and prepared in advance of arrival.
All obstructions, overhead and otherwise, must be removed and the access route graveled or
planked if the soil will not sustain the heavy wheel loads.
A forklift or other type of power loader may be required to unload the truck and move the heavier
parts to the proper locations.
When the truck arrives with the building, unload the truck promptly, stack the steel parts evenly on
blocks and protect them from the weather.
Unloading and placing the steel parts of the building in the most convenient places for assembly
will make the process easier and faster.
NOTE: Prolonged exposure to the weather before assembly or stacking the steel
in a haphazard way can cause the painted parts to become damaged, or the
building parts to warp. Protect painted parts from moisture to prevent fading and
discoloring and stack the structural steel parts so they will be straight.
After unloading the truck and before the driver leaves, ensure that all parts have
been delivered.
1. Check each part against the delivery receipt. Each part is marked for identification.
2. Sign the delivery receipt if all parts are delivered.
3. If any of the parts are missing, notify the driver and note the missing items on the delivery
receipt before signing.
4. Check with your salesperson regarding the missing parts.
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B-1
UNLOADING, HANDLING, AND
STORAGE OF MATERIALS
Structure
A great amount of time and trouble can be saved if the building parts are unloaded at the building
site according to a pre-arranged plan. Proper location and handling of components will eliminate
unnecessary handling.
Blocking under the columns and rafters protects the splice plates and the slab from damage
during the unloading process. It also facilitates the placing of slings or cables around the members
for later lifting and allows members to be bolted together into sub-assemblies while on the ground.
Extra care should always be exercised in the unloading operation to prevent injuries from handling
the steel and to prevent damage to materials and the concrete slab.
If water is allowed to remain for extended periods in bundles of primed parts such as girts,
purlins, etc., the pigment will fade and the paint will gradually soften reducing its bond to the steel.
Therefore, upon receipt of a job, all bundles of primed parts should be stored at an angle to allow
any trapped water to drain away and permit air circulation for drying. Puddles of water should not
be allowed to collect and remain on columns or rafters for the same reason.
All primer should be touched up as required before erection.
NOTE: Piece marks are stenciled on primary structural members.
B-2
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LOCATION OF BUILDING PARTS
Place the parts around the foundation so they will be in the most convenient locations for
installation. For example: place the end columns and rafters at the ends of the building and the
mainframe columns and rafters at the sides.
Place the bolts and nuts in a place where they will be accessible to the parts. You may want to
screw the bolts and nuts together and place them with the corresponding parts. This will save time
as you begin assembling the parts.
Purlins and girts, depending on the number of bundles, are usually stored near the sidewalls clear
of other packages or parts.
Sheet packages are usually located along one or both sidewalls off the ground and sloping to one
end to encourage drainage in case of rain.
Accessories are usually unloaded on a corner of the slab or off the slab near one end of the building
to keep them as much out of the way as possible from the active area during steel erection.
NOTE: When filing claims either with the carrier or Mueller, Inc.,
the claim should indicate the item(s) in question:
•Thebundleorcontainerinquestion(ifany)
•Theactualquantityreceived.
•Thequantitywhichshouldhavebeenreceivedorthat
which was damaged.
This is important for quickly retrieving the necessary information.
Also, the other information such as numbers, names and addresses should be
indicated on claims as well as invoice numbers.
These procedures are primarily for your protection, A shortage discovered
later can be caused by theft, misplacement or other causes
and neither the carrier or Mueller can accept responsibility.
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B-3
CARE AND HANDLING OF MUELLER SHEET METAL
Delivery
Mueller takes every precaution to ensure that material is delivered to the customer damage free
and fully protected from the elements during shipment. When the material is delivered to the
customer it then becomes the customer's responsibility to protect the material from the elements,
possible theft, and other damage. The following guidelines are recommended:
Handling: Proper care is required in unloading and handling panel bundles
in order to prevent damage.
1. Bundles should remain banded (if possible) during the unloading process. Bundles should
never be lifted by the banding material.
2. Lift each bundle as close as possible to its center of gravity.
3. If the bundles are to be lifted with a crane, use a spreader bar of appropriate length and
nylon band slings (do not use wire rope slings as they will damage the material).
4. Depending on the panel length, some bundles may be lifted by a forklift. When using a
forklift, the forks should be spread to their maximum spacing, and the load centered on the
forks. Sheets over 25’ long require two forklifts.
5. After panel bundles are opened, individual sheets must be handled carefully to prevent
panel buckling or damage to the panel coating. When removing a sheet from a bundle it
should be rolled off the bundle to prevent scratching of the next sheet. Never drag or slide
one sheet over another sheet. Sheets should not be picked up by the ends. Instead, lift the
sheet along its longitudinal edge and carry in a vertical position. For sheets over 10’ long,
two or more people may be required to carry the sheet.
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WALL AND ROOF PANELS
Mueller’s wall and roof panels including color coated, galvalume, and galvanized provide
excellent service under widely varied conditions. All unloading and erection personnel should fully
understand that these panels are quality merchandise which merit cautious care
in handling.
Under no circumstances should panels be handled roughly. Packages of sheets should
be lifted off the truck with extreme care taken to ensure that no damage occurs to ends of the
sheets or to side ribs. The packages should be stored off the ground sufficiently high to allow air
circulation underneath the packages. This avoids ground moisture and deters people from walking
on the packages. One end of the package should always be elevated to encourage drainage in
case of rain.
All stacked metal panels are subject, to some degree, to localized discoloration or stain when
water is trapped between their closely nested surfaces. Mueller, Inc. exercises extreme caution
during fabricating and shipping operations to ensure that all panel stock is kept dry. However, due
to climatic conditions, water formed by condensation of humid air can become trapped between
stacked sheets. Water can also be trapped between the stacked sheets when exposed to rain.
This discoloration caused by trapped moisture is often called wet storage stain.
The stain is usually superficial and has little effect on the appearance or service life of the panels as
long as it is not permitted to remain on the panels. However, moisture in contact with the surface
of the panels over an extended period can severely attack the finish and reduce the effective
service life. Therefore, it is imperative that all panels be inspected for moisture upon receipt
of the order. If moisture is present, dry the panels at once and store in a dry, warm place.
CAUTION: Care should always be taken when walking on panels. Use safety
lines and nets when necessary! Panels can be slippery due to paint finish,
wax, oil or atmospheric conditions. Always assume panel surface is
slippery and act accordingly.
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B-5
WALL AND ROOF PANELS (continued)
Storage:
It is recommended that sheets be stored under roof if at all possible. If sheets are to be stored
outside, the following precautions should be observed:
1. The storage area should be reasonably level, and located so as to minimize handling.
2. When stored on bare ground, place a plastic ground cover under the bundles to minimize
condensation on the sheets from ground moisture.
3. Store bundles at least 12 inches above ground level to allow air circulation beneath the
bundle, and to prevent damage from rising water.
4. Elevate one end of each bundle slightly to permit runoff of moisture from the top of the
bundle or from between sheets. A waterproof cover should be placed over the bundles to
allow for air circulation under the cover.
5. Inspect stored bundles daily and repair any tears or punctures in the waterproof cover.
6. Re-cover opened bundles at the end of each workday to prevent subsequent
moisture damage.
Drainage
Elevate
Air Circulation
Checking Order At Time Of Delivery
Check each order carefully, as it is unloaded. Report any obvious damage or shortages to the
carrier immediately. If damage or shortages are noted after delivery (at time of unpacking) notify
your Mueller representative immediately. Have invoice numbers and detailed descriptions of the
damage or shortage available. These procedures are for your protection. A shortage or damage
discovered later, can be caused by theft, misplacement, mishandling or other causes and is not
the responsibility of Mueller, Inc.
B-6
NEVER INSTALL MATERIAL IF THE QUALITY IS IN QUESTION!
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SECTION C
erection of PriMary
and Secondary
Structural
GENERAL INFORMATION
Many methods and procedures are in use for erecting the structural portion of metal buildings.
The techniques of raising frames vary from erecting small clear spans and endwall frames in units
to erecting the larger clear spans and modular frames in sections. The erection methods used
depend strictly on the type of building, the available equipment, the experience level of the crews,
and the individual job conditions.
The variations in these factors preclude the establishment of a firm or specific set of erection
rules and procedures. Consequently, the erection operation must be tailored by the erector to fit
individual conditions and requirements. However, there are certain erection practices, pertaining to
structural members, which are in general use and have proven sound over the years. Descriptions
of these follow.
Erectors are cautioned not to cut primary members (rigid frame columns, rafters, end bearing
frame rafters, interior columns). These are the primary support members for the frame and
are designed as such. Any cutting of these members may affect the structural stability. A
representative of Mueller’s must be consulted prior to attempting alterations of these members.
NOTE: Do not install any material if its quality is in question. Mueller, Inc.
will not be responsible for costs incurred associated with the installation
and/or removal of same.
WARNING! In no case should building erection be started on green concrete.
Anchor bolts may pull loose, concrete spall (chip out along edges) may occur
and equipment may crush or crack slab. Consult the project engineer, not
Mueller, Inc. on foundation questions.
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C-1
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
The types of tools and equipment required in order to assemble and erect the building depend on
the size of the building purchased. This part of the instruction manual lists the tools and equipment
that are normally required for most buildings. You may wish to use more or less power equipment
or different tools than are listed as the need dictates. Whatever tools are used, it is important
to remember that using the recommended tools will enable the least effort and best manner of
erecting the building.
If a contractor is going to erect the building for you, you will not have to concern yourself with the
tool list as most contractors have the necessary tools and equipment that are required. However,
reference to the following list may be of value to the contractor if he has never assembled and
erected a Mueller Prefabricated Steel Building.
WARNING! Whenver using any type of power equipment, it is important to follow
the manufacturer's recommendations for use. Always be aware of the dangers
involved when using electric or air powered equipment.
Tools
Spud Wrench
Hammer
Centering punch
Square
Complete set of Wrenches (Open-end,
socket, box-end)
Pry Bar
Pipe Wrench
Pliers
Vise-Grip Pliers
Drill Bits
Power Drill or Combination Power/Hammer Drill
Screw Gun
Power Wrench (Impact Wrench)
Nibbler (Electric metal cutter for cutting
across the wall & roof sheets)
Level (3 feet long minimum)
Hacksaw
Broom (Push)
Wire Brush
Caulking Gun (Open barrel)
Chalk Line (100’ long and chalk)
Channel Locks
Extension Cord (#10-3, 2/4 way box, 250’ long)
Fire Extinguisher (#10)
First Aid Kit
Load Binders
Plumb Bob
Snips (Large bulldogs)
Tape measure (12’ to 25’ long, 100’ long for
foundation measurements)
Ladder
Chain
Rope
Hoist or Forklift (Should be all-terrain)
Come-along (Power pull)
Saw Horses
Tarps
Safety Equipment:
Goggles
Hard Hat
Gloves,
Work Boots, etc.
C-2
NOTE: Additional tools may be required depending on
the specific requirements of the building.
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Rigid frame with
straight column &
pipe interior column
Rigid frame extension
with straight column
Rigid frame with
tapered column (MFR)
TYPICAL BUILDING PARTS
Cable bracing (BC)
Rigid frame extension
Eave strut /
Eave purlin (ES)
Rigid frame with
straight column (MFR)
Beam end
wall column
Long lap
(EWC)
Wide flange beam
Z-bar (LLZ)
Extension
End wall
extension
frame (MFR)
End wall interior
column (EWIC)
Z-bar wall
girt (WG)
End wall
girt (EWG)
End wall
door column
(EWDC)
Door header (DH)
Base
angle (BA)
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C-3
RAISING RIGID FRAMES
The intermediate or interior frames nearest the bearing endwall are usually erected first. This bay
usually contains the diagonal bracing. The proper completion and plumbing of this first bay is
extremely important to the successful completion of the building.
Braced bay
Stand columns first
Temporary bracing
Although several methods are used to erect rigid frames, it has been found most satisfactory to
erect the columns first, tie them together with the girts and tighten the anchor bolts*. On small
spans and short eave heights, columns can often be set in place by hand without the use of
hoisting equipment. Temporary bracing should always be installed as soon as sections are
lifted in place.
*The anchor bolt tension may need to be adjusted to seat the rafter.
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RAISING RIGID FRAMES (CONTINUED)
After the columns have been erected, the ground-assembled rafter is hoisted into place and
connected to the columns. The size of the rafter that can be safely handled depends on
the equipment available and the experience of the erection foreman. Generally as many
connections as possible are made on the ground.
Flange braces
loose bolted
The flange brace should be bolted to the rafter prior to raising in order to save time. The hoisting
equipment should never be released from the rafter until the frame is adequately braced,
so it cannot buckle or tip in the longitudinal direction of the building.
NOTE: Drawing above is intended as a general rigging method.
Actual rigging method will vary with member configuration.
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C-5
RAISING RIGID FRAMES (CONTINUED)
Lifting Cables And Spreader Bars
In all instances the length of the lifting cables should be such that the angle between the rafter and
the lifting cables is no less than 45 degrees. To reduce the severe compression stresses at the
ridge of the rafters that are created by the angle of lifting cables, a spreader bar is recommended,
which allows the lifting cables to be parallel to each other.
Spreader bar
45 degree
minimum
Rafters
NOTE: Drawing above is intended as a general rigging method.
Actual rigging method will vary with member configuration.
NOTE: Stay well in the clear of loads being moved by any lifting device.
Hands and feet should be kept clear of moving loads and never stand
under a load being lifted. Remember, SAFETY FIRST!
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RAISING RIGID FRAMES (CONTINUED)
Completing And Plumbing The First Bay
After the first intermediate or interior frames have been set, Mueller, Inc. recommends that all
purlins, girts, and eave struts be installed in the braced bay and the entire bay plumbed, aligned
and braced before proceeding further. If the building is designed without cable bracing, the erector
is responsible for providing temporary erection bracing.
When this bay is properly and accurately plumbed and braced, the remaining members, to a large
degree, will automatically plumb and align when installed. Only a final check of the building plumb
remains, and few adjustments, if any, will be necessary.
Interior Bay
NOTE: Purlin Nesting note goes here. Something about underclip
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C-7
RAISING RIGID FRAMES (CONTINUED)
When the rafters consist of several roof beams, as in the case of wide buildings, a safe procedure
of raising by sections and supporting the free end must be followed, regardless of the type of
equipment available. In most instances the work proceeds from outside columns inward toward
the peak until the entire frame is bolted into place.
The same general procedures of erection apply to either clear span or multiple span frames. In the
case of the latter, the support for rafter sections during erection is generally supplied by the interior
columns themselves, making temporary supports unnecessary.
Two words of caution concerning the erection of rigid frames are in order. The first is that rigid
frames, especially free ends or cantilevered sections should never be left “for the day” in an
unsupported, unbraced or unguyed condition. Such practice has resulted in the total loss of
considerable amounts of erected steel because of wind. The second word of caution pertains to
the additional care required in the erection of multiple span frames compared to clear span frames.
Frames with interior columns, because of closer supports, have much lighter sections. They are
much more apt to buckle during erection than clear span frames, and consequently require greater
care in rigging and handling.
Connection Bolts
Bolts used to make connections in secondary framing members such as the purlins are usually
1/2” diameter, ASTM designation A307. All primary framing or main framing connections are
made with ASTM A325 bolts, usually 5/8”, 3/4”, 7/8” and 1” diameters. The size and grade of the
bolt are marked on the building erection drawings.
MAIN FRAME: An assemblage of rafters and columns that support the secondary
framing members and transfer loads directly to the foundation.
SECONDARY FRAMING: Members that carry loads from the building
surface to the main framing. For example – purlins and girts.
C-8
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ERECTING COLUMN AND BEAM ENDWALLS
Column and beam endwalls of 50 feet or less in span may be raised into position and set on
the anchor bolts as a unit. All rafters, column, girts (except outside endwall girts which connect
to the sidewall girts), door headers, door jambs, clips, diagonal brace rods, etc. should be
assembled on the ground with the bolts left finger tight. A spreader bar should be used to raise
the endwall frame. Because of the flexibility of the column and beam frames, care must be taken
in locating the points of attachment of the cables, and in raising the frame, to avoid bending
about the minor axis.
For spans of 60 feet and greater, the columns are usually erected first and then capped with the
endwall rafter. The girts, headers, jambs and diagonal brace rods are then added between the
end columns. During this erection process, the frame must be properly braced or guyed before
the lifting lines are disengaged. Final bolt tightening should be done once the frame is plumb
and square.
Spreader bar
NOTE: Drawing above is intended as a general rigging method.
NOTE: Drawing above is intended as a general rigging method.
Actual rigging method will vary with member configuration.
Actual rigging method will vary with member configuration.
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C-9
ERECTING THE REMAINING FRAMES & EAVE STRUTS
The remaining frames are erected in like manner, initially with only a few purlins being installed in
each bay working from one end of the building to the other. To lend overall rigidity to the structure,
install flange braces to the purlins at specified locations. All purlin, girt and eave strut connection
bolts are left loose so the entire skeleton framework can be plumbed without undue difficulty. The
remaining purlins can be positioned on the rafter in each bay to facilitate the completion of the roof
framing.
C-10
NOTE: Take precautions to secure structure during assembly. Temporary
bracing may be required to stabilize the structure during erection.
Never leave the structure unbraced.
877-2-MUELLER
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