How Do I Specify A Mezzanine Project?

Adding space to your current facility is a big decision that needs to be evaluated from multiple perspectives to get the best results. Mezzanines are a common, relatively quick and economical way to add space to warehouses, factories, hangars and other commercial facilities. For mezzanine design and specifications, you should consider the following considerations.

What is the application?

Sometimes it is simple storage. Other times, it is to add office space or work area. Some mezzanines are used for overhead conveyors, picking, or clean rooms. You can do almost anything on a platform that can be done on the floor, as long as it is built for the task. Be sure to create a working document of your goals, future needs, and goals for the new space. This shouldn't be complicated, but it should have enough information to assess the situation.

Understanding Point Loads

A point load is defined as an unusually heavy single load or force placed within a concentrated area. Examples might include pallet trucks loaded with 2,500 pounds, conveyor legs, heavy machinery, or extremely high loads of racking. When a mezzanine carries extremely heavy loads, conveyors, pallet trucks or any type of moving machinery that dynamically acts on a platform, this must be taken into account in the design and construction. Pay attention to any activity or load when you specify your project and we can help you build it.

Steel Mezzanine Floors

Evaluate the floor, the environment

What type of mezzanine floor can be installed in your building? What is the current use of the floor below your proposed mezzanine?

Do you have an accurate drawing of your facility? Can you move certain operations, such as overhead cranes, piping, work cells or conveyor lines to accommodate the mezzanine? How much space do you have? You can usually place mezzanines in spaces close to their actual size, depending on the location of stairs or lifts.

Types of Mezzanines

Mezzanines can be built in a variety of styles, sizes and specific applications. Some alternatives include

Custom Fabrication. These mezzanines are custom built and constructed at the factory. The mezzanine is designed to fit into the facility space and then assembled in the field. Installation is relatively quick because the components are pre-built. Custom builds can be made for a variety of spans, shapes and capacity configurations. They may be structural in nature or rack/rack supported.

Pre-configured mezzanines are offered in common standard sizes. They are typically built into modules of a specific platform size and then assembled together to form the final product.

Selecting platforms, stairs

To complete the mezzanine, you need to determine the type of access options you need and specify where they go. You will also need to look at gates, decks, railings and other factors.

Staircases should be designed to meet building code standards. In addition to compliance, consider how, who and when the stairs will be used. You can specify wider stairs depending on traffic flow. Stairs can be built to a variety of sizes. Consider safety and footholds by installing gravel surfaces or other coatings.

Platforms, like stairs, can be configured in many different ways.

We can help you specify the right size, style and configuration for your project. Contact us today for quick help.