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Prescriptive design information on the options and tools for our Strong-Wall® site-built portal frame system to help contractors meet wall bracing requirements for projects with narrow wall widths.

Site-Built Portal Frame System Design Options and Tools

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<h1>Strong-Wall Site-Built Portal Frame System</h1>
<h4>Portal Frame System Dimensions</h4>
<img
  alt="Portal Frame System Dimensions"
  src="https://ssttoolbox.widen.net/content/ey44skc179/png/
  Table_Portal_Frame_System_Dimensions.png?crop=false&position=c&color=ffffffff&w=1332&h=264"
/>
<ol>
  <li>LVL is 2.0E (min.); solid sawn lumber is #2 or better.</li>
  <li>
    Anchor bolts are not included in the portal frame system kit. Refer to <a href="/products/lateral-systems/strong-wall-shearwalls/site-built-portal-frame-system/anchorage">Site-Built Portal Frame System Anchorage</a> page for additional information on anchorage.
  </li>
  <li>Refer to foundation details for minimum concrete dimensions.</li>
  <li>Solid sawn columns require a wood shim at the holdown assemblies.</li>
  <li>Maximum total height may be increased to 144" with the addition of a pony 
    wall above the header, as shown in the figure on <a href="/products/lateral-systems/strong-wall-shearwalls/site-built-portal-frame-system/design-options-tools">Site-Built Portal Frame System Design Options and Tools</a> page.</li>
  <li>Glulam headers may be 3 1/8"–3 1/2" wide. For assembly details with solid sawn 
    or LVL columns, refer to detail sheet <a href="https://www.strongtie.com/search?v=PFS3%3Arelevance&tab=drawing">PFS3</a></li>
</ol>

<h5>To specify a portal frame system, include the following:</h5>
<ul>
  <li>Single or double hardware kit</li>
  <li>Column size and material</li>
  <li>Beam size and material</li>
  <li>Anchor diameter, adhesive type and embedment depths</li>
  <li>Specific reference to any shim blocking or pony wall assembly details, if applicable</li>
  <li>Include the Simpson Strong-Tie installation detail sheet with your plans and reference the sheet number</li>
</ul>

<h5>Example:</h5>
<ul class="list-unstyled">
  <li>
    - On framing/wall-bracing sheets specify: Simpson Strong-Tie PFS-HKD double wall portal with (2) 2x10 SP columns with
    1/2" OSB shim, (2) 1 3/4" x 11 7/8" LVL beams with 1/4" shim
  </li>
  <li>
    - On foundation sheets specify: Simpson Strong-Tie SET-3G&trade; epoxy, 5/8"-diameter all-thread rod, 12"
    embedment
  </li>
</ul>
<p>See Simpson Strong-Tie PFS installation details on Sheets PFS1, PFS2, and PFS3. Installation sheets can be downloaded at <a href="https://www.strongtie.com/search?v=Strong-Wall+Site-Built+Portal+Frame+System%3Arelevance&tab=drawing">strongtie.com/pfs</a></p>

<div class="image">
  <img
    alt="PFS Elevation"
    src="https://embed.widencdn.net/img/ssttoolbox/7dfsau61zh/400px@2x/pfs-elevation.png"
  />
</div>

<h4>Portal Frame System Bracing Equivalents for Wind and Seismic</h4>
<img
  alt="Portal Frame System Bracing Equivalents for Wind"
  src="https://ssttoolbox.widen.net/content/rpetad9ipv/png/
  Table_Portal_Frame_System_Bracing_Equivalents_for_Wind.png?crop=false&position=c&color=ffffffff&w=1333&h=236"
/>
<ol>
  <li>
    The Strong-Wall site-built portal frame system (PFS) is applicable for use
    up to 10' max. The total wall height is permitted to be increased to 12'
    with a 2' max. pony wall. For pony wall applications, the equivalent bracing length must be reduced by a 0.80 factor.
  </li>
  <li>
    PFS may be used in single-story and first of two-story applications for detached and one- and
    two-family dwellings in Wind and SDC A, B and C.
  </li>
  <li>Use limited to single-story applications for detached and one- and two-family dwellings in SDC D0–D2.</li>
  <li>
    Concurent vertical load denotes the total maximum concentric vertical load
    permitted on the portal frame column when combined lateral loads are present.
  </li>
  <li>
    The designer is responsible for the beam design. The reaction at beam/column
    interface shall not exceed the tabulated maximum allowable beam end reaction
    for each material type. The maximum allowable beam end reaction may not be increased for duration of load.
  </li>
  <li>When required, add beam support trimmer stud(s) per designer. Attach to PFS column with 0.162" x 3 1/2" nails at 12" on center.</li>
  <li>
    Minimum header depths for LVL and solid sawn are 11 1/4" and 11 7/8",
    respectively.
  </li>
  <li>
    Solid sawn columns may be used in combination with LVL header material.
    Wall-bracing length is limited to that of the solid sawn material. Shims
    illustrated in LVL &mdash; Solid Sawn detail below must be used for proper
    framing alignment.
  </li>
  <li>
    For 10" nominal DF/SP and SPF/HF systems constructed with shim at holdown
    only, vertical load is limited to 2,500 lb.
  </li>
</ol>

<div class="h-spacer"></div>

<div class="row">
  <div class="col-md-2 d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center">
    <div class="image__caption">
      <strong>Wood Framing Details</strong>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-md-8">
  <img
    alt="F-L-PFS19-04b-wood-framing-details.png"
    src="https://embed.widencdn.net/img/ssttoolbox/lxp6ljwql2/600px@2x/F-L-PFS19-04b-wood-framing-details.png"
  />
  </div>
</div>
<p><strong>Note:</strong> See <a href="https://www.strongtie.com/search?v=Strong-Wall+Site-Built+Portal+Frame+System%3Arelevance&tab=drawing">strongtie.com/pfs</a>, Installation Detail Sheet PFS3 for Alternate Framing Conditions, including Glulam Header Assembly details.</p>


<div class="h-spacer"></div>

<div class="row">
  <div class="col-md-2 d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center">
    <div class="image__caption">
      <strong>Pony Wall Assembly Requirements</strong>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="col-md-8">
    <img
    alt="F-L-PFS19-04b-wood-framing-details.png"
    src="https://ssttoolbox.widen.net/content/vowkh07nrt/png/SW_PFS_InstIll_Ill_Instld_PortalFrameSystem-PonyWallAssemblyRequirements_CY.png?crop=false&position=c&color=ffffffff&w=2048&h=874"
  />
  </div>
</div>


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