Designing bleachers in a pre-engineered metal building requires knowledge of the type of structure, free-standing or wall-attached configuration, the location of section breaks and the columns, and the depth the bleacher sits along the wall.

When it comes to designing a gymnasium space, more and more architects and customers are constructing gymnasiums in pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB). When this occurs, several factors need to be considered and implemented by architects to ensure a safe bleacher installation.

  1. Identify the Wall Structure

Perhaps the most important part when installing bleachers in a PEMB is knowing the type of wall structure of the building. Should the structure have any studs, or if the CMU wall is not high enough to support the bleacher, the bleacher must be free-standing, not wall-attached.

  1. Be clear on the specifications of bleachers

On bleachers in a PEMB, the specification from architects needs to clearly state if the bleacher is to be wall-attached or free-standing. Additionally, including the necessary information to make that distinction in the drawings is helpful to ensure that bleachers are not installed on a non-load-bearing surface.

  1. Prioritize a meeting with the bleacher manufacturers to discuss dynamics.

There are several factors that architects can benefit from an in-person discussion with qualified bleacher manufacturers. For instance, the price jump for a bleacher to be wall-attached versus free-standing is substantial. Additionally, the specifications need to be clear, as the entire structure could be destroyed if a bleacher is attached to a non-load-bearing wall when it should have been free-standing.

  1. Minimize the depth of the bleacher from the wall

This is something the architect needs to handle ahead of time. If the bleacher to be installed is not tapered or is around 4” off the wall, Farnham Equipment Company (FEC) can cut around that, saving the owner and customer money in the process.

  1. Be strategic with section breaks

When designing the bleachers, if the section breaks at the location of the columns, the understructure or frame stack will avoid this. Ultimately, if the section breaks avoid the column locations, the bleacher will stick out farther. 

Bleachers In A Pre-Engineered Metal Building:

  1. Calvary Christian School
  2. St. Peter and Paul School
  3. Lincoln Community Center