Commercial Structural Framing Systems The Skeleton of the

Commercial Structural Framing Systems The Skeleton of the Building The structure of life I have described in buildings. . . is deeply and inextricably connected with the human person, and with the innermost nature of human feelings. -Christopher Alexander

Commercial Structural Framing Systems • Purpose • Low Rise Framing Systems • Cast-in-Place Concrete • Structural Steel • Load Bearing Walls • Hybrid Systems • Cost • Structural Efficiency

PURPOSE • The purpose of structural framing is provide • Strength – Holds the structure up (and holds it down) despite • Gravity (vertical) loads • Lateral (sideways) loads • Stability – Maintains the shape and minimizes movement

Commercial Framing Systems • Low Rise (three stories or less) commercial framing systems may be similar to residential construction • Wood framing • Light gauge steel framing

Commercial Framing Systems However, usage of commercial buildings often differs from residential usage. • Commercial building considerations • Heavy traffic • Heavier loads • More wear and tear • Larger open spaces • Easy Maintenance

Common Commercial Framing Systems Cast-in. Structural Place Steel Concrete Framing Load Bearing Walls Hybrid Systems

Cast-in-Place Concrete Forms are built Reinforcing is placed Concrete is poured and finished in place Wooden forms used to cast slabs ©i. Stockphoto. com

Cast-in-Place Concrete Frame Concrete Column Structural Concrete Slab

Structural Steel Structural members are fabricated off site Members are delivered to the site Members are erected per the design ©i. Stockphoto. com

Structural Steel Framing Structural Steel Column Lateral Brace Open Web Steel Roof Joists Steel Decking Structural Steel Floor Beams Courtesy Connie Bertucci

Load Bearing Walls Courtesy IOP Rec Center Masonry load bearing walls with light gauge steel trusses • Masonry Load • Pre-cast Bearing concrete Walls • Tilt-up concrete Courtesy Tilt-up Concrete Association Tilt-up load bearing walls with structural steel and open web steel joist floor and roof framing Floor and Roof • Wood Framing • Light Gauge Steel Framing • Structural Steel

Load Bearing Walls Open Web Wood Floor Joists Courtesy Carolina Concrete Masonry Association Load Bearing CMU Wall

Hybrid Framing Systems Structural Steel Framing Cast-in-Place Concrete Load Bearing Walls Courtesy Tex. AZ Business Park Hybrid Systems combine two or more different framing systems

Cost • The cost of construction is an important consideration when choosing a structural system • The cost of a structure is directly related to the weight of materials used to build the structure • Lower material weight = Lower cost • Higher material weight = Higher cost

Structural Efficiency • Ratio of the maximum design load that a structure will carry to the weight of the structure itself • Higher structural efficiency means less material weight = Lower cost • Lower structural efficiency means more material weight = Higher cost Design Load = Load a structure is designed to carry

Commercial Structural Framing Systems • Purpose • Low Rise Systems • Cast-in-Place Concrete • Structural Steel • Load Bearing Walls • Hybrid Systems • Cost • Structural Efficiency

References Ching, Francis D. K. , and Cassandra Adams. Building Construction Illustrated, 3 rd Edition. (2000) New York: Wiley. Ramsey, Charles George. Ramsey/Sleeper architectural graphics standards. (2000) New York: John Wiley.

Image Sources • Tilt Up Concrete Association. http: //www. tilt-up. org/ • i. Stockphoto. http: //www. istockphoto. com/index. php • Connie Bertucci, Victor Senior High School, Victor, NY • Tex. AZ Commercial Properties, LLC • Carolinas Concrete Masonry Association. http: //ccmaonline. com/about-carolinas-concrete/aboutus. htm