Purlin Selection & Span Table
Cold-formed Z and C purlins are lightweight, cost-effective roof and wall members for industrial buildings. This reference covers quick span selection, full load tables, and section data for Z and C sections.
Quick Reference: Typical Z Purlin Spans
Maximum span for single-span purlins (butt-jointed and sleeved) at 1200mm centres, assuming 1.5 kN/m² imposed load.
| Section Depth (mm) | Gauge | Max Span Butt (m) | Max Span Sleeved (m) | Typical Weight (kg/m) |
|---|
Spans vary by load case and support conditions. Always check full load tables and verify with manufacturer data.
Full Butt Purlin Load Table
Sourced from Metsec's live butt purlin system load table on metsec.com, cross-referenced against the Metsec Z and C-Sections brochure (CI/SfB (28) Hh2, February 2017). Steadmans equivalents are taken from the Steadmans Purlins, Rails & Eaves Beams load tables.
| Section | Gauge | Span (m) | UDL (kN/m) | Point Load (kN) | Moment Cap (kNm) |
|---|
Z Purlin Section Data
Z purlin section data is published from manufacturer technical documentation. Metsec sections (142Z to 402Z) are sourced from metsec.com live technical data and the Metsec Z and C-Sections brochure (CI/SfB (28) Hh2, February 2017). Steadmans from the Steadmans Purlins, Rails & Eaves Beams Design Brochure V4 (July 2025). Albion from the Albion Sections Technical Manual AS-2/2010. BW Industries, Hadley, Hi-Span, Ayrshire and Duggan from their respective published technical literature.
| Designation | Depth (mm) | Flange (mm) | Gauge (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Moment Cap (kNm) |
|---|
C Purlin Section Data
C purlin section data is published from manufacturer technical documentation. Metsec from metsec.com live technical data and the Metsec Z and C-Sections brochure (CI/SfB (28) Hh2, February 2017). Lindab from Lindab's published purlin literature. BW Industries, Hi-Span and Albion from their respective published technical documents.
| Designation | Depth (mm) | Flange (mm) | Gauge (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Moment Cap (kNm) |
|---|
Eaves Beam Section Data
Cold-formed eaves beams sit at the eaves of a portal frame, transferring cladding loads to the main frame. The data below is sourced from Albion Sections Technical Manual AS-2/2010 (S450 grade, Z275 galvanised coating).
| Designation | Depth (mm) | Flange Width (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m) | Grade |
|---|
Section data is geometric and weight only. Load capacity must be verified from the manufacturer's load tables based on span, support conditions, and load case.
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