How to Choose Economical Steel Frames for

Buildings and Structures?

There are various structural steel frame systems from which designers can choose the most economical
type for the specific building. The complexity and economy of each frame system are different.

This article would provide guidance regarding economical choice of structural steel frame system for the
specific building.

Fig.1: Economical Steel Frame Structure Construction, UK

How to Choose Economical Steel Frames for Buildings and Structures?

o Different types of economical structural steel frames include:
o Braced frames in simple construction
o Braced frames with continuous construction
o Unbraced sway frames
o Discrete stability frames

Braced Frames in Simple Construction

This steel frame type is the most economical and least complex among other types. Braced frames use the
simple beam for column connections.

It provides several advantages such as simplicity, economical beam to column connection, columns are
small both in size and mass. Beams in this system are subjected to sagging moments only, that is why
composite construction would considerably suitable to be utilized.

Simple analysis can be used for the steel frame because the structure is determinate that is why both beams
and columns can be easily optimized.

Apart from advantages provided, there is a number of disadvantages. For example, the beams in braced
frames will be costly if serviceability governs the design of steel structure frame. It is not the suitable
option for small-scale structure when the design is governed by strength.

The size of the bracing element increases with the increase the building height and number of a story are
increased. This may make the bracing element uneconomical. Therefore, it is necessary to proportionate
bracing elements carefully.

Fig.2: Simple Braced Frame Steel Structure

Braced Frames with Continuous Construction

This type of steel frame is economically suitable for the case where the stiffness of floors controls the
design. Considerations required to be accounted for are the same as those of braced frames with a simple
construction.

Braced frame with the simple construction is more economical than the braced frame with continuous
construction.

One of the most outstanding benefits of braced frames with continuous construction is that stiffness of
floor system is considerably improved due to continuous beam to column connections.
However, continuous beam to column connection is uneconomical and mass of external columns should
be considered large to be able to withstand imposed moments.

Finally, beams and columns cannot be optimized due to the complex analysis method that is suitable for
such system.

Fig.3: Continuous Steel Frame

Unbraced Sway Frames

Un-braced sway frame system as shown in Figure-4 is considered when the bracing system cannot be used
because it is not possible architecturally.

So, either partially rigid or continuous steel frame system should be used to resist horizontal forces. But
it should be kept in mind that the construction of the semi-rigid frame is considerably costly.

Moreover, the complexity and cost of un-braced sway frame is greater than both braced with simple
construction and braced with construction frame. To make the un-braced sway frames economical, it is
required to size the structural elements properly.

Architectural configuration can be established without the use of bracing elements. Despite this advantage,
there are certain disadvantages that should be considered by designers.

For instance, beam to column connection is neither simple nor economical, external columns with
substantial masses should be utilized to withstand applied moments, and the size of structural steel
elements cannot be optimized easily because the analysis is considerably complicated.
Fig.4: Unbraced Sway Steel Frame Structure

Discrete Stability Frames

It is considered to be the most uneconomical and complicated steel frame type compared with others
explained above.

Architecturally, strong discrete stability frame is favorable to withstand horizontal forces and provide
adequate stability.

It is necessary to use substantially strong beams and columns because discrete stability frame must offer
complete and sufficient sway stiffness and sway resistance.

When discrete stability frames are considered, then strong columns need to support applied moments and
beam to column connections may be reduced.

Consequently, the more economical frame would be constructed compared with the case where the entire
frame structure is assigned to resist horizontal force because all beams and columns should be strong in
this case.

Moreover, architectural configurations can be established without triangulated bracing. Beam to column
connections in a partialized frame is costly and complex.

The size of steel elements cannot be optimized due to the complexity of the analysis used. Masses of
external columns in the partialized frame should be substantially large to be able to withstand the moment.
Fig.5: Discrete Stability Frame: (1) Discrete Stability Frame with Rigid Connection, (2) Frame with
Simple Connection