What Is Industrial Construction?

There are three sectors of the construction industry that are commonly recognized.

These sectors are residential, commercial, and civil construction.

However, each of these categories can be broken down into more categories with different rules, regulations, and planning needs.

For example, the commercial sector can be broken down into industrial, retail, office, and multifamily.

In the article below, we will go over what is included in industrial construction.

What Exactly Is Industrial Construction?

Factories, power plants, warehouses, and other highly specialized facilities are all part of industrial construction.

It also includes the design, installation, and maintenance of these facilities' mechanical and structural components.

Any business that manufactures goods is referred to as "industrial."

Many industrial buildings have unique transportation requirements, such as 24-hour shipping and receiving, nearby air or railroad transportation, or access to major highways.

An industrial facility's building design will revolve around floor plans that promote smooth foot traffic and a focus on coordinating manufacturing and distribution.

Because industrial buildings must support heavy equipment that must meet industry-specific regulations, they are built for functionality rather than style.

To satisfy local entities, most industrial projects must go through permitting and occupancy requirements.

Commercial projects follow the same guidelines, but larger industrial projects must comply with local, state, and federal building codes.

The Evolution of Industrial Buildings

An industrial building, in more detail, is a factory or other large facility used to manufacture or store raw materials, goods, or services for economic purposes.

Industrial structures first appeared in the United States in 1790, when Samuel Slater established the first American textile mill.

The establishment of that textile mill is widely regarded as the beginning of the American Industrial Revolution.

Slater demonstrated the financial benefits of using industrial structures to dramatically increase goods production.

Today, industrial facilities have completely transformed our way of life, with a $32 billion market size.

There are two kinds of industrial buildings.

Distribution and storage

Warehouses and distribution centers are used for the storage and transportation of goods.

These structures are typically single-story and range in size from 5,000 to hundreds of thousands of square feet.

Because of the racking and storage systems that are housed inside, ceilings are usually at least 60 feet high.

Loading docks, large garage doors, and parking lots to accommodate the semi-trailers used for distribution are also features of these facilities.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing or heavy industrial buildings house the capital-intensive equipment needed to manufacture goods and materials.

Manufacturing facilities are used extensively in the oil, mining, and shipbuilding industries.

A three-phase electric power supply is installed in manufacturing buildings to provide enough voltage to run the extensive machinery housed inside.

They also have heavy ductwork and high-capacity ventilation and exhaust systems to eliminate harmful chemicals and fumes and produce clean air inside the facility.

They will also have pressurized air or water lines to allow the machinery to function properly, as well as practical features like floor drains and storage tanks.

How Is Industrial Construction Distinct From Commercial Construction?

Although similar, there are a few distinctions between industrial and commercial construction.

The importance of site planning cannot be overstated.

When it comes to building location, traffic patterns, lot size, and a variety of other factors, commercial and industrial construction differs greatly.

Consumer access is the most important consideration in commercial construction, such as retail stores.

Industrial construction focuses on specialized transportation needs such as 24-hour shipping.

The design of the building and the supporting infrastructure are also significant differences.

A commercial setting, such as a retail space, will prioritize smooth foot traffic for customers.

Industrial facilities are designed to be functional and to support the type of manufacturing that they support.

In an industrial setting, the supporting infrastructure is geared toward heavy equipment.

Managing either of these types of construction requires skilled project management and on-site craftsmen to meet various established goals.

For Your Next Industrial Construction Project, Contact STEVENS.

When you start a new industrial construction project, you must anticipate potential problems and their solutions.

An excellent industrial construction company with years of industry experience will be aware of these potential issues and will be able to resolve them as soon as possible.

STEVENS is able to assist you with your next industrial construction project.

STEVENS Engineers & Constructors is well-known for our expertise in full-service industrial contracting.

We have over 75 years of operational experience while still maintaining in-house construction crews to provide the high-quality construction services for which we are known.

And we complete it on time and within budget.

We are proud to serve clients in the manufacturing and industrial, energy and power, ferrous and nonferrous metals, oil and gas, and government markets, and we have a proven track record of success.

STEVENS provides the best industrial contractor services and will meet your construction needs regardless of the job type.

For more information, contact STEVENS to begin your next industrial construction project.