PORTAL performs an elastic first order analysis of the frame, in its plane. 2 ULS and 2 SLS combinations of actions are considered. Actions are only dead load, wind load and snow load (uniform). Intermediate lateral restraints in rafters and in columns are accounted for. Member sections are hot-rolled sections only. PORTAL deals with typical 1-span industrial building (symmetrical duo-pitch roof with slope from 0 to 30%), with rectangular base and equally spaced portal frames. Detailed results are however provided in order to let the user know if complementary checks are necessary. Because of some simplifying assumptions, this software is to be considered like an aid for the designer to quickly get a set of profiles and an estimation of the frame weight.
The graphic user interface is very friendly and intuitive. PORTAL performs the checks or automatically pre-designs single bay steel portal frames according to Eurocodes (ENV for resistance checks). It has been developed by CTICM (Centre Technique Industriel de la Construction Metallique - France) in the frame of an european research project partially funded by the European Community for Steel and Coal (ECSC Project No 7210-SA326 : "Modelling and Pre-design of Steel and Composite Structures" - 1996-1999). PORTAL is a software to be used for the Design of Steel Structures.