Build a portal frame
create_frameRead-onlyIdempotent
Generate a solver-ready FERS model JSON for a 2-D rectangular portal frame (columns + beams). Returns model JSON to pass to solve_model. Units: metres, kN, kN/m. Columns are turned 90° so their depth (column_height_mm) resists sway in the frame plane. Load combinations as create_beam: 1 'SLS characteristic (auto)' at 1.0, 2 'ULS (auto)' at 1.35. Free.
Input Schema
TableJSON Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base | No | 'fixed' (default) or 'pinned' column bases | |
| bays | No | Number of bays (default 1) | |
| storeys | No | Number of storeys (default 1) | |
| material | No | steel_S355 (default), steel_S235, steel_S275, steel_S460, aluminium_6061 or concrete_C30 | |
| lateral_kn | No | Horizontal point load at the top-left corner, kN (default 0) | |
| bay_width_m | No | Bay width in metres (default 5) | |
| beam_width_mm | No | Beam section width in mm (default 120) | |
| beam_height_mm | No | Beam section depth in mm (default 240) | |
| column_width_mm | No | Column section width in mm (default 200) | |
| storey_height_m | No | Storey height in metres (default 3) | |
| column_height_mm | No | Column section depth in mm (default 200) | |
| roof_udl_kn_per_m | No | Gravity UDL on the top-storey beams, kN/m (default 10) |