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FRAME STRUCTURE
Frame structures are the structures having the
combination of beam, column and slab to resist the
lateral and gravity loads.
Types of frame structures
1. Rigid frame structure
• pin ended
• fixed ended
2. Braced frame structure
• gabled frame
• portal frame
RIGID STRCTURAL FRAME
Rigid frame structures can be defined as
structures in which beams & columns are
made monolithically and act collectively
to resist the deformation generated due to
applied load.
Rigid frame structures provide more
stability. That’s why this frame system is
used in the world’s most astonishing
building Burj Al-Arab.
[Link]
v=idY9xAWMFZI
PIN ENDED RIGID STRUCTURAL FRAMES
A pinned-ended rigid frame system usually has
pins as their support conditions.
FIX ENDED RIGID FRAME STRUCTURE
In this type of rigid frame system, end
conditions are usually fixed.
BRACED STRUCTURAL FRAMES
This frame system usually
provides bracing between beams
and columns to increase their
resistance against lateral forces.
Bracing is usually done by placing
the diagonal members between the
beams and columns.
This frame system provides more
efficient resistance against
earthquake and wind forces. This
frame system is more effective
than a rigid frame system.
GABLED & PORTAL STRUCTURAL FRAME:
Gabled frame structures usually Portal structural frame usually look like a
have a peek at their top. These [Link] frame system is very much used
frame systems are in use where to construct industrial and commercial
there are possibilities of heavy buildings.
rain and snow.
ADVANTAGES OF FRAME STRUCTURES
[Link] of the best advantages of frame structure
is their ease of construction. It is very easy to
teach the labor at the construction site.
2. Frame structures can be constructed rapidly.
[Link] economy is also a very important factor
in building systems design. Frame structures
have economical designs.
MATERIALS USED FOR FRAMING
• Wooden framing
• Steel framing
• Concrete framing
WOOD FRAME CONSTRUCTION
Wood frame construction is one of
the most widely used methods to
build residential, commercial and
industrial buildings. Wood frames
are not only very economical to
build but are also resistant to
extreme climatic variations, and
offer residents a high degree of
comfort.
For instance, wood frames are light
in weight and hence it does not
require cranes and other heavy
machinery for the erection process
therefore contributing to the
economic aspect of construction.
FOUNDATION FOR WOODE FRAME
Based on the type of soil and wood
frame loads, a suitable foundation is
specified for construction. Footings
should be deep enough to avoid
frost action in winter. The ground
needs to be sufficiently compacted if
the structure is constructed in an
area where root trees have been
removed or filled materials are
placed.
Two types of foundations are widely
used for wood structures: namely
concrete foundation and pressure
preservative treated wood
foundation
METHODS OF WOOD FRAME
CONSTRUCTION
Platform Frame Construction
It is an easy method
and mostly suitable for the
construction of houses. In this
technique, first-floor joists are
covered with sub-flooring to create
a surface upon which exterior walls
and interior partitions are erected. In
the platform system, wall framing
can be assembled on the floor and
the entire unit can be tilted into its
place.
BALLOON FRAME CONSTRUCTION
It is another method of wood frame
construction which although is a bit
less popular compared to platform
frame construction, but is utilized when
the conditions ask for it. In this
method, exterior wall studs and first-
floor joists are supported by anchored
sill. The exterior wall studs are
continuous to the second floor. The
second-floor joists are supported by
ribbon strip which are inserted into the
inside edges of exterior wall studs.
PLANK AND BEAM FRAME CONSTRUCTION
In this framing method, beams, whose
ends are supported by posts, are spaced
at a maximum of 2.4m and planks are
used to cover floors and roofs. The posts
provide wall framing and planks act as
subflooring and roof sheathing. Wall
sheathing is attached to supplementary
framing between posts. Roof and floor
loads imposed on beams, then get
transferred to the posts and are finally
received by foundations.
TRUSS-FRAMED CONSTRUCTION
In this frame construction method, roof truss,
floor truss and metal anchors are used to build
strong wood frames. Outstanding advantages of
trussed frames are substantial rigidity and wider
spacing of roof and floor supporting members.
TYPES OF FASTENINGS FOR WOOD
FRAME
[Link] or Combination of Nails, Anchor and
Additives
2. Ring or Shank Nails
3. Nailed Joints
Wood Protection Measures
Provision of proper means to protect wood is an
indicator of good construction practice. Wood frame
elements, specifically all the foundation members,
shall be protected against decay and termites.
Basic protection measures include the removal of tree
root in areas around the structure prior to backfilling,
carefully tamp loose backfill to decrease future
settlement, and provide certain degree of slopes at
foundation and over the building to force water away
from the structure.
Finally, all wood structural elements shall be treated
based on the exposure to weather and closeness to
ground.
CONCRETE FRAMING
A concrete frame is a common form
of structure, comprising a network
of columns and connecting beams that
forms the structural ‘skeleton’ of
a building. This grid
of beams and columns is typically
constructed on a concrete foundation and
is used to support
the building’s floors, roof, walls, cladding
and so on.
Beams are the horizontal load-bearing
members of the frame.
They are classified as either:
Main beams: Transmitting floor and
secondary beam loads to the columns; or
Secondary beams:
Transmitting floor loads to the
main beams.
Columns are the vertical members of
the frame, and are the building’s
The materials that can
be used
as walls for concrete
frame structures are
numerous, including
heavyweight masonry
options
(e.g. brick, blockwork,
stone), and light
weight options
(e.g. drywall, timber).
Similarly, any kind
of cladding materials
can be used to
clad concrete frame
structures.
Since concrete has little
tensile strength, it generally
needs to be
reinforced. Rebar, also
known as reinforcement
steel (or reinforcing steel), is
a steel bar or mesh of steel
wires used to strengthen and
hold the concrete in tension.
To improve the quality of
the bond with the concrete,
the surface of rebar is often
patterned.
Concrete frames can be precast (manufactured off site), or cast on site.
Precast concrete frames are typically used for single-storey and low-
rise structures. The concrete members are transported to site where a
crane then lifts and places them into position to construct the frame:
Concrete members can be
formed on site with the use
of formwork. This is a
temporary mould into
which concrete is poured.
Traditional formwork is
fabricated using timber, but it
can also be constructed
from steel, glass fibre
reinforced plastics and
other materials. Shuttering is
perhaps the most popular
type of formwork and is
normally constructed
on site using steel,
PRECAST CONCRETE FRAME
CONNECTIONS
[Link]
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Concrete Pile for Rail Piers Splicing of Reinf
orcement with NMB Slim Sleeves - YouTube
[Link]
A sleeve splice joint, also known as a mechanical
splice, is a method of joining two structural members
end-to-end using a sleeve or coupling. This type of
joint does not rely on welding or bolting but rather on
mechanical interlocking of the members within the
sleeve. Sleeve splice joints are commonly used in
applications where welding may not be feasible or
desired, or in cases where disassembly of the joint may
be required in the future. Here is a step-by-step
procedure for making a sleeve splice joint:
Step 1: Design and Calculation
Determine the loads and forces acting on the structure.
Calculate the required size and strength of the
members.
Select an appropriate sleeve or coupling that can
accommodate the size and shape of the members.
Step 2: Preparation
•Gather the necessary materials, including the structural members and the
sleeve or coupling.
•Ensure that the ends of the members are properly prepared for the joint. This
may involve cleaning the surfaces and removing any contaminants such as
rust, oil, or paint.
•Measure and mark the appropriate length for the sleeve splice joint on each
member.
Step 3: Alignment and Fit-Up
•Position the two members to be joined in alignment with each other.
•Ensure that the ends of the members are properly aligned and fit together
tightly.
Step 4: Sleeve Installation
•Slide the sleeve or coupling onto one of the members, positioning it at the joint
location.
•Insert the other member into the opposite end of the sleeve, ensuring it is fully
inserted and engaged.
•Ensure that the sleeve or coupling provides sufficient overlap with both
members to ensure a strong connection.
Step 5: Fastening the Sleeve
•Depending on the design of the sleeve or coupling, fasten it securely to the
members using the appropriate method. This may involve tightening screws,
bolts, or other mechanical fasteners provided with the sleeve.
•Ensure that the fasteners are tightened to the specified torque or as per the
manufacturer’s recommendations, ensuring proper tension and clamping force.
ADVANTAGES
• Ingredients of concrete are easily available in most of the places.
• Unlike natural stones, concrete is free from defects and flaws.
• Concrete can be manufactured to the desired strength with an
economy.
• The durability of concrete is very high.
• It can be cast to any desired shape.
• The casting of concrete can be done in the working site which
makes it economical.
• The maintenance cost of concrete is almost negligible.
• The deterioration of concrete is not appreciable with age.
• Concrete makes a building fire-safe due to its noncombustible
nature.
• Concrete can withstand high temperatures.
STEEL FRAMING
The use of steel in construction is far
from arbitrary. Its high strength-to-
weight ratio allows for slender yet
robust load-bearing systems, which
ease foundation requirements and
expand usable interior space. Unlike
concrete, steel components are
manufactured under controlled
conditions, enabling superior quality
control and faster on-site assembly.
While the initial cost may exceed that
of traditional materials, the long-term
economic gains—fewer maintenance
interventions, enhanced adaptability,
and recyclability—make it a strategic
investment.
APPLICATIONS: WHERE STEEL FRAMES
MATTER MOST
Steel frame systems are the
structural backbone of numerous
sectors:
•Industrial Operations: From
heavy-duty workshops to logistics
centers.
•Infrastructure: Long-span
bridges that demand both
flexibility and strength.
•Public Venues: Stadiums and
event halls requiring unobstructed
spaces.
•Commercial Real Estate: Multi-
story malls and office towers with
evolving spatial needs.
CORE PRINCIPLES IN STEEL FRAME DESIGN
Material Selection: Matching Steel to Function
Grade Q355B—a high-strength, low-alloy
structural steel—is commonly used due to its
excellent mechanical performance and
weldability. The cross-sectional profile is
equally important. For applications requiring
high torsional resistance or extreme spans, box
sections are often preferred over standard H- or
I-beams due to their superior rigidity and
buckling resistance.
MATERIAL VARIANTS: HOT-ROLLED VS.
COLD-FORMED STEEL
The selection between hot-rolled and cold-
formed steel is dictated by function:
•Hot-rolled steel, produced at elevated
temperatures, offers superior ductility and load-
bearing capacity. It’s used for beams, columns,
and structural cores.
•Cold-formed steel, shaped at ambient
temperatures, is lighter and suited for non-
structural elements such as purlins and girts. Its
cost-effectiveness makes it a practical choice
for low-load environments.
CONNECTION DETAILING: MORE THAN JUST
FASTENING
Connections are the keystones of steel frame
performance. Whether through full-penetration
welds or high-tension bolts, these joints must
balance rigidity and flexibility. Careful
detailing ensures the structure behaves as
intended under both service loads and
exceptional events such as earthquakes or
heavy impacts.
This framework, composed of columns, beams,
and bracing elements joined through welding,
bolting, or riveting, provides essential support
across a wide range of architectural forms.
In other words, column
splices are essentially steel-
plated bolted connection
provided in multi-storey
steel construction to serve
as a connection between
two columns of different
sections
Metal hardware for connections
riveted, welded and bolt connection
in steel frame structures.
The hot riveting process is riveting to watch
foundation to column joints,
base plates are welded to the
end of columns. The most
desired shape of base plate is
square and rectangular shape,
because such plates provide
largest spacing between the
bolts which is desirable.
Pile foundation to
transfer
loads of steel frame
structure
though low soil bearing
capacity of stiff soil with
BEAM CONNECTIONS IN STEEL FRAMING
• end plate beam to beam
connection is
used to join secondary steel beams
to
primary steel beams.
• Since top flange of secondary
beams
support floor system, so it must be
leveled
with top flange of the primary
beams. This
can be obtained by notching the
top flange of the secondary beam
• projected bracket is welded to the
primary beam and then secondary
beam is attached without the
need for notching secondary steel
beams
ADVANTAGES
• Steel is tensile and has a high strength to weight ratio which
means
it has high strength per unit mass. So no matter how large
the
overall structure is, the steel sections will be small and
lightweight,
unlike other building materials.
• Steel can be easily fabricated and produced massively. Steel
sections
can be produced off-site at shop floors and then assembled
onsite.
This saves time and increases the efficiency of the overall
construction process.
• Structural steel is very flexible. You can mould it into any
shape,
without changing its properties. You can convert it into
sheets or
turn it into wires as per the design.
• Structural steel is relatively cheap compared to other
building