Comparison of Steel Portal Frame vs. Steel Truss Frame vs. Steel Space Frame
Each of these steel structural systems has unique characteristics, advantages, and ideal applications. Below is a detailed comparison:
A simple, rigid frame consisting of columns and rafters connected by moment-resisting joints.
Often used for single-story industrial and commercial buildings.
✔ Cost-effective for large, open spaces (e.g., warehouses, factories).
✔ Quick to erect (pre-engineered components).
✔ Clear-span capability (no internal columns).
✔ Adaptable to cladding (metal sheets, insulated panels).
❌ Limited to low-rise buildings (typically single-story).
❌ Less efficient for very long spans (>50m requires heavier sections).
❌ Not ideal for high seismic zones unless specially braced.
Warehouses
Aircraft hangars
Agricultural buildings
Retail sheds
Composed of triangular units (Warren, Pratt, or Howe trusses) to form a rigid framework.
Used for roofs and bridges where long spans are needed.
✔ Efficient for long spans (30–100m+).
✔ Lightweight compared to solid beams.
✔ Flexible design (can be curved, flat, or pitched).
✔ Good load distribution (ideal for roofs and bridges).
❌ More complex connections (welded/bolted nodes).
❌ Higher fabrication cost than portal frames.
❌ Maintenance challenges (hard-to-reach joints in tall roofs).
Stadium roofs
Aircraft hangars
Bridge decks
Exhibition halls
A 3D lattice structure made of interlocking struts in geometric patterns.
Used for large, column-free areas with architectural appeal.
✔ Extremely lightweight yet strong.
✔ Can cover massive spans (100m+) without intermediate supports.
✔ Aesthetically striking (modern, open designs).
✔ Modular construction (easy to assemble).
❌ High fabrication cost (precision welding/bolting required).
❌ Complex engineering (requires advanced analysis).
❌ Not ideal for heavy point loads (best for uniform loads).
Airport terminals
Sports arenas
Exhibition pavilions
Skylights & atriums
Need a simple, low-cost warehouse? → Portal Frame
Building a stadium or long-span roof? → Truss Frame
Designing an iconic, column-free space? → Space Frame
Each of these steel structural systems has unique characteristics, advantages, and ideal applications. Below is a detailed comparison:
A simple, rigid frame consisting of columns and rafters connected by moment-resisting joints.
Often used for single-story industrial and commercial buildings.
✔ Cost-effective for large, open spaces (e.g., warehouses, factories).
✔ Quick to erect (pre-engineered components).
✔ Clear-span capability (no internal columns).
✔ Adaptable to cladding (metal sheets, insulated panels).
❌ Limited to low-rise buildings (typically single-story).
❌ Less efficient for very long spans (>50m requires heavier sections).
❌ Not ideal for high seismic zones unless specially braced.
Warehouses
Aircraft hangars
Agricultural buildings
Retail sheds
Composed of triangular units (Warren, Pratt, or Howe trusses) to form a rigid framework.
Used for roofs and bridges where long spans are needed.
✔ Efficient for long spans (30–100m+).
✔ Lightweight compared to solid beams.
✔ Flexible design (can be curved, flat, or pitched).
✔ Good load distribution (ideal for roofs and bridges).
❌ More complex connections (welded/bolted nodes).
❌ Higher fabrication cost than portal frames.
❌ Maintenance challenges (hard-to-reach joints in tall roofs).
Stadium roofs
Aircraft hangars
Bridge decks
Exhibition halls
A 3D lattice structure made of interlocking struts in geometric patterns.
Used for large, column-free areas with architectural appeal.
✔ Extremely lightweight yet strong.
✔ Can cover massive spans (100m+) without intermediate supports.
✔ Aesthetically striking (modern, open designs).
✔ Modular construction (easy to assemble).
❌ High fabrication cost (precision welding/bolting required).
❌ Complex engineering (requires advanced analysis).
❌ Not ideal for heavy point loads (best for uniform loads).
Airport terminals
Sports arenas
Exhibition pavilions
Skylights & atriums
Need a simple, low-cost warehouse? → Portal Frame
Building a stadium or long-span roof? → Truss Frame
Designing an iconic, column-free space? → Space Frame
Q: How can I get a quote for my project?
A: You can contact me anytime, via WeChat, WhatsApp, Email, or phone. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Email: jack@xingyasteel.com
Phone: +86 17305413116
WeChat: 17305413116
WhatsApp: +86 17305413116
Q: How long can I get the price?
A: If possible, please provide project CAD drawings, pictures or specific requirements. We usually quote within 6 hours. If you want to get a quote as soon as possible, please let us know via WeChat, WhatsApp or email so that we can prioritize your inquiry.
Q: Can we visit your factory?
A: Of course, we welcome you to visit our factory or production line on site to understand our strength and quality. We will arrange a professional team to serve you. You just need to send your itinerary and leave the rest to us.
Q: Do you provide customized product services?
A: Of course, our professional R&D team can design and produce the products you need according to your specifications and drawings. For example: special size, special control, OEM, etc.
Q: Where is the loading port?
A: Normally, we ship from Tianjin Port, Qingdao Port and Shanghai Port. Of course, we can also accept the port you specify.