Portal Frames
Data Sheet
Overview
Low-cost Glulam Portal Frames have been successful in achieving a total saving of up to 13% in comparison to standard steel frame structures, when compared to the erected costs.
This economic design utilises gussets to provide moment connections to the Glulam columns and rafters. In this way a complete rigid frame is produced which is conveniently transportable and easily assembled. The specially designed gussets are precisely cut and fixed to the Glulam columns in our factory.
A typical frame arriving on site consists of two Glulam columns with gussets attached and one continuous pitched rafter member. The rafter is able to extend beyond the columns thus providing an overhang. For large spans the rafter can be supplied in two sections with an apex gusset.
All members are pre-finished in factory and require no further attention once erected in industrial buildings.
Applications
Warehouses, factories, packing sheds, cool stores, sawmills, gymnasiums and halls have all been successfully designed using gusseted portals. Particularly suitable and economical for spans between 15m and 36m, these portals have also proved successful in smaller buildings.
Benefits
Aesthetics – Glulam portals provide a structural system that would otherwise require camouflaging or disguising. Staining Glulam portals can bring added contrast to highlight the chosen ceiling form.
Pre-Fitting – Glulam portals can be pre-fitted in factory so that once onsite the members and their connecting brackets need only to be assembled. Pre assembling creates savings in valuable on-site labour and craneage costs.
Ease of Installation – Light, dry timber beams arrive on site ready for speedy installation. Glulam portals are confidently handled by carpenters and subcontractors. They require no specialist erection techniques.
Fire Resistance – For superior fire resistance ratings of Glulam beams, see the Red Stag TimberLab Fire Performance Data Sheet.
Site Assembly
Once on site, the assembly and erection is speedily achieved with standard carpentry labour.
Typical methods:-
1. While the rafter is lying on the ground, the two columns can be simply slid into position and the gusset is fixed to the rafter member. The assembled frame can then be stood up and fastened to anchor connections.
2. Alternatively, the columns can be stood in position with prefixed gussets ready to receive the rafter members. Rafters can be set out on the ground and purlins and bracing easily fixed before they are lifted. One complete beam pair may be raised conveniently into position on top of the columns and fixed with the gussets.
Indicative Span Tables
| Span (m) | Spacing (m) | Eave Height (m) |
Light Roof LL=0.25kPa |
Light Roof & Ceiling LL=0.25kPa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 4 | 2.5 | 315x90 | 315x90 |
| 5 | 2.5 | 315x90 | 360x90 | |
| 6 | 2.5 | 360x90 | 405x90 | |
| 12 | 4 | 3.0 | 360x90 | 360x90 |
| 5 | 3.0 | 360x90 | 405x90 | |
| 6 | 3.0 | 405x90 | 450x90 | |
| 14 | 4 | 3.5 | 405x90 | 450x90 |
| 5 | 3.5 | 450x90 | 495x90 | |
| 6 | 3.5 | 495x90 | 540x90 | |
| 16 | 4 | 4.0 | 450x90 | 495x90 |
| 5 | 4.0 | 495x90 | 585x90 | |
| 6 | 4.0 | 540x90 | 630x90 | |
| 18 | 4 | 4.5 | 540x90 | 585x90 |
| 5 | 4.5 | 585x90 | 630x90 | |
| 6 | 4.5 | 630x90 | 630x115 | |
| 20 | 4 | 5.0 | 585x90 | 585x115 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 585x115 | 630x115 | |
| 6 | 5.0 | 630x115 | 675x115 | |
| 22 | 4 | 5.5 | 585x115 | 630x115 |
| 5 | 5.5 | 630x115 | 675x115 | |
| 6 | 5.5 | 675x115 | 765x115 | |
| 24 | 4 | 6.0 | 630x115 | 675x115 |
| 5 | 6.0 | 675x115 | 765x115 | |
| 6 | 6.0 | 765x115 | 765x135 | |
| 26 | 4 | 6.5 | 675x115 | 720x135 |
| 5 | 6.5 | 765x115 | 765x135 | |
| 6 | 6.5 | 765x115 | 855x135 | |
| 28 | 4 | 7.0 | 720x135 | 765x135 |
| 5 | 7.0 | 765x135 | 810x135 | |
| 6 | 7.0 | 810x135 | 900x135 | |
| 30 | 4 | 7.5 | 765x135 | 810x135 |
| 5 | 7.5 | 810x135 | 900x135 | |
| 6 | 7.5 | 900x135 | 900x180 | |
| 32 | 4 | 8.0 | 810x135 | 900x135 |
| 5 | 8.0 | 900x135 | 900x180 | |
| 6 | 8.0 | 900x180 | 945x180 |
Nothing contained in this material shall be construed as a warranty or otherwise as to the accuracy or safety of the information provided. Specific design work should be carried out by qualified engineers. Design information for structural laminated timber is fully contained in NZS 3603, Chapter 8.