Primary Framing
Endwall Columns in Pre-Engineered Buildings
Definition: An endwall column is a vertical member in the gable end of a pre-engineered building that supports the endwall rafter and girts. It carries wind pressure on the endwall and part of the roof load, and is spaced to suit girt spans and door openings.
Key facts
- Endwall columns are commonly cold-formed C-sections, hot-rolled sections or light built-up members.
- Spacing is typically similar to girt spans and adjusted around large doors.
- They resist mainly wind bending, plus axial load in post-and-beam endwalls.
- Webs are usually oriented perpendicular to the wall for bending strength.
- An expandable endwall uses a full rigid frame so endwall columns can be removed later.
Role in the structure
Wind on the endwall is collected by the wall panels and girts and delivered to the endwall columns, which span vertically between the foundation and the endwall rafter or roof bracing. In post-and-beam endwalls the columns also carry gravity load from the endwall rafter. The roof diaphragm or bracing takes the top reactions back to the side walls.
What is the difference between a post-and-beam and a rigid endwall?
In a post-and-beam endwall, the endwall rafter is supported by several endwall columns and is relatively light. This is economical when the building will not be extended.
In a rigid-frame endwall, a full interior-type frame is placed at the end, and the endwall columns only carry wind. They can be removed later to extend the building with little change to the existing frame.
How are endwall columns arranged around doors?
Large doors in endwalls are common, especially in warehouses and hangars. Columns are positioned at door jambs where possible, and a header beam spans over the opening. Wind on the door is then delivered to the jamb columns.
The door size, type and wind rating should be given early, because they control column sizes and spacing in the endwall.
How do endwall columns connect at top and base?
At the top, columns connect to the underside of the endwall rafter with clips that may allow for vertical movement. At the base, a small base plate or clip is anchored to the slab or foundation.
Connections are usually simple, which keeps erection quick, but they must transfer wind reactions reliably into the roof bracing and foundation.
Materials & coatings
- Cold-formed C or Z sections in coated or uncoated structural steel.
- Hot-rolled channels, I-sections or hollow sections for tall or heavily loaded endwalls.
- Light built-up sections for very tall endwalls.
- Primer or galvanized finish matching the frame.
Design considerations
- Endwall wind pressure, including corner zones.
- Column height and slenderness.
- Door and opening layout.
- Endwall type, post-and-beam or rigid, and future expansion.
- Deflection limits for cladding and doors.
- Connection to roof bracing to deliver top reactions.
Fabrication
- Roll-form or cut sections to length.
- Weld or bolt cap clips and base clips.
- Punch holes for girts and connections.
- Coat and mark per endwall elevation.
Erection
- Set columns after the endwall rafter is erected, or with it as a frame unit.
- Plumb columns and fix girts before cladding.
- Confirm door jamb positions before final bolting.
Inspection & quality
- Verify column spacing and plumbness.
- Check base anchorage and top clips.
- Confirm framed openings match door sizes.
What to include in your RFQ
- Whether each endwall is to be expandable.
- Endwall door sizes, types and positions.
- Any endwall canopies or attachments.
- Wall cladding system.
- Site wind data and exposure.
3D model & IFC of this component
Rotate the model, isolate the component and download its IFC4 file for your BIM coordination model.
IFC entity: IfcColumn. Illustrative geometry for coordination and learning. Final member sizes come from the project design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are endwall columns lighter than main frame columns?
They carry wind mainly over a short tributary width and, in rigid endwalls, little gravity load, so their demand is much lower than a main frame column.
Can an endwall be extended if it is post-and-beam?
It can, but usually needs extra columns or strengthening because the endwall rafter was not designed as a full frame. Specifying an expandable endwall at the start is simpler.
Can endwall columns be omitted for a wide door?
Yes, by using a header beam or a rigid frame at the endwall. The engineer sizes the arrangement for the door width and wind load.
Engineering content is general guidance. Every World Steel building is designed by qualified engineers to the code and loads of the project.
