Quonset Huts Were the Predecessor of Our Current Metal Buildings
Hundreds of thousands of Quonset huts were manufactured during World War II. The Navy spurred the production of so many Quonset huts, because they needed portable sturdy buildings that could be put in place without construction crews. The U.S. military developed portable iron and wood Quonset huts after using the Nissan hut designed by the British during the first World War. The buildings were initially manufactured in Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Because of their simple yet strong iron arc structure, Quonset huts offered a very efficient use of interior space. The huts were shipped easily to various locations and used for restrooms, living quarters, hospitals, hangars and mess halls. They offered a step up from the combination of tents and wooden platforms that were previously used for such purposes. After the war, the Quonset huts were sold to the public and started being seen across the country for various civilian uses. Since WWII, many companies have produced buildings modeled after Quonset huts for many different uses.
Quonset huts provided the foundation for the modern prefabricated steel building of today. Because the arch design of Quonset huts meant that the walls were curved where they met the floor, it was difficult to place furniture and machinery against the walls. The structure was later altered to have walls at 90 degree angles, which eliminated the wasted space of the original curved wall design. The design change actually allowed the structures to break down even smaller and made it lighter to ship. And many metal building makers today still utilize the arched construction of the original Quonset huts.
How easy it was for unqualified people to put the structures together and the fact that the Quonset huts could be packed up and shipped easily are the qualities that make the metal buildings of today so advantageous for consumers. Like Quonset huts, the current metal buildings are super easy to put together and do not require special tools or knowledge. Both businesses and home owners use metal structures for any number of uses. They serve as hangars, auto repair shops, hobby shops and equipment storage. They are more economical than traditional buildings and require little maintenance. The Quonset huts live on. Links Prefabricated buildings Metal storage sheds
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by: fredthompson
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