WAYNE MALONE MAPURANGA N0197305D

AUDREY NOTHANDOMPOFU N0196143M

TAFADZWA JOSEPH CHAGWIZA N01521339Y

TAPIWANASHE KANYANDURA N0198541Q

TAKUDZWA S MATINYADZE N0196486A

SHERPERD MACHAYA N0188604M

 INTRODUCTION
• Portal frames are two-dimensional rigid frames with a rigid joint connecting the column and beam.
The primary goal of this type of design is to reduce the bending moment in the beam, allowing the
frame to function as a single structural unit.
• These structural frames are often used in warehouses, garages, barns, and sheds to provide
ample open space at a low cost.
• They are widely used in commercial and industrial buildings due to their high strength and
efficiency.
• A portal frame will typically consist of:
I. 2 rafters (or beams)
II. 2 columns
III. 2 knee plates
IV. 2 base plates
V. Apex plate
• A portal frame may be fastened with nuts, bolts, tek screws, or a combination of these
methods, depending on the building's engineering requirements.
• Portal frames are typically made of
I. steel and coated with Colorbond or Zincalume,
II. concrete
III.timber
• They are secured to either a concrete slab or pad footings.
• Portal frames are commonly used for single-story buildings, but can also be cost-effective
for low-rise buildings with multiple floors that do not span the entire building.
• Portal frames can be covered with a variety of materials. For cost-effectiveness and speed,
lightweight insulated metal cladding with cavity masonry work is the preferred solution.
• The bottom 2 meters of the wall called a dado wall is designed to provide security and impact
resistance. Then lightweight cladding will be carried on sheeting rails that span between the
portal frame columns.
• For warehouses and industrial buildings, sloping roof made of purlins and ac sheet roofing
between portals is provided. For assembly halls, portals with R.C slab roof cast monolithically
is used.
 COMPONENTS AND STRUCTURAL TECHNIQUES

Form of Rigid Frame

• The portal frame structure has various forms: single-span, double-span, high-low_x0002_span, and
multi-span, a single ridge, multiple ridge, or single slope, double slope, multiple slopes, flat slope, etc.
• Single-span rigid frames are mostly used in buildings with low lateral space requirements. Generally,
the span is 18-36m.
• Welded or rolled H-shaped sections are often used.
• The position and height of variable-section beams and columns are determined according to the
bending distance diagram and span.
• The multi-span rigid frame is suitable for large buildings, and its cross-section is similar to a single-
span rigid frame, but the center column generally adopts equal cross-section.
• At present, the maximum span of the portal frame has reached 72m.
TYPE OF FRAMES
 Typical portal frame format
• Fixed/rigid portal frame- all joints are rigid
giving lower bending
• moments than other formats. Used for small
nd medium spans
• • Two pin portal frame-pin joints or hinges
used at foundation
• connections to eliminate tendency of base to
rotate
• • Three pin portal frame- pin joints or hinges
used at foundation
• connections and at centre of beam which
reduces bending moment in
• beam but increases deflection.
 CONCRETE PORTAL FRAMES
 These portal frames are manufactured from high quality pre-casted concrete which is massively reinforced

 The production of concrete portal frames stated in the World War 2 when the shortage of steel and timber arose.

 For the concrete portal frame to withstand any tensile stress and having excellent tensile strength is because of the
use of the “PRE-STREESED METHOD”

 Concrete as a heavy material, has a certain maximum roof pitch which is from 4 o to 22.5o on a single span frame. (Roy
Chudley & Roger Greeno, Advanced Construction Technology, 2006)

 The concrete portal frame is designed to carry a load of 32kg/m 2 roof sheeting or decking fixed to precast concrete
purlins.

 Wall finishes (dado wall) can be erected but at a maximum height of 2.6m and these walls are non-load bearing walls but
used to resist fire, thermal and sound insulation

 A dado wall act as a barrier to elements and resist positive and negative wind pressure

 Cladding can also be installed on the concrete portal frame either by use of hook bolts and purlins or the use of
sheeting rails
• These are made from a combination of two columns and a normal beam with added bending
strength to form a U-shape
• There are two types
1. Flat Portal
2. Pitched Portal
PRECAST CONCRETE PORTAL FRAMES
• Concrete Portal Frames are made from prestressed concrete which is an engineered concrete
• Pre-stressed concrete method allows the concrete to provide excellent tensile strength
during their service of operation.
• The concrete is constructed using high strength tensioned tendons which are embedded inside
the concrete.
• These tendons may be single wired or multi-wired and are made from high strength steel,
carbon fibre, and aramid fibre(manmade fibres that enhance structural tensile strength eg
Kevlar, Carbon Fibre, Nomex).
MONOLITHIC CONCRETE PORTAL FRAMES
Monolithic Concrete Portal Frames
• These are done using formwork on-site
• The process is done by-
1. Digging column base foundations
2. Fixing steel reinforcement bars
3. Shattering is erected and secured
4. Concrete is poured, poked and vibrated
5. Curing is done by leaving it unloaded for at least 21days to attain strength
6. Shattering is removed
APPLICATION, COST & MAINTAINANCE
• These frames are mostly used for industrial warehouse applications.

• Constructions related to complexes, bridges, buildings, residential areas, etc are some of the
application of such types of concrete.

• Cost is initially high and maintenance needs skilled supervision

 They are generally expensive to build since they need more labour to construct and also require
specialised equipment and expects

 Concrete requires less maintenance compare to other materials used a portal frame since it gets
stronger as is exist

 Concrete portal frame also has a long-life span with an average life of 50-100 if cured well

 The also need to be retrofitted with additional reinforcement if they are located in high area of
seismic activity (earth quakes)
1. Warehouses

• portal frames are used in the construction of warehouses because they are cost-effective and
also easy to build

2. Low-rise office

• In the office section they span a large distance without a support in the middle hence it
provides a large open floor space

3. Shopping centres (Westfield Sydney Shopping Centre, Australia)

• They provide a large open space for retail

4. Airports (San Diego International Airport, California, USA)

• Provision of large clear span for baggage handling and passenger circulation (easy human
circulation)

5. Recreation centres (Staples Centre, Los Angeles, USA)

• Provide large and open space for activities like swimming pools, gymnasiums, track and field
facilities
 Concrete portal frame details
Precast concrete portal frame
detail with drainage trough
Concrete portal frame connection details
Precast concrete portal frame purlin and rafter
connection details
Precast concrete portal frame
purlin and rafter connection
details
FOUNDATIONS

• Concrete portal frame basically consisting of a reinforced concrete isolated base or a pad designed to bear any load exerted on the portal frame. Below
are the types of connection done between the concrete portal frame and the reinforced isolated base

1. BASEPLATE CONNECTION

 The concrete base plate is casted into the concrete using lugs welded to the back of the baseplate or the baseplate is welded to the main
reinforcements of the concrete portal frame column

 The baseplate connection is designed to resist uplift, shear and moment loads

 in some cases, a grout filled shear key may be used to enhance the baseplate connection to resist the shear effect. (“GUIDE TO CONCRETE
CONSTRUCTION”,2018)

2. POCKET CONNECTION

 A pocket or recession is formed in the concrete frame or the foot of the supporting member is housed in a void or pocket formed in the base so that
they are an all-round clearance of 25mm to allowing plumbing and adjustments before column is grouted and fixed

 The pocket usually contains reinforcement steel which is in form of a deformed bar which is bent to create a hook that anchors the connection is
place.

 Pocket connections are typically used to resist shear and moment loads in concrete portal frames

3. HINGE CONNECTION/ PIN JOINT

 Steel plate is welded to the frame and embedded into the concrete, a steel element is typically a u shaped and is a joint of hinge that allows the frame
to rotate at the connection.

 Such connection is used in structures where movement is expected such as expansion joints
Concrete portal frame
foundation details
• Monolithic concrete
portal frame detail
Monolithic concrete portal
frame apex and foundation
detail
 ADVANTAGES OF CONSTRUCTION USING CONCRETE PORTAL
FRAME
 Concrete portal frames are strong and durable making them to have the abilities to withstand high amount of
stress

 They have the ability to span a large span hence a large open space (unobstructed) is created

 It requires less time to construct since it comes a pre-casted material

 Concrete as a material has the ability to withstand fire and other natural disaster, rain makes it even strong

 Less maintenance is done dure to great durability of concrete unless owner thinks of painting or cladding the
panels

 The joints of the members are usually joint by bolts and nuts hence no need for expect but rather semi-skilled
operative to tie the bolts and nuts
 DISADVANTAGES OF CONSTRUCTION USING
CONCRETE PORTAL FRAME

 Concrete portal frames are heavier and they require more support to carry it

 They are difficult to change or modify once they are built

 The also need to be retrofitted with additional reinforcement if they are located in
high area of seismic activity (earth quakes)
Concrete portal frame examples
• Our Lady of the
Wayside Roman Catholic
Church, Mt Pleasant
Harare
Concrete portal frame examples
• A bridge in the UK.
Source Banagher
Precast Concrete
Concrete portal frame examples
• Hall under construction.
Source: ArchiExpo
Concrete portal frame examples
• Sandringham High
School, Norton
Zimbabwe
 Steel portal frame
• Can be made using standard universal beam, column, and box sections.
• A lattice architecture of flats, angles, or tubulars is also an option. Most
types of roof profiles may be planned and built, offering a competitive range
when compared to other materials used in portal frame construction.
• Steel portal frames are a cost-effective and efficient technique to support
an enclosure while enclosing usable space.
• Steel portal frames are ideal for bearing lighter weights.
• Steel portal frames are widely utilised in construction and offer various
benefits. They are noted for their strength and durability, making them ideal
for a variety of construction kinds.
• Steel portal frame foundations often include concrete footings or piles to
provide reliable structural support.
Section and details through the steel portal frame
TYPICAL STEEL PORTAL FRAMES
Typical section of steel portal frame
Alternative Apex Details

Alternative Knee Joint Details

TYPICAL DETAILS
Typical foundation detail
Typical foundation detail
 ASSEMBLING
• The majority of systems use welding processes to fabricate components that are then
bolted or welded together on-site. An alternate approach employs specific knee joint,
apex joint, and base joint components that are assembled on-site to square-cut
standard beam or column sections supplied by the primary contractor or the producer
of the jointing parts.
The structure of Portal Steel Frame Buildings.
• 1. Primary framework includes transverse stiff frames, floor beams, crane beams, and
support systems.
• 2. Secondary framing includes roof purlins, wall girts, and so on.
• 3. The envelope construction includes roof and wall panels.
• 4. Auxiliary constructions include stairs, platforms, and handrails.
• 5. Foundation.
 The structure of Portal Steel Frame
Buildings.
• Steel columns, roof beams, and bracing systems are the main structural components of
the portal steel frame. This is the major framework.
• Roof purlins and wall girts support both the roof and walls, as well as the primary
structural beams and columns in portal steel frame structures.
• The roof and wall panels provide structural support and rigidity to steel constructions.
The structural system of the portal
steel frame buildings
Transverse load bearing
structure:
1) The transverse load
bearing structure consists
of steel roof beams,
columns, and foundation.
2) It bears and transfers
both vertical and
horizontal loads.
 Longitudinal Frame Structure :
• The longitudinal frame structure consists of columns, crane beams, wall bracing, rigid
tie beams, and foundations.
• It ensures the building's rigidity and stability.
• It carries wind load, crane horizontal loading, thermal stress, and seismic forces on the
building's gable.
 Roof structure
Roof panels
• It can withstand both vertical and horizontal wind loads.
Typically, it utilises a single colour metal sheet or sandwich
panel.
• Purlin is the roof panel's support structure that can withstand
vertical and horizontal wind loads.
• Rigid frame beam: Primary load bearing elements support the
roof structure's weight and live load from the roof panel.
 Wall structure
• 1)The outside wall panels are vertical and gable. Mainly handle wind load. It employs a
single-color metal sheet or sandwich panel.
• 2) Wall girts support the vertical and horizontal wind loads from the wall panel.
 Bracing
Types include roof
horizontal bracing and wall
bracing.
• 1)Roof horizontal bracing:
Increases the overall
stiffness of the roof. It
includes roof cross
bracing, tie beams, and
fly bracing.
• 2)Wall bracing: It
improves the stability of
the wall frame
construction.
 Types of Steel portal frames
• Pitched Roof Symmetric Portal Frame
• Portal frame with internal mezzanine Floor
• Crane portal frame with column brackets
• Tied portal Frame
• Mono-pitched frame
• Propped Portal Frame
• Mansard Portal Frame
• Curved Rafter Frame
• Cellular Beam Portal Frame
 Case
studies
• Proposed lucky brand
offices, warehouse and
workshop Proposed flee
market, between Samora
Machel avenue, Kwame
Nkrumah avenue along
Chinhoyi street.
 Case study
• International :Factory for Modern Art
Glass Limited, London
• Architect/Designer Foster Associates
• Country UK: England
• City: London
 Case study
Regional Case Study Steel portal frame
By: K-home
Purpose of Use: Workshop
Area: 121 sqm
Year: 2021
Location: Botswana
•Workshops suppliers’ locals with
cement
•The set-up cost was evaluated as
relatively cheaper as compared to a
permanent building.
•Constructed within a short period of
time.
•Use of steel, concrete for footing,
blue ABR steel roofing sheets.
 Case study
• Client: EADS
• Architect: ADPI
• Construction details :
• The roof trusses span 117m. the height
of the trusses varies from 8m at the
supports up to 13.5 m at mid span.
• The main roof trusses are composed of
two parallel truss frames of 33m span
along the building and made of
rectangular hallow stell sections
• Columns are rigidly fixed to the ground
and have equal slenderness ratio in
each direction to avoid any horizontal
buckling phenomenon.
 INDOOR SPORTS
AGRICULTURAL SHED ARENA
VEHICLE SHOWROOMS
 ADVANTAGES STEEL PORTAL FRAMES

• The frame is manufactured under industrial conditions, making it wind

resistant.(Flexibility)
• Steel portal frames have a lower total dead load than precast concrete portal frames
(due to their lighter weight).
• Portal frames allow for faster fabrication than other approaches. (Speed)
• Portal frames are naturally more flexible than other types of structure, hence
deflection limitations are often less stringent. The meticulous detailing of cladding,
flashings, etc. Is sufficient to guarantee that the flexible behavior of a steel portal frame
does not negatively affect the performance of the envelope.
 DISADVANTAGES STEEL PORTAL
FRAMES
• It is a corrosive material that needs long-term protection from a patent coating or
regular protective maintenance, often by the application of layers of paint.
• Steel has less fire resistance than precast concrete.
 TIMBER PORTAL FRAMES
• Timber portal frames are planar frames that uses moment resistant connections (knee joints) to
transfer lateral and bending forces from portal rafters to columns. They are lightweight, robust,
and visually appealing, making them ideal for buildings like churches, halls, and gymnasiums that
prioritize space and aesthetics. Timber portals can span up to 50m with proper knee joint and
member size
• Proper nailing is crucial for structural design, and poor nailing can lead to failure of the structure.
Steel hinges are ideal for large span timber portals, providing efficient erection and increased
robustness. Steel gussets can increase the strength of knee joints.

• The common timber portal frames used are:

 glued laminated portal frames,
 plywood-faced portal frames,
 timber portal frames using solid members connected together with plywood gussets.

• Types of timber portal frames

 Glued Laminated Portal Frames
 Plywood-faced portal frames
 Plywood gussets
 Solid timber-Sawn Timber
TYPICAL TIMBER PORTAL FRAME
• FABRICATION OF MEMBERS AND GUSSETS
• For unseasoned timber, fabrication should not commence until the moisture
content of the timber is lower than 20%.

• It has become common practice to fabricate rafters, purlins and roof bracing on the ground, and
then lift the roof (in sections or fully) onto the columns.

• The rafters are erected on the floor and adjusted to the correct pitch. To avoid interference
during lifting ensure the whole roof is laid out approximately 500mm along the building from its
designed position.

• The ridge gussets should be nailed off and the purlins installed with the exception of those
in the immediate vicinity of the columns, which should be fitted after erection.

• Mark the set out on to the floor to ensure that the pre-fabricated roof is asspecified. Hoop iron
crossed bracing is installed to preserve a square structure while lifting and this may also be
effective as the final roof bracing. The purlins should have all connections installed at this stage.

• Knee gussets are first nailed completely to the columns erected onto their base plates. If the
base plate is capable of providing some fixity in both directions then that will be sufficient, if not
temporary bracing must support each column.
• Lifting and erection
• Each frame must be supported during lifting, as the purlins are generally discontinuous. When
multiple bays are erected, lifting beams or strong backs must be used.
• The frames can be quickly erected with the knee gussets wedged apart to facilitate rafter entry
• and the columns readily swayed to accommodate any inaccuracies of fabrication.
• Longitudinal bracing elements can then be installed and note that the rod and turnbuckle type
facilitate plumbing of the end columns. The columns have to be plumbed across the building by
props or by a jemmy bar and then the knee gussets are ready for nailing.
• As cranes support the frame the entire time, it is worthwhile investing in suitable equipment to
facilitate quick completion of the column and nailing phase to reduce hire costs. As the full load is
not acting at this stage, not all nails have to be driven; but all gussets must be nailed before
releasing the load from the crane.
• After crane removal, remaining nailing can be completed, together with installation of the
eaves, purlins and girts. The mullions and the end wall girts can then be installed together with any
additional roof wind bracing. Apart from the treatment of the openings the structure is now
ready to be clad.
• Erection of box-beam frames are similar with the only notable difference being the steel
plates are not as flexible as ply gussets and hand nailing is more time consuming. The lighter
frame may result in reduced crane hire costs.
 • Construction and Erection
 Once frame has been raised portal columns are fixed into mild steel shoe which have be bolted to
the footing.

 Mild steel shoe prevents the timber from sitting on the concrete which would allow seeping
of water into the timber causing rotting. Also creating a solid connection between the timber and
the concrete footing.

 After the portal is attached to footings and is free standing gusset plates can be nailed to the
knee joint.

 Gusset plates, often steel or plywood, fixed by nails, bolts or other means to connect timber
members in a truss or other frame structure. Gusset plates may be applied to one or both sides of a
joint
Ttpical corner detail
 Portal frames are difficult to achieve with timber, especially when using traditional timber
joinery because it has no rotation resistance and needs additional bracing
 It is therefore necessary to modify timber to increase depth and allows the frame to be
continuous at the corners. Layers of wood board are glued together to form laminates. Scarf or
finger joints are then used along the length of laminates.
 Materials
• Timber sections- Timbers of this are now to hard and expensive to obtain
• LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber), has a high strength on a linear axis, can be manufactured in
large depths and long lengths.
• Glulam (Glued Laminated Timber) –a versatile members made of small pieces of timber glued
together, that can be fabricated in large depths, widths, lengths, and formed into a number of
shapes, including curves.
• Plywood webbed beams, often selected to act with other timbers to create a member which
shear stresses must be carried. Such as the web of a built up box beam section in which shear
forces will be transmitted.
• ESL (Engineered Strand Lumber), a versatile product made from clumps of wood fiber arranged
in a mainly linear pattern and held together in a glue.
 FOUNDATIONS AND FIXING
• The most common gusset materials are plywood and steel.For unseasoned timber, fabrication
should not commence until the moisture content of the timber is lower than 20%
Timber portal frame connection details
 Advantages
• Renewable
• Timber is classified as a renewable material, as the principle holds that if a tree is felled another
is planted in its place. As long as this balance is maintained, the supply will be sustainable.
• Low embodied energy if constructed in local timber
• Reduced construction waste through efficient controlled manufacturing Low volume of waste on
site requiring removal
• Quick build time
• A prefabricated timber frame can be erected on site faster than a comparable brick and block
construction. However, timber frames may require additional time for their design and
fabrication, which can lead to a longer wait before work begins on site.
• Reduced site labour
• Reduced time to weather the structure Earlier introduction of following trades
• Factory controlled quality assurance in fabrication
• Off-site fabrication can allow higher The quicker erection time enables interior trades such as
plastering and electrical wiring to begin work earlier in the build programme, as the interior will be
exposed to weather for less time.
• Can be built to exceed 60-year design life
• Energy efficient when constructed to current standards Fast heating due to low thermal mass
• Their low thermal mass allows spaces enclosed by timber frames to heat up more quickly than
masonry construction, however they will also tend to cool more quickly.
• Reduced time on site reduces environmental nuisance and disruption to local residents
• Engineered product quality to be achieved.
• Efficient use of material due to controlled engineering and fabrication Reduced construction
time translates into reduced risk exposure
 Disadvantages
• Traditional procurement process
• Additional design and engineering time
• Modification of general arrangement drawings if based on masonry construction
• Lack of experienced builders and erection crews
• Lack of experience of following trades
• Transportation and carriage access
• Exposure to weather before enclosed
• Work of following trades
• Deficiency of site quality control
• Combustibility of timber requires vigilant quality control to achieve required
fire rating of separating and compartment walls .

• The fire resistance of timber frame buildings is achieved by a combination of the lining material,
the timber structure and the insulation.
• Susceptibility to decay of timber when exposed to excessive moisture Timber frame structures
must include a vapour barrier between the lining of the inner wall and the insulation, to prevent
vapour passing through.
• Acoustics
• Timber frame structures may not achieve the same level of sound insulation as
concrete or masonry as they are not as dense.
 Case studies
• Lorient Multimodal Hub
• TRAIN STATION FRANCE

 The Lorient multimodal hub is part of the “Bretagne à

Grande Vitesse” project (“High-speed for Brittany”), a high-
speed line which is expected to allow a three-hour total
travel time between Quimper, Brest and Paris by 2017
 The main façade opens up to the heart of the city and
along with the large timber portal frame forming the building’s
structure, alludes to the city’s shipbuilding tradition.
 The structure of the passenger building consists of a series
of portal frames made of composite wood and featuring
various spans.
 Case studies
Indoor Riding Arena (Horse Manège) – Hemel
Hempstead

• Horse arenas, due to their size and nature, require

clear, uninterrupted spaces to function. This is
frequently accomplished through the use of steel-
framed structures. It provides the necessary
engineering integrity, but lacks the warmth and
natural luxury of timber. This completed project is
industrial in scale but softened by the natural warmth
of the glulam structure; it successfully houses the
curtain walling while also providing a relaxing
environment to enjoy.

• The client requested an enclosed, light-filled, and

airy space for various horsing activities, as well as a
modern space that was connected to the landscape
and surrounding farm buildings. The timber frame is
shaped to create a striking modern form, complete
with wall-to-wall glazing and a metal-panelled roof.
 Case studies
• SAINT PATRICKS CHURCH, NEW ZEALAND
• St Patrick’s Church, opened in May 2019, features
structural glulam portal frames spanning across the
main floor area and consists of precast concrete
panels, steel ring beams .
• The 250 m2 building has glulam y-shaped portal
frames spanning 11.6 m across the open floor space.
Concealed, epoxy bar fixings at the base, knee and
apex connections creates a seamless portal structure
which flows throughout the building.
•Hidden brackets were fitted to individual
components using epoxy rod connections. Then the
multiple components were combined again through
epoxy rod connections to form a single unit ready to
be delivered to site. This approach reduced
installation time on site and provided a consistent
quality finish that is only possible in a controlled
environment,
 REFERENCES
• References
• R.Chudely, R.Greeno,(2014) Building construction handbook, tenth edition
• R.Chudely, R.Greeno, Advanced Construction Technology
• https://redstagtimberlab.co.nz/portfolio/saint-patricks-church-structural-glulam/
• https://www.archdaily.com/search/all?q=BUILDINGS%20WITH%20TIMBER%20PORTAL%20FR
AMES&page=4