How do I design a simple warehouse with CalcSteel?
Common Scenarios
Open the editor and choose the Warehouse Template from the splash screen — this creates a parametric portal frame with columns, rafters, purlins and girts. Adjust the dimensions (span, bay spacing, eave height, ridge height) in the parameters panel. Apply loads: permanent (self-weight + roof cover), variable (snow/maintenance), wind (per ASCE 7, NBR 6123 or Eurocode 1 depending on your jurisdiction). Add load combinations for ULS and SLS. Run the analysis. Review verification — if any member fails, go back and change its profile or adjust dimensions. Export the PDF. A typical single-story warehouse (15×30 m span) takes 30-60 minutes for an experienced user from blank template to finished report.
Key takeaways
- To design a single-span warehouse you follow one loop in any code: set the portal geometry, apply dead, live, snow and wind, build factored combinations, take the force envelope, then verify each member and connection.
- CalcSteel runs that whole loop in the browser with 1,140+ steel profiles and code engines for NBR 8800, AISC 360, Eurocode 3 and IS 800 - on a free plan, with Pro at US$24/month (billed annually) for heavier exports.
- The single-span pitched portal frame is the dominant warehouse system; SteelConstruction.info reports it accounts for ~50% of constructional steel used in the UK and is most efficient over spans of about 25-35 m.
- Its economy comes from plastic theory (Baker, Horne and Heyman at Cambridge); the example combinations shown here are ASCE 7-16 - NBR 8800 and Eurocode 3 users apply different factors and must not copy them blindly.
Full guide
Steel Warehouse Design: Portal Frame Tutorial
Step-by-step with figures and sources — 9 min read
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