What the steel structure system covers

The steel structure is the frame that carries an industrial building: the columns, beams and bracing that hold up the roof and walls. On this site the steel structure is presented as a system that works together with the metal envelope, because the frame and the envelope share junctions, loads and construction sequence.

A steel structure inquiry starts from the building plan and the way the building will be used. The frame is then discussed as part of a whole-building system, including design, manufacture and installation as one coordinated service, rather than as a list of separate components.

Frames, bracing and junctions

A frame is more than a set of columns and beams. Bracing keeps the frame stable, connections join the members, and the junctions where the frame meets the envelope decide how the wall and roof are fixed. Each of these points should be described in the inquiry, because they affect both the frame and the envelope that hangs from it.

If your building has large open areas, tall walls or heavy roof-mounted equipment, say so early. Those conditions change the frame discussion, and they are best raised before any member or connection is described in detail.