Framed structures provide robust support for infrastructure and buildings, making them a crucial component of civil engineering. They form a structure that can support and distribute loads since they are made up of interconnected beams and columns. Based on engineering and architectural requirements, many frame structure types are employed, which have an impact on a building’s stability, functionality, and design. Every form of frame, from lightweight space frames to strong moment-resisting frames, offers special advantages for particular uses. Read on to learn all about framed structures.
What are the Types of Frame Structures?
A. Based on the way elements connect:
- Rigid Frame Structure:
This kind of frame is robust and rigid because the beams and columns are securely joined. Commonly employed in steel and concrete structures, it can withstand horizontal and vertical forces and does not flex under pressure. Two categories exist:
- Fixed-Ended: The ends are immovable and fixed.
- Pin-Ended: The frame becomes less rigid if the pins are removed.
- Braced Frame Structure:
The frame is strengthened by diagonal bracing between beams and columns, which makes it extremely resistant to earthquakes and wind. There are two typical kinds:
- Portal Frames: Industrial buildings frequently feature portal frames as they form expansive uninterrupted spaces.
- Gabled Frames: Gabled frames are peak-shaped frames that work well in places that face a lot of rain or snow.
B. According to the Materials:
- Steel Frame Structure:
These sturdy, lightweight structures are perfect for wide-open areas because they are made of steel beams and columns. They are earthquake and wind-resistant, but for safety, they require fireproof materials.
- Wooden Frame Structure:
Wood frames are utilised in workplaces and residences because they are affordable and adaptable. As they are lightweight, they are environmentally benign and climate-adaptable, which lowers building costs.
- RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) Frame Structure:
An RCC (reinforced cement concrete) frame construction is a strong and connected system made of beams and columns arranged in a grid. They move huge loads to the foundation with efficiency and safety, and they are reasonably priced.
Characteristics of a Framed Structure
- An A-frame structure is a robust configuration of slabs, columns, and beams intended to withstand significant lateral and gravity forces.
- The weight of the building is securely supported and transferred to the ground by this steel or concrete framework.
- The compartments inside the frame are enclosed by walls in this system.
- These walls can separate spaces (non-load-bearing) or support loads (like shear walls). Permanent connections or pins hold the frame’s structural components together.
- The main load-bearing parts of a framed structure are beams, columns, slabs, and shear walls. The materials used for construction vary based on the design and purpose.
Important Parts of a Framed Structure in Construction
In building construction, the essential components of a framed structure are:
Columns
The weight is transferred from beams and upper floors to the foundation by use of columns, which are vertical supports. They can support weights that are axially straight or eccentrically inclined. Designing columns is important because, unlike beams, which often only fail on one floor, a column’s failure could cause the entire structure to collapse.
Beams
The horizontal components of a frame that bear the weight of walls and slabs are called beams. They either distribute these loads directly to columns or to other beams. Beams are made to withstand bending stresses and are essential for maintaining structural stability.
Slabs
Slabs are level, horizontal surfaces that serve as roofs and floors, bearing vertical loads and providing protection. They also deal with wind and seismic forces. These loads are distributed to the beams beneath slabs.
Foundation
The primary function of a foundation is to ensure stability and support by transferring the entire weight of the structure into the earth.
Shear Walls
Large vertical structural components called shear walls are frequently seen in tall buildings. In addition to bearing certain vertical loads, they manage horizontal forces like wind and earthquakes. In accordance with their longer dimensions, these walls are most effective in one direction.
Elevator Shaft
The lift system is housed in a concrete container known as the lift shaft. It is made to withstand horizontal forces like wind and seismic activity and supports vertical loads.
Advantages of Frame Type Construction
Several advantages of frame-type construction are as follows:
- Framed constructions are more durable and stable than traditional load bearing structures.
- With little bending or shifting, they can withstand strong horizontal forces like wind and earthquakes as well as significant vertical pressures like the weight of the building.
- While their frames alleviate shaking and withstand vibrations, these structures are perfect for multi-storey buildings and seismically active places.
- The dead load of the structure is comparatively less in general since it does not rely on big, hefty load-bearing walls.
- The long-lasting nature of the building is further increased by the fact that each completed floor slab shields the floors below from sunlight and rain.
Key Materials Used in Frame Type Construction
Frame-type construction is a widely used method in the building industry due to its load-bearing capacity and durability. The beams, columns, and shear walls are interconnected, contributing to the overall structural integrity of the building. The three prominent materials that have been used in the frame-type construction are discussed below:
Key features:
- The structure’s weight is supported by steel frames.
- Steel sections are used to make girders, beams, and columns.
- They are resistant to seismic and wind effects.
- Both exterior and interior walls are usually made of lightweight, fireproof materials.
Benefits of using steel in frame type construction:
- Compared to masonry, steel can support a lot more weight.
- It reduces the amount of columns needed for support, allowing for wider regions without columns.
- Steel functions similarly to RCC.
- Wood
Key features:
- Wood is widely used to construct factories, residences, and commercial buildings.
- They offer great levels of comfort despite drastic changes in the climate.
- Carbon-neutral wood is used in their construction, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
Benefits of using wood in frame-type construction:
- Low construction costs.
- As it is lightweight, less heavy equipment is required during construction.
- It provides countless design options with quality construction.
Key features:
- RCC constructions include a grid of columns, girders, and beams joined at the roof and floor levels.
- Within the frameworks, walls are built.
- Every component of the structure—beams, girders, columns, and slabs—is cast as one cohesive unit, but at different times.
Benefits of using reinforced cement concrete in frame-type construction:
- Ensures stability by offering total continuity between slabs, beams, and columns.
- It makes construction safer and more economical by lowering bending moments and deflections.
- The foundations efficiently receive the weight of the walls, floors, and roofs.
Applications of Frame Type Construction
- Residential Buildings: As they can support open layouts and large loads, they are used for residences and apartments.
- Commercial buildings: Perfect for retail establishments, malls, and offices that need spacious, column-free rooms.
- Industrial structures are frequently seen in warehouses and factories due to their strength and vibration resistance.
- Educational Facilities: Its stability and robustness are advantageous to libraries, colleges, and schools.
- Sports complexes: Ideal for arenas and stadiums with wide uninterrupted spans.
- Bridges & Infrastructure: Crucial for transportation hubs, metro stations, and bridges.
- Hospitals: Facilitates rapid construction and meets functional requirements.
- Airports: Able to accommodate large areas and big terminal loads.
- Temporary Shelters: Helpful for quick installation during disasters.
- Custom Structures: Adaptable to specific applications such as event venues and exhibition halls.
Conclusion
A framed structure is a building’s sturdy framework, consisting of beams, columns, and slabs that support the building. These components support the building’s stability and strength against the forces of both wind and gravity. The building’s weight and everything it supports, including people and furniture, put a lot of stress on the structure, which is why it was built to withstand these stresses. Steel, wood, and reinforced concrete (concrete mixed with steel) are frequently used to construct these frame structures; the strength of each material varies according to the type of construction required.