Preciball
40,000-sf PEMB for heavy logistics
2016
Preciball
The Project
Preciball is a new 40,000-square-foot pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) constructed to serve as a distribution and light-manufacturing facility for large ball bearings. The facility combines wide, clear-span warehouse space with integrated office suites to support operations, inventory staging, and administrative functions. Our scope included foundation design for the PEMB and the clear-span truss system, with particular attention to anchorage, slab design, and forklift load capacity.
The Challenge
Designing foundations for a large PEMB in a high-wind region creates competing demands: the foundation system must resist substantial uplift and lateral loads imparted by the building frames while also supporting concentrated point loads from heavy racking and forklift traffic. The slab and footings needed to be detailed to prevent uplift of frames bearing on isolated footings and to distribute forklift wheel loads without premature cracking or differential settlement. At the same time the client required a cost-efficient solution that minimized excavation and allowed for rapid erection of the PEMB to meet an aggressive construction schedule.
The Solution
We provided a pragmatic, constructible foundation design sized for wind and gravity reactions from the clear-span trusses and PEMB frames. Anchor bolt layouts and hold-down details were sized to resist uplift and overturning and coordinated with the PEMB manufacturer’s connection points to ensure a seamless field installation. Footing and slab geometry was developed to spread concentrated loads from racking and forklift traffic, including continuous slab regions and isolated column footings where required, with reinforced slab sections and appropriate jointing to control cracking. Reinforcement patterns, dowel details and slab thicknesses were selected to meet forklift wheel loads and reduce maintenance over the building life. Designs were coordinated with DeWitt Tilton Group and the PEMB vendor so foundation plates, anchor patterns and erection tolerances matched as-built conditions.
The Improvements
The engineered foundation system increased the building’s resilience to wind uplift and lateral forces while delivering a durable slab capable of heavy warehouse operations. Anchor bolt and hold-down detailing simplified erection and reduced the need for field modifications. Reinforced slab zones and carefully located control joints improved load distribution for forklifts and heavy equipment, reducing surface deterioration and long-term repair needs. Coordination with the PEMB supplier minimized delays and ensured that the structural interface at the base of columns was robust and inspection-friendly.
The Results
The project provided Preciball with a durable, serviceable distribution facility that meets operational demands and local code requirements for high-wind exposure. The foundation permitted rapid, accurate erection of the PEMB while ensuring the building frames are securely anchored against uplift. The reinforced slab and detailing reduced anticipated maintenance tied to heavy equipment use, improving uptime for material handling operations. Close collaboration with the contractor and PEMB manufacturer produced a cost-effective foundation solution that supported schedule goals and long-term performance.
