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Steel building as a high-bay warehouse – what does the investor need to remember?

A high-bay warehouse is a solution that allows for the maximum utilisation of a facility's cubic capacity while maintaining the efficiency of logistical processes. However, the technical requirements for such buildings are much higher than for standard warehouse halls, which makes the design and contractor selection stage critically important.
high-bay warehouse

The constantly growing e-commerce market and increasing requirements of the TSL sector mean that the optimisation of warehouse space has become one of the key challenges for modern enterprises. 

Key parameters: warehouse height and cubic capacity

The most important feature of a high-bay warehouse is its usable height. MatBud, as an experienced manufacturer and general contractor, offers gable-roof structures with a height reaching up to 12 metres. Such a significant height of the warehouse hall allows for the installation of multi-level racking systems, which in practice means multiplying the number of pallet spaces on the same footprint.

When planning such a tall building, one must keep in mind the stability of the structure. MatBud bases its projects on structural IPE steel beams, which are characterised by a high load capacity and durability. It is worth mentioning here that when constructing such advanced facilities, the issue of their protection is a priority – our structures are hot-dip galvanised, which ensures many years of corrosion resistance, confirmed 10-year warranty on the zinc coating. Such durability is essential in logistics warehouses, which are intensively used for years.

A solid foundation: the floor in a steel-framed building

In warehouses where racking reaches 10 or 12 metres, the margin of error regarding floor flatness is virtually nonexistent. Even a millimetre deviation at ground level can result in a deflection of several centimetres at the top of the racking, which compromises operational safety and hinders the work of VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) forklift trucks.Very Narrow AisleTherefore, the floor in a warehouse-profile steel hall must be made with the highest precision.

Operating under a main contractor model, MatBud assumes responsibility for preparing foundations for a steel hall and sub-floors that withstand massive point loads from racking feet and dynamic loads generated by materials handling equipment. A properly designed and constructed floor not only ensures safety, but also reduces wear and tear on the forklift truck fleet.

Column spacing and storage technology

Investors planning Warehouse sheds they must also decide on the span of the structure. MatBud gable systems allow for widths ranging from 8.6 m to 22 m without additional internal columns. The absence of intermediate supports is a huge advantage in logistics – it allows for any configuration of racking rows and traffic routes. Examples of such large and functional facilities can be found in our completed projects, including in Skarżysku (a hall with an area of 3,696 m²) and in Lublin (over 2,250 m²), where space optimisation was a key requirement for the investor.

When planning an investment, it is also worth thinking about the future. Our halls are designed in modular technology, which enables their easy expansion with additional bays should the demand for storage space increase. If the warehouse is to handle temperature-sensitive goods, suitable cladding will be essential, which you can read more about in the article on the insulation and heating of steel halls.

Use our free online configurator and check which hall will be most suitable for your investment and what its estimated cost is.

 

FAQ

 

What is the height of the steel halls offered by MatBud?

We typically construct halls with a height of up to 12 m, which is optimal for most high-bay storage systems.

Yes, as part of our main contracting services we handle comprehensive execution, from foundations to finishing.

Gabled halls can be up to 22 m wide and 120 m long.

It depends on the type of goods stored. We offer both trapezoidal sheet metal cladding and insulated sandwich panels.

Maciej Matracki

The owner of MatBud Hale Stalowe