Primary Framing Systems

VP University

Primary
Frames
Modular
(Continuous)
Clear Span
(Rigid)
VP University

Primary Frames

Primary
Frames
Carry loads to the foundation
Manufactured from 50 ksi
steel
Shop Coat is 1 mil thick and
bronze in color
Spans and Eave Heights in
increments of 1/16

VP University

Pre-punched
Holes

VP primary frames have

pre-punched holes for purlin
connections

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Typical
Connections

HAUNCH TO
COLUMN

RAFTER BEAM
SPLICE
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Typical Connections

Top Bolted

Face Bolted

Vertical Bolting Plate

Factory Welded
Clips

Girt Clip

VP University

Primary Frames
Two Systems

Solid Web

Open Web
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Primary Frames
Features &
Benefits

What roof pitches are

available for Primary Frames?
Usually 1/4:12 to 4:12, steeper
pitches available if needed

How high can the eave height

be?
As required by the end user
VP University

Exterior Column
Variations

Tapered

Straight
Straight
Tapered

Tapered
Straight

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Reverse
Tapered

Straight then Tapered

Column TaperedStraight

Reversed Taper
Exterior Column

Exposed Framing

Straight Column
Features & Benefits
Inset Girts

Columns can be hidden

within a finished wall
VP University

Interior Column
Options

3-Plate
Built-up

Tube
(Square or
Rectangular)

Pipe

VP University

Interior Columns

Primary
Frames

Rigid Frame

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Rigid
Frames

Rigid Frame
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Rigid Frame Cross

Section

When a CLEAR SPAN is required

VP University

RF with an Offset
Ridge

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RF Single Slope

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Loads to the
Foundation
LOAD

LOAD

Forces

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Rigid Frames
Features & Benefits

Why or when should this type of

frame be used?
When CLEAR SPANS are required

How wide can a Rigid Frame be?

VP has done them up to 300
wide
VP University

RF (Steelers-Pitt)

Primary
Frames

Continuous
Beam
VP University

Continuous Beam
Frames

Continuous Beam Frame (CB-1)

VP University

Continuous Beam
Frame

Continuous Beam
Frames

CB-3
CB-2
CB-1
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CB Frame w/ Offset Ridge

VP University

CB Frame with
Unequal Modules

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CB Frame Options Single Slope

VP University

Continuous Beam
Frames
Features & Benefits

When should this type of frame

be used?
Wide Span Buildings

What does adding interior

columns do to the rafter?
Makes it lighter
VP University

Continuous Beam
Frames
Features & Benefits

How does this affect the price

of the rafter?
The price decreases

How wide can a CB frame be?

VP has done them over 800
wide
VP University

In Place Cost Considerations

VP University

Primary Frames

Unibeam
Frames
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Unibeam
Frames

Unibeam
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Unibeam Features &

Benefits

TYPICAL RIGID FRAME

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Unibeam Features &

Benefits

Ceiling Line

More vertical clearance

at sidewalls

VP University

Unibeam Features &

Benefits

Ceiling Line

Straight Columns
Vs. Tapered
VP University

Truss Frames
Continuous
Trusses

(CT-2)
(CT-1)

Truss Beam

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Rigid Frame Truss

Rigid Frame Truss

Truss Beam

Straight Columns
Flat Bottom
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Continuous Truss

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VP University

The Open Web

Advantage

Piping and wiring can be run

through an open web frame...
... It doesnt have to go under
the frame.

Open Web
Considerations

Manufacturing
availability varies
by Service Center
Alabama, California,
and Wisconsin

Lateral Bracing to
bottom cord
Economical for
large span and
large interior grids
VP University

Sample Project
180 x 350 x 20
2000 IBC
20 LL
90 mph Wind
50 ft. bays

Frame Comparisons

Primary Frames

Lean-to
Frames
VP University

Lean-To Frames

At Eave
Lean-to

Below Eave
Lean-to

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Endwall LeanTo
End wall
Lean-to

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Below Eave
Height Lean-To
Can add interior columns if needed.

VP University

CB Lean-to
Mainly large
span lean-tos

Below eave Height

or at eave Lean-tos

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CT Leanto

VP University

Lean-To

Primary
Frames

Endwall
Framing
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End Frames
End Frames

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Post & Beam End

Frames

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Components
P&B

Rake Beam

Endposts

Corner Posts
VP University

Typical Endpost
Spacing

18'-6"

20'

23'
100'

20'

VP University

18'-6"

CL
50

50

16

16

50

50

Why 23?

18'-6"

20'

23'
100'

20'

VP University

18'-6"

Material
s

Back-to-Back Cees

3-Plate Built-Up

(Factory Welded)

VP University

How a Post & Beam

Frame Works

VP University

How a Post & Beam

Frame Works
The Rake Beam is designed as a
CONTINUOUS BEAM spanning across
the end posts

VP University

How a Post & Beam

Frame Works

End posts span from the floor to

the rake to support wind loads
VP University

How a Post & Beam

Frame Works

End posts also support the gravity loads

vertically, carrying them from the
Rake Beam to the foundation
VP University

Half Load Frames

with End Posts

End Post
EP
End Posts can be used
With any frame type
VP University

Full Load Frames with

End Posts
End Post
EP

When future
expansion is
expected
End Posts can be
used with any
frame type

VP University

Soldier
Columns
A Soldier Column is used to reduce
the span of the sidewall girts when
long bays ( 30-0 +) are required.

Soldier Column
VP University

Primary
Framing

Applied Design
Concepts and
Consideration
s
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Applied Design
Concepts

Moment Resisting

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Primary
Frames
Moment Resisting Frames
Load

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P & Bs Are
NOT Moment
Resisting

Load

VP University

How a Post & Beam

Frame Works
Diaphragm is the metal panels
ability to resist loads within its
surface.

Post & Beam

Frames

Bracing or the diaphragm

action of wall panels is
required to resist wind loads
from the side of the building

VP University

Applied Design
Concepts

Moment Resisting
Pinned and Rigid
Connections

VP University

Connection
Types
Rigid Connections at the
haunches and rafter splices

Pinned Connections
at the base
VP University

Applied Design
Concepts

Moment Resisting
Pinned and Rigid Connections
Fixed Base Columns

VP University

Fixed Base Column

VP University

Fixed Base
Column

VP University

Applied Design
Concepts
Moment Resisting
Pinned and Rigid Connections
Fixed Base Columns
Deflection Considerations

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Frame
Deflection
Vertical Deflection

Horizontal
Deflection
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Applied Design
Concepts
Moment Resisting
Pinned and Rigid Connections
Fixed Base Columns
Deflection Considerations
Unsupported Columns and
Unsupported Rafters
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Unsupported
Columns
and Rafters
Supported Members
have Flange Braces

Unsupported Members
do not have Flange Braces.
(may or may not have girts)
VP University

Unsupported
Columns
and Rafters

A column or rafter is considered

unsupported when it does not
have Lateral support.
This condition occurs when there
are no flange braces attached to
the compression (Inside) flange.
Unsupported columns are typically
more expensive than Supported.

VP University

Flange Bracing

VP University

Primary Framing Tips

The more you reduce the span of a

member the more you reduce the cost
(to a certain point)
RF-higher roof pitch better (up to 3:12)
CB-lower roof pitch better
Tapered members most economical
Span frames shortest distance in
building

Primary Framing Tips

Gage Post and Beam most

economical endwall frame
Reduce endbay span if possible
Reduce Int. Col. Span near sidewalls
Do Not specify deflection higher
than necessary
Open Web frames economical with
large spans and heavy loads

VP University