Indonesia
Portal frames are a preferred option for constructing warehouses or storage facilities, factories, hangars, gymnasiums, workshops, as well as slaughterhouses for livestock (RPH) or poultry (RPA). Why use a portal frame? What are its advantages as a building structure?
Portal frames are popular because they are strong, durable, and relatively affordable. Moreover, the construction process is fast, and maintenance costs are minimal. This efficiency is supported by the lightweight nature of steel and its low material consumption. These advantages make steel portal frame structures an excellent choice for large-span buildings requiring wide, open spaces.
In brief, a portal frame is a rigid steel framework consisting of two vertical H-beam columns connected by a rafter beam. It enables the construction of wide-span buildings that offer spacious interiors without the need for multiple central columns or supports.
Buildings using portal frame structures are commonly found in agricultural, mining, manufacturing, retail, warehousing, and sports facilities. For example, Tradecorp has completed a mining-site laundry facility project utilizing a steel portal frame system.
Tradecorp Indonesia is an international company operating in Indonesia since 2014, providing business and field project solutions such as shipping containers, offshore DNV containers, ISO tank containers, modified containers, modular prefabricated buildings, and RapidFrame construction. As proof of its credibility, Tradecorp has participated in major projects including the constructing mining accommodation facilities in Sumatra and Kalimantan, supplying infrastructure for the 2018 Asian Games, and supporting the Formula E Jakarta event.
If you would like to know the estimated construction cost of a steel portal frame structure, you can contact Tradecorp directly by filling out the online form available at https://kontainerindonesia.co.id/en/. Our team will discuss your project requirements and help calculate an estimated cost.
If you want to learn more about steel portal frame structures, continue reading the following sections for a detailed explanation!
Advantages of Steel Portal Frame Structures
There are many advantages offered by steel portal frame structures. What are they?
1. Wide Column-Free Space
A portal frame structure can create a large clear span without the need for many central columns. This makes the interior layout more flexible and functional, ideal for warehouses, workshops, hangars, and large-scale industrial facilities. Work or storage areas can be fully optimized without structural obstructions in the middle.
2. High Strength and Durability
Made of corrosion-resistant steel, portal frames have excellent resistance to heavy loads, strong winds, and extreme weather conditions. The structure is also pest-resistant, giving it a long service life with minimal maintenance requirements.
3. Cost and Material Efficiency
Portal frame systems are material-efficient thanks to faster on-site installation and reduced labor needs. Their relatively lightweight design allows for simpler foundations, making the overall construction cost more economical.
4. Fast and Practical Construction
Steel portal frame components are typically prefabricated in factories before being assembled on-site. This method accelerates the construction process and minimizes the potential for errors, making it an ideal solution for projects with tight deadlines.
5. Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable
Steel is a material that can be recycled almost indefinitely. Using a steel portal frame helps reduce construction waste and supports the principles of sustainable building development.
6. Flexible for Various Designs and Functions
Portal frame structures are highly adaptable to design needs, including layout, roof shape, and wall or roof cladding materials. They can also be easily expanded in the future without altering the main structure, making them suitable for growing businesses.
The Best Option for Warehouses or Slaughterhouses
Components of a Portal Frame
|
Main Structural Elements |
Secondary Structural Elements |
| Column: Vertical components that transfer loads from the roof to the foundation. Typically made from H-beam or I-beam steel profiles, which have high resistance to compressive forces. | Purlin (Roof Purlin): Horizontal beams placed on top of rafters to support the roof covering and evenly distribute loads across the structure. |
| Rafter (Roof Beam): Inclined elements connecting two opposite columns. Their function is to bear the roof load and bending forces across the building’s wide span. | Side Rail/Girt (Wall Frame): Horizontal beams on the building’s walls that support external cladding or wall panels while adding rigidity against wind pressure. |
| Tie Beam: Horizontal beam that connects columns to enhance structural stability and prevent lateral displacement caused by horizontal loads. | Bracing (Diagonal Reinforcement): Diagonal components that improve the building’s lateral stability and prevent deformation from wind or seismic forces. |
| Foundation (Footing): Reinforced concrete base that safely and evenly transfers all structural loads to the ground. | – |
The Best Option for Warehouses or Slaughterhouses
Types of Portal Frame Structures
|
Type of Portal Frame |
Description |
| Single-Span Portal Frame | Consists of two columns and one rafter forming a single clear span without a center column. This simple design is suitable for small to medium-sized buildings such as workshops, storage warehouses, or open work areas. |
| Duo-Pitch Portal Frame | Features two sloping roof sides that meet at the ridge. This type is the most common because it efficiently channels rainwater and provides higher headroom at the building’s center. Ideal for large warehouses, factories, and agricultural facilities. |
| Multi-Span Portal Frame | Combines several portal frames placed side by side with additional central columns to support wide spans. Suitable for large-scale industrial buildings such as distribution centers and logistics warehouses. |
| Offset Portal Frame | Has an asymmetrical roof slope where one column is higher than the other. Typically used when different interior heights are required or to meet specific design conditions, such as natural ventilation systems. |
| Mono-Pitch Portal Frame | Utilizes a single-sloped roof (one direction). This design is simple and economical, making it a common choice for small structures like garages, lean-tos, or additional storage units in industrial areas. |
| Curved Portal Frame | Designed with curved rafters that create an aesthetic and aerodynamic roof profile. Often used for architecturally appealing buildings or specific public facilities. |
| Portal Frame with Internal Mezzanine | Incorporates an additional floor within the portal structure to serve as office space, control rooms, or secondary storage areas. |
| Portal Frame with Crane Rail | Designed to support an overhead crane system within industrial or manufacturing buildings. This structure requires extra rigidity to withstand the dynamic forces generated by crane movement. |
