Portal beam structures

Portal beam

Portal beam structures eliminate the necessity for interior columns, allowing the entire floor area to be utilized without obstructions. This provides greater flexibility in layout and design. Additionally, they facilitate the movement of people, machinery, and goods, which is especially important in factories, warehouses, and retail spaces. This makes the building future-proof, as it can accommodate various uses over time without significant structural changes.

Load transfer

1. Vertical loads                                                                                                                                                                                              The roof load is transferred to the portal beam, which then transfers it to the columns at the joints. The load is carried down through the columns and finally directed to the ground through the foundation.
2. Lateral Loads (Wind, Seismic Loads)                                                                                                                           The walls or roof of a structure are usually affected by lateral forces applied to it. Shear forces and bending moments are produced by these forces as they are transmitted to the portal beam and columns. To transfer these forces and guarantee the stability of the structure, the solid connections between the beams and columns are essential. To further improve stability and resistance to lateral stresses, additional bracing may be used in certain situations.

This efficient load transfer mechanism allows portal beam structures to support large spans and heavy loads, making them suitable for various applications such as warehouses, factories, and commercial buildings.

Applications of the portal beam structures

1. Industrial Buildings and Factories - Portal frames support high ceilings, accommodating large machinery and equipment. The open space allows for streamlined workflows and the flexible arrangement of production lines.
2. Warehouses and distribution centers -  The open floor plan enables an effective arrangement of racking systems and conveyor belts.
3. Commercial Buildings - Retail spaces, supermarkets, and shopping malls that benefit from flexible layouts.
4. Agricultural Buildings - Large barns and storage facilities utilize portal frames for spacious and adaptable layouts. Portal frames provide adequate space for housing livestock, ensuring easy movement and proper ventilation.
5. Community Spaces - Gyms, sports halls, and exhibition centers require clear-span structures for various activities and events.