Professional Design, Engineering, and Installation
To ensure the successful construction and long-term performance of a long span structure, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. Understanding what is long span structure design and how long span structures construction details affect performance is critical to project success and to the actual lifespan of a long span Fabric Structure beyond the initial design assumptions. These same principles apply across many long span structures types and long span roof structures, regardless of project size.
It is crucial to verify the contractor and building installation crews possess prior experience on buildings of a similar size and with similar long span structures types. For instance, Legacy has an in-house engineer review all plans and design work. We employ our own crews for installations, thereby leveraging our extensive training and expertise to ensure proper long span construction. This streamlines the work on a Legacy build site and helps us consistently deliver long span building examples that perform as intended for decades and demonstrate the advantages of long span structures in real-world conditions.
Beyond design, factors such as correct tensioning of the fabric, proper foundation design, accurate frame alignment, and attention to details like flashing and penetrations all influence how a fabric structure ages. Well-executed installation reduces stress concentrations, prevents premature wear at connection points, and protects the fabric from chafing and water intrusion—all of which extend the real-world lifespan of the building. These long span structures construction details are central to the characteristics of large span structural systems and help define long span meaning for owners and engineers alike.
Just because you select tensioned fabric for your building’s cladding does not mean you need to be boxed in from an architectural standpoint. Make sure your builder has experience working with architects if you want to customize your span structure with things like windows, openings, or mezzanines. Legacy buildings are extremely customizable, and we have worked with architects around the world to create long span structure building projects that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This collaboration is central to long span architecture and to realizing the full advantages of long span structures in long span roofs, wide span buildings, and other long span building applications.
Kelly Fisher, Training & Exercise Coordinator and Field Operations Specialist at the Hennepin County Emergency Management Center in Minnesota, shares their experience working with Legacy to design and install a long span building.
“The style of the building gives us more usable space and a more robust frame than the other options we considered. Construction was so easy–the crews showed up and were completely self-contained. The entire project was boom–done–easy.” Their project now stands as one of our long span structures examples and demonstrates the practical benefits that come from thoughtful long span structures construction details and carefully engineered long span roof structures.
Materials, Manufacturing Quality, and Long-Term Durability
Certain construction materials are better suited for long span structures. Long span structure systems must be made of materials light enough not to require interior supports yet sturdy enough to withstand the pressures placed on the structure. These characteristics of large span structural systems are part of what defines long span meaning in modern engineering practice and play a direct role in how long a fabric structure will actually last. Understanding the characteristics of large span structure performance is essential when comparing long span structures types and long span steel structures examples.
- Steel is a common building material for long span structures. Steel is strong and relatively lightweight, so it is suitable for the building frame and/or the outside cladding. Legacy was an innovator when we introduced solid steel frames to the fabric building industry. Our steel frames allow you to customize your project with a long span space that is up to 300 feet wide. These steel long span structures are durable, versatile, and align with the key characteristics of large span structure design. The quality of the steel, the protective coatings used, and the precision of fabrication and welding all impact corrosion resistance and fatigue life, which in turn affect the overall lifespan of the structure and help create famous long span structures that stand the test of time.
- Wood, particularly wooden trusses, may be used for smaller long span buildings. Long wooden beams are more expensive and harder to locate, making wood less common for larger buildings. As a result, steel long span structures and hybrid systems are more typical in famous long span structures around the world, especially where long span construction must balance cost, durability, and aesthetics.
- Structural fabric is a common choice for long span structures because fabric structures are lightweight, cost-effective, and can quickly cover large surfaces. A long span fabric structure combines a robust steel frame with advanced fabric cladding. Legacy uses a PVC-based fabric called ExxoTec™ that is unique to our buildings. It’s tough, beautiful, and has a 25-year pro-rated warranty (for the 28 oz. fabric), making it ideal for long span roof structures and other span structure applications. Fabric weight, UV stabilization, coating quality, and seam construction are all manufacturing details that strongly influence resistance to tearing, UV degradation, and chemical exposure, thereby extending the usable life of the cladding in long span architecture.
In addition to strong frames and tough exterior cladding, Legacy fully customizes every building we install. There are no off-the-shelf buildings because we believe every customer has unique requirements. Our design team isn’t interested in shoe-horning you into a building that only partially meets your needs. Instead, we focus on delivering wide span buildings that reflect the best practices of long span architecture and the proven advantages of long span structures, whether you need enclosed long span building solutions or open long span roof structures.
Whether you are researching what is long span structure design, comparing long span steel structures examples, or looking at famous long span structures for inspiration, our team can help you evaluate long span structures types and long span structures construction details for your project. We can also walk you through long span building examples that highlight different long span structures types and clarify long span meaning in your specific industry. Contact Legacy if you want the whole package: a long span building that is state-of-the-art in terms of engineering, manufacturing quality, and functionality, and a standout among long span structures examples and wide span buildings in your industry.