Frame
Structural
Systems
Understanding the fundamentals of rigid frame and braced frame
Rigid Frames
What Are Rigid Frames?
Structural systems where beams and columns are
rigidly connected, creating moment-resisting joints that
transfer both forces and bending moments
Key Characteristics
• Monolithic rigid connections
• Lateral stability at the joints
• Bigger structural members (especially at high-rises)
• Versatile design applications
Structural Members
Footing Column
Foundation element that Vertical member carrying
distributes column loads to soil compressive loads from beams
to foundation
Prevents settlement and
ensures stable support Provides lateral and vertical support
Beam
Horizontal member spanning between columns
Resists bending and transfers loads to columns
Structural Members
Slab Joists Roof Frame
Horizontal surface Closely spaced Top structural
element supports assembly
• Spans between • Reduce slab • Weather
beams thickness protection
• Carries floor • Support floor • Load transfer
loads systems system
• Acts as • Economical • Lateral bracing
diaphragm spans • Architectural
• Distributes • Flexible layouts expression
lateral forces
Load Transfer Mechanism
Applied Loads
Dead loads, live loads, wind, seismic forces act on structure
Slab Distribution
Floor slabs collect and distribute loads to supporting beams
Beam Transfer
Beams carry loads through bending and shear to rigid connections
Column Support
Columns transfer combined axial and moment loads downward
Foundation Base
Footings spread loads safely into supporting soil strata
Braced Frames
A frame system that uses diagonal bracing to resist
lateral forces like wind and earthquakes, providing
stability to a building.
Key Characteristics
• Built-up Connections
• Diagonal bracing
• Smaller structural members
• Bracing as design elements
Bracing Configurations
Geometric Patterns in Structural Engineering
Explore how different bracing configurations influence
structural behavior and architectural design.
Single Diagonal
Bracing
Simple & Effective
Diagonal brace connecting beam to column
• Direct lateral load transfer
• Straightforward installation
• Cost-effective solution
Cross Bracing (X-Bracing)
Dual Member System Tension Member
Two diagonal members One brace under tension load
crossing each other
Compression Member
One brace under compression
load
K-Bracing
Mid-Height Connection
Braces connect to columns at mid-height, forming
distinctive "K" shape
Flexibility
Allows openings for doors and windows
Architectural Integration
Balances structural needs with design freedom
V-Bracing & Chevron Bracing
V-Bracing
Two braces connecting top corners to single point at bottom
• Upward convergence
• Clear floor space below
Chevron (Inverted V)
Braces meet at center on top beam
• Downward convergence
• Unobstructed lower area
Applications and
Design Considerations
Seismic Risk
Choosing bracing type based on seismic zone requirements and
lateral force resistance
Architectural Design
Balancing structural integrity with aesthetic goals and spatial needs
Structural Requirements
Load capacity, material efficiency, and construction feasibility
Advantages Challenges
Each configuration offers unique Trade-offs between efficiency, cost,
benefits for specific applications and architectural flexibility
Structural Members
Braced frames utilizes the same structural
members as rigid frames. The difference lies in
the presence of diagonal bracing.
Common Construction Materials
Reinforced Concrete Wood Timber Structural Steel
Advantages: Fire resistance, durability, Advantages: Renewable, lightweight, fast Advantages: High strength-to-weight
moldability, thermal mass construction, carbon sequestration ratio, long spans, speed, prefabrication
Applications: Mid to high-rise buildings, Applications: Low-rise residential, light Applications: High-rise towers, industrial
parking structures, industrial facilities commercial, mass timber buildings plants, bridges, large-span facilities
Portal Frames
A specialized rigid frame system with bracing
elements optimized for single-story industrial and
commercial applications
Key Characteristics
• Moment-resisting connections
• Bracing elements (horizontal and sometimes diagonal)
• Capable of uninterrupted spans (around 60m)
What Makes Portal Frames Unique?
Two-dimensional rigid frames spanning entire building width, eliminating need for internal columns
Clear Span Capability
Uninterrupted interior space for flexible layouts and operations
Efficient Design
Optimized member sizes reduce material costs while maintaining strength
Rapid Construction
Prefabricated components enable fast assembly and project completion
Portal Frame Construction Parts and Definition
• Bay – a regularly repeated spatial element defined by supports in a building
structure.
• Cross-bracing – any system of bracing in which the diagonals intersect (x- bracing)
• Purlin – a horizontal member spanning from truss to truss where roofing material is
attached.
• Ridge – the horizontal line at the junction or intersection of the upper edges of two
sloping roof surfaces.
• Sag rod – steel bar attached or secured to purlins at centers or one-third of purlin
span to provide lateral support.
Portal Frame Construction Parts and Definition
• Span – the distance between any two consecutive supports of a structural
member.
• Girt – bracing element located in bays to provide lateral support between
adjacent main roof trusses, rafters, or bents.
• Eaves – the lower edge of a sloping roof that part which projects beyond the
wall.
• Turnbuckle – a device for connecting and tightening a wire, rod, or stay,
consisting of a right screw and a left screw which are coupled by means of a
link.
CONFIGURATIONS OF PORTAL FRAMES
Truss Systems
As part of rigid frames
Understanding
Trusses
Definition Structural
Importance
Rigid framework of
interconnected Efficient load
members forming distribution across
triangulated patterns long spans
Transfers loads Minimal material,
through axial forces maximum strength
Anatomy of a Truss
Chords Gusset Plates
Top and bottom principal members carrying primary loads Triangular or trapezoidal connectors joining slender members, adding
framework strength
Web Members Panel
King posts, verticals, diagonals, and occasional horizontals Sections between adjacent joints along chords
Rise & Span Joints
Height and length dimensions defining truss geometry Heel, center, peak, and intermediate connection points
Triangular Truss Types
Classic configurations for pitched roof systems
Fink Pratt
W-shaped web pattern, Vertical members in
economical for compression,
residential spans diagonals in tension
Howe
Scissors
Vertical members in
Sloping bottom chord
tension, diagonals in
creating vaulted
compression
interior spaces
Parallel Chord Trusses
Horizontal configurations for flat roofs and floors (can also be used for open web joists)
Warren Truss Flat Howe Flat Pratt
Typically for bridges, that uses a Made of triangular panels with Made of triangular panels with
series of equilateral triangles to diagonal members angling towards diagonal members angling towards
distribute loads efficiently the top chord. the center joint
Curvilinear Trusses
Bowstring
Arched top chord with straight bottom chord
• Continuous curved member
• Segmented arc construction
Ideal for warehouses, gymnasiums, auditoriums
Crescent
Both chords curved creating crescent profile
• Concentric radii: uniform curvature
• Non-concentric: variable curvature for unique forms
Signature architectural statements