Understanding the Structure Behind the Building

When you look at a finished steel building, most of what makes the structure work is hidden from view.

You see the roof, walls, doors, and windows. But behind those visible elements is a framework designed to support the building and give it its shape.

If you've ever wondered what all those steel building terms actually mean, here's a simple look at the major components that make up a steel building.

The Primary Framing

The primary frame is the main structural framework of the building.

These are the larger steel members that create the basic shape and support the building's overall structure. Think of them as the major bones of the building.

The size and configuration of the primary framing depend on the building's design and the loads it is engineered to handle.

You don't necessarily see these members once the building is finished, but they are an important part of what gives the structure its strength and shape.

The Secondary Framing

Primary framing isn't the only steel framework in a building.

Secondary framing members connect to the primary frame and provide support for the roof and wall panels.

Two terms you may hear are purlins and girts.

• Purlins are horizontal members that support the roof panels.

• Girts are horizontal members that support the wall panels.

They may not be features a building owner ever notices, but they play an important role in connecting the visible exterior panels to the building's structural framework.

Roof and Wall Panels

The panels are the part of the building most people recognize immediately.

Roof panels form the exterior roof system, while wall panels create the building's exterior walls. Together, they help enclose the structure and protect what is inside.

Panel profiles, finishes, colors, and other details can vary depending on the building design.

This is also where some of the visual choices you've made for your building start to come together. The exterior color, trim, doors, and other details all work with the underlying structure.

Bracing

A steel building also needs components that help stabilize the structure.

Bracing works within the framing system to help the building resist forces acting on it. The exact bracing arrangement depends on the building's design and engineering requirements.

It isn't something you normally notice when walking around a finished building, but it is another important piece of what happens behind the walls.

Doors, Windows, and Other Openings

Once you start adding doors, windows, garage doors, and other openings, those locations have to be incorporated into the building's design.

An opening isn't simply cut into a finished wall wherever you'd like it.

The structure around those openings has to be designed accordingly, which is one reason it is important to think through how you plan to use the building before the design is finalized.

Where you put the large equipment door, personnel door, windows, or other openings can make a meaningful difference in how the finished building functions.

And Then There's the Foundation

The steel frame doesn't simply sit on the ground.

The building and its foundation work together as part of the overall design. The foundation provides the base that supports the structure, while the steel framing transfers loads through the building and into that foundation.

The specific foundation requirements depend on the building design, site conditions, local requirements, and other project-specific factors.

In other words, the steel building itself is only one part of the project.

Why All of This Matters

You don't need to become a structural engineer to plan a steel building.

But understanding the basic components can make the process less confusing.

When someone talks about primary framing, purlins, girts, panels, bracing, or openings, you're no longer hearing a list of unfamiliar terms. You have a better idea of how those pieces fit together to create the building you're planning.

And that's useful because a steel building isn't just a shell.

The size, layout, openings, features, and intended use all come together as part of the design.

Understanding the Building Behind the Building

A finished steel building can look simple from the outside.

There's a lot more going on behind those walls.

At Solid Rock Structures, we believe you should understand what you're planning before making a major building decision. That's why we focus on helping you design a structure around your project, your needs, and how you actually intend to use the space.