Technical Information
Portal Frame Methodology
Our buildings utilise bolt together portal frame methodology.
A portal frame consists of two 'C' section columns of sufficient size and thickness to support, and be load bearing to the relevant roof section. Connected to these columns are two 'C' section rafters, again, of sufficient size and thickness.
These components are bolted together by means of two 5mm thick eaves/haunch brackets and one 5mm thick apex bracket. These brackets are designed not only to connect the various sections but also act as bracing. The columns are anchored to the floor by means of a 5mm thick base cleat using 180mm long Hilti anchor bolts. All other bolts in the building are construction quality 8.8 grade. Dependant on span, and height to eaves, it may be necessary to add eaves and apex bracing. And at times produce the portal frame, using a twin system, where all component parts are doubled. Gable frames are as portal frames, but with the addition of wind/gable posts.
Design Software
Our bespoke design software has been developed in close co-operation with experts in structural engineering, cold rolling and laser cutting. The brief was to produce a versatile design software package that would be:
- Extremely cost effective
- Produce building designs fit for purpose
- Easy to use for people with little or no construction experience
In order to achieve this goal, we utilise more cold rolled section widths and thicknesses than our competitors. All portal frame components are connected by brackets that also act as bracing, the result; we offer a strong, durable cost effective building that maximizes the internal space available.
We believe in customer focused commitment, our software is able to cater for many variables, including:
- Choice on length
- Width (max 24 metres)
- Height to eaves (max 6 metres)
- Cladding type
- Colour
- Door types and location
In addition to these points our design software also takes account of:
- Site location and building use
- Wind and snow loading
- Elevation and distance from the sea
These are all very important factors to ensure the building is neither under or over specified. Our design software also generates construction, base drawings and design calculations, all required if you are to seek planning permission.
Use our online quotation software now.
Steel building solutions