WHAT ARE GIRTS AND PURLINS?

Published February 22, 2013 by Whirlwind Team

Share 0

Secondary framing is an important component of many pre-engineered metal buildings. Also

referred to as secondary structurals, this type of framing runs in between primary framing
elements, creating a structure-within-a-structure, much like cross-beams in a wooden building.

The purpose of secondary framing is to distribute loads from the buildings surfaces to the main
framing and the foundation. Secondary framing can add longitudinal support that helps resist
wind and earthquakes. And it can provide lateral bracing for compression flanges that are part of
the primary framing, increasing overall frame capacity.

Secondary framing components are known as girts and purlins, and they work like this:

Girts provide additional support for walls. They work in conjunction with columns and
wall panels to support vertical load, improving both strength and stability. They also help
attach and support wall cladding.
Purlins provide additional support for the roof. They create a horizontal diaphragm that
supports the weight of your buildings roof deck whatever material you use for the roof
itself. They also help make your entire roof structure more rigid. Because they add mid-span
support, purlins allow longer spans, enabling you to create a wider building.
 Eave struts are another kind of secondary framing. Also called eave girts or eave purlins,
these are essentially a combination of the two. Theyre used where sidewalls intersect with
the roof, using a top flange that helps support the roof and a web that helps support the
walls.

Secondary framing comes in two configurations, named for their shape: CEE and ZEE. Theyre
shaped on a bending press, to create a web with two flanges. They come in a variety of sizes; for
instance, purlins can run over 30 feet in length.

Girts, purlins and eave struts are almost always made of cold-formed steel. Its more affordable
and easier to work with, but it also presents some structural stability issues that must be
considered as part of your metal building framing options and overall design. In particular, local
or distortional buckling or lateral displacement can occur, in which portions of the compression
flange, web or connectors can buckle or shift from their initial position.

Problems can occur under extreme stress or even under relatively low stress if conditions are just
right. However you shouldnt consider these engineering issues to be detractors if youre
considering a metal building. Additional stability or support can come not only from girts,
purlins and eave struts but also from additional stiffeners.

Exactly how many and what size secondary framing elements your building may require will
depend on your buildings dimensions, primary framing system and how you plan to use the
building as well as other factors. Your metal building company can explain the nuances in detail
and guide you toward the right decision.