The primary steel frame consists of columns, rafters and bracing. The example shown is a portal frame. However, it is equally applicable to other types of structural frames.
The secondary steelwork consists of side rails and purlins for the walls and roof respectively. These members serve three purposes:
To support the envelope.
To transfer load from the envelope to the primary steel frame
To restrain the primary steel frame members
The roof and wall cladding, whose functions include some or all of the following:
Separating the enclosed space from the external environment
Transferring load to the secondary steelwork
Restraining the secondary steelwork
Providing thermal insulation
Providing acoustic insulation
Preventing fire spread
Providing an airtight envelope
Providing ventilation to a building (ventilated or unventilated roofs and walls).