The difference between steel frame and portal frame

Steel Frame and Portal Frame are two common forms of Steel structures. They have some differences in structural design and application.

Structural form: The steel frame is a frame structure composed of horizontal beams and vertical columns. The columns and beams are connected in a grid to form an overall stable structure. The portal frame is composed of two vertical columns and a beam spanning the top of the columns, forming a door-shaped structure, hence the name portal frame.

Support method: Steel frames usually use walls or outsourcing structures as supports on the sides, while portal frames mainly provide support and stability through rigid connections between beams and columns.

Scope of application: Steel frames are suitable for a variety of building types, such as industrial plants, commercial buildings, office buildings, etc., and can be used for flexible space layout and design according to specific needs. Portal frames are mainly used in large-span industrial plants, warehouses and other buildings, providing greater space design flexibility in the form of portal structures.

Construction and installation: Steel frames usually require welding or bolting, and the construction is more complicated. Due to its simple structure and easy assembly, the portal frame is suitable for rapid on-site assembly and installation.

Seismic performance: The portal frame has good seismic performance under lateral loads and is suitable for seismically active areas. Steel frames require corresponding seismic design during the design stage to ensure the safety of the structure.

It should be noted that steel frame and portal frame are not mutually exclusive concepts. In actual projects, the two structural forms can be flexibly combined and applied according to specific conditions to meet different building needs.