Pre-planning before unloading is one of the most difficult but important parts of the entire process. If the site has limited space, this planning is even more important. You only want to have to move the material once after off-loading it from the truck.
The first and most important thing you need to know is this. The manufacturer does not supply lifting equipment or labor to help you unload the truck that delivers your building. The manufacturer does not supply cranes or other construction equipment either. Once the building is designed and manufactured, you will receive highly detailed construction and maintenance manuals. The rest, including the heavy lifting is entirely up to you. We strongly recommend hiring a professional building crew familiar with the construction of steel or metal buildings.
If possible, unload material as close to its specific usage point as possible. Before the carrier vehicle arrives, plan where you want it to park with off-loading issues in mind.
If the carrier vehicle or a smaller unit such as a forklift is going to roll over the edge of your concrete foundation or poured floor, be certain you build an adequate ramp first. You don’t want to ruin your building before it is built by chipping the foundation or floor at the wall abutment.
Take care if your building site or plan requires storage of building materials on the foundation slab. Be sure the foundation is properly settled and the floors have dried before putting any heavy weights on them. Also, if you are storing materials on the foundation slab during construction, falling materials can become a safety concern for your workers.
When the shipment arrives, you are responsible for insuring all parts and materials are included and are satisfactory to your needs.
There are two inspection stages that simplify this process. The first stage is off-loading. The second is unpacking.
When your steel building arrives, it will arrive in pieces. These pieces are boxed, bagged, shrink-wrapped and bundled using the most efficient and environmentally conscious materials possible. There is an inventory packing list included in the design and construction plans. Find it and photocopy it a few times before starting.
Unloading Inspection
As items are taken off the truck, inspect and check them off against a master-copy of the inventory packing list. If you find damaged or insufficient items, a report should be filed with the carrier immediately at the site. If a package is damaged, open it and inspect its contents immediately before receiving the shipment.
Unpacking Inspection
Once you have officially received the shipment, you will need to unpack it. This is the time to perform another inspection to determine if you have received the correct quantity of materials and if it is of correct quality. During this inspection, use a second master-inventory list (a copy of the original).
If you find insufficient materials, damaged materials, or the material is in any way defective, a report must be filed with the manufacturer within 14-days of receiving the shipment.
Important Note
These two inspections are extremely important. Any reports or claims must be filed immediately in order to make the settlement process as simple as possible. While the computer assisted modular design process has cut loss and the number of defects in construction, mistakes can happen. We want to ensure the process of correcting any mistakes is as fast and simple as possible.
Location of Unloaded Building Parts
Columns should be unloaded near their respective positions. You can place them on the foundation slab on top of wood blockings.
End Walls are generally unloaded and laid at the ends of the slab with their columns placed near the anchor bolts they correspond to.
Put all hardware packages in once place to keep an easy stock of them and avoid travel time across the building site. Place them near the center of the building area for easiest access.
Purlins and Girts should be stored near sidewalls and kept clear of other materials or packages.
Sheet Packages are located out of the way as they are the second last items to be added to the building. Be sure to provide a slope at one end for drainage in case of rain.
Accessories should be located out of the way as they are the last components added after the basic steel building is constructed. Protect all materials from the elements and be sure to store them in such a way as to prevent workers from stepping on them.
Columns and Framing Materials
When off-loaded, columns and framing materials should be placed on even blocks raised above the concrete slab. It is smart to place slings (cables) under heavy columns or members for lifting.
When received, store all bundles and materials at a slight angle to allow for drainage of any trapped water.
