Material Design - Metal Door Frame

[Richard Oon]

What's the code that governs the design of metal door frame?

Is loading from top and sideways (wall loading) considered into the door frame design?

I noticed some project I walked they installed masonry wall directly onto the door frame... Is this acceptable?

Thanks.

 

[BAretired]

Normal practice would be to provide a lintel above the door opening. Loading the door frame as shown in the photograph cannot be considered good practice. Notwithstanding, the door frame appears to be performing surprisingly well.

BA

 

[DaveAtkins]

The head of a hollow metal frame can be grouted to serve as a lintel--but this appears to be a wood door frame.

DaveAtkins

 

[Richard Oon]

Agree to BAretired, I did an analysis check on the door frame by assuming the top at flat plate, uniform load above and simply supported at both end (assuming the vertical part of the frame as support point), found that the deflection would not pass.

Surprisingly when I encounter this at site, it actually works compared to what calculation shown....Guess my assumptions are not that right....haha

 

[BAretired]

I don't think the load felt by the frame would be uniform. The stair slab probably acts as a lintel spanning the opening, so the load on the door frame consists of the weight of wall six bricks high at the left end, tapering down to zero at the right end, i.e. a triangular load.

BA

 

[Richard Oon]

Yes agree with you, because there's another scenario where the masonry wall above is actually flat all the way to the soffit of beam (6 bricks), which is a higher load, that's why I took the most load..

Nevertheless, is still analysis vs actual. That's why I wonder if there's any code of design for door frame that we could refer.

Thx

 

[BAretired]

Richard Oon,

A door frame should not be used to carry structural loads; it should be removable in case it gets damaged and needs to be replaced. I consider a door frame supporting masonry to be unacceptable but there may be exceptions.

In Canada, S 136 entitled "Cold Formed Steel Structural Members" could be used to determine the strength of a steel door frame. A similar code can likely be found in your area.

BA