How to Build a Mezzanine Floor
Oct. 28, 2024
How to Construct a Mezzanine Floor
Building a mezzanine floor can significantly enhance your available space in an industrial setting. This structure creates additional usable areas for storage, offices, or retail, maximizing the potential of high-roofed buildings.
Understanding Mezzanine Floor Components
Columns
Vertical steel sections, commonly box or girder sections, serve as columns. These structural elements connect the bottom floor to the mezzanine above. It’s vital to allocate enough columns and space them properly to evenly distribute the load throughout the installation.
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Primary Beams
These are the larger beams that bear the primary load. They span horizontally between the columns, forming the core support structure of the mezzanine.
Joists
Also referred to as purlins, joists are positioned horizontally between the primary beams at right angles to them. They support the mezzanine decking by creating a stable surface that connects the flooring to the beams.
Decking
Usually made from 38mm high-density particle board, the decking is the upper surface of the mezzanine. Depending on the application, other materials like steel plates or composite alternatives may be utilized. For added strength, certain installations may even feature double boarding.
Edge Protection
Essential for safety, edge protection involves handrails and kick plates around any open edge of the mezzanine. This system adheres to BRE Digest 437 safety guidelines.
What Constitutes a Mezzanine Floor?
A mezzanine floor, often seen in industrial buildings, is a raised platform that exists between the ground floor and the building's roof. This type of construction offers additional floor space and is typically not subject to additional rent, provided that it is a freestanding structure. Such designs may include offices, storage, or retail areas.
Mezzanine floors can be tailored to cover the entire space of an industrial building or occupy just a small segment to suit various operational needs. When designed efficiently, a mezzanine can enhance storage capabilities without the burden of extensive fire safety measures, unless designated for retail or office use.
Modern industrial facilities are usually designed with ample headroom to accommodate multiple tiers of mezzanine floors, often enabling heavy loads to be optimally supported by the concrete ground slabs without special modifications. In cases where higher loads are anticipated, it’s advisable to engage a qualified specialist for structural analysis.
How Are Mezzanines Constructed?
Mezzanine floors can be either directly attached to the existing structure or built as freestanding units allowing for future adaptability. Typically, they consist of universal beams interconnected by galvanized C-section joists.
The flooring is secured with screws, ensuring stability while adhering to safety regulations, which guide the layout of stairways for public accessibility. Staircases should fulfill Building Regulations to ensure safe access in emergencies.
Staircases and Landings
Staircases attached to mezzanine structures must conform to safety standards, especially when they provide escape routes during emergencies. If there are restrictions on movements or for maintenance, dedicated lift systems are recommended.
Edge Protection and Safety Features
Effective edge protection prevents falls and enhances safety on mezzanines. Different types of handrails can provide these safety barriers, including those made from stainless steel or glass, adding both safety and aesthetic appeal.
Enhanced Safety Features
Incorporating features like up-and-over or sliding gates can facilitate the safe transfer of goods without compromising the safety protocols of the mezzanine area. Additional protective measures, such as column guards, can shield vulnerable areas from accidental damage.
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