Different types of structural steel framing systems for buildings such as skeleton, wall bearing and long span framing systems and their applications and configurations are discussed.

1. WHAT ARE THE
TYPES OF
STRUCTURAL STEEL
FRAMING SYSTEMS?

2. Different types of structural steel framing
systems for buildings such as skeleton, wall
bearing and long span framing systems and
their applications and configurations are
discussed.

3. TYPES OF STRUCTURAL STEEL FRAMING SYSTEMS FOR
BUILDINGS
• Skeleton steel framing
• Wall bearing steel framing
• Long span steel framing

4. SKELETON STEEL FRAMING SYSTEM
• Skeleton steel frame is composed of steel beams and columns
which are connected using proper connection. Steel beams around
perimeter of the structure is termed as spandrel beams on which
masonry walls are placed.
• Typical plane views of skeleton framing are shown in Figure-3 and
constructed skeleton steel frame are shown in Figure. Steel
columns, primary and secondary steel beams are shown in the
figures.

6. • There are different types and configurations of steel connections
which are used to connect steel beams to columns in skeleton
frame structure, for example, bolt connection and welded
connections.
• Figure illustrate various types of bolted connection including
flexible end plate, fin plate and double angle cleat.
•

7. • It should be known that all gravity loads in skeleton frame
structure are supported by beams and columns. The distance
between columns can be established according to the functions
and requirements of the structure.
• Therefore, there are no restrictions that limit the area of the floor
and roof of the building. Multi storey structures are possible to
construct using skeleton framing.

8. WALL BEARING STEEL FRAMING SYSTEM
• In a wall bearing steel framing structure, building wall whether it is interior or
exterior is used to carry the end of structural members that support floor or
roof loads.
• Wall bearing should be adequately strong to not only be able to carry vertical
reactions but also to resist any imposed horizontal loads.
• Wall bearing framing is suitable for the construction of low rise structure. This
is because the size of the bearing wall must be increased significantly to
withstand considerably loads exerted in the case of multistory buildings.

9. • This problem might be solved to certain extent if the reinforced concrete walls
are applied.
• There are several cases in which wall bearing frame system is suitable to be
used. For example, single story house in which steel beams are used to carry
wall and floor loads and the end of the steel beams are placed on foundation
walls, as shown in Figure-6.
• A further application of wall bearing system application is the utilization of
steel beams known as lintels over wall openings like doors and windows.

12. LONG SPAN STEEL FRAMING
• Long span steel framing is considered when large clearance is required and
such long spanning cannot be realized using steel beams and columns.
• Long span steel framing options can be categorized into different types, for
instance, girders, trusses, rigid frames, arches and cantilever suspension
spans.
• These classes of long span steel framing options along with their applications
and various configurations are provided in Table

13. Long span framing system types Application condition
Various types or configuration of the given long span framing
system class
Girders
It is selected for the case where depth of the member is
restricted over a large unobstructed area in lower storeys.
The girder should support loads from above storeys across
cleared area.
Roller beams, Riveted girder, welded girder, heavy girder,
hybrid girder, and a girder consist of two girder fastened
Truss,
It can be used for the case where restriction on the
element depth is not imposed. it an economical way of
spanning long distances provided that depth limitation is
not existed. Trusses are better compare with other option
in controlling deflections due to better stiffness.
Pratt, warren, fink, scissor, bow string and Virendeel
Arches,
It is used to carry walls and roof with open or solid web
arches
Hinge less arches, two hinged arches and three hinged
arches
Rigid frames,
It is used to span long distances. it is aesthetically
pleasing that is why applied in the construction of
churches, gymnasiums, auditoriums, bowling alleys and
shopping centers
Single span rigid frame, welded rigid frame.

16. STEEL STRUCTURE MAINTENANCE
COMPANIES
Steel House Construction Co. LLC
PO Box: 3346, SHARJAH, UAE
Telephone: (+971) 6-544 9552
Fax No: (+971) 6-544 9553
Email: info@steelhousellc.com
Web: www.steelhousellc.com