Steel Building Frames Nottingham

0115 647 6611

Portal Frame Buildings, Moment Frames & Structural Steel Frameworks for Commercial & Industrial Construction

Steel Frame Fabrication

Nottingham Metalworks fabricates steel building frames for commercial, industrial, and agricultural projects across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. From clear-span portal frames to multi-storey moment frames, we deliver complete structural steel frame solutions meeting BS EN 1090 standards with professional fabrication and installation services.

Portal frame rafter fabrication in Nottingham workshop showing welding of haunch connections and steel frame components

Portal frame rafter fabrication

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Steel portal frame being erected by crane in Nottingham showing professional installation of commercial building frame structure

Steel portal frame being erected

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Completed steel portal frame building interior in Nottingham showing clear span commercial space with exposed structural framework

Completed structural steel frame

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Professional Steel Frame Construction

Steel building frames provide efficient, economical structural solutions for warehouses, industrial facilities, agricultural buildings, commercial developments, and institutional structures. Frame construction offers clear-spanning space, rapid erection, design flexibility, and proven long-term durability that makes steel the preferred choice for most single-storey and many multi-storey buildings.

At Nottingham Metalworks, we specialise in fabricating and erecting steel building frames across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Our steel frame services cover portal frames for single-storey buildings, moment frames for multi-storey structures, braced frames for industrial facilities, and hybrid frame systems combining different structural approaches. Every frame is fabricated to BS EN 1090 structural steelwork standards, ensuring regulatory compliance and structural integrity.

Portal frames suit most single-storey buildings—warehouses, industrial units, retail sheds, agricultural buildings, sports facilities, and leisure centres. The structural efficiency of portal frames achieves clear spans up to 40+ metres without intermediate columns, maximising usable floor space. Pitched or curved rafter profiles accommodate various roof geometries whilst maintaining structural economy.

Moment frames provide column-free flexibility for multi-storey buildings where internal layout needs change over building life. Office buildings, car parks, residential developments, and mixed-use structures benefit from moment frame construction's adaptability. Frame bays align with planning grids, whilst structural depth is minimised to maximise floor-to-ceiling heights.

We work with structural engineers, architects, main contractors, developers, and building owners across diverse sectors—manufacturing and distribution, agriculture and food production, retail and commercial, leisure and sports facilities, and residential and mixed-use developments. Our frame fabrication integrates with modern building methods, supporting fast-track construction programmes and demanding project timelines.

TYPES OF STEEL BUILDING FRAMES

Portal Frame Structures


Standard Portal Frames

Portal frames consist of columns and rafters forming rigid frame bays that span building width. The column-to-rafter connection (the eaves haunch) creates the structural rigidity allowing portal frames to achieve substantial clear spans efficiently. We fabricate pitched portal frames with traditional roof profiles, mono-pitch portals for lean-to structures and modern aesthetics, curved rafter portals creating striking architectural forms, and tied portal frames incorporating tension ties for specific applications. Portal spacing (bay centres) typically ranges from 5-8 metres depending on cladding systems and roof loads.


Agricultural Building Frames

Agricultural structures require robust frames withstanding machinery impacts, livestock loads, and often aggressive internal environments. We fabricate portal frames for livestock housing with appropriate corrosion protection, grain stores and agricultural storage buildings, covered yards and implement sheds, equestrian facilities and stable blocks, and farm workshops and maintenance buildings. Agricultural frames often incorporate large door openings for machinery access, requiring structural coordination ensuring frame stability despite significant openings.


Industrial & Warehouse Frames

Commercial and industrial buildings demand frames accommodating heavy roof loads (plant equipment, suspended loads), supporting crane systems where required, providing clear internal height for storage or manufacturing, and allowing flexibility for service penetrations and building modifications. We fabricate frames for logistics warehouses and distribution centres, manufacturing facilities and production halls, retail warehouses and trade counters, and vehicle workshops and maintenance facilities.


Multi-Storey Frames

Moment Frame Structures

Multi-storey buildings benefit from moment frame construction where rigid beam-column connections resist lateral loads without diagonal bracing. We fabricate moment frames for office buildings requiring flexible internal layouts, car park structures with regular column grids, mixed-use developments combining different building functions, and residential developments where internal planning flexibility matters. Moment frames typically use UC (Universal Column) sections for vertical members and UB (Universal Beam) sections for horizontal members, with moment connections achieving through bolted end-plates or welded connections.


Braced Frame Systems

Where diagonal bracing is acceptable, braced frames provide economical multi-storey structures. We fabricate braced frames for industrial buildings where bracing doesn't impede operations, car parks where X-bracing or K-bracing suits the function, stair cores and lift shafts providing lateral stability, and buildings where architectural expression embraces visible bracing. Braced frames use simpler connections than moment frames, typically achieving construction economy whilst providing excellent lateral stability.

FRAME FABRICATION & ENGINEERING

Precision Steel Frame Manufacturing

Design Coordination

Steel frame fabrication begins with structural engineer's drawings showing frame geometry, member sizes, connection details, and loading specifications. We review designs identifying fabrication considerations, coordinating with engineers where clarification needed, and developing workshop fabrication drawings showing exact dimensions, hole positions, weld details, and assembly sequences. Early coordination ensures designs are practical to fabricate and erect whilst meeting structural performance requirements.


Component Fabrication

Frame members are fabricated in our workshop under controlled conditions. Columns are cut to length, base plates welded and drilled for foundation bolts, and splice plates prepared if required. Rafters receive haunch sections welded at specific angles and locations, apex connections fabricated for ridge joints, and purlin cleats fitted for secondary steelwork. All cutting, drilling, and welding follows BS EN 1090 procedures ensuring structural quality and dimensional accuracy.


Connection Engineering

Portal frame connections require particular attention. Eaves haunches transfer moments from rafters to columns efficiently—haunch geometry and welding must meet structural requirements. Apex connections join opposing rafters at ridge, typically using bolted or welded splices. Column bases transfer frame loads to foundations through base plates, holding-down bolts, and grouting. Connection fabrication accuracy directly affects site erection speed and structural performance.


Surface Preparation & Protection

Fabricated frames receive blast cleaning removing mill scale and contaminants, followed by protective primer coating. For agricultural buildings or aggressive environments, hot-dip galvanizing provides superior corrosion protection. Some projects specify intumescent coatings for fire protection. We coordinate finishing requirements during fabrication, ensuring frames arrive on site properly protected.

FRAME ERECTION & INSTALLATION

Professional Steel Frame Installation

Steel frame erection requires careful planning, appropriate equipment, and experienced installation teams. Our erection process ensures safe, efficient frame installation coordinated with foundation contractors and following building trades.


Site Preparation & Foundations

Frame erection depends on accurate foundations. Column base plates must align with holding-down bolts cast into concrete foundations—typically within ±3mm tolerance. We verify foundation positions before frame delivery, identifying any corrections needed before erection begins. This verification prevents costly delays and ensures frames erect smoothly.


Frame Erection Sequence

Portal frames typically erect in complete bay sections—both columns and connecting rafter lifted as a single assembly. Mobile cranes position frames onto holding-down bolts, steel erectors guide frames ensuring accurate vertical alignment, temporary bracing stabilises frames during erection, and bolted or welded connections join adjacent frames. Erection progresses bay-by-bay across building length until primary structure is complete.


Secondary Steelwork

Once primary frames are erected and braced, secondary steelwork provides roof and wall support. Purlins span between frames supporting roof cladding, side rails provide wall cladding support, and bracing systems resist lateral loads and ensure structural stability. Secondary steelwork installation completes the structural skeleton, ready for cladding contractors.


Quality & Safety

Frame erection follows comprehensive safety planning. Risk assessments address working at height, crane operations, and site coordination. Erectors use appropriate personal protective equipment, work platforms, and safety harnesses. Completed frames undergo dimensional verification confirming verticality, alignment, and connection integrity before hand-over to following trades.

WHY CHOOSE STEEL FRAMES

Benefits of Steel Frame Construction

Steel frames offer numerous advantages making them the default choice for most commercial and industrial buildings. Clear spanning eliminates internal columns, maximising usable floor space and operational flexibility. Design flexibility accommodates diverse building uses and future modifications. Rapid erection accelerates overall construction programmes, reducing financing costs and enabling earlier building occupation.

Steel's high strength-to-weight ratio reduces foundation loads compared to alternative structural materials. Off-site fabrication ensures consistent quality and weather-independent production. And steel's inherent durability provides decades of maintenance-free structural service, with frames regularly lasting 50+ years.

For agricultural buildings, portal frames represent the most economical construction method per square metre, achieving large clear-span spaces suited to modern agricultural operations. For commercial and industrial facilities, steel frames provide proven performance with extensive design experience and established construction methodologies.

COMMISSIONING YOUR STEEL BUILDING FRAME

Starting Your Frame Project

Commissioning steel building frames begins with discussing your building requirements—intended use, required floor area, clear span needed, height requirements, and any specific loading (storage racks, suspended loads, crane systems). We coordinate with structural engineers developing economical frame solutions, or if you have structural designs already, we fabricate to those specifications.

We provide detailed quotations covering frame design coordination if required, workshop fabrication of all frame components, protective coatings and corrosion protection, delivery to site, and professional erection and installation. Quotations clearly itemise each element, ensuring transparency and enabling informed decisions.

Steel frame fabrication typically requires 4 weeks from approved drawings to delivery. We coordinate schedules with your construction programme, ensuring frame delivery and erection aligns with foundation completion and doesn't delay following trades.


Steel Building Frames in Nottingham

Ready to discuss your building frame requirements?

Request Your Free Quote

Call: 0115 647 6611

Serving Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, and the East Midlands. Steel portal frames and moment frames for commercial, industrial, and agricultural buildings. Explore our structural steel services including steel beams and columns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Building Frames

  • What is a portal frame and how does it work?

    A portal frame is a structural system where columns and rafters are rigidly connected, creating a frame that resists loads primarily through bending rather than requiring diagonal bracing. The rigid connection at the eaves (where rafter meets column) is achieved through haunched sections that transfer moments between members. This rigid frame action allows portal frames to span large distances without intermediate supports—typically 15-40 metres clear span—making them ideal for warehouses, industrial units, and agricultural buildings. Portal frames are structurally efficient because the rigid connections allow the rafters and columns to share loads, reducing material quantities compared to simply-supported beam systems.

  • How wide a span can portal frames achieve?

    Portal frames typically achieve clear spans from 10 metres up to 40+ metres, depending on structural design and loading requirements. Common spans for agricultural buildings range from 12-25 metres. Industrial warehouses often use 20-35 metre spans. Larger spans are achievable but require heavier sections and deeper haunches, potentially affecting economy. The optimal span balances structural efficiency against fabrication and transportation constraints. Very wide spans might require fabricated sections rather than standard Universal Beams. Your structural engineer will determine appropriate spans based on building function, loading, and budget considerations.

  • What's the difference between portal frames and moment frames?

    Portal frames are typically single-storey structures with pitched or curved rafters creating triangular or arched profiles, primarily used for warehouses, industrial sheds, and agricultural buildings. The frame resists loads through the rigid connection between rafters and columns. Moment frames are multi-storey structures with rectangular geometry—horizontal beams connected rigidly to vertical columns at each floor level. Moment frames suit office buildings, car parks, and residential developments where multiple floors and flexible internal layouts are needed. Both systems use rigid connections to resist lateral loads without diagonal bracing, but portal frames suit wide single-storey buildings whilst moment frames suit multi-storey construction.


  • Do steel frames require fire protection?

    Fire protection requirements depend on building use, height, and Building Regulations requirements. Single-storey industrial warehouses, agricultural buildings, and storage facilities often don't require fire-protected steelwork if they're adequately separated from other buildings and don't have accommodation areas. Multi-storey buildings, structures with residential or commercial tenancies above, or buildings requiring specific fire safety performance need protected steelwork—typically intumescent coatings providing 30, 60, or 90 minutes fire resistance as structural designs specify. Your structural engineer and building control will confirm fire protection requirements. Where required, we coordinate with intumescent coating applicators ensuring frames receive appropriate fire protection.

  • What's included in a steel frame supply?

    Steel frame quotations should clearly specify what's included. Typically, frame supply includes primary steelwork (columns, rafters, purlins, side rails), all connections and fixings, base plates and holding-down bolts, protective primer coating, delivery to site, and often professional erection. Secondary items sometimes priced separately include fire protection coatings if required, hot-dip galvanizing if specified, cladding rails and trims, and specialist items like crane beams. We provide detailed quotations itemising each element, ensuring you understand exactly what's included. Some suppliers quote "supply only" excluding erection—our quotations clearly state whether installation is included or priced separately.

  • Can steel frames accommodate cranes or heavy roof loads?

    Yes, steel frames can be designed supporting overhead cranes, heavy suspended loads, or significant roof-mounted plant equipment. Crane frames require heavier column sections resisting crane loads, crane beam supports integrated with frame structure, and appropriate lateral bracing resisting crane horizontal forces. Heavy roof loads (HVAC plant, suspended storage) require stronger rafters and potentially reduced bay spacing. These requirements must be specified during structural design—retrofitting crane capacity to existing frames is difficult and expensive. Inform structural engineers of any crane requirements, suspended loads, or heavy roof equipment during design stage, ensuring frames are appropriately specified from the outset.

  • What maintenance do steel building frames require?

    Properly protected steel frames require minimal maintenance. External frames in agricultural or industrial use should be inspected periodically (every 3-5 years) checking for coating damage, particularly at eaves where water collection occurs, around base plates where groundwater may affect coating, and at any impact damage points. Damaged coatings should be repaired promptly preventing corrosion progression. Internal frames in dry, heated buildings require virtually no maintenance. Galvanized frames need only visual inspection—the galvanizing provides long-term protection even if coating is abraded. Structural connections should be checked if buildings are subjected to unusual loads or impacts, though properly designed frames rarely develop structural problems. Overall, steel frames provide decades of reliable service with minimal maintenance intervention.


  • How much do steel building frames cost?

    Steel frame costs vary significantly based on span, building size, loading requirements, fire protection, and site access. Agricultural portal frames might cost £40-60 per m² of building footprint for supply and erection. Industrial warehouse frames typically cost £50-80 per m² depending on specification. Multi-storey moment frames range from £60-100+ per m² depending on floors, spans, and loading. These are indicative figures—actual costs depend on specific project requirements, steel prices at quotation time, and site conditions. We provide detailed quotations itemising materials, fabrication, coating, delivery, and installation, ensuring transparency. Steel frames generally offer excellent value compared to alternative structural systems, particularly when rapid construction and long service life are considered.