A building frame is the skeletal structure that supports a building's weight and provides its overall shape. It's the underlying framework that holds everything else together. Think of it as the building's bones.
Understanding Building Frames
In construction, framing involves assembling structural components to create a building's support and form. Frame structures consist of a combination of beams, columns, and slabs designed to withstand both gravitational loads (like the weight of the building itself) and lateral loads (like wind or earthquake forces). These structures are frequently utilized to manage substantial bending moments created by the applied loads. [Frame structures can be made from different materials, including reinforced concrete, steel, and wood.](Reference 1)
Different materials offer various advantages and disadvantages:
- Steel Frames: Known for their strength, durability, and ability to span large distances. Often used in high-rise buildings and large commercial structures.
- Wood Frames: A cost-effective and readily available option, commonly used in residential and smaller commercial buildings. [Frame buildings generally have roofs, floors, and supports of combustible materials, usually wood, and combustible interior walls.](Reference 2)
- Concrete Frames: Offer exceptional strength and fire resistance, making them suitable for high-rise buildings and structures requiring significant load-bearing capacity.
Types of Building Frames
The type of frame used depends on factors like building size, intended use, budget, and local building codes. Common types include:
- Light Frame Construction: Typically uses wood or steel studs for walls and ceilings. [Often cheaper than brick, steel frame, or concrete.](Reference 5)
- Heavy Timber Framing: Employs larger dimensional lumber for beams, columns, and other structural members.
- Steel Frame Construction: Uses steel beams, columns, and other components to form the building's skeleton. [Switching to steel-frame construction can impact economic indicators in simulations.](Reference 7)
- Concrete Frame Construction: Utilizes reinforced concrete columns and beams to support the building's weight.
The Frame in Relation to Other Building Elements
It's important to remember that the frame is only part of the building. Walls, roofs, and floors are then attached to this framework. [Framed building, structure in which weight is carried by a skeleton or framework, as opposed to being supported by walls.](Reference 4) [Framing, in construction, is the fitting together of pieces to give a structure, particularly a building, support and shape.](Reference 1) The type of framing also influences building classifications as defined by insurance providers. [Frame construction is one of six building construction categories established by Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), in its Commercial Lines Manual (CLM).](Reference 3)
