Structural Steel Frame Construction

Structural steel framing is assembled with welded, or bolted steel columns and beams. Its primary function is to provide structure to low-, mid-, and high-rise facilities. Using steel to construct building framing isn’t a new technique—it rose in popularity in the late 1800s. Industrial contractors continue to use structural steel to construct frames because steel produces highly durable, long-lasting results.

Benefits of Structural Steel Frames

In addition to its durability and longevity, structural steel construction is associated with various benefits for both owners and building contractors, including:

  • Cost-Effectiveness
  • Incredible Strength
  • Offers Unique Designs
  • Fast & Simple to Erect
  • Can Span Long Distances
  • Sustainable/Environmentally-Friendly

There’s no doubt that structural steel frames offer many benefits. But which type of structural framing system is best for your unique goals and needs? Let’s take a closer look.

Choosing the Right Steel Structural Framing System

It’s important to select the best subdiscipline of structural steel construction to meet the unique needs of the building design.

Steel flooring joists, wall studs, ceiling rafters, and cross braces can be arranged differently to enhance a building’s:

  • Ability to Withstand Intensely Applied Loads
  • General Structural Stability
  • Overall Lifespan

The type of framing system that’s best for your needs will depend on the building’s unique design features and how much weight the structure is required to support.

The Three Types of Structural Steel Frames

There are three primary structural steel framing systems: Skeleton, Wall Bearing, and Long Span.

Let’s take a look at each style.

Skeleton Steel Framing

Skeleton structural steel construction techniques are regularly used to erect multi-story buildings. The assembly methodology creates a strong, interconnected system of:

  • Intermediate or Secondary Beams
  • Reinforced Concrete Floor Slabs
  • Main or Primary Beams
  • Fire-Rated Ceiling
  • Interior Columns
  • Spandrel Beams
  • Wall Columns

Various steel components are used to join the main structural supports, including haunches, metal brackets, fin plates, double-angled cleats, shims, and gusset plates. Essentially, the skeleton structure balances and supports the building’s interior loads, efficiently directing the weight to the foundation.

Wall-Bearing Steel Framing

Wall-bearing structural steel frame construction involves erecting poured concrete interior and perimeter walls. Then, steel framing components are bolted or welded into place atop, making the masonry walls “bear” the weight of the above steel roofing or flooring system.

Designing and performing this type of structural steel framing involves calculating the proper span between framing supports to accommodate the required load.

This steel framing style is typically reserved for structures with five or fewer stories. However, reinforced steel can be used with this method to construct taller buildings.

Long-Span Steel Framing

Finally, long-span steel framing is used for assembling buildings with at least 12-meter spans. Steel components used in long-span construction include:

  • Cantilever Suspensions Spans
  • Haunched Composite Beams
  • Thin-Shelled Domes
  • Composite Trusses
  • Curvilinear Grids
  • Cable Networks
  • Space Trusses
  • Folded Plates
  • Rigid Frames
  • Stub Girders

Space trusses are designed to span long distances without bending or deflecting. Some popular types include Bow String, Fink, Pratt, Scissors, Vierendeel, and Warren.

Deep steel stub girders longitudinally span distances between main beams and hybrid girders. Plus, open-web and solid arches provide extra anchorage and foundational strength.

Additionally, rigid steel frames can withstand great forces, increase load-bearing capacity, and enhance floor flexibility. They allow for column-free interior spaces and fast, efficient installation.

Long-span steel framing is ideal when constructing auditoriums, churches, theaters, warehouses, and other large-scale structures.

CCI Industrial Constructors’ Experience

CCI Industrial Constructors is capable of constructing, dismantling, engineering, fabricating, erecting, and repairing structural steel systems in small to mid-size structures. 

Over the years, we’ve overseen complex industrial construction projects and helped business owners minimize downtime, eliminate safety risks, and complete projects on time and within budget.

We also emphasize quality during every venture we take. The majority of our projects are subject to non-destructive examination by our engineering partners, and our Certified Weld Inspectors qualify our welders for any new welding procedures we may need. Lastly, we use state-of-the-art laser alignment tools and technology to ensure layout and elevations are precisely established.

Learn More About Our Structural Steel Capabilities

Since 1995, business owners have trusted CCI Industrial Constructors to handle all types of projects, including structural steel frame construction, maintenance, heavy rigging, machinery relocations and installations, and more.

Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities or to schedule a project consultation.