Figure 8-10. - Typical K-span building.

strength arched panels. The panels are then machine seamed together to form an economical and watertight steel structure.

The final shape and strength of the materials used cancels the need for columns, beams, or any other type of interior support. All of the panel-to-panel connections are joined using an electric automatic seaming machine. Because of this, there are no nuts, bolts, or any other type of fastener to slow down construction or create leaks.

Once delivered to the jobsite, the "on-site" manufacturing abilities of the machine give the ABM operator complete control of fabrication as well as the quality of the building, Training key personnel in the operation of all related K-span equipment is essential. These crew members, once trained, can instruct other members of the crew in the safe fabrication and erection of a K-span. The following section gives you some, but not all, of the key elements associated with K-span construction. As with all equipment, always refer to the manufacturers' manuals.

Operating Instructions

The main component of the K-span system is the trailer-mounted building machine (fig. 8-12). This figure shows the main components of the trailer and the general operating instructions. The primary position is the operator's station at the rear of the trailer (fig. 8-13). The crew member, selected for this position, must have a thorough understanding of the machine operations and the manuals. From that position, the operator controls all of the elements required to form the panels. First, the operator must run the coil stock through the machine to form the panel shape. Next, it is cut off at the correct length. This length is the required length for one arched panel to run continuously from one footer to the other. Last, after the panel is cut to length, it is run back through the machine to give it the correct arch. The operator must remain at the controls at all times. From the placement of the trailer on site to the completion of the curved panel, attention to detail is paramount as with all of the aspects of construction.

As you operate the panel, you will be adjusting the various machine-operating components. Adjustments for the thickness, the radius, and the curving machine MUST be made according to the manuals. Do not permit shortcuts in adjustments. Any variations in adjustments or disregard for the instructions found in the operating manuals will leave you with a pile of useless material or an inconsistent building.