Steel structural framing systems are a popular alternative to traditional construction methods. They’re suitable for a wide variety of building projects and ensure fast, lightweight and cost-effective construction.
In this guide, we explore the main features of steel structural framing systems and the situations in which a bespoke solution can enhance your project.
What is steel structural framing?
Steel structural framing systems consist of vertical columns and horizontal beams made from light-gauge galvanised steel. These are riveted, welded or bolted together, typically in a rectilinear grid.
These systems are mainly used as infill for primary structures, and support the building’s façades. They create support for walls, floors, roofs, cladding, bracing and internal fixtures.
Thanks to their high stability, efficiency and versatility, steel structural framing systems are suitable for loadbearing and non-loadbearing applications of almost any design.
The main types of steel structural frames include:
- Wall bearing framing: Once masonry walls have been put up on the perimeter and interior of the building, the structural steel members are anchored on using bearing and end steel plates, and anchor bolts.
- Skeleton framing: This secure column-beam framework allows lateral and gravity loads to be transferred down into the foundation. The walls are made as a non-loadbearing curtain wall.
- Long-span framing: Allows for a span of more than 12m, providing maximum floor space with no internal columns. This is typically used for large industrial buildings, theatres, exhibition spaces and so on.
What buildings use steel structural framing systems?
The incredible versatility of steel structural framing systems means they can be used for anything from a simple garden shed to a multistorey office building. They’re an increasingly popular alternative to traditional methods of construction throughout the civil engineering sector.
Steel structural framing systems are typically used to construct:
- Medium and high-rise buildings
- Warehouses and factories
- Residential buildings
- Agricultural buildings
- Public buildings
- Offices
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Bridges
When is a bespoke steel structural framing solution most beneficial?
When you need freedom of design
The components used in steel structural framing systems can be fabricated in many different sizes and shapes while maintaining their incredible strength. This gives architects, designers and engineers much greater freedom to construct innovative and aesthetically pleasing buildings that remain structurally sound.
Steel structural framing is much more than a simple infill solution. It’s also suitable for the ceiling, roof and floor joists, as well as continuous walling, freestanding parapets and loadbearing structures.
Similarly, it can be combined with many different insulation materials, internal and external sheathing and cladding, and wall or façade materials. That means you can achieve your desired fire, thermal and acoustic performance while enabling greater creative expression in the design and layout of your building.
When you need to reduce load weights
The lightweight materials used to build steel structural frames reduce the pressure on the foundations and related structures. This means engineers can construct much larger multistorey buildings without worrying about excessive load weights.
Steel structural framing solutions can also be used to improve existing buildings where load weight might prohibit traditional construction methods.
When you need to streamline construction
Unlike many traditional construction methods, it’s quick and easy to assemble steel structural frame components as soon as they arrive on site. And they’re ready to accept infill boards and facing panels right away.
Installation requires minimal skilled labour. And it’s made even simpler with coding stamped onto the components. That means you can streamline construction and begin the work of follow-on trades much faster.
When you need to limit time and costs
Using a steel structural frame cuts time and costs at every stage of construction, from pre-design all the way to final installation.
When you reach out to CCL Interiors for a bespoke steel structural framing solution, we start by helping you find the most suitable option for your project. We then design and manufacture it using CAD software to accelerate production and delivery to your site. Our experienced construction experts then install your frame quickly and to the highest standards of safety.
With a bespoke steel structural framing solution, there’s no need for temporary formwork to be set up and taken down. And since there’s no reliance on wet trades, you can enjoy a much faster process with fewer expenses.
Installing steel structural framing solutions simply involves screwing components together and connecting them to the primary structure. Once that’s done, you can begin follow-on processes immediately.
When you need superior weather resistance
One of the greatest strengths of steel structural framing systems is their incredible resistance to environmental stress. They can withstand heavy snowfall, raging winds, fierce storms and even powerful earthquakes without losing stability. As an added bonus, they also perform exceptionally well in manmade emergencies involving explosions and impact.
At CCL Interiors, we use galvanised steel in our bespoke steel structural framing solutions. This involves coating the steel in a thin layer of zinc. As a result, our solutions are highly resistant to rust and other forms of corrosion, giving you total confidence in the long-term integrity of your structure.
Why choose CCL Interiors for your bespoke steel structural framing solutions?
Over the last 50 years, we’ve built an extensive portfolio of successful projects in the public and private sectors across Northern Ireland and mainland UK. We’re fully accredited to the highest occupational and Health & Safety standard, and comply with all current building regulations on every project. That means you can expect outstanding quality and professionalism throughout your construction process.
But it’s not just our quality and professionalism that make us a leading supplier of bespoke structural framing solutions. We also work closely with high-profile structural framing manufacturers like Metsec and Lindab to ensure you benefit from the most reliable components in the industry.
Call us now on 028 9045 8855 to discuss your needs and find out how a bespoke steel structural framing solution can enhance your construction project.