As we covered in our previous article, steel has many benefits with regards to industrial construction. Despite this, however, there are two primary types of steel building ‒ and they each serve their own purpose. In this post, we will be going over the unique properties, as well as differences between Portal Frame Steel Building, and the less known Arched Frame Steel Building.

PORTAL FRAME STEEL BUILDING

Portal Frame Steeling Building ‒ also known as the ‘standard straight-wall ‒ is considered one of the most traditional methods for construction (50% of commercial steel goes to portal frame construction in the UK).

This is well recognized for being extremely simple yet secure, as well as easy to assemble and adjust. The only notable drawback to the design is the beams and frames taking up some space inside the building.

The whole structure is supported by robust columns, it’s main framework is comprised of straight walls (creating a good foundation), longitudinal bracing (providing sound internal resistance), brackets (also known as haunches; increasing stability), and rafters (making a pitched roof).

In addition, these buildings quite often come along with a guttering system that helps filter out water, especially on rainy days ‒ it is important to note that these ducts will need regular cleaning to avoid excess clogging.

ARCHED FRAME STEEL BUILDING

Arched Steel Building is arguably the superior option; the design was based off ‘Quonset huts’, which were essentially military shacks used in the 1940s during World War I; at this time, it was crucial for the Portal Frame Steel Building, yet also utilizes optimal space as well as being cost-effective, structures to be easy and quick to build.

This ‘efficiency’ carries onto our industrial world’s infrastructure. Being comprised of fewer parts than the other concept, such arched structures are basically layered sheets of steel, which are bent to form appealing configurations.

These constructions are actually built in a way to fortify themselves efficiently ‒ this makes them way more reliable than their portal frame counterparts. Topped off with insane constancy, arched frame building also employs a slanted roof for water (meaning there is no need for a guttering system). Arched Steel Building has most of the properties quick to manage/construct, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.