Ultimate Guide: Rack-Supported Buildings Everything You Need To Know

In the year 2025,  High-bay Storage has become more crucial than ever. So, How will you get a high-volume storage solution? For this reason,  Rack-Supported Buildings continue to be a preferred method of storing large numbers of inventory, like auto parts, food and beverage, cartons, and medicine. In this guide, you’ll learn the workings of Rack-Supported Buildings.

Also, what items can be stored in the high bay rack building, and what to avoid. Moreover, we’ll also provide a step-by-step guideline enabling you to choose a rack-supported solution. So, keep reading!

What is Rack-Supported Buildings?

A rack-supported building is a special type of warehouse where the storage racks hold up the entire building. Traditional warehouses have separate metal frames to support the structure. These new buildings use the storage racks themselves as the main support system.

This means the racks aren't just for holding items anymore. They become the walls and roof of the building too. The whole design is like killing two birds with one stone - you get storage and structure in the same system.

What Are Rack-Supported Buildings Made of?

Rack-supported buildings used to be made from high-capacity steel (Q235 Cold Roller Steel). But in any large warehouse with convyer system, structural steel is a good choice for a building with a racking system, not rack-supported. 

Why Choose Rack-Supported Buildings?

Different Types of Rack-Supported Buildings

Rack-supported buildings are versatile structures that utilize racking systems as the primary structural support for the building's walls and roof. They offer various configurations to meet different operational needs. Here are some of the main types of rack-supported buildings:

1. Rack-Supported Buildings for ASRS Systems

These buildings integrate automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) to maximize storage density and operational efficiency. AS/RS systems use robotics for sorting, storing, and retrieving items, enhancing accuracy and reducing labor costs.

Benefits:

Increased Efficiency: Automates inventory management and retrieval processes.

Reduced Labor Costs: Minimizes manual labor through automation.

Enhanced Accuracy: Reduces errors in inventory handling.

Applications: Ideal for high-volume distribution centers and industries requiring rapid order fulfillment.

2. Rack-Supported Buildings with Mezzanine Floors

These structures incorporate mezzanine floors supported by racking systems. The racking serves as the structural base for the mezzanine, maximizing vertical space without additional columns.

Benefits:

Maximized Space: Creates additional storage or work areas above existing racking.

Cost-Effective: Utilizes existing racking, reducing construction costs.

Efficient Design: Simplifies construction by eliminating separate support structures.

Applications: Suitable for warehouses needing extra storage or office space without expanding the footprint.

3. Manual Rack-Supported Warehouses

These buildings use manual storage systems, such as forklifts, for operations. They can include conventional, drive-in, or high-density racking solutions like push-back or pallet shuttle systems.

Benefits:

Flexibility: Accommodates various manual storage needs.

Cost-Effectiveness: Lower initial investment compared to automated systems.

Adaptability: Suitable for operations with changing storage requirements.

Applications: Ideal for industries with fluctuating inventory levels or those preferring manual handling.

4. Cold Storage Rack-Supported Buildings

Designed for storing goods at low temperatures, these buildings can be manual or automated. They are essential for maintaining consistent temperatures and humidity levels.

Benefits:

Temperature Control: Maintains precise environmental conditions.

High Storage Density: Maximizes storage capacity while minimizing footprint.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to cold storage regulations.

Applications: Critical for pharmaceutical, food, and beverage industries requiring controlled environments.

Advantages of Rack-Supported Buildings

Increased Storage Density

Rack-supported buildings offer a secure and efficient storage solution by maximizing vertical space. This design eliminates obstructive columns, allowing for higher storage capacity within a smaller footprint. This is particularly beneficial for industries where land is at a premium.

Cost-Effectiveness

These structures are cost-effective due to their reduced construction costs and tax benefits. By utilizing the racking system as structural support, the need for extensive steel frameworks is minimized, leading to lower initial investment. Additionally, rack-supported buildings are eligible for accelerated depreciation, providing further financial advantages.

Operational Efficiency

Rack-supported buildings enhance operational efficiency by streamlining material handling processes. They can be easily integrated with automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), allowing for optimized inventory management and reduced labor costs. This integration supports fast-paced logistics environments, making them ideal for industries requiring rapid order fulfillment.

Flexibility and Customization

These buildings offer flexibility and customization options, allowing businesses to adapt to changing needs. The modular design enables easy reconfiguration and expansion, supporting adjustable rack configurations to accommodate varying product sizes and weights. This adaptability ensures that the storage system remains effective even as business operations evolve.

Structural Integrity and Durability

Rack-supported buildings are designed to provide structural integrity and durability. They distribute forces across multiple frames, enhancing seismic and weather resistance. This ensures safety and longevity, making them suitable for various environmental conditions. Additionally, their rapid construction timelines allow businesses to quickly establish or expand their operations.

Environmental Benefits

These structures also offer environmental benefits by reducing energy consumption. The condensed footprint and efficient design minimize lighting needs, contributing to a more sustainable operation. This aspect is increasingly important for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.

What Are Rack-Supported Buildings Used For?

Cold Storage Facilities

Ideal for refrigerated or frozen products, these buildings can be manual or automated.

They are designed to maintain consistent temperatures while maximizing storage capacity.

Automotive Storage

Used for storing car parts, assemblies, and finished vehicles, offering customizable layouts.

Provides large, open spaces necessary for automotive storage needs.

Retail Distribution Centers

Efficient for managing inventory and shipping operations due to high storage density.

Supports fast-paced logistics environments.

Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Storage

Offers controlled environments for sensitive medical supplies.

Ensures compliance with strict storage regulations.

E-commerce Warehouses

High-density storage solutions for fast-moving goods.

Supports rapid order fulfillment and inventory management.

Food and Beverage Warehouses

Suitable for storing perishable items in controlled environments.

Maximizes storage while maintaining product integrity.

Drive-thru Building Materials Storage

Efficient for storing lumber and building materials.

Facilitates easy access and loading/unloading operations.

High-Density Dry Storage

Ideal for maximizing storage capacity in limited spaces.

Often used in industries where land is at a premium.

Lumber Storage

Provides large, open areas for storing lumber and wood products.

Supports efficient inventory management and logistics.

Maintenance Shops

Offers flexible storage solutions for equipment and parts.

Enhances workshop efficiency by optimizing storage and workspace.

How is a rack supported building constructed

The construction of a rack-supported building follows a systematic process. It begins with site assessment and preparation, where the construction site is thoroughly evaluated, including soil analysis and environmental considerations. This phase may involve excavation, leveling, filling, and compacting the ground to ensure a stable foundation. Next is foundation construction, which involves pouring a robust concrete floor slab with the necessary thickness and reinforcement to support the heavy loads. Drainage systems and potentially a perimeter sealing wall are also installed at this stage.

The core of the construction process is the racking system installation. The steel racks are assembled according to detailed engineering plans, starting with the upright frames and progressively installing beams, trusses, and bracing components. Precise leveling and alignment are crucial for structural integrity. Once a significant portion of the racking is erected, the cladding installation begins. Roof and façade panels are attached to the racking framework, creating the enclosed warehouse space.

For automated facilities, the integration of machinery, such as stacker cranes and conveyors, occurs after the initial racking and cladding are in place. The process also includes the installation of utilities and safety systems, such as electrical wiring, lighting, plumbing, and fire suppression systems.

Finally, final inspections and commissioning are conducted to ensure compliance with all regulations and specifications. The construction of a rack-supported building is unique in that the racking installation is a central and early step, directly influencing the subsequent building envelope construction, which contributes to the faster overall construction time compared to traditional methods.

Conclusion

To conclude, a high-bay racking system will increase your storage and pick efficiency from messy storage.  As a 20+ years warehouse storage rack supplier, Heda Shelves provides a wide range of racking systems for high-volume storage.  Contact us for a reliable rack-supported solution for your warehouse.