A structural steel tie beam is a factory-prefabricated horizontal connecting member that links the main steel columns and roof beams of a frame, balancing axial force and limiting lateral deformation to boost the overall rigidity of the roof framing system. As the primary strut in the bracing system it transmits longitudinal wind loads on the gable end and crane braking forces through the column bracing to the foundations, joins individually erected frames into a stable spatial skeleton during erection, and provides lateral bracing points that shorten the effective length of compression members.
We fabricate both rigid ties - from CHS, RHS/SHS or HFW H-sections, able to carry tension and compression - and flexible ties from single angles or round bars for pure-tension bracing, in Q235/Q355, S235/S355 or A36/A572 grades.
Types of Our Tie Beam
| Type | Force behaviour | Common sections | Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rigid Tie Beam | Resists tension and compression; primary strut preventing lateral buckling of compression members | CHS · double-angle built-up · HFW H-section | Key nodes - column tops and ridges of trusses/rigid frames |
| Flexible Tie | Tension-only; slackens under compression, force carried by rigid ties or roof bracing | Single angle · round bar (sag rod) | Diagonal/light bracing positions between rigid frames |
Specification of Tie Beam
| Description | Structural Tie Members / Braces for frames (CHS/SHS/RHS or Hot-rolled Sections) |
| Material Grade | GB: Q235B/C/D, Q355B/C/D/E; EN: S235JR/J0/J2, S355JR/J0/J2; ASTM: A36, A572 Gr.50 |
| Execution Standards | GB/T 700, GB/T 1591, GB/T 6728; ASTM A36, A572, A500; EN 10210, EN 10219 |
| Welding & Fabrication | GMAW (CO2/Ar), FCAW; CNC Plasma/Flame Cutting; Precision CNC Drilling |
| Quality Assurance | VT (100%), MT/PT for end-plate fillet welds, UT for full-pen welds; 100% dimensional inspection |
| Applications | Vertical and horizontal bracing, strut ties for industrial plants, logistics centres, stadiums, pipe racks |
| Corrosion Protection | Shot blasting Sa2.5 (ISO 8501-1); C3/C4/C5 systems or HDG to EN ISO 1461 / ASTM A123 |
| Technical Support | Tekla Structures (BIM) detailing, shop drawings, connection optimization |
| Certifications | ISO 9001:2015, EN 1090-2 (EXC2/EXC3), AWS D1.1 / CWB Certified Welding |
| Logistics & Packaging | Steel banding, end-cap protection, heavy steel skids or container cradles |
Engineering Performance Notes
Longitudinal force path - ties collect gable-end wind and crane braking forces into the column-bracing bay and down to foundations.
Axial behaviour - rigid ties designed for tension/compression as struts (slenderness to code); flexible ties tension-only.
Section selection - CHS all-axis strength + torsion; RHS one-directional bending; round bar/angle lightest for tension ties.
Effective-length & stability - ties at column tops/ridges/crane brackets shorten out-of-plane effective length of columns and beams.
Connection design - welded end plates + HS bolts to EN 1993-1-8; fillet welds MT/PT, full-pen welds UT.
Applicable design standards - GB 50017 / GB 51022 · EN 1993-1-1/1-8 · AISC 360 · EN 1090-2 · AWS D1.1.
Roles of Tie Beam
Transfer of Longitudinal Horizontal Forces
Transmits wind loads acting on the gable end and longitudinal crane braking forces through the tie beams into the column bracing system, and ultimately to the foundations.
Ensuring Overall Structural Spatial Stiffness
During erection, tie beams work in conjunction with the bracing system to form individually erected rigid frame bents into a stable spatial skeleton.
Determining Effective Lengths of Members
Provides lateral brace points for frame columns (out-of-plane) and roof beams (out-of-plane), thereby reducing the effective length of compression members and preventing lateral buckling instability.
Preventing Lateral Displacement of Purlins / Wall Girts
Restrains the lateral deformation of purlins when loaded in compression.
Applications of Tie Beam
Portal Frame Industrial Buildings: Installed at column tops, ridges, and crane girder bracket locations, tie beams connect adjacent frames and transfer longitudinal horizontal forces to the bay fitted with column bracing.
Space Frames and Truss Structures: In complex spatial structures, tie beams connect individual units, ensuring the spatial stability of the roof system.
Tied-Arch Bridges: The transverse tie beams between arch ribs not only provide stability but also directly resist the horizontal thrust at the arch springing points.
High-Rise Steel Frames: Serving as an extension of connecting beams, tie beams coordinate force distribution among individual frame bents, safeguarding the overall lateral resistance capacity
Packing & Delivery of of Tie Beam
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sorting & grouping | Beams grouped by type, size and project phase. |
| Cushioning & wrapping | Edge protectors and anti-skid pads prevent shifting and scratching; timber end caps or bituminous paper protect coating. |
| Strapping & palletizing | Stacked on timber skids, secured with steel strapping / polyester banding. |
| Container / skid mounting | Sea-worthy packed on heavy skids or container cradles with end-caps. |
| Docs shipped | Packing list, invoice, MTC, welding/NDT, coating records, shop & connection drawings. |
FAQ:
Where are tie beams typically positioned?
They are generally installed at the tops of column lines, at ridge nodes, and at crane girder support nodes. Tie beams must be used in conjunction with roof bracing - such as cross-braced round bars - and are typically placed in the same bay as the roof bracing to form a stable geometric spatial system.
What is the Difference Between Tie Beams and Roof Purlins?
Load-Bearing Differences: Purlins primarily resist vertical roof loads (e.g., dead load, snow load, wind uplift, etc.); tie beams primarily resist the longitudinal horizontal forces of the structure and carry little or no vertical load.
Positional Differences: Purlins are closely spaced perpendicular to the roof slope; tie beams are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the building, directly connecting adjacent roof truss or rigid frame joints.
How to calculate the Length of Tie Beams?
The theoretical length of a tie beam equals the spatial distance between the two fixed points at both ends. The roof slope coefficient should typically be taken into account during calculation. In practical engineering and BIM software (such as Glodon, etc.), the length can be derived by multiplying the horizontal projection length by the slope coefficient, or by directly measuring the spatial length using a measuring tool within the 3D model.
How is the connection to the main frame made?
Welded end plates at both ends, bolted to columns/rafters/trusses with high-strength bolts; detailed to EN 1993-1-8; fillet welds MT/PT, full-pen welds UT tested.
What certification, traceability and third-party inspection do you provide?
ISO 9001, EN 1090-2 (EXC2/EXC3), AWS D1.1/CWB certified welding, MTC and coating records; SGS / BV / TÜV third-party inspection on request.
