18 Mar From Plant Decks to Protection Rails: The Hidden Metalwork that Keeps Buildings Running
When we think of metalwork in buildings, beautiful architectural metalwork such as stairways, balustrades, hand rails and doorways naturally come to mind.
But, what about metalwork that most users of the building rarely see, yet enables the building to be fully operational and compliant with building regulations, safety requirements and other criteria?
The carefully considered and planned design and installation of general ‘back-of-house’ metalwork such as platforms, walkways and protection rails, is critical for buildings to function. There is, therefore, a strong argument for prioritising these often overlooked, but essential metalwork elements at the planning stage of build projects and when scheduling contractors, rather than later into the project.
Essential general metalwork for keeping buildings running
Much of the general back-of-house metalwork that helps buildings to fully operate can be categorised into functions as follows:
- Access and circulation
Providing access to various areas of the building and for maintenance, metalwork is required for staircases, ladders, walkways, platforms and stepovers.
- Safety and security
For safety, buildings need metalwork such as barriers, guardrails, balustrades and handrails. For security, gates, fencing and security screens or mesh to provide protective metal screening are now widely specified by architects and property developers.
- Structural metalwork and plant support
Steel frames are needed to support machinery or plant rooms, while bracketry and support beams are also required for structural components or machinery.
Open steel floors are often specified for mezzanine levels and industrial flooring.
Why early planning is essential for general metalwork in buildings
Early involvement of metalwork engineers in building design reduces costs, minimises contractor clashes and avoids site schedule changes and project delays.
Improved cost efficiencies
When general metalwork is planned well in advance, material usage can be optimised and expenditure can be more effectively managed. Proactive general metalwork planning also allows 3D CAD modelling to be more accurate, reducing the need for adjustments or welding on site when designs are fabricated and installed. Early installation of back-of-house metalwork removes the need for expensive, temporary edge protection and access. These efficiencies inevitably lead to lower overall costs.
By coordinating the procurement of materials and structural components before construction begins, costly reworks later in the project can also be avoided. These efficiencies protect the project against risk and minimise the potential for overrunning.
Safety and compliance
General metalwork in buildings is directly associated with safety and compliance. Having early involvement allows the metalwork engineer to ensure the back-of-house metalwork will be fully compliant with building codes, safety standards and fire regulations.
Logistics and site access
Early planning of general metalwork ensures access is scheduled and space is provided for large delivery vehicles and machinery such as cranes, hydraulic machinery, rollers and cutters.
Structural integrity
When involved at an early stage, metalwork engineers and contractors can specify the correct steel grades, based on environmental conditions. They can also precisely calculate loads to guarantee long-term structural durability.
PAD Contracts in-house general metalwork design and off-site fabrication
PAD Contracts design and produce general metalwork for buildings in-house, away from the construction site.
Examples of our off-site general metalwork fabrications are plant decks, open steel floors, access walkways and stairs, guardrails, fire escapes, bollards, protection rails, stepovers, cycle stores, bin stores and gates.
We ensure that all back-of-house metalwork designs are not only fully compliant with building and safety standards, but also in keeping with the aesthetic requirements of the project.
Creating our fabrications off-site in our own factory means we can avoid daily on-site issues such as access, logistics and coordinating schedules with other contractors. This improves our manufacturing efficiencies and allows us to create and control the best environment for fabrication.
When involved early in a project, we can collaborate with other contractors and architects to coordinate our metalwork designs with building services and architecture to maximise their impact. We can also schedule our off-site fabrication and on-site installation to ensure the project runs smoothly, and unnecessary delays are avoided.
Speak to PAD Contracts about general metalwork for your build project
Plan for general metalwork early in your project by speaking to PAD Contracts. Contact us on 01992 767676 or complete a contact form on our website.