Design of roofs for single-storey general-purpose factories; : a report unpon an investigation

This report describes the findings of an investigation into the design of single-storey factories of a type capable of being used by a wide range of industries. The object of the investigation was to make a technical and economic appraisal and comparison of (i) the conventional building having overhead glazing, and (ii) the so-called 'window- less' factory. The study was expressly concerned with the design of roofs and problems of internal environment. The report is in five parts. In Part One, the principal characteristics of existing British factories are examined, and the effects of current legislation upon design are re- viewed. The components of the total problem are consid- ered rt Two. Thus the economic background to ly factory design is discussed, and separate chapters deal with what is known, and what has been discovered during the investigation, about such structural matters as the build- ing framework, structural fire protection and building maintenance, and such environmental factors as lighting, heating and ventilation. The neglected subject of thermal problems which arise during summer is considered. In Part Three an attempt is made to assess the total effect of the various structural and environmental components upon the economic choice of roof shape and structural module. Current tendencies in the design of single-storey factories are reviewed in Part Four. Matters considered include American and windowless factories, and stan- dardisation of factory structures. The conclusions to be drawn from the whole report are summarised in Part Five