Clear Span PEMBs: Strength, Simplicity, and Flexibility
When it comes to pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs), one term you’ll hear a lot is “clear span.” But what does it actually mean — and why do so many Utah builders and developers prefer it?
Whether you’re planning a warehouse in Salt Lake, an equipment shed in Delta, or a shop in Ogden, clear span design offers unmatched flexibility, with fewer limitations and more usable space.
What Is a Clear Span PEMB?
A clear span PEMB is a structure with no interior support columns between the endwalls. The steel framing is engineered to carry all the roof loads across the full width of the building using rigid frame construction.
That means:
Wide-open interiors
No posts to work around
More flexible layouts
Clear span PEMBs are ideal for industrial, agricultural, and commercial use — anywhere you need maximum floor space and freedom to move equipment or inventory.
Common Clear Span Sizes
In Utah, clear span PEMBs are typically built in widths from:
30 to 80 feet for standard shops and garages
80 to 120+ feet for warehouses or ag storage
150+ feet for specialized facilities like aircraft hangars or arenas
Beyond about 100–120 feet, costs increase more sharply due to larger steel members and heavier footings — but even then, PEMBs are often more cost-effective than other structural systems.
Advantages of Clear Span Metal Buildings
1. Strength Without Complexity
The rigid steel frames used in PEMBs are pre-engineered for your specific snow, wind, and seismic loads — even when spanning large widths. This allows for high strength with a relatively simple structural system.
2. Flexible Interior Layouts
With no center columns to restrict movement, clear span buildings allow you to:
Move trucks or forklifts freely
Reconfigure storage or racking systems
Add mezzanines or equipment pads as needed
This flexibility is especially valuable for warehouses, distribution centers, and ag operations where space planning evolves over time.
3. Faster Construction
Fewer structural components = faster installation. Pre-cut, pre-drilled components make PEMBs ideal for rapid erection, especially in rural Utah where construction windows may be limited.
Site and Design Considerations
Soil & Foundation: Wider spans require deeper footings and heavier base plates
Crane Loads: If you’re adding a bridge crane, clear span framing helps keep bays open
Snow & Wind: Utah’s climate plays a major role — larger spans = higher roof loads
Future Expansion: Clear span layouts make adding on or dividing space much easier
Final Thoughts
Clear span PEMBs deliver unmatched interior space, strength, and design flexibility, making them the go-to solution for many of Utah’s business owners, farmers, and developers.
Thinking about building one?
🛠️ Let A.D. Constructors help you plan a clear span metal building that works for your site, budget, and timeline. Talk to us today!