The modern design of the steel hall is based on cold-formed sections made of S350GD steel strip with a thickness ranging from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm. Z, C, and SIGMA (Σ) profiles are structural sections characterized by high rigidity and low weight—30% to 50% lighter than traditional hot-rolled beams. Thanks to the cold-rolling process and a ZM-120 zinc-magnesium coating, these profiles ensure a service life exceeding 50 years under normal weather conditions.
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In our new series, “Cold-Formed Profiles,” we’ll present practical information about this technology. We’ll discuss the key advantages of these profiles, their limitations, and tips on how to avoid common installation mistakes. We’ll also show how cold-formed profiles affect project timelines, construction costs, and a building’s energy efficiency. With this knowledge, every investor and contractor will be able to make an informed decision about whether this solution is right for their project.
The modern steel-frame structure of the hall is based on cold formed Z, C and ? profiles made of high-strength S350GD steel with a thickness ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 mm. These lightweight yet exceptionally rigid sections form the basis of today’s steel structures—making them up to 30–50% lighter than traditional rolled beams. Thanks to precise profiling and a ZM-120 zinc-magnesium coating, they guarantee a service life exceeding 50 years and the stability required by modern industrial construction. In this article, we take a closer look at Z, C, and SIGMA profiles—their properties, advantages, and role in the construction of steel buildings.
Every building, regardless of its intended use, is based on a stable steel structure that supports the loads. A sturdy frame made of cold-formed sections ensures safe use and the durability of the entire structure.
When a designer prepares a design for a steel building, they must take into account both the building’s intended use and local conditions—including wind, snow, and soil type. Proper structural design allows for optimal strength with minimal material usage. The Blachy Pruszyński Company follows this approach, supplying profiles of various dimensions and specifications tailored to the investor’s individual needs.
Cold-formed steel construction profiles vary in their technical specifications, which are tailored to specific structural applications:
Z-profiles (heights ranging from 100 to 350 mm) – used as roof purlins and wall studs. The Z-shaped cross-section allows for connections within the flange, enabling the creation of structural spans exceeding 12 meters without additional supports. The moment of inertia, ranging from 50 cm⁴ (Z100) to 650 cm⁴ (Z350), ensures adequate load-bearing capacity for spans of 4–8 meters.
C-profiles (heights from 80 to 300 mm) – versatile sections used as columns, transoms, and load-bearing elements. Also available in the C+ version with additional ribs that increase transverse stiffness by 15–20%. Typical application: structures with spans up to 10 meters under loads up to 2.5 kN/m².
SIGMA (Σ) profiles (heights from 140 to 350 mm) – advanced sections with an optimized cross-section that achieve comparable load-bearing capacity while weighing 25% less than C-profiles. The Σ+ version, featuring edge flanges, increases buckling resistance. Ideal for buildings with spans of 12–18 meters and snow loads exceeding 1.5 kN/m².
When constructing a steel building, it’s not just the strength and durability of the structure that matter, but also the speed of assembly and the cost-effectiveness of the entire project.
Blachy Pruszyński Company’s cold-formed profiles ensure:
Thanks to this design, the steel building is lightweight yet exceptionally stable and easy to assemble.
In modern industrial construction, the use of Z, C, and SIGMA steel profiles is a key element in the design and construction of steel buildings. These profiles form the framework on which the entire steel building structure rests. Thanks to these profiles, it is possible to achieve large usable areas without the need for internal supports, which significantly increases the building’s functionality.
Each profile serves a specific function in the hall’s structure.
The Blachy Pruszyński Company, one of the most recognized brands in the steel construction industry, offers all of these solutions. The profiles are made of high-quality steel and undergo an anti-corrosion treatment that significantly extends their service life.
The use of cold-formed profiles is not limited solely to industrial buildings. They are used in many types of structures:
Depending on the hall’s intended use, designers select various load-bearing systems and structural elements that must ensure adequate load-bearing capacity, stability, and the ability to adapt the space to future needs. Cold-formed profiles allow for easy adaptation—the structure can be easily expanded, the wall layout can be changed, or the building can be extended without altering the basic framework.
The construction of a steel building’s framework is a key stage in the process of building a modern facility. The framework ensures the stability, load-bearing capacity, and durability of the structure, which is why every step requires precision and proper preparation.
First, a design for the hall is developed, specifying its intended use, floor area, span, and anticipated loads. Based on this, the appropriate Z, C, and SIGMA profiles are selected to ensure stability and even weight distribution across the foundations.
The profiles are manufactured at a factory, such as Blachy Pruszyński Company, where the steel is cold-formed and treated with a corrosion-resistant coating. Prefabrication ensures dimensional accuracy and facilitates quick assembly.
At the construction site, foundations are being built to transfer the structure’s loads to the ground. They must be leveled and aligned with the layout of the columns and trusses, which ensures the durability of the entire framework.
Vertical columns made of C- or SIGMA-shaped profiles are installed on the foundations to support the weight of the roof and walls. They are bolted in place or secured to anchors, defining the layout of the entire hall structure.
Trusses and girders connect the columns into a rigid structure, evenly distributing the roof loads. Z-profiles combine lightness with high strength, stabilizing the framework for further work.
Roof purlins and wall studs connect the columns and trusses, stabilizing the structure both horizontally and vertically. After this stage, the complete frame of the building’s skeleton is formed.
A final quality and geometry inspection allows the frame to be reinforced with additional connectors if necessary. The frame is now ready for the assembly of the roof, walls, and other components of the building.
Although Z, C, and SIGMA profiles are mainly associated with industrial buildings, their applications are much broader. They are increasingly used in wood-frame houses, modular buildings, retail pavilions, and temporary structures. Thanks to their light weight and adaptability to various architectural layouts, cold-formed profiles are also well-suited for smaller projects where durability and easy assembly are key.
This technology enables quick assembly, high precision, and flexible adaptation of the design to the client’s needs, offering an alternative to traditional construction.
The steel hall framework, based on cold formed Z, C and ? profiles, is a solution that combines technical performance with cost-effective construction. Key parameters of the steel profiles—sheet thickness 1.5–3.5 mm, S350GD steel with a ZM-120 coating, moment of inertia 50–650 cm⁴ —ensure the structure’s load-bearing capacity while achieving material savings of 20–30% compared to hot-rolled profiles.
The use of cold-forming technology, EN 1090 certification, and the ability to prefabricate with laser perforation result in a 40–50% reduction in construction time. The profiles are used in buildings with spans ranging from 4 to 24 meters, and can be adapted to snow loads of 0.7–2.4 kN/m² and various corrosion exposure classes.
Before selecting profiles, it is recommended to consult the manufacturer’s technical department or use dedicated applications for structural calculations that take into account the specific characteristics of the project and local conditions in accordance with the requirements of Eurocode 3.
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