Planning the Right Foundation for Your Metal Building
It’s easy to focus on the building — the walls, the roof, the clear-span framing. But the most critical part of any PEMB (pre-engineered metal building) is what’s underneath it. Your foundation doesn’t just hold everything up — it determines how your structure handles wind, snow, seismic movement, and time.
Whether you’re building a shop in Spanish Fork, a warehouse in West Valley, or an ag building in Cache Valley, here’s what you need to know about planning the right foundation for your metal building in Utah.
Why PEMB Foundations Are Different
Unlike wood or CMU buildings, PEMBs are designed as a system — and that includes how they tie into the slab or footings. Most PEMBs:
Use anchor bolts embedded in the foundation to attach steel columns
Transfer lateral loads (like wind) into the foundation via base plates
Require precise placement of bolts, piers, and slab edges
That means the foundation must be engineered specifically for your PEMB’s load and layout — no guessing, and no rebar from the local lumberyard.
Common Foundation Types for Metal Buildings
Most PEMBs in Utah are built on one of the following foundation systems:
1. Monolithic Slab (Thickened Edge)
Best for small to mid-size shops or garages
Combines slab and footing in one pour
Lower cost, but limited for heavy loads or expansive soils
2. Spread Footings with Stem Walls
Common for commercial and industrial PEMBs
Separate footings under each column
Stem walls raise the building for drainage or dock height
3. Pier and Grade Beam
Used when soil is weak or uneven
Concrete piers drilled deep, connected by grade beams
Higher cost, but excellent for poor soils or sloped sites
Key Factors in Foundation Design
Here’s what determines what kind of foundation you’ll need:
Soil Conditions
Utah has a wide range of soil types — from clay-heavy valley floors to rocky mountain benches. A geotechnical report will identify:
Bearing capacity
Frost depth (typically 30" in Utah)
Expansive or collapsible soils
This report is critical to avoid settlement, cracking, or heaving.
Building Size and Loads
A simple 30'x40' shop doesn’t need the same footing as a 100'x300' warehouse with a bridge crane. Your engineer will account for:
Column reactions from the PEMB supplier
Roof snow loads (higher in Park City than St. George)
Wind/seismic design loads
Intended Use
Will forklifts be driving inside? Are you planning a mezzanine or vehicle lifts? Point loads and slab thickness matter for performance and longevity.
Frost Heave and Drainage Considerations
Utah winters introduce another foundation challenge: frost heave. To avoid movement and cracking:
Footings must extend below frost depth (typically 30–36 inches)
Proper grading and drain tile can prevent water saturation under the slab
Consider insulated frost protection for doors or exposed corners
Don’t overlook drainage — standing water near your building leads to slab movement and rusted base trim.
Timing and Construction Tips
Plan for lead time: Foundation engineering can’t begin until PEMB reactions are provided.
Coordinate bolt patterns: Anchor bolt placement must match the PEMB supplier’s drawings exactly.
Allow for curing: Most slabs should cure 7+ days before erecting steel.
Mark utilities: Don’t forget under-slab plumbing, electrical, or floor drains before pouring.
Final Thoughts
Your foundation is the most permanent part of your metal building — and the hardest to fix if it’s done wrong. That’s why at A.D. Constructors, we manage the full process: soil reports, engineering, excavation, formwork, rebar, and pours — all tailored to the PEMB’s specs and Utah’s conditions.
🛠️ Want help planning the right foundation for your metal building? Let’s talk →