Glossary of Terms

Anchor Bolts
Bolts utilized to secure building components to the foundation. In the case of primary framing, these bolts are embedded in the foundation and secured to the column baseplate.

Bay Spacing
The distance between primary framing members measured parallel to the ridge or eave. Interior bays are measured from center line of frame to center line of frame.

Building Height
Building height is the eave height which usually is the distance from the bottom of the main frame column base plate to the top outer point of the eave strut. Eave height is the distance from the finished floor to the top outer point of the eave strut.

Building Length
The distance between the outside flanges of endwall columns in opposite endwalls is considered the building length is a combination of several bay lengths.

Building Width
No matter what primary framing system is used, the building width is defined as the distance from outside of eave strut of one sidewall to outside of eave strut of the opposite sidewall.

Clear Height
Distance from the finished floor to the bottom of the rafter at the rafter-to-column connection.

Clear Span
Distance between columns.

Cold Formed Section
A structural shape that is formed by bending thin gauge (typically 10-16 ga.) material at ambient temperature. This is typically done on a roll former.

Column
Vertical support member for primary framing system.

Design Loads
Design loads are the forces the building will be subjected to. Required design loads must be specified at time of quotation. Loads are applied in accordance with the latest building codes and standards applicable to pre-engineered buildings.

Haunch
The area of increased depth of the column or rafter member which is designed to account for the higher bending moments that occur at such places. Typically, this occurs at the rafter-to-column connection.

Post-and-Beam Endframe
A structural framing system utilized at the endwall which is composed of corner post, end post and rake beams.

Rafter
A fabricated member, that extends from the haunch member to the frame ridge. Any beam, in general, used in a primary frame.

Rod Bracing
Rods are utilized in conjunction with purlins and girts to form a truss-type bracing system located in both roof and wall planes.

Roof Purlin
A roof secondary member which is secured to frame rafters and supports the roof covering.

Roof Slope (x:12)
This is the angle of the roof with respect to the horizontal. The most common roof slopes are 0.5/10 and 1/10. Any practical roof slope is possible.

Roof System
The exterior roof surface consisting of panels, closures and attachments.

Sidewall
An exterior wall which is parallel to the ridge and sidewall of the building.

Three-Plate
A built-up beam section, forming an ‘I’ shape, that consists of 2 flanges and 1 web. Using three-plate over conventional structural shapes allows for greater strength at a reduced weight. These sections are often tapered to optimize performance.

Wall Girt
A horizontal wall secondary member which is secured to columns and supports the wall covering.

Wall System
The exterior wall surface consisting of panels, closures and attachments