Terminology can be confusing and hard to follow if you’re not familiar with the industry language on a day-to-day basis, and this holds true for any industry. Impact Building Systems offers many different metal building components. Being able to identify these components and how they work together can be difficult. So, let’s talk about some of the structural components you will encounter on your project.
Primary Framing
Your primary framing (columns, beams, rafters, clips, anchor bolts, etc.) is the base of your building, and carry the gravity, also know as vertical, loads to the foundation. These beams will often be I or H shaped and, are generally hot rolled (molten steel pushed through a mold). Primary framing is what makes your building stand and is considered the ‘bones’ of your structure. These ‘bones’ are known as the superstructure. This part of the building process is the most crucial in terms of your buildings longevity and should only be attempted by experienced professionals meeting AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) standards.
Secondary Framing
The secondary framing transfers loads to the superstructure and fills in where structural steel is not necessary. Secondary framing acts as stabilizing members, preventing the primary framing from twisting or bending out of shape. This element of a metal building is called the substructure, and allows for the addition of roofs, walls and interior elements. These cross-sectional cold-formed steel beams are often C, Z, or L shaped. The common substructure components are:
- Studs: The vertical posts for interior drywall attachment.
- Tracks: C-shaped channels into which you anchor the studs.
- Struts: A brace stabilizer that takes loads along its axis.
- Girts: Horizontal stabilizer bars between exterior columns. Wall cladding attaches to these.
- Purlins: Horizontal stabilizers between the rafters to which the roof assembly is attached.
- Eave Struts: The transition piece between the wall girts and roof purlins along the eave.
- Wall Bracing: Bars, cables rods or strips that resist shearing and contribute more lateral stability.
- Flange Bracing: Bracing metal to prevent rafters from rolling side to side.
- Joists: Floor support beams.
- Headers and Jambs: The framework for openings such as doors, windows and bays.
Metal Building Framing Components
Impact offers an erection and building manual that goes into further instruction on assembly and technical detail. If you still have questions or would like to speak with a knowledgeable consultant, we would be happy to help you find what you are looking for.