Cold rolled steel coils are integral to the construction of pre-engineered steel buildings (PEBs), which rely on precision-engineered components for strength, speed, and cost-effectiveness. These coils are used to fabricate secondary structural elements such as purlins, girts, light-gauge beams, and sometimes even for forming built-up sections for primary frames in light-duty applications.

While hot rolled sections typically handle the heaviest load-bearing members, cold rolled coils offer unmatched dimensional control, formability, and material efficiency in numerous framing and architectural components of steel buildings.

What is a Pre-Engineered Steel Building?

A pre-engineered steel building is a structural system designed, engineered, and fabricated off-site using standardized components. The core structural members (frames, purlins, columns) are pre-designed to exact tolerances and assembled quickly at the site.

PEBs are used for:

• Warehouses

• Factories

• Hangars

• Agricultural buildings

• Commercial and industrial complexes

They require steel materials that are lightweight, strong, accurate, and easy to fabricate—qualities that cold rolled coils provide.

What Are Cold Rolled Steel Coils?

Cold rolled steel coils are manufactured by reducing hot rolled steel to a specified thickness at room temperature using rollers. This process enhances the physical properties and surface quality of the steel.

Key Characteristics:

• Thickness: 0.4 mm to 3.0 mm

• Width: Up to 1,250 mm (standard)

• Surface finish: Smooth, often oiled or dry

• Higher yield strength due to work hardening

• Excellent dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances

Applications in PEB Construction

Cold rolled coils are used for manufacturing a variety of structural and architectural components in PEBs:

1. Steel Purlins and Girts

• Z and C purlins made from cold rolled coils are used to support roof and wall sheeting.

• These elements must be lightweight yet strong, which is why high-strength cold rolled coils (HSLA) are ideal.

2. Secondary Beams and Light Columns

• Cold formed sections from cold rolled coils serve as secondary framing members in light structures or mezzanines.

3. Wall and Partition Studs

• Framing systems for interior and non-load-bearing walls use cold rolled steel studs and tracks for rigidity.

4. Bracing and Framing Connectors

• Cold rolled material is cut and formed into stiffeners, ties, plates, cleats, and connection accessories.

5. Roof Decking and Wall Panels

• Profiled sheets formed from cold rolled coils serve as structural decking and cladding support.

Cold Rolled Steel Coils for Beams and Columns

Although primary steel columns and beams in PEBs are usually fabricated from hot rolled or built-up sections (e.g., I-beams), cold rolled steel can still play a role:

Use Cases:

• Light-load bearing columns, such as partition support or mezzanine posts

• Box-beam or tubular columns in lightweight modular buildings

• Secondary beams and trusses, where material weight savings are critical

These applications typically use cold rolled coils in the 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm thickness range, formed into closed or open structural sections.

Common Grades and Standards

Cold rolled steel coils used in PEBs often conform to the following standards:

High Strength Low Alloy Steel (HSLA) is commonly used for Z and C sections due to its higher yield strength (350–550 MPa).

Recommended Thicknesses for Structural Use

While not used for massive load-bearing members, cold rolled coils are suitable for lightweight beams and columns within modular or low-rise PEB structures.

Benefits of Cold Rolled Steel in PEBs

• Precision: Allows exact cuts and forms, critical in prefabricated building systems

• Weight Efficiency: Thinner sections reduce steel usage and dead load

• Easy Forming: Can be shaped into custom channels, brackets, and more

• Finish Quality: Ideal for painted or coated surfaces

• Cost-Effective: Less waste and faster processing reduce total project cost

Sourcing and Pricing (July 2025)

Estimated Market Prices:

Prices depend on mill origin (domestic or imported), volume, surface treatment, and delivery terms.

Recommended Suppliers

U.S.-Based Distributors:

• Steel Warehouse

• Ryerson

• Midwest Steel

• Olympic Steel

International Mills (for imports):

• Baosteel (China)

• Wanda Steel (Baoshan distributor)

• POSCO (Korea)

• Tata Steel (India)

Look for suppliers offering:

• ASTM certification

• Coil slitting and cut-to-length services

• Fast turnaround for large projects

Conclusion

Cold rolled steel coils are an essential material in pre-engineered steel buildings, especially for secondary structures like purlins, light beams, girts, and modular framing. While they are not used for the largest primary load-bearing members, they provide excellent strength-to-weight ratios, precise fabrication ability, and superior surface finish for visible or coated applications.

Summary:

• Ideal for: Z-purlins, studs, girts, bracing, and light columns

• Typical thickness: 0.8 mm to 3.0 mm

• Key grades: ASTM A1008, HSLAS, SPCC

• Benefits: Lightweight, durable, highly formable, cost-effective