Structural Framing Designs for Commercial Buildings in Texas
Updated: Oct 2
Why Choose JRH Engineering
Why Developers, Contractors & Property Owners Choose JRH
Most engineering firms talk about technical capability. We focus on what actually matters to your project: speed, cost, communication, and results.
Faster Project Turnaround
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We have successfully delivered civil, structural, and land development projects for developers, contractors, and owners throughout Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.
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Our work is sealed by licensed Professional Engineers. JRH Engineering is also a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB / WBE) and HUB eligible.
Choosing a Framing System for a Texas Commercial Building
The framing system sets a commercial building's spans, schedule, foundation loads and cost. In Texas, it also has to handle Gulf Coast wind and the expansive clay found across much of the state.
The right choice depends on the building's use, height, clear-span needs and site soils.
JRH Engineering is a Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.
Steel Frame
Long clear spans and open floor plans
Pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB): factory-fabricated frames for warehouses, shops and hangars; JRH designs PEMB foundations up to 120,000 SF
Conventional structural steel: for multi-story or irregular buildings
Light-gauge steel: studs and joists for walls and smaller framing
Concrete
Cast-in-place: stiff, durable and fire resistant
Post-tensioned slabs and foundations: common on Texas clay soils
Precast: plant-made members that speed erection
Tilt-Up
Concrete wall panels cast on site and lifted into place
Common for warehouses and big-box retail with large, simple footprints
Wood and Hybrid Systems
Wood framing for smaller offices, retail and mixed-use buildings
Hybrid systems, such as steel frames with wood or light-gauge infill, balance cost and performance
What Drives the Design
Wind loads under ASCE 7, with higher design speeds near the coast
Foundation movement on expansive clay
Fire rating and occupancy
Coordination of anchor bolts and base plates with the foundation
Project: Steel Building Foundation and Framing, Lucas, TX
50 ft x 30 ft steel-frame building in Lucas, Collin County, in the North Texas clay belt
Structural plans completed December 2025
Challenges
Column uplift and thrust had to be carried into expansive North Texas soils
The foundation had to match the steel frame's column layout and base plates
Objectives
Design a pier-supported foundation for the site soils.
Coordinate steel framing and anchorage on one structural set.
Solutions JRH Engineering Provided
Structural engineering foundation, framing and connection design
18 in. drilled piers with 4 ft belled bases into the grade beams
Four 3/4 in. ASTM F1554 anchor bolts per column, noted to verify with the manufacturer
Steel column, rafter, purlin and girt framing with connection details
Results:
One coordinated foundation and steel framing package
Belled piers sized to resist column uplift
PE-sealed plans ready for permitting
Commercial Framing in Texas, North Carolina and Florida
Texas
Cities adopt and amend the International Building Code locally; on the coast, TDI windstorm rules apply, with the 2024 IRC/IBC effective April 1, 2026 for designated catastrophe areas. See Metal Building Foundation Design.
North Carolina
The NC Office of State Fire Marshal lists the 2018 NC codes as current, with 2024 pending.
Florida
The Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) references ASCE 7-22 wind provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common commercial framing system in Texas?
Steel, including PEMB, is widely used for warehouses and industrial buildings; concrete and tilt-up are common for larger footprints.
What is a PEMB?
A pre-engineered metal building with a factory-fabricated steel frame.
Why do Texas foundations use drilled or belled piers?
To reach stable soil below expansive clay and resist column uplift.
Which wind standard applies to Texas commercial buildings?
ASCE 7, through the locally adopted building code.
How large a metal building foundation does JRH Engineering design?
Up to 120,000 SF.
Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?
No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.
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This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.
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