What is the difference between a girder, rafter, and purlin in steel structures?
In steel structures , girders, rafters, and purlins are all structural components that play different roles in supporting the building's load and providing stability. Here's a breakdown of each: 1. Girder: - A girder is a large horizontal beam that supports other beams or loads across an open space, such as a roof or floor. - Girders are typically placed perpendicular to the beams they support and are designed to carry heavy loads over long spans. - In steel construction, girders are often used in building frames and bridges to distribute loads from the beams to the columns or supports. 2. Rafter: - A rafter is a sloped structural member that supports the roof covering and transfers its load to the walls or other supporting elements. - Rafters are commonly used in roof framing to provide structural support and to create the pitched shape of the roof. - In steel constr...