How to Plan Your Site for a Steel Structure | Tugela Steel South Africa

 

How to Plan Your Site for a New Steel Structure in South Africa

A successful steel building does not start with the first column on site. It starts with
smart planning long before the foundations are poured. Whether you are putting up farming
sheds, a new warehouse or an industrial workshop, good site planning will help your
steel structure work harder for you for many years.

Step 1: Understand What the Steel Structure Must Do

Before you choose a location on the farm or industrial plot, define the main job of the
building. Tugela Steel regularly designs:

Each application has different requirements for access, floor loading, height and natural
light. Clarifying these upfront prevents costly changes later.

Step 2: Choose the Best Position on Your Property

Location affects how well your steel structure functions day to day. Consider:

  • Access roads and turning circles for trucks, tractors and delivery vehicles.
  • Prevailing wind direction to reduce dust and driving rain at entrances.
  • Proximity to services such as power, water and existing buildings.
  • Future expansion areas so you can add more bays later.

Step 3: Think About Orientation and Natural Light

On many sites in South Africa, orientating the long side of the building east–west can
reduce harsh afternoon sun on the shorter elevations. Roof-light positioning and
openings can also be planned to:

  • Bring soft natural light into the steel structure.
  • Limit heat gain on hot days.
  • Improve safety and visibility inside farming sheds and warehouses.

Step 4: Plan Drainage and Hardstand Areas

Steel structures are only as good as the ground they stand on. Proper site works include:

  • Cut and fill to create a level building platform.
  • Stormwater drainage away from the structure.
  • Concrete aprons and hardstands where vehicles will operate.

Good drainage is especially important for agricultural sites where clay soils and heavy
summer storms can damage foundations and floor slabs.

Step 5: Match the Structure to the Site Conditions

Once the site layout is clear, Tugela Steel can recommend the right span and bay
configuration from our range of standard size steel structures or
propose a custom solution. Soil conditions, wind zone and roof loading are all taken
into account as part of the engineering process.

Step 6: Plan Services and Safety from Day One

Building services are often treated as an afterthought, but they should be considered
while planning the steel structure:

  • Electrical reticulation, lighting and power outlets.
  • Water points, wash bays and firefighting equipment.
  • Security fencing, access control and CCTV positions.

Planning these elements early means the steel structure can incorporate brackets,
conduits and access points, avoiding messy retrofits.

Why Work with Tugela Steel on Site Planning?

Tugela Steel has supplied steel structures across South Africa for decades, from
rural farms to busy logistics hubs. Our team understands local conditions, municipal
approvals and practical site constraints. We help clients:

  • Review proposed locations and access on aerial maps and site plans.
  • Choose appropriate spans and column spacing.
  • Allow for future expansion in the initial layout.

Start Your Next Steel Structure the Right Way

A bit of planning now will make your steel structure easier to build, safer to operate
and more efficient in the long term. If you are considering new farming sheds, a
warehouse or an industrial building, request a quote from Tugela Steel
and let our team guide you through site selection and design.