THE BASICS · DAY 002 / LESSON 1
Primary frames: the plain-English version
Primary frames combine columns and rafters and transfer loads toward the foundation. [1]
See the MBMA QuickStart Guide, printed page 14. Secondary framing is a different part of the system.
Illustrative diagram exercise
In a simplified frame drawing, two columns and two roof rafters form four primary pieces. This is an identification exercise, not a fabrication count.
Start by separating the definition from the dimensions or requirements on a specific project. The reference below provides a concrete fact, its limits, and a practical example.
Sources & scope
- MBMA — Metal Building Student Competition QuickStart Guide ↗
Definitions and framing concepts; page references are included with each fact.
Source content checked October 14, 2026. Worked examples use stated assumptions; they are not project designs, prices, or site-specific requirements. Code editions and manufacturer specifications are identified so their limits are clear.
View the complete source library →The day is part of the BeamWerx learning curriculum; it is not a publication date.