Quonset and Arch-Type Structures - Norsteel Buildings
                     Quonset and 
Arch-Type 
Structures
Quonset and Arch-Type Structures
● In their search for a new building, many of our customers quickly 
recognize the benefits of a steel building solution. But there are different 
types of steel buildings, and not all offer the same efficiencies and 
benefits. There are four main types of steel buildings that can fall under 
the umbrella of being pre-engineered solutions. These are the 
Quonset buildings and its arch-type variants, the C-channel Metal building; 
the traditional Rigid Frame Metal Building system and the Hybrid steel 
building solution. 
Quonset and Arch-Type Structures
●  Each of these steel building solutions has its merits, advantages and 
disadvantages; and each is better suited for specific functions and 
applications. We have explored the Rigid Frame and C-channel in great 
depth in previous blogs, let’s now turn our attention to the Quonset Hut 
and other arch-type steel structures.
Quonsets & Arch-Type Structures
The Quonset Hut was the first pre-engineered steel 
building which was originally manufactured as a 
temporary structure used during the World Wars. It 
consisted of pole arches with sheets of metal cladding 
lain over top, that were incredibly easy to transport and 
because of their stack-ability they could be easily 
assembled, and re-assembled, on the war front.
One feature most appreciated during this time was the 
ability of the structure to contain and lift when a bomb 
was detonated inside of it. And of course, because they 
were entirely made of steel components, the Quonset 
Hut was fire-resistant.
The Arch – Strength and Integrity
The Quonset Hut serves many great purposes – and 
truth be told, I have a bit of a protective affiliation for it, 
because it was the first steel building I was taught to 
recognize, and to sell. The most amazing thing about the 
Quonset, is that the integrity of the entire structure 
remains entirely dependent on the integrity of each 
individual arch. And anyone who has traveled to Europe 
and witnessed the historical architecture there, 
understands the strength of that arch. 
The arches of a Quonset are deep corrugated galvalume 
steel, and the corrugation itself provides added structural 
strength to the overall structure. It also provides the 
exterior of the building so that it is structure and covering 
all in one. This is part of the economical design of the 
Quonset – The surface and structure are one in the 
same.
The Arch – Strength and Integrity
Depending on the width of the structure, several 
segments are bolted together to form each individual 
arch and each arch is then bolted to the next arch in 
sequence. The arches are anchored to a foundation – 
usually a floating slab. An industrial base plate which 
connects the arches to the foundation, is arguably one of 
the most important components in the construction of all 
Arch-type steel structures. This plate is extremely 
valuable to line up the arches properly without any torch 
or twisting.
The Arch – Strength and Integrity
The first Quonsets were frequently referred to as dome 
structures. Their shiny, half-moon shapes adorn many of 
our Canadian provinces as it quickly became a fantastic 
solution for agricultural applications, especially in terms 
of livestock housing, and crop storage. But customers 
soon understood that there was a significant amount of 
space that was being lost on the sidewalls of the 
Quonset. Because of the structural design of the arch, 
the sides of these original steel structures, are not 
vertical and this loss of space on the sides of the 
structure quickly adds up.
Structural Security & Aesthetic Appeal
In the last few decades there have been many incidences of unexpectedly high snow fall mixed with 
heavy rain, in many regions of North America. These unprecedented weather conditions caused 
structures of all types to collapse. Naturally, the devastation and loss of property evoked significant 
concern and resulted in the implementation of new and stringent National Building Codes. These new 
codes in turn, had the effect of limiting the use of large, arch-type structures in many areas, because the 
gauge of the steel required to pass approval was so thick that it increased the overall building cost 
dramatically. Quonsets became comparable to other traditional pre-engineered steel building 
alternatives in terms of price, and were no longer the affordable option for large-scale projects.
Structural Security & Aesthetic Appeal
Tip: If you are buying a Quonset, make sure to find out if both Endwalls of the structure have been 
included in your cost summary. Many suppliers consider the Endwall an optional feature and include it at 
an additional cost to the standard kit.
The Norsteel Advantage
● Steel is the ideal choice for new buildings, as it offers several major 
advantages over other common building materials like wood and masonry.
The Norsteel Advantage
● Reduced Cost
● Our pre-engineered materials make it easier and faster to assemble our 
buildings; this reduces the time needed and labor costs during 
construction. Lower maintenance expenses provide additional value.
The Norsteel Advantage
● Design Customization
● Our team of engineering experts will help you design the commercial 
building you need. Depending on the location, you can also expand or alter 
your structure over time.
The Norsteel Advantage
● Sustainability
● The steel used in Norsteel buildings is nearly 100% recyclable; this makes 
it cost-effective and leads to less reliance on valuable natural resources.
The Norsteel Advantage
● Peace of Mind
● Steel buildings are safe and secure, protecting your valuable equipment 
and inventory. You can rest easy knowing your business is covered.