Bespoke Cantilevered Loading Bay
Project Data
Client
Confidential (NDA)
Access Value
Confidential (NDA)
Products
Cantilevered Loading Bay
Location
Frankfurt, Germany
Construction Value
Confidential (NDA)
Equipment
Bespoke Cantilevered Loading Bay
Main Contractor
Confidential (NDA)
Sector
Industrial
PHD Access has celebrated the successful installation of our bespoke cantilevered loading bays at a Data Centre in Frankfurt. While traditional cantilevered load bays secure to the floor so that it is level with the existing concrete slab, our bespoke design raised the floor level to the top of the steel beams so that movement of plant was not limited to between the load bay beams.
NAVIGATING SITE RESTRAITS
The site needed plant to be able to turn a corner as soon it was moved into the building – with standard cantilevered load bays, you cannot turn until you pass the end of the beam.
Our team, led by Helder Machado (Technical Manager), Bartoz Klejnowski (Site Manager), Ross Hutchings (Design Engineer) and David Steed (Principal Engineer), embarked on a thorough exploration of existing Cantilever solutions
THE SOLUTION
Site Research
A visit to our Padd Farm site in Egham allowed us to study existing Cantilever designs and discuss fabrication ideas that would meet the client’s specific requirements.
90-Degree Turn
The data centre’s internal wall layout necessitated an immediate 90-degree turn upon equipment landing. However, the conventional load bay designs posed challenges due to steel beam placement.
Innovative Landing Deck
We re-engineered the landing deck to rest atop the steel beams, rather than at the base. This adjustment enabled us to create both a 90-degree ramped exit and a straight-ahead ramp, ensuring seamless equipment movement.
In-House Expertise
From design and engineering to fabrication and installation, our dedicated team handled every aspect of the project.
PRECISION WITH BIM
Leveraging the client’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) model played a pivotal role in our cantilever design process. Here’s how we harnessed its power:
Accurate Dimensions:
The BIM model provided precise measurements and spatial information about the building. By incorporating this data, we ensured that our Cantilevers’ design seamlessly aligned with the existing structure.
Material Lists:
Our BIM model facilitated the efficient generation of material and fixings lists. We swiftly identified the necessary components required for fabrication and assembly.
Client Approval Visualisation:
The BIM model served as a powerful visual aid when presenting our design to the client.
Detailed Fabrication Drawings:
The BIM data allowed for swift production of fabrication drawings. This minimised delays and errors for our fabrication team so that they could push to meet the tight deadlines.
Shape and Size Optimisation:
Overlaying our proposed Cantilever design onto the BIM model allowed us to visualize its fit within the space. This visualisation enabled us to fine-tune the shape and size of the landing level and ramps for optimal functionality.
SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION
Within one month – from drawing approval to the installation of two Cantilever Loading Bays in Germany – we demonstrated our commitment to innovation and client satisfaction.
