Multi-Service Vertical Support System

A leading global technology company recently embarked on the development of a brand-new facility designed to further increase its capabilities and strengthen its position as a pioneer in advanced technology solutions. The new, cutting-edge 210,000 sq ft complex will encompass high-tech manufacturing, research and development, as well as associated office space.

Project Requirements

As part of the facility’s construction, a 10,600 sq ft sub-fab area was required to house critical equipment such as chillers, vacuum pumps and electronic cabinets along with various M&E services that would power and maintain this equipment. A number of bespoke frames would be required to support these M&E services at low level as well as additional services elevated higher off the ground.

Kernow Fixings' Involvement & Support

Kernow’s technical team were entrusted with the design, fabrication & delivery of this extensive framework system, working closely with the Principal Contractor from the outset. Having considered various options, the decision was made to break the sub-fab area into three bounding case frames which could be used across the project.

Design software was used to ensure that the frame would be structurally suitable for the broad range of services & equipment that it would be supporting. Kernow’s dedicated pre-fab workshop team then pre-fabricated multiple column supports to fit precisely into the building.

These were then delivered to site on Kernow vehicles, complete with the required horizontal lengths and instructions ready for a quick and straightforward installation.

Future flexibility and ease of modification were important considerations for this project due to an ongoing maintenance programme which required the periodic updating and installation of new equipment. As siFRAMO provides the key benefit of being a modular, bolt together system (using its unique FLS Screw), any future modifications could be made quickly and easily. This would not be possible with a traditional welded system.

Kernow designed the support system to provide future flexibility by calculating allowable loads within set parameters for the support system. This would allow for any future modifications to take place within these parameters thus removing the need for the system to be redesigned each time.

Overcoming Challenges

As with any large, bespoke install, this project presented various technical obstacles. Firstly, the frames were required to accommodate multiple services at different levels, including pipework, cable containment and ventilation ducting. Each service had different weight and stability requirements, so it was critical that the calculations and design allowed for this.

As well as being securely anchored to the floor, a suitable base plate to connect the framework to the corrugated concrete ceiling deck was also required. It was crucial that the base plate information was included in the initial structural design analysis as it would have a dramatic effect on the results. Further to the results, additional bracing was added to the connections where high loads were applied to ensure suitability.

Conclusion

With a number of building services requiring support over a significant area and at different heights, this large-scale frame had its complexities.

Kernow’s close collaboration with the Principal Contractor from the start of the project, coupled with the applied knowledge and expertise of our technical team, hugely contributed to success of this project. As a result, the perfect framework solution was designed, fabricated and delivered on time, allowing the project to continue and remain on schedule whilst reducing additional stress and time pressures for the contractor.