What are Quonset huts
02/03/09
Quonset huts were first built during the World War II when the constructors began to realize that steel buildings were not only cheap to build but it also took less time than a brick and concrete building to build one. The idea came from military hangars used to safeguard plane and other important assets. These could be easily assembled by hand just like a freighter and in case it had to be moved, it was as easy as taking the structure apart and rebuilding it on a different location just as it was in the previous one. Only a handful of soldiers were required to 6 meter wide and 15 meter long Quonset huts. The allies used Quonset huts to protect their soldiers, airplanes, armory and inventory from snow, rain and sunlight.
At the beginning, Quonset huts were neither good looking nor strong. They only served the purpose of being a structure and only in the sixties the construction companies realized that they needed to be stronger and look better too to be a success. Only a few decades back that could be made possible with the availability of several types of construction grade steel. Today, the scene for Quonset huts has totally changed, they are more in demand than a traditional private/ commercial building made of wood or concrete and bricks.
Compared to a traditionally built building, Quonset huts have several advantages. They are stronger, safer and cheaper. They can easily withstand natural disasters like earthquake, floods, hurricane and Tsunami. They are also environmentally friendly as a Quonset huts can be recycled and re used in another buildings.
Today, Quonset huts are just another name given to steel buildings. Steel buildings use non traditional building materials like steel sheets, columns and blocks made out of re enforced steel. The primary construction materials used in a traditional building are bricks, concrete and wood. Quonset huts have a higher aesthetic appeal than traditional buildings, they are also stronger, last longer and safer and cost less. The most commonly used building material in Quonset huts is perforated sheets. The cost and weight of building the structure goes down when perforated sheets are used.Perforated sheets help bring the cost and weight of Quonset huts. In comparison with traditional sheets perforated sheets are easy to bend into a desired shape. It is usual these days for ware houses, storage houses, work shops, garages and more recently offices, homes and modern buildings to be Quonset huts. Even though they are called Quonset huts, their newer generations have grown into 100 storey skyscrapers.
You can now buy Quonset huts as pre fabricated units in various shapes and sizes. Engineers can design Quonset huts on his computer and the design and pattern can be made in a factory by computer controlled machines. On a first look, they can not be distinguished from a house built of masonry or concrete as the finishing can be done over the steel structure. Quonset huts are now also available in many patterns, you can even order one with designer windows, plumbings, roof etc. Quite a few developers are selling Quonset huts on the internet. These developers also take orders to deliver and assemble a Quonset huts on site. If you plan on placing the order for a Quonset huts online make sure you read the terms of service and the contract very carefully. Check for materials used, time taken to build and labor costs to determine the actual cost of the deal.