Types of Framing in Construction

Types of Framing

Wood Framing

  • Light Framing
      - Definition: A construction method where walls are integral to the support structure of the building.
  • Heavy Timber
      - Definition: Utilizes a frame, with walls serving primarily as coverings.

Concrete Framing

  • Monolithic
  • Pre-Cast

Steel Framing

  • Framed (Bolt)
  • Welded Connections

Types of Wood Framing

Light Wood Framing

Balloon Frame
  • Definition: The lightest form of framing.
  • Details:
      - Continuous Lengths: The studding and corner posts extend continuously from the first floor line (or sill) to the roof plate.
      - Ribbons: Boards that are notched and nailed into the studs.
      - Corner Posts: Positioned properly to support second-story joists.
      - Joists: Should be brought against a stud wherever possible.
      - Disadvantage: This frame is characterized by a lack of rigidity and is prone to swaying and trembling in heavy winds.
Combination Frame
  • Definition: A modified version of the old braced frame using heavier timbers with every joint mortised and tenoned.
  • Modification Aspects:
      - Employs lighter timbers.
      - Less mortising and pinning to conserve material and labor.
  • Girts: Framed into corner posts at the second-story level and joists.
  • Drop Girts: Girts that support the floor joists, referred to as drop girts.
  • Raised/Flush Girts: Girts that are parallel to the joists.
  • Studs: Communicate from the sill to the girt and from the girt to the roof plate.
  • Diagonal Braces: Connect from the sill to corner posts and then to the roof plate.
  • Advantage: This framing type is more rigid than the balloon frame and utilizes heavier structural support.

Platform Frame

  • Definition: A method where the ground and second floor level structures are supported by their respective platforms.

Heavy Wood Framing

Beam and Girders
  • Usage Location: Commonly used in the Philippines.
  • Construction Details:
      - Floor joists are carried by girders.
      - Roof trusses or rafters are supported by girts that frame into the posts.
      - Studs: Rest on floor sills and extend up the girder or girt on every floor.

Wood Posts on Concrete Piers

  • Construction Method: Wood posts are anchor strapped to and supported by reinforced concrete piers on isolated footings.
  • Seating Method: Grout is poured in between the joints to ensure that the wood post seats properly on the concrete.