Is a Hoop Building a Quonset Hut?
The short answer is no.
“Quonset”, when it comes to buildings, is a trade mark owned by the Great Lakes Steel Corporation since 1946. They are frameless steel buildings. They were not designed as fabric buildings.
These are Quonset huts:
Maybe the trademarked name is why there are so many variant spellings. People ask us about our kwanset, quasi, kwanzaa and many other spellings of q huts (also a recent inquiry). The truth is there are many things the same about the two types of buildings.
Why were governments so quick to embrace this Quonset hut?
Quonset huts, with their distinctive semi-circular shape, were initially developed during World War II as a quick and economical solution for military housing and storage. These prefabricated structures, made of galvanized steel and designed for strength and economy, never really gained popularity in the private sector except as military surplus.
Hoop barns more or less became popular in Canada for the same reasons as the qwansets as they are strong and economical. We utilize hoop buildings for many applications today where they are prized for their durability and versatility.
What is the Difference between a Quonset Hut and a Hoop Building?
One of the most notable differences between quonset huts and hoop buildings lies in their structural composition. Quonset huts are typically constructed using galvanized steel arches that are anchored to a concrete or wooden foundation, often without framing. The arched shape of the roof extends down to the ground, creating a distinctive semi-circular profile. This design not only contributes to the hut’s structural integrity but also facilitates efficient water and snow shedding.
In contrast, hoop buildings employ a curved steel framework that serves as the primary support for the tightly woven fabric cover. This framework, often consisting of single or double truss systems, is designed to distribute loads evenly and provide a clear-span interior space. It uses the same science as the quanset type buildings but extends its versatility. The fabric cover, which is engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, is tensioned over the steel frame, creating a seamless and weather-resistant enclosure that is also a cheap building solution.
Both quonsett huts and hoop buildings offer a high degree of versatility, allowing them to be adapted for various applications. However, hoop buildings tend to have an edge when it comes to customization options. Their modular design and the use of a fabric cover enable greater flexibility in terms of size, shape, and overall configuration.
Hoop buildings can be tailored to suit specific requirements, whether it’s a large-scale industrial facility, a livestock barn, or a recreational space. The fabric cover can be customized with different colors, translucency levels, and even insulation properties to meet specific needs. Additionally, hoop buildings can be easily relocated or expanded, making them a practical choice for temporary or evolving projects.
While quoson huts offer versatility in their own right, their anchoring needs and framework can impose certain limitations on customization. Modifications such as adding windows, doors, or partitions may require specialized fittings or alterations to maintain the structural integrity of the hut.
More about Quonset Huts and Similar Huts:
https://varnumcontinentals.org/2016/04/the-quonset-hut-a-rhode-island-original/
http://www.kadiak.org/quonset/quonset.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Quonset.jpg
https://www.historylink.org/File/9430 (Pacific Hut)