1.

0 OBJECTIVES

The purpose of making this report are to employ, integrate and illustrate the construction
technology of steel structure. Steel Structure in construction have varied of types and ways. In
this report, these are following contents about Steel Portal Frame that have been summarised
based on the video, notes and websites:

1. Definition of steel structure and steel portal frame

2. Types of steel portal frame

3. Function of steel portal frame

4. Method of Installation

5. Advantages and Disadvantages

STEEL PORTAL FRAME | DQS 252 1

2.0 INTRODUCTION

Portal frames were first developed during the Second World War and became popular
in the 1960s and now they become the most common form of enclosure for spans of 20 to 69m.

Portal frame is a type of structural frame that is the simplest form of structure which
characterised by a beam or so called rafter that supported at end of columns. The joint between
the beam and the columns are ‘rigid’ to allow the bending moment in the beam is transferred
to the columns. Because of that, the size of the rafters can be reduced and the span can be
spanned in large distance. Typically, the joint between the beam and the columns is made
‘rigid’ by the addition of a haunch, bracket or by a deepening of the section at the joints. This
makes the steel portal frame is one of the most efficient construction technique for wide span
buildings.

Portal frames are generally fabricated from steel, reinforced precast concrete or
laminated timber thus, all of these materials have direct effect on the stability of the building.
Now, many developers are now choosing to use steel frames as the structural support for their
building. Why steel? This is because steel is considered a superior construction material. Steel
has the highest strength to weight ratio, resulting in a building frame that will not warp or crack.
The properties of steel make the frame of the building very strong and more efficient.

Portal frame construction is therefore typically seen in wholesale warehouses, storage

buildings and commercial applications as well as for agricultural purpose such as barns since
they are very efficient for enclosing large volumes. Generally portal frames are used for single-
story building but they also can be very economic for low-rise buildings with several floors.
Indeed, propped steel portal framed buildings are the ideal solution when open space is at a
premium and economy of construction is paramount.

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3.0 TYPES OF STEEL PORTAL FRAME

1) Pitched roof symmetric portal frame 2) Portal frame with internal mezzanine floor

3) Propped portal frame 4) Cellular beam portal frame

5) Crane portal frame with column brackets 6) Tied portal frame

7) Mono-pitch portal frame 8) Mansard portal frame

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4.0 FUNCTION OF STEEL PORTAL FRAME
1. To Reduce the Effect of Bending

By using steel portal frame, the bending moment in the beam can be reduce as this frame
can act a one structural entity. This is because the joints between the beam and column are
‘rigid’ so that the bending moment in the beam is transferred to the columns. This means that
the beam can have large span distances without need a large size of beam as the beam are not
easily bend.in the other hand, the joint between beam and column is also made ‘rigid’ by the
addition of a hunch, bracket, or by a deepening of the section at the joint to reduce the effect
of bending.

2. To Create Wide Span Enclosures

The portal steel frame is design in such a way that it has no intermediate columns, as a result
large open areas can easily form within the structure. This factor is one of the reasons why
portal steel frame are usually has been used for a structure that required a large unobstructed
floor space such as factories, shopping centres, assembly halls and warehouses. In the other
hand, another function of this type of steel frame is, it can give a natural lighting to a single
storey building by placing clear sheets in roof layout that usually can be seen for agricultural
purpose.

3. Act as offsite fabrication

Image 1: TNT FastTrack Distribution Centre, Magna Park, Lutterworth

Steel portal frame construction can provide off-site fabrication hence decrease the construction
period. For example, no curing time is required and the structural members can be readily
assembled and capable of taking load immediately after the construction. This can be proven
in the construction of TNT FastTrack Distribution Centre, Magna Park, Lutterworth, UK where
1600 tonnes structural steel portal frame was erected in only 21 days.
STEEL PORTAL FRAME | DQS 252 4
5.0 METHOD OF INSTALLATION

Step 1: Construct the Foundation

Figure 1.0 Pad foundation

Foundations are required to be both diagonally square and level before starting. If the
foundations are not square and level, this can cause problems when erecting the building, which
may cause construction costs to increase. All piers as required by engineering plans, must be
cleaned out to remove any loose soil, with the columns located in the centre of the pad or pier.

Step 2: Marking Out the Building

Figure 1.1 Calculating Frame Distance Figure 1.2 Calculating Raft Distance

The location of the inside of the column on the side wall needs to be marked with a
chalk line down one length of the side wall (Figure 1.1). This measurement called ‘Frame-
Distance’, is calculated by adding the width of the column (C Section) and the side wall girt (Z
Section) together.

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 The distance in between the columns needs to be calculated called ‘Raft-Distance’. To
do this, use the span of the building minus (2 x Frames-Distance). This distance is measured
across the span of the building from chalk line 1 to create chalk line 2 (Figure 1.2).

Step 3: Fixing Column

Figure 1.3 Bolts column on each side Figure 1.4 Haunch bracket attached to
the web

Lay columns flat on the pad down both side walls at the approximate bay n b `m then
bolted (Figure 1.3). Attach a haunch bracket to the web face of each column (Figure 1.4).
When placing the left & right handed haunch brackets onto the columns ensure that the web
face of each column will face the front of the building when built (giving the building more
aesthetic appeal). Ensure that the top of the bracket is flush with the top of the column. One
screw is placed in the bracket to hold it in place. Then it is fully fixed off according to
engineering plans.

Step 4: Creating Rafter

Lay 2 rafters and 1 apex bracket web side up on the foundation at the approximate roof
pitch ensuring the C Sections meet at the apex. Place 2 screws (one in each rafter) securing the
apex bracket into position. Measure long point to long point of rafters, adjust until measurement
equals Raft-Distance. Screw or bolt the apex bracket securely into position (as per engineering
plans).

Stand rafters side by side and mark the position for the roof purlins on the rafter with a
permanent marker, (quantity and spacing as per engineering plans) and put aside until required.

STEEL PORTAL FRAME | DQS 252 6

 Figure 1.5 Knee braces Figure 1.6 Apex braces fixed to rafter

Fit any knee or apex braces as supplied. Refer to engineering plans for size, fitting
location and fixing detail. On back-to-back frames it is required to “notch” the ends of the apex
and knee braces to fit in-between back-to-back frames.

Step 5: Roof Construction

Figure 1.7 Roof bracing Figure 1.8 Screwed to the rafter

Fix roof bracing into position prior to sheeting the roof. If roof insulation is supplied, it
must be installed prior to roof sheets being fixed into position. Turn up sheeting along ridge
line of roof cladding with pliers to protect from rain (Figure 1.9). This is called “Weathering”
the sheets.

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 Figure 1.9 Roof sheeting fixed Figure 2.0 Screw the sheeting

Using the required number of roof screws (Figure 2.0), fix roof sheeting allowing
approximately half the gutter width or 50mm (whichever is the least) overhang into the gutter.
Ensure that the female rib of the cladding is facing away from prevailing weather. Check that
roof sheets are parallel to the front edge of gutter at all times.

Figure 2.1 Ridge capping Figure 2.2 Screws at both side of

ridge

Install ridge capping, ensuring that the ends are flush to the outside of the Gable End
Wall cladding (Figure 2.1). Joins must be facing away from prevailing weather. Run a bead of
silicone where the ridge overlaps. Use the roof screws provided to attach ridge capping to the
roof purlins on both sides (Figure 2.2) of the flashing as per the Roof Sheeting Profile in your
Engineering Plans.

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Step 6: Construct Wall Frame

Fix the side girts and eave purlins to the columns (as per engineering plans). If side wall
bracing is required, fix into position (Figure 2.3) prior to cladding walls.

Figure 2.3 Install wall bracing Figure 2.4 Fix wall sheeting

Starting from one corner of the building, begin sheeting the walls (Figure 2.4). Make
sure that the female rib of the cladding is facing away from prevailing weather, and that
sheeting is flush with the top of the eave purlin. This will ensure that the sheets will overlap
the foundation of the building, and prevent water entering the building.

Figure 2.5 Screw wall sheeting to

bracing

Using the required number of wall screws (Figure 2.5), fix the wall sheets one at a time
using a straight edge/chalk line to ensure screws are placed in a straight line. Cut the last wall
sheet flush to the end of the wall girts.

STEEL PORTAL FRAME | DQS 252 9

Step 7: Attaching Gutter Brackets & Gutter

Figure 2.6 Gutter brackets &

Gutter

Count the number of brackets supplied per side of building and space brackets evenly.
Gutter Brackets are to be spaced at a maximum of 1m intervals. Mark a chalk line starting from
the top of the wall cladding at one end, with a slight downward slope towards the downpipe
end (minimum 3°).

Figure 2.7 Silicone joint Figure 2.8 Hold each gutter with
screw

Following the marked line attach gutter bracket to ribs of wall sheets with pop rivets.
Apply silicone to gutter joints prior to installing gutter(Figure 2.7). Clip gutter onto gutter
brackets ensuring gutters overhang Gable End Walls by a thickness of wall cladding. Fold
Gutter Bracket tags down onto the Gutter to hold it into position.

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6.0 ADVANTAGES

1) Speed and Ease of Erection

Portal frame is a simple design of frame. It was designed with a big wide of roof, wall cladding
and primary steel frames. Portal frame designed with no combination of stages as it is used for
a small building. This will affect the time taken and ease the contractor and workmen to settle
up the construction.

2) Building Can Be Quickly Closed In and Made Water Tight

As the time to build portal frame is short, it will help the building to be closed quickly and
prevent the water from get into the frame. The longer construction period will affect the time
frame for the building to stand in the future as it will make the steel rust.

3) Quick and Easy for Maintenance

The design of a frame also effect the time of maintenance. The simpler of the design, the higher
speed of maintenance. To maintain portal frames, it only need to wash the particular areas that
are often exposed to rain water to remove any surface deposits.

4) Cost Effective

To build a portal frame, it is saving builders a huge amount of time and money. Plus, builders
can efficiently design them in a way that meets their clients’ needs without needing to hire an
architect. Thus, this will help to reduce the cost used to build a portal frame as the clients’
requirement.

5) Easy to Design And Quick To Build

The steel structural elements of a portal frame can be accurately fabricated to tight tolerances
before it can be transported to the construction site. It is connected together in factories by
welding and site connections should be bolted. As a result, builders can enjoy rapid and waste-
free assembly. Then, it will help to save our environment from any of the pollution.

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7.0 DISADVANTAGES

1. High Maintenance Cost

Steel is an alloy of iron. This may lead to corrosion. Thus, it has to be painted to make it
corrosion-resistant hence this will increase the maintenance cost.

2. Fire Proofing Costs

Although steel is incombustible it has a poor resistance to fire as it will bend easily when
heated. Therefore, there are extensive fire proofing costs concluded as steel is not fireproof. In
high temperatures, steel may lose its properties.

3. Buckling

Next, buckling is also an issue with using steel portal frame as structures. As the length of the
steel column increases the chances of buckling also increases.

4. Require Special Equipment

Cranes and cherry pickers are required to lift the prefabricated steel members into position. If
the site is severely sloped or there are a lot of obstacle, this can become difficult.

5. Reduced Flexibility on Site

Steel structural components does not have the ability to be adjusted. The measurements of steel
need to be precisely calculated, because a steel fabrication is delivered to site in its final form,
ready to be slotted to the building. This may delay the construction if the steel structure need
to some adjustment as they need to be sent back to the factory.

6. Required Insulation

Steel has a very high efficiency in conducting heat. Where steel frame construction is used,
insulation measures need to be put in place to counteract the thermal conductivity of steel.

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8.0 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, portal frames are very common, in fact 50% of constructional steel used
in the UK is in portal frame construction. Steel portal frame is a very simple design to build
and very popular to construct since it is capable to span up to 60 meter. A portal frame building
comprises a series of transverse frames braced longitudinally. The primary steelwork consists
of columns and rafters, which form portal frames, and bracing.

Portal frames are prized for their structural efficiency. With this type of structural
frame, large spaces can be built and enclosed with the use of as few materials as possible. This
is a huge advantage for builders because it helps them minimise costs. They are very efficient
for enclosing large volumes, therefore they are often used for industrial, storage, retail and
commercial applications as well as for agricultural purposes.

There are many advantages to using portal frames when building wide-span enclosures.
For starters, they are quick and easy to build, very cost effective and easy for maintenance. But
every single construction also have its deficiency. Even it is easy for maintenance, but steel
portal frame required high maintenance cost because steel structure is easier to rust and buckle.
Despite all of that, steel portal frame is very efficiency for current design building.

STEEL PORTAL FRAME | DQS 252 13

9.0 REFERENCES

Websites

1. Designing Building Ltd. (2019, January 02). Portal frame - Design Buildings Wiki.
Retrieved from Design Building Wiki: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk

2. Henry, G. (2017). PORTAL FRAME- Structural systems. Retrieved from SlideShare:

https://www.slideshare.net

3. Nutt, A. (n.d.). Steel Portal Frame Buildings. Retrieved from editorialtoday.com:

https://www.streetdirectory.com

4. White, G. (2017, October 26). The Advantages & Disadvantages of Steel Portal Frame
Construction. Retrieved from GLW Engineering: https://blog.glwenineering.co.uk

5. Yash, T. (n.d.). Modern Method of Construction (MMC)-Steel Portal Frame Structures

Morden Methods of Construction (MMC). Retrieved from Academia.edu:
https://www.academia.edu

Video

1. Nikki Moreaux (2013 May 1) Steel frame 3D construction Retrieved from YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6sSbazsyLw

2. Nikki Moreaux (26 November 2014) Steel building sidewalls assembly. Retrieved from
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCCWcjLiobE

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