October 2006
Lattice and SFS Divisions
METSEC FLOOR AND WALLS PACKAGE FOR MAILING CENTRE

Structural light gauge steel specialist Metsec has supplied lattice beams for a mezzanine floor and site fixed framing for internal walls at a print and distribution centre in Wiltshire.

The new structures, within the existing building at Wootton Bassett, have created 1950m2 of additional storage space. 99 lattice joists, designed to carry a dead load of 1.0kN/m2 and an imposed load of 3.5kN/m2 have been installed. The joists were specified because they could achieve longs spans and were lightweight. They range from 1300mm deep, 17.3m span joists to 450mm deep, 4m spans, with the majority 700mm deep, 8.0m spans. 3340m of mezzanine floor ‘C’-sections are bolted onto the top chord of the Metsec joists at 600mm spacings.

The walls element of the package involves 5.5km of 200mm deep Metsec SFS site fixed light gauge steel track and stud sections being used internally to create a 265m long supporting wall for the mezzanine floor and to divide the space below into individual rooms. Hot rolled columns were incorporated into the structure where the loads were too great for SFS sections alone and 100VB12 bracing straps provided overall stability to the structure. A 60m long high bay separating wall, between 7.5m and 10m high, provides some additional support for the new floor and acts as an acoustic and fire barrier.

Metsec’s lattice beam and framing divisions worked closely together to design, detail and supply the best structural and most cost effective solution for the project. The joists were supplied within four working weeks of the order, with the SFS sections being delivered within two weeks. They were erected by approved installer BR Hodgson who completed the total package, including plasterboard drylining and chipboard flooring, within 12 weeks.

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