Frame-type construction remains the versatile, efficient backbone of the built environment. From skyscraper frames to sustainable timber homes, the right choice of structural frame can ensure safety, performance, and longevity, all while meeting modern building codes, green standards, and architectural ambitions.
Why Frame Type Construction Matters
Think of a building like a human body. The structural frame is its skeleton — invisible at first glance, but everything else hangs off it. Frame type construction is the backbone of modern architecture: it gives buildings height, span, and flexibility.
Whether you’re an architect looking for open layouts, a developer chasing faster schedules and predictable costs, or a homeowner curious about what holds your house up, frame systems are the key. Behind the scenes, they rely on structural engineering principles, structural analysis, and construction materials science to ensure buildings are safe, strong, and durable.
Our guide explains the what, why, and how of frame systems, covering moment-resisting frames, braced frames, and innovations that shape today’s skylines.
What is Frame Type Construction?
Frame-type construction is a building method in which a structural frame—typically a network of columns and beams — supports the load and transfers it to the foundation systems. Unlike a load-bearing structure, where walls hold the weight, frame buildings rely on interconnected members such as slabs, trusses, and core walls to work together.
This design allows flexibility inside — you can move walls without risking collapse — and makes it possible to reach high-rise construction heights or wide spans for industrial use.
Structural Frame vs Load-Bearing Structure
In a load-bearing structure, thick masonry walls are the main vertical supports. In a framed building, the moment-resisting frame or braced frame carries the load, while walls become non-structural “curtains.” This approach dominates commercial building structures, residential construction, and industrial construction techniques worldwide.
A Short History — From Load-Bearing Walls to Framed Skeletons
For centuries, buildings relied on massive masonry for strength. Industrialisation introduced steel frames and reinforced concrete frames, shifting architecture toward skeletal frames that were faster, taller, and lighter.
Today, we also see prefabricated frames, engineered timber systems like glulam and CLT, and hybrid approaches combining multiple materials. These methods align with modern building methods, green building standards like LEED certification and BREEAM, and climate-responsive design for sustainability.
Traditional vs Modern Building Methods
Traditional construction favoured weight and thickness. Modern approaches prize precision, speed, and value engineering. Off-site prefabrication and BIM (Building Information Modelling) allow 3D structural modelling for flawless fit-up and fewer site delays.
Core Components of a Structural Frame
Every framed building has these essential parts:
Columns, Beams, Slabs, and Connections
- Columns transfer vertical dead loads and live loads to the ground.
- Beams span horizontally, carrying floor loads to columns.
- Slabs form floors and transfer loads to beams.
- Connections — bolted, welded, or reinforced — are designed with connection detailing for strength and ductility.
Role of Foundation Systems
The frame’s loads reach the earth through foundation systems such as:
- Shallow footings
- Pile foundations
- Raft slabs
The right choice depends on soil properties, structural analysis, and local building codes and standards.
Types of Frame Type Construction
Different frame systems suit different needs.
Reinforced Concrete Frame (RC Frame)
RC Frames use concrete reinforced with steel rebar for moment resistance and durability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fire-resistant | Heavier than steel — needs robust foundations |
| Excellent for medium-rise residential and commercial structures | Slower due to curing |
| Good thermal mass | Higher carbon footprint unless using supplementary cementitious materials |
Steel Frame
Lightweight, high-strength, and ideal for high-rise construction or long spans.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rapid erection with prefabricated members | Needs fire resistance design (e.g., intumescent coating) |
| High strength-to-weight ratio | Prone to corrosion without treatment |
| Suitable for industrial construction techniques | Requires skilled welding/bolting |
Timber Frame
From traditional post-and-beam to engineered timber like glulam and CLT.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Renewable and low embodied carbon | Needs moisture and pest control |
| Warm aesthetics and quick assembly | Fire behaviour differs (chars are predictable, but must meet fire rating codes) |
| Naturally insulative | Fire behaviour differs (chars are predictable,e but must meet fire rating codes) |
Prefabricated Frame / Modular Frame
Built in factories, transported, and assembled on-site.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistent quality | Transport size limits |
| Reduced waste and faster timelines | Design must be finalised early (design freeze) |
| Great for repetitive housing or hotels |
Hybrid Frames
Combine steel beams with RC cores, or timber floors on steel columns — merging the strengths of each material.
How Frames Carry Loads — Load Paths and Behaviour
In structural analysis, loads travel slab → beam → column → foundation, → soil.
- Dead loads = permanent weights (structure, finishes)
- Live loads = variable (people, furniture)
- Lateral loads = wind and seismic forces
Gravity Loads, Lateral Loads, and Load Distribution
Wind load design uses aerodynamic shaping and wind bracing systems.
Seismic performance improves with base isolation and energy dissipation devices.
Earthquake-resistant design prioritises ductility and controlled deformation.
Design Considerations and Architectural Integration
Frame design must align with architectural design from the start.
- Column grids match room layouts
- Openings allow natural ventilation for climate-responsive design
- Integration of MEP systems without structural compromise
Building Codes and Standards
Codes dictate safety factors, seismic detailing, fire resistance design, and thermal and acoustic performance.
Earthquake-Resistant Design Principles
- Provide continuous load paths
- Avoid soft stories
- Use braced frames or shear walls strategically
Construction Process — Foundation to Cladding
- Site preparation and soil investigation
- Excavation and foundation works
- Frame erection (steel, RC, timber, or prefab)
- Floor system installation
- Bracing and core construction
- MEP rough-ins
- Cladding and finishing
- Testing and commissioning
Quality Control and Testing
Includes reinforcement detailing checks, material testing, PPE safety compliance, and scaffolding safety.
Advantages of Frame Type Construction
Residential Construction
- Flexible layouts
- Speed via prefab
- Easy future retrofits
Commercial Building Structure
- Large column-free spaces
- Adaptable floor plans
- High floor load capacity
Industrial Construction Techniques
- Long-span steel frames
- Fast erection minimises downtime
- Durable under heavy use
Challenges and Pitfalls
- Cost swings in steel/timber markets
- Thermal bridging issues
- Coordination complexity in prefab
- Lack of proper structural detailing can harm performance
Sustainability and Modern Building Methods
Green building standards encourage:
- Low-carbon materials
- Passive solar design
- Lifecycle thinking for adaptability
Maintenance and Lifecycle Costs
Material-specific needs:
- Steel → corrosion protection
- RC → crack monitoring
- Timber → moisture control
Planned structural strengthening and seismic retrofit to extend service life.
Quick Decision Checklist
Ask:
- Span/height requirements?
- Local material costs?
- Seismic/wind constraints?
- Energy and acoustic targets?
FAQs
What’s the main difference between a structural frame and a load-bearing structure?
A structural frame uses columns, beams, and slabs to carry loads, so walls are non-structural and flexible. A load-bearing structure relies on walls to carry the loads, so wall placement is critical to the building’s strength and layout.
Which frame type is best for earthquake-prone areas?
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but systems designed with ductility and continuous load paths — well-detailed RC frames with adequate reinforcement detailing or steel frames with proper bracing — often perform well. Earthquake-resistant design principles must be applied regardless of material.
Are prefabricated frames cheaper than on-site construction?
Prefabrication can save time and reduce site labour and waste; however, initial design, transport, and lifting costs can offset savings in some cases. Prefab is most cost-effective when repetition, speed, and quality control matter.
How does a timber frame compare to steel or RC in sustainability?
Timber (especially engineered timber like CLT or glulam) stores carbon and generally has a lower embodied carbon footprint than concrete or steel. Yet sustainability also depends on sourcing, lifespan, and end-of-life options.
What are the common maintenance needs for framed buildings?
Maintenance depends on material: steel requires corrosion checks and protective coatings, RC needs monitoring for cracks and spalling, and timber needs moisture control and periodic inspections. Good detailing during design minimises maintenance.