CASE STUDIES

The Dulles Airport hanger that collapsed on February 6, 2012, causing untold damage to as many as 20 aircraft, was a Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB’s). PEMB’s comprise 73% of all new commercial construction in the United States. PEMB’s are now commonly used for schools, banks, strip malls, airport hangers, community facilities, equestrian centers, sports complexes and other familiar structures. PEMB’s repetitive designs and standard components make metal buildings lower in cost than conventional construction and quicker to build. These efficiencies make it possible to obtain larger buildings at a lower cost. Pie has investigated structural failures of PEMB’s and conducted load testing of PEMB’s as well.