Why a Goalpost Frame Is Necessary for Your Project

A goalpost frame — a horizontal beam rigidly connected to two vertical steel columns — is specified when removing an internal or external wall that was contributing to the lateral stability of the building.

What a Beam Alone Cannot Do

A standard beam on padstones carries vertical load. It does nothing to prevent the building from swaying sideways under wind pressure. When the wall being removed was contributing to the building’s lateral stiffness — by bracing the structure against side-to-side movement — its removal creates a stability deficit.

A goalpost frame replaces that stiffness. By connecting the beam end rigidly to the column tops and anchoring the column feet into the foundations, the frame creates a rigid portal that resists lateral forces in the same way the original wall did.

The Alternative: Masonry Piers

If steel columns are not acceptable for architectural or aesthetic reasons, the alternative is masonry piers (brick or blockwork pillars) on either side of the opening, acting as buttresses.

To provide equivalent lateral stability, these piers typically need to be at least 665 mm deep in plan on both sides. This is a substantial reduction in clear opening width and a significant visual intrusion in most modern open-plan designs. For most projects, the slim profile of a steel goalpost is the preferred solution.

The Engineering Weight of the Frame

Goalpost frames are sometimes heavier and stiffer than clients expect. This is intentional. The column and beam sections are sized not only to carry vertical loads but to develop sufficient rigidity to resist wind moments. Reducing the steel section to save cost typically compromises the frame’s ability to brace the building.

If you have concerns about the size of steel specified for your goalpost frame, discuss this with your structural engineer as a formal Change Request — do not instruct the fabricator to use lighter sections unless the engineer has confirmed this is acceptable.

Temporary Stability During Construction

During installation, before the overhead beam is connected and the surrounding structure provides lateral support, the columns are unsupported free-standing elements. Your builder must provide adequate temporary propping to prevent the columns from falling. This is a contractor’s temporary works responsibility.

Questions About Your Frame?

PorthouseDean designs goalpost frames for all types of residential structural alterations. Get a quote to discuss your project.