Mezzanine floor
£450.00
Mezzanine floor design
Description
Mezzanine floor
A mezzanine floor is often used in retail or light industrial units to provide extra storage space. They are also used to provide office accommodation. They are frequently added to an existing building where ground floor space is limited.
The most common type of mezzanine floor is most probably a steel structure arranged on a grid. The floor structure is normally made from either timber joists or cold formed steel sections, with a timber decking. The floor is in turn supported on steel beams spanning between columns. Sometimes the columns may be supported on the existing floor slab. However, for high storage loadings or where there are wide column spacings, individual foundations will almost always be needed. It is also possible to use loadbearing walls to support the floor rather than columns. However, this can take up a lot of space and therefore it is not always a practical solution.
If the columns can be cross braced, it will result in a cheaper design. However, if this is not possible, then portalised bracing can be used instead. In either case, the frame needs to be strong enough to resist the lateral forces.
It is better if the mezzanine floor is designed to be independant from the main structure. This is not only easier to design, but it also avoids the deflection of the building moving the mezzanine floor with it. It also avoids the need to analyse the existing structure and therefore possibly having to strengthen it.
Our designs are all based on using an independant frame. The steelwork connections, baseplates and foundations are included in the design. Therefore you will have all you need.
Information required for a mezzanine floor design
an architectural layout of the building showing the extent of the mezzanine floor and the column positions
the intended use of the floor or the imposed loading required
details of the existing ground floor construction
a site investigation report or details of the ground conditions
details of any other equipment which will need to be supported by the floor
Design information
All design work is carried out in accordance with BS5950
