Steel Buildings in Europe

Part 2: Concept Design 2 - 42 5 SIMPLE BEAM STRUCTURES For modest spans, (up to approximately 20 m) a simple beam and column structure can be provided, as illustrated in Figure 5.1. The roof beam is a single rolled section, with nominally pinned connections to the columns. The roof beam may be straight, precambered, perforated or curved. The roof may be horizontal, or more commonly with a modest slope to assist drainage. Ponding of water on the roof should be avoided with a slope, or precambered beam. Figure 5.1 Simple beam and column frame Frame stability for this form of structure is provided by bracing in each orthogonal direction. The beam is designed as simply supported, and the columns as simple struts, with a nominal moment applied by the beam connection. It is common to assume that the shear force from the beam is applied 100 mm from the face of the column.