A Smart Investment for Storage, Shelter, and Expansion
In this article, we’ll explore the growing use of steel arch buildings in commercial environments and spotlight a recent international installation in the Ivory Coast—where a steel arch roofing system transformed a stacked container project into a high-functioning office and heavy equipment canopy.
Why Steel Arch Buildings Make Sense for Commercial Applications
Steel arch buildings, also known as Quonset-style structures, are gaining popularity across industries for several key reasons:
Steel is one of the strongest and most resilient construction materials available. Arch buildings, by design, distribute stress evenly across the structure, making them ideal for withstanding heavy snow, wind, and seismic forces.
2. Low Maintenance
Steel buildings resist pests, rot, and fire. With galvanized or Galvalume coatings, they require minimal upkeep even in harsh conditions—making them ideal for long-term commercial use in remote or high-demand environments.
3. Rapid Installation
Steel arch kits are prefabricated, which dramatically reduces construction timelines. They can be installed on concrete slabs, stem walls, or even over other structures—such as shipping containers—without the need for heavy equipment or permanent foundation work.
4. Customization & Modularity
Arch buildings can be customized in length and width and paired with full custom or no modular end walls. A Steel arch system is load bearing so –systems. This makes them perfect for adapting to a wide range of commercial uses, including:
- Warehousing & inventory storage
- Construction equipment shelters
- Agricultural operations
- Temporary or semi-permanent offices
- Workshops and fabrication sites
- Government or military operations in remote areas
CASE STUDY: Ivory Coast Steel Arch Roof Over Container Complex
In a standout international project, a custom steel arch roofing system was installed in the Ivory Coast to support a large commercial storage and office compound. The structure showcases the adaptability of steel arch buildings in remote and developing regions.
Project Overview
- Location: Abidjan region, Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Use Case: Roofing canopy over double-high stacked shipping containers
- Functionality: Heavy equipment shelter + converted container office and storage
- Building Type: 40 x 40 Steel Arch Roof System (2 qty)
- Foundation: Custom attachment to ISO Conversion Box supporting the arch structure as a wall.
Why It Works
This project exemplifies the power of steel arch buildings in challenging commercial environments:
- Weather Protection: The arch roof shields the double-stacked containers from UV exposure and torrential rains, extending the lifespan of container-based workspaces.
- Vertical Efficiency: By going double-high with containers, the client optimized limited site space while retaining ground-level clearance for machinery.
- Custom Height: The steel arch added overhead accommodates large trucks and excavators beneath the shelter.
- Fast Deployment: Prefabricated steel arches shipped directly to site and were installed in a fraction of the time required for conventional roof construction.
- Global Durability: Designed to meet both U.S. engineering standards and withstand West African climate conditions.
Benefits of Steel Arch Roof Systems Over Shipping Containers
1. Seamless Integration
2. Clear-Span Space
- Forklift access
- Equipment maneuvering
- Material staging
- Vehicle parking and repairs
3. Better Ventilation and Drainage
The arch shape allows hot air to rise and escape, while promoting rain and debris runoff. This helps maintain cooler interior temperatures and protects both workers and stored items from excess heat and moisture buildup.
4. Expandability
Need more space? Arches can be extended in length by adding more steel panels. This is perfect for growing operations that want modular expansion without restarting construction.
Ideal Commercial Uses for Steel Arch Buildings
Steel arch buildings are currently being used in the following industries and applications:
- Construction Sites – Mobile jobsite shelters, break areas, and equipment storage
- Oil & Gas – Portable shelters for remote field operations and equipment staging
- Agriculture – Grain storage, tool sheds, tractor garages
- Disaster Recovery Zones – Temporary housing, triage centers, and staging shelters
- Mining & Energy – Remote logistics hubs, repair shops, and workforce shelters
- Military & Government – Supply depots, mobile command centers, forward operating bases
- Global Development – Infrastructure projects in Africa, South America, and around the globe
What Makes Steel Arch Building Systems a Commercial Favorite?
- Clear-span construction provide usable space from wall to wall without any necessary internal framing required. The roof system can is also load bearing so you can easily create any size building or space out of our steel arch panels for a complete building, without any other work.
- Customizable end walls. With the system itself also carrying the load, this means you can fully customize the end walls either keeping the fully open like this project for maximum access, partially enclosed, or fully close them with any material of your choice. Matching steel panels can be used, or wood, glass, concrete… and the endwall can support any size door or opening as it’s not structurally load bearing.
- Wide base widths and high ceiling clearance make a steel arch building ideal for vehicle access, equipment storage, material and agricultural inventory storage, boat and rv covers, automotive barges, warehouse storage, manufacturing facilities, airplane hangers, and more.
- Easy anchoring to both concrete, stem wall systems, and custom installations.
- Corrosion-resistant galvalume treated steel ensures long life even in coastal or tropical zones
- Extreme protection is provided by heavy gauge steel that can be design to be hurricane resistance rated for storm and severe weather prone areas.
Take Your Commercial Project Global with Steel Arch Technology
Ready to Start Your Own Steel Arch Project?
Contact us today to learn more or request a quote on your next commercial steel arch installation.
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