What Are Portal Frames in Steel Structures?

gokul raj
May 29
3 min read

When you think of large industrial buildings—warehouses, factories, commercial sheds—what’s one thing they all need? Open, uninterrupted space. That’s exactly where portal frames come into play, and

Let me walk you through what portal frames are, why they matter, and how we at Sharcon make them work smarter for your projects.

What Exactly Is a Portal Frame?

A portal frame is a structural system made from steel columns and rafters that are joined together with moment-resisting connections. What makes them special is their ability to span large distances without needing internal columns. This allows for wide open spaces inside buildings—ideal for storage, machinery, or flexible work areas.

They’re built to resist both vertical loads (like the roof or snow) and horizontal forces (like wind). You’ll commonly see them in warehouses, industrial buildings, and agricultural sheds—anywhere open, durable space is essential.

Key Components of a Steel Portal Frame

Here are the essential building blocks that go into a typical steel portal frame:

Portal Columns – Vertical members that support the load from the roof and transfer it to the foundation.
Rafters – Horizontal or pitched beams that span the top and connect the columns.
Haunches – Reinforced, tapered sections at the base or top corners to boost structural strength.
Purlins & Side Rails – Secondary members supporting roof and wall cladding.
Bracing – Diagonal or cross members that resist lateral loads and provide stability.

Design Considerations We Focus On

When we design and detail a portal frame at Sharcon, we look at several key factors to ensure safety, buildability, and cost-efficiency:

Load Analysis – Understanding how much weight (and from where) your structure will bear.
Column and Beam Sizing – Choosing the right steel sections like I-beams or box sections.
Connection Detailing – Designing joints that can safely transfer loads and moments.
Foundation Requirements – Making sure the base is solid enough to prevent uplift or lateral movement.

Why Choose Steel Portal Frames?

Here’s why portal frames are such a smart choice in construction:

Large Clear Spans – No need for internal columns, which means more usable space.
Speed of Construction – Prefabricated steel parts make assembly quick and efficient.
Cost-Effective – Fewer materials and less labor mean lower costs.
Flexible & Scalable – Easy to extend or modify later as your needs grow.

Our Detailing Approach at Sharcon

At Sharcon, we provide end-to-end detailing services for portal frame structures—backed by precision, expertise, and client-first collaboration.

Here’s how we add value:

Accurate Steel Detailing – Every beam, bolt, and bracket is clearly defined for fabrication and erection.
2D & 3D Deliverables – We provide everything from fabrication drawings to erection plans and material lists.
Advanced Modeling Tools – Using Tekla Structures and similar software ensures millimeter-level accuracy.
Buildable, Site-Friendly Designs – We think practically to reduce errors and surprises on-site.
Industry-Wide Support – Whether it’s a warehouse, factory, or farm shed, we’ve done it—and done it well.
Team Collaboration – We work closely with fabricators, structural engineers, and contractors to keep everything aligned and efficient.

Final Thoughts

Portal columns may not look flashy, but they’re the backbone of industrial steel construction. At Sharcon , we see them as more than just components—we see them as frameworks for productivity, durability, and cost-efficiency.

If you're planning an industrial steel building, warehouse, or metal shed, let’s talk about how a well-designed portal frame—and a reliable steel detailing partner—can make all the difference.

📞 Call us: +61 478 727 338

📧 Email us: shyam@sharcon.com.au

🌐 Visit our website: www.sharcon.com.au