PRE ENGINEERED BUILDING SYSTEM

AND CONSTRUCTION OF PORTAL FRAME

Prepared by

Adrian Rollo Toisa

Architect/Instructor
 INTENDED LEARNING
OUTCOME (ILO)
• Describe the components of
pre-engineered buildings.
• Identify the primary and
secondary structural framing
systems.
• Apply the wall materials,
insulation, and installation of
roofing, gutter, trim and
accessories of PEB structure in Fig. Pre-engineered Building
courtesy of SEA CON LLC
architectural design.
• Evaluate the structural
systems of PEB to know when
to apply the system in the
building.
Steel in construction Background
• Steel was very expensive item in construction.
• Early 1900’s, the concept of metal building
originated in U.S.
• Simple industrial structures using truss rafters,
straight columns, sectional roof & wall. Wedge
pins for connections.
• Mass production of housing and storage modules
for U.S. army during ww2.
• Metal building system recognized as a favorable
method of construction over conventional
methods.
• Late 1950’s and early 1960’s, computerized design
allowed buildings to be tailored to individual cut.
Steel in construction Background
• Simple industrial structures using truss
rafters, straight columns, sectional roof &
wall. Wedge pins for connections.
Steel in construction Background

• Mass production of housing and

storage modules for U.S. army during
ww2.

Dymaxion House by Buckminister Fuller

The Fleet House by Edward Larrabee Barnes

The Lustron House by Edward Larrabee Barnes

For more info regarding steel houses in the post WW2, please check the site:
http://www.lynceans.org/all-posts/post-world-war-ii-prefabricated-aluminum-and-steel-houses-and-their-relevance-today/
Steel in construction Background

Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa)

offered mid-century modern aluminum
Care-Free Homes

The AIROH aluminum house

The Arcon Steel-framed House

For more info regarding steel houses in the post WW2, please check the site:
http://www.lynceans.org/all-posts/post-world-war-ii-prefabricated-aluminum-and-steel-houses-and-their-relevance-today/
Steel in construction Background
• Metal building system
recognized as a favorable
method of construction over
conventional methods.

• Late 1950’s and early 1960’s,

computerized design
allowed buildings to be
tailored to individual cut.
Steel in construction Background
• Roll forming lines allowed continuous span cold
rolled z-purlins.
• Color coated panels and factory insulated panels
improved architectural appearance.
• Major increase in design possibilities
contributed to the boom in metal buildings.
• The term “pre-engineered building” came into
existence.
• 1990’s – present, pre-engineered buildings
dominate the low rise building market.
Definition: Portal Frame
• A construction method of building and designing
structures, primarily using steel or steel-
reinforced precast concrete.

• Can also be constructed using laminated lumber

such as glulam.

• The connections between the columns and rafters

are designed to be moment-resistant to carry
bending forces.

• First developed in the 1960’s and now become

the most common enclosure for spans of 20-60m.

• Designed for the following loads: roof load and

wind load. While designing care should be taken
for proper: Joints, foundation and bracing.
Fig. Our Lady of Fatima,
Filigree of propped portal
frames support the floating
ceiling.by Keith Cottier
Fig. By Concast
Definition: Portal Frame

Portal frames are made in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are
usually made from steel, but can also be made from concrete or
timber. The portal structure is designed in such a way that it has
no intermediate columns, as a result large open areas can easily
be created within the structure.

Portal Frames are generally used for single storey construction

which require a large unobstructed floor space ie
Factories
Shopping Centres
Warehouses
Anatomy of a Portal Frame

A portal frame building

comprises a series of
transverse frames
Columns & Rafters – Primary Steelwork
braced longitudinally.
Walls & Purlins – Secondary Steelwork

Cross-section showing a Portal Frame and its restraints.

Image available at http://www.steelconstruction.info/Portal_frames#Types_of_portal_frames
Anatomy of a Portal Frame

The roof and wall

cladding separate
the enclosed space
from the external
environment as well
as providing thermal
and acoustic
insulation.

Principal
The structural components
role of ofisa to
the cladding Portal Frame
transfer building
loads to secondary steelwork and
also to restrain the flange of the purlin or rail to which it is attached.
Image available at http://www.steelconstruction.info/Portal_frames#Types_of_portal_frames
 Internal view of a portal framed
Anatomy of a Portal Frame warehouse

At this stage the floor is not in place.

Note the clear unobstructed floor area

available.

With single storey buildings natural lighting is

gained by placing clear sheets in roof layout.

These sheets will run from eaves to ridge at

suitable intervals.
Anatomy of a Portal Frame Base Joint

The legs or stanchions of the portal frame

need connecting at the bottom to a
foundation.

Here we can see the base joint

connection in place.
Anatomy of a Portal Frame Ridge Joint

Shown here is a ridge joint or apex

joint.

It is Important that this joint is strong

hence the use of wedge shaped pieces
called gusset pieces to strengthen and
increase the bolt area.
Anatomy of a Portal Frame Knee Joint

• Gusset pieces will be used to increase

strength, give greater bolt area and
prevent deflection under load.
• Again the knee joint must be strong
to support the roof loads and prevent
bending.
Anatomy of a Portal Frame Diagonal Bracing

With all types of frameworks we must think on stability ie

movement. To help strengthen the framework and prevent
movement diagonal bracing will be used.
Anatomy of a Portal Frame Cladding Rails

• This slide shows the

cladding rails for
attaching the external
metal cladding panels.

• These rails can be fixed

horizontal or vertical
depending on the way
the cladding panels are
fixed.
Anatomy of a Portal Frame Tie Cables

• These wire and tubular

ties are used to prevent
sagging of the cladding
rails which can add
considerable force unto
the joints of the external
cladding.
Anatomy of a Portal Frame External Wall

• Here we see the finish of

the external cladding
panels with the lower
level facing brickwork.

• The blockwork behind

creates a protective wall
or firewall.
Types of a Portal Frame Pitched roof symmetric portal frame

Generally fabricated
from UB sections with a
substantial eaves
haunch section, which
may be cut from a rolled
section or fabricated
from plate. 25 to 35 m
are the most efficient
spans.

Lankashire Waste Development – Barret Steel Buildings

Image available at http://www.steelconstruction.info/Portal_frames#Types_of_portal_frames
 Portal frame with internal mezzanine
Types of a Portal Frame floor

Office accommodation is often provided within a portal frame

structure using a partial width mezzanine floor.
The assessment of frame stability must include the effect of the
mezzanine; guidance is given in SCI P292.

Portal frame with internal mezzanine floor

Waters Meeting Health Centre, Bolton
(Image courtesy BD Structures Ltd. and Kloeckner
Westok)
Types of a Portal Frame Crane portal frame with column brackets

Where a travelling crane of relatively low capacity (up to say 20

tonnes) is required, brackets can be fixed to the columns to
support the crane rails. Use of a tie member or rigid column
bases may be necessary to reduce the eaves deflection.

The spread of the frame at crane rail level may be of critical

importance to the functioning of the crane; requirements should
be agreed with the client and with the crane manufacturer.

Under-hung Crane Top Running Crane

Types of a Portal Frame Tied portal frame

In a tied portal frame, the horizontal movement of the eaves and

the bending moments in the columns and rafters are reduced.

State and Van Buren

Elevated Station
1 West Van Buren Street
, Chicago
Postmodern (1897,
rebuilt 1997)

Image available at
https://chicago.curbed.com/20
15/9/30/9915640/chicago-
architecture-walking-tour-
dearborn-street
Types of a Portal Frame Mono-pitch portal frame

A mono pitch portal frame is usually chosen for small spans or

because of its proximity to other buildings. It is a simple variation
of the pitched roof portal frame, and tends to be used for
smaller buildings (up to 15 m span).

Image available at http://www.cads.co.uk/smart_portal_3d.html

Types of a Portal Frame Propped portal frame

Where the span of a portal frame is large and there is no

requirement to provide a clear span, a propped portal frame can
be used to reduce the rafter size and also the horizontal shear at
the foundations.

Propped portal frame

Rebottling Plant, Hemswell
(Image courtesy of Metsec plc)

Image available at
http://www.steelconstruction.info/Portal_frames#Types_
of_portal_frames
Types of a Portal Frame Mansard portal frame

A mansard portal frame may be used where a large clear height

at mid-span is required but the eaves height of the building has
to be minimized.
Types of a Portal Frame Curved rafter portal frame

Portal frames may be

constructed using curved
rafters, mainly for
architectural reasons.
Because of transport
limitations rafters longer
than 20 m may require
splices, which should be
carefully detailed for
architectural reasons.

Alternatively, the rafter can be fabricated as a series of straight

elements. It will be necessary to provide purlin cleats of varying
height to achieve the curved external profile.
Types of a Portal Frame Cellular beam portal frame

Rafters may be fabricated

from cellular beams for
aesthetic reasons or when
providing long spans. Where
transport limitations impose
requirement for splices, they
should be carefully detailed,
to preserve the architectural
features.
Cellular beam portal frame
Hayes garden centre
(Image courtesy of Kloeckner Westok)

Image available at
http://www.steelconstruction.info/File:Hayes_Garden_Ce
ntre_-_ASD_Westok_Ltd.jpg
Types of a Portal Frame Sample Conceptual Framing System

Combination of differently curved frames Finger jointed haunch

Three dimensional frames Curved haunches

Types of a Portal Frame Sample Conceptual Framing System

Three-pin arches Radial arches

Parabolic arches Arches with tie

Types of a Portal Frame Design Considerations

•Choice of material and section

•Frame dimensions
•Clear span and height
•Main frame
•Haunch dimensions Dimensions used for analysis and clear internal dimensions
•Positions of restraints

Image available at: General arrangement of restraints to the inside flange

http://www.steelconstruction.info/Portal_frames#T
ypes_of_portal_frames
PRE ENGINEERED BUILDING SYSTEM
Definition: Pre-engineered Building
(PEB)
• Pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) system is a
building enclosure system that always includes a
structural system and often includes roof and wall
cladding.
• The structural system consist of “rigid frames” that are
fabricated from steel and ‘cold formed’ into an ‘I’ shape
through a manufacturing process.
• Rigid frames consists of roof beams and columns that
are field bolted together.
• The frames can span large distances without
intermediate supporting columns.
• The frames are spaced at intervals between 15’ (4.5m)
and 60’ (18m) and can span, column free up to 300’
(90m) across a building
Definition: Pre-engineered Building (PEB)

• Primary framing: Moment resisting frames with

pinned or fixed bases.
• Secondary framing: Cold formed Z sections or C
sections for purlins or girts designed as continuous
beams spanning over rafters and columns with laps.
• Longitudinal stability: Wind load on building end
walls is transferred through roof purlins to braced
bays and carried to the foundations through diagonal
bracing.
Fig. Sample of PEB System, credits to http://www.shribalajiroofing.com/pre-engineering-building/
Pre-engineered Building (PEB) system features

• PEB System is computer assisted, design to create a

building for specific use.
• The complete building system is Pre Engineered to
facilitate easy production and assembly on site.
• Tailor made building based on the client’s
requirements and actual design calculations using
tapered sections.
• A combination of built-up section, hot rolled section,
cold formed elements and profiled sheets.
• Designing and fabrication or casting is done in
factory. Connected together in factories by welding.
Pre-engineered Building (PEB) system features

• Building components are brought to site. Fixed or

jointed at the site. All connections are bolted.
• Basically produced at the factory with high tensile
steel material by collecting complete information of
the shed or building (length, width, height, etc..) 1
• The entire design of all building components is based
on international standards and involve high technical
quality production.
Pre-engineered Building Insulation
Insulation – The main purpose of insulating a building is to
reduce the heat transfer coming through the ceilings and
openings. There are 2-kinds, the bulk and reflective insulation.
Bulk Insulation
-Rock wool
-glass wool
-loose fill cellulose
-polystyrene panels
- polyester matting
Reflective Insulation
-Foil faced blankets
-foil faced boards
-Multi-cell foil products (2 or more layers of reflective foil)
Pre-engineered Building Insulation

Polyurethane insulation – A panel manufactured by a

press injection method to produce a polyurethane
core between exterior steel facings. Can be used on
the wall and ceilings as cladding.

Fig. Sample of polyurethane foam

Fig. Sample of rolled polyurethane
foam insulation
Pre-engineered Building Insulation
Fiber Glass Insulation – This can be used on the roof or
wall and can be retrofitted on existing buildings. The
fiber glass insulation is fire safe and CFC free and
does not emit toxic smoke. It is laminated to the top
and bottom steel facings with special chemical glue,
hence, completely filling the insulation cavity.

Fig. Sample of fiberglass roof insulation

Pre-engineered Building Insulation

Sandwich Panel Insulation – Consist of two thinner

metal sheets over a rigid core. Can be used on the
roof or wall.

Fig. Sample of fiberglass roof insulation

Pre-engineered Building Insulation

Fig. Bubble wrap aluminum foil faced insulation

Fig. Rigid panel aluminum foil faced insulation

Pre-engineered Building Insulation
• Uniformly textured inorganic glass fibers bonded together by
a non-water soluble and fire retardant thermosetting resin. It
is free from coarse fibers and shot due to its mineral
composition.
• PEBI is non-toxic and not hazardous to health.
• As metal roof age they become more susceptible to corrosion,
normally beginning at the seams and spreading through out
the panel.

Fig. PEBI
Applications

Fig. Aircraft Hangars Fig. Train Station

Fig. Car Showroom/ factory Fig. Warehouse

Applications

Fig. Indoor Stadium

Fig. Office Building (on-going cons.)

Fig. School Fig. Highrise

Advantages Disadvantages
• Aesthetic appeal • Subject to corrosion
• Faster completion • It has poor resistance to fire as it
• Economical bends easily when hot.
• Seismic resistance
• Ease of expansion
• Maintenance free
• Large clear spans
• Controlled quality
• Building can be closed in and
made water tight
• Prefabrication are not affected
by weather
• Site works such as drainage,
roads etc can be carried out until
framework is ready for erection.
 Fig. Truss & column and portal frame system

Fig. Conventional Section Fig. Pre Engineered Tappered Fig. Pre Engineered Stepped
Section Section
REFERENCES

http://www.lynceans.org/all-posts/post-world-war-ii-prefabricated-
aluminum-and-steel-houses-and-their-relevance-today/

http://www.steelconstruction.info/Portal_frames#Types_of_portal_frames

http://www.ediscompany.com/what-is-a-pre-engineered-building/

http://www.kirbyinternational.com/products-services/peb/insulated-
sandwich-panels.html

Pre-Engineered Construction Analysis & Design of Portal Frame by N. Patel, &

S. Sharma

ESDEP lecture note (WG14), lecture 14.6: Special Single Storey Structures

Pre Engineered Building System by H.K. Gulati, A. Srinivas Rao & M.R. Mirza

ZAMIL STEEL Pre-Engineered Buildings

THANK YOU CREATURES!
~ART