A goalpost frame is a steel beam carried on two steel posts, forming a frame like a goal. It is used when a wide opening leaves no wall for a beam to sit on, for example a rear extension that opens the whole back of a house or a large bi-fold or sliding door.
How it works
The posts are usually universal columns fixed to concrete foundations with base plates and holding-down bolts. Where the frame also has to resist sideways movement, the engineer designs rigid connections between beam and posts, and it becomes a portal frame.
Tell your engineer about the doors
Large glazed doors are sensitive to the beam above bending. Door makers often set a tight limit on how much the beam may deflect, so give your engineer the door specification before the steel is sized.
Getting it into place
- We can make the frame in pieces and bolt it together on site where access is tight.
- Base plates are set on the foundations at the right level, then grouted.
- Steel inside the house is normally primed; steel exposed to the weather is galvanised.
Fire protection
Like other structural steel in a house, a goalpost frame may need fire protection. Building control confirms what is needed for your project.
