Free-standing mezzanines add usable space in growing businesses
A significant portion of today’s growth is in companies focused in service, distribution and e-commerce sectors. The skyrocketing rates of growth in these sectors cause businesses to require additional space at exponential rates with short lead-time requirements. Mezzanines allow businesses to add space quickly compared to adding additional building footprint. Contractors can ensure a time-efficient and successful mezzanine project by understanding more about mezzanine design considerations.
Custom Design
Growth companies typically have very specific needs and requirements. A custom mezzanine design has proven to be the best way to ensure these needs are met. When designing a mezzanine, one must take into account many factors, including:
• Required clear height both underneath and above the mezzanine structure.
• Column locations do not disrupt existing ground floor work or storage areas.
• Size, weight and concentrated loading for intended application.
• Employees, customers and other visitors will be accessing the mezzanine, which will require features such as stairs, handrail, gates, guardrails, kick plates, safety loading gates, etc.
Companies that specialize in free-standing mezzanines provide support from concept to project completion. Quality mezzanine companies will be able to provide contractors with field consultation to review all customer needs and design considerations including site measuring. Having the same company design, engineer, prepare submittal package and handle plan check questions dramatically reduces needed changes and miscommunications that can cause unnecessary time delays.
Permit Process
Permit process lead-time can often be longer than the combined time for design, engineering, fabrication and installation of a project. Numerous plan check corrections are both frustrating and time consuming. Designing a structure not connected to the building and utilizing a pre-engineered system, which uses a connection system that is part of the International and California Building Codes (IBC and CBC) helps eliminate most of this delay.
Connection systems that are part of the building code have gone through rigorous testing and approval process to meet all code and seismic requirements. Working with a mezzanine expert that offers a complete system that is part of the IBC and CBC will save contractors time, money and the inconvenience that used to be part of mezzanine projects in the past.
Concrete Slab
Selecting a mezzanine design that can utilize the existing concrete slab eliminates the need for footings. This not only reduces the cost, but saves construction time. Access to the original building foundation drawings should provide the required slab and soil conditions. Attachment to the existing concrete slab is typically achieved using wedge anchors. Companies need to minimize disruption to existing operations during the installation process. Eliminating the need for footings reduces disruption and cost. Installation
A free-standing bolt together mezzanine design can be erected using the same workers, with the same tools and equipment used in metal building installations. This means a speedy installation a contractor can control with familiar resources. No field welding is necessary, eliminating the need for costly independent inspectors. X-Bracing or chevron bracing will also not be required when a good design is selected. No bracing creates more usable unobstructed space below the platform.
All of this means less disruption to customer operations, which is key to growing businesses that are often struggling to keep up with the increased demand. In addition, a bolt-together design can more easily be relocated as the needs of dynamic growing businesses shift. Well-designed mezzanine projects can provide growing companies much-needed space with short lead-times. Contractors that can offer customers this option will increase their position with these important customers.
Mike Regan is the division manager at FCP Inc. Free Space Mezzanines, Wildomar, Calif. He has more than 39 years of experience in the metal building industry. To learn more, visit www.FCPMezzanine.com.
