Above 1200 Sq/FT The Robotics Workshop

[AngelGdo]

Thank you for having the time to look at my thread. I am a robotics engineer from the Austin area, and the dream has always been to start a business and be able to provide for my family as I build a legacy that I can be proud of. Sadly, that dream has been slowly fading away over the past decade as I have spent countless hours at manufacturing facilities integrating the dreams of other people. I think it is time to change that. Thus, this marks the humble beginning of my journey as I aim to build a workshop for robotics, automation, CNC, and fabrication purposes.

Now, let's talk about the metal building. The overall goal is to build a workshop large enough for me to sub-divide it and rent some of the space while my business grows. I envision an 80x100x20' building at the end of four construction phases. Phase 1 will consist of an 80x25x20' steel building that I will be welding together using I beams and C purlins. I will try to do most of the work myself, as I enjoy building things. That, and also the Austin housing market has recently left my wallet somewhat drier than usual.

Phase 1, Revision 1:
This 80x25x20' steel building uses 6x12" I beams and 100x50x20mm C purlins for its basic structure. I am using Autodesk Inventor's frame generator tool and its library is missing C purlins in standard sizes. I will update that issue in the second revision, and also continue to develop multiple revisions until I am satisfied with my work.

Please feel free to criticize my design, and tell me what you think I could do to improve it. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.


Thanks!

 

[AngelGdo]

Phase 1, Revision 1 - Added all of the metal panels.

 

[MadeByMiller]

I commend you for recognizing your potential and taking steps towards your goals. Wishing you the best!

 

[AngelGdo]

I commend you for recognizing your potential and taking steps towards your goals. Wishing you the best!

Thank you!

 

[Mr. Roboto]

As a fellow engineer, I can commiserate with your thoughts of spending too much time working for the benefit of someone else. Good for you, this is not an easy step to take!

As someone who has lived in the northeast his entire life, it's always odd for me to see little to no roof pitch. I'd imagine this won't be an issue for you in Texas?

 

[AngelGdo]

Yes sir, I've had far too many days programming PLC and robots in which I end up looking like this. Not that I mind the hard work, but over time it gets to you when you know that you can do great things.

In regards to the roof pitch, I still don't know the answer to that. I am reaching out to a Civil PE, that I hope would be able to answer that for me.

 

[Psychoholic]

Looks good!

I think that 25' is a very long span for a single span purlin and generally you'd want an 8" or 10" purlin for that. As far as roof pitch you'll probably end up at a 1:12 or 2:12 pitch when talking to the engineer and they'll have to calculate various load ratings. I would absolutely hire an architect/engineering firm to design it up for you and get you the stamped engineering plans or you are going to play hell later getting permits and double so if you're insuring the buildings to rent them out.


Keep us posted on your progress. Looks like it's going to be a great shop.

 

[meathooker]

Is your plan to buy raw steel and make the building yourself?

 

[trek]

NIce design, Best wishes for your next step. In my opinion, If you increase the beam size, It would be better for the future.

 

[Conrad]

Any update?