Structural Design

Three simple design steps to an efficient, economic steel frame:

Keep it light. Most structural design starts with assessing the loads that the member/structure will be subject to. Dead loads are a function of the materials and finishes used and imposed loads relate to the occupancy class. Take advantage of legitimate imposed load reductions, based on area supported, for beams, and number of storeys supported for columns.

Keep it simple. With the exception of single storey portal frames, a braced frame approach is often the best and most economic solution. Member design is simple and straightforward, connections are easy to design and fabricate, and erection uses well-established safe procedures.

Keep it tight. For members that repeat not only is it important to get it right it’s also got to be tight to maximise economy. That means a utilisation factor of at least 90% or 0.9.

Information Sources:

• Steel Designers’ Manual (6th Edition), The Steel Construction Institute, 2003.
• Steelwork Design Guide to BS 5950-1:2000 - Volume 2: Worked Examples, The Steel Construction Institute, 2003.
• Advance sections - Interactive Blue Book, The Steel Construction Institute, 2008.
• Design for Manufacture Guidelines, The Steel Construction Institute, 1995.
• Design for Construction,
  The Steel Construction Institute, 1997.