The steel frame is the load-bearing core of a fast-build structure. Everything else — the roof, walls, windows — is the "cladding" on that frame. The safety and longevity of the entire building depend on the correct calculation and quality of fabrication of the frame.
35–45%
frame share
of the total building cost
from 480,000 ₸/t
structure cost
ex-factory in Kazakhstan
6–12 m
column spacing
standard for warehouses
2–4 weeks
fabrication
standard frame at the factory
What Makes Up a Steel Frame
Columns
Vertical load-bearing elements. Material: hot-rolled I-beam or a built-up section from steel plate. Installed on foundation bolts at 6, 9 or 12 m spacing.
Beams and Trusses
Horizontal and inclined load-bearing roof elements. Trusses are used for spans from 18 m — they transfer loads to the columns through a triangular lattice.
Purlins
Secondary horizontal elements onto which the roof decking is fixed. Made from channel sections or Z/C profiles.
Bracing
Diagonal and horizontal stiffness elements that ensure the spatial stability of the frame. Especially important in earthquake-prone areas of Kazakhstan.
Fachwerk (Gable Framing)
The frame for the end and side walls — sections of profile to which wall panels, doors, and windows are attached.
What Drives the Cost of the Frame
Span. Increasing the span from 18 to 24 m adds 30–40% to the weight of the trusses — the main driver of cost growth.
Height. Every additional metre of height increases column weight and wind pressure — an extra 5–8% to cost.
Loads. A 3-tonne overhead crane requires significant reinforcement of the frame — this adds +15–25% to the price of the base frame.
Seismicity. In Almaty — mandatory seismic reinforcement: rigid diaphragms, increased cross-sections, special bolted connections. A surcharge of 10–18%.
Factory. Kazakh factories (Almaty, Astana, Temirtau) are generally 10–15% cheaper than Russian ones at comparable quality.
Typical Frame Parameters for Different Facilities
| Facility | Span | Column Height | Column Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small warehouse / hangar | 12–18 m | 4–6 m | 6 m |
| Medium warehouse | 18–24 m | 6–9 m | 6 m |
| Large logistics facility | 24–36 m | 9–12 m | 6–9 m |
| Industrial production hall | 18–30 m | 8–14 m | 6–9 m |
Quality Control — What to Check
- Steel certificates (grade no lower than S245 for load-bearing elements)
- Cross-sections match the design drawings
- Weld quality (visual inspection + ultrasonic for critical joints)
- Anti-corrosion coating (DFS film thickness from 80 µm)
We'll fabricate a steel frame to your project specifications
In-house production, quality control, delivery and installation across Kazakhstan.
