Mezzanine floor is a flexible structure to add a extra work platform or storage area avioding building. Often made of steel or wood, it creates extra usable square footage without needing a full-blown building expansion. Common uses include storage areas, offices, and work platforms.
We are China Mezzanine Floor Manufacturing Company since 2001 and we work with businesses across a range of industries including; warehouses, retail, offices and more. In this blog, we will dive deep into the world of industrial mezzanines, exploring their definition, functionality, benefits, and key components.
How Industrial Mezzanine Floors Works ?
Industrial Mezzanine are elevated floor systems fitting between the ceiling and the floor of a facility. The facility could be industrial, manufacturing, commercial or distribution. Industrial mezzanine floors are versatile structures that provide additional space within moving construction existing buildings. They are typically installed between the main floors of a building, maximizing vertical space and allowing for various applications, such as storage, production areas, or office space.
There are Common kinds and structures of Industrial mezzanine designs and each of these designs serve different purpose.
Rack-Supported or Shelving-Supported
Freestanding Industrial Work Platform (IWP)
Cantilever Mezzanine
Full Mat
Catwalk
Office mezzanines
Clad-Rack Building
Do Mezzanine Floors Incur Extra Costs?
Mezzanine floors can incur additional costs, but they often provide significant benefits that may offset these expenses. Understanding the various factors influencing the costs associated with mezzanine floors is essential for making informed decisions.
Initial Costs
Construction and Installation: The average cost of a mezzanine floor typically ranges from £75 to £150 per square meter, depending on factors such as size, materials, and design complexity. For instance, using steel can increase durability but may also raise costs due to material prices and installation requirements.
Design and Engineering: Custom designs tailored to specific operational needs can lead to higher initial costs. Professional engineering assessments are necessary to ensure structural integrity and compliance with local regulations, which adds to the upfront investment.
Permits and Compliance: Obtaining the necessary permits and ensuring compliance with building codes can incur additional costs. These regulations often include safety measures like fire protection systems, which can account for 35-40% of the total installation cost if required.
Ongoing Costs
Maintenance: While long-term maintenance for mezzanine floors is generally minimal, regular inspections are necessary to ensure safety and structural integrity. Depending on usage, modifications might also be needed over time, adding to ongoing expenses.
Operational Costs: The integration of mezzanine floors can improve workflow and efficiency, potentially reducing labor costs in the long run. However, businesses should consider the initial disruption during installation and any temporary operational adjustments needed
Consist of Industrial Mezzanine Floor Construction
Industrial mezzanine floors are designed to maximize space within a building while providing additional usable areas for storage, offices, or production. The construction of these mezzanines involves various components that work together to ensure structural integrity, safety, and functionality.
Below are the key components involved in the structure of an industrial mezzanine floor.
Mezzanine Floor Posts (Uprights)
Mezzanine floor posts are vertical columns that provide the primary support for the mezzanine floor. They connect the floor to the ground and are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the entire system. The common mezzanine floor post made of Structural steel or Galvanised steel. Choose galvanised steel when you are building a mezzanine floor for machinery or other equipment over 1000kg.
Main Beams (bearers)
The Main beams serve as the primary structural support for the mezzanine floor. They bear the load of the entire system, including any materials or equipment placed on the floor.
Secondary Cross Beams (Joist)
Mezzanine joists are horizontal structural components that span between the primary beams of a mezzanine floor. It serve as the support net for the decking, providing support and stability to the floor structure. Positioned at right angles to the beams, joists help distribute loads evenly and ensure the overall integrity of the mezzanine system.
Mezzanine Floor Decking
Mezzanine floors can be equipped with various types of decking, each suited to specific applications and requirements. The choice of decking material influences durability, load capacity, safety, and aesthetics.
Here’s an overview of the most common mezzanine floor decking types:
Particle Board and OSB (Oriented Strand Board): Typically made from wood particles bonded together with resin, particle board is a common choice for mezzanine decking.
Load Capacity: High-density particle boards can support loads up to 1,000 kg/m².
Applications: Ideal for warehouse storage and industrial settings; moisture-resistant options are available for environments prone to dampness.
Composite Decking
Steel and Wood Composite: Offers higher load capabilities and longevity compared to standard boards.
Steel and Concrete Composite: Provides the highest load capacity with reduced deflection, making it suitable for office mezzanines.
Applications: Often used in environments requiring robust flooring solutions.
Metal Decking
Durbar Plate Decking: A raised pattern provides grip and a high load capacity of up to 3,000 kg/m². It is ideal for staircases and access walkways due to its anti-slip properties.
Forge Welded Grating: Commonly used in outdoor settings, this type allows for ventilation and drainage while being robust enough for industrial applications.
Concrete Decking: Known for its durability, concrete decking is often used in high-capacity industrial applications.
Benefits: It offers excellent noise reduction and can handle significant point loads, making it suitable for permanent installations.
Steel Bar Grating: Composed of interlocking bars, steel grating allows air and light to pass through while providing a strong surface.
Applications: Frequently used in industries like waste management and food service due to its maintenance-free nature and insurance benefits related to fire safety.
ResinDeck: A high-density composite flooring that is skid-resistant and easy to clean.
Load Capacity: Designed to handle heavy loads (up to 2,000 lbs) while providing a finished look suitable for interior spaces.
Diamond Plate: Heavy-duty steel tread plate that provides excellent durability.
Applications: Often installed over corrugated steel or Advantech for enhanced performance in high-load environments
Mezzanine Access Gate
Mezzanine access gates are critical components in industrial and warehouse environments, ensuring worker safety while facilitating the movement of materials between different levels. These gates act as barriers that prevent falls and unauthorized access to elevated areas
Here are common type of access gate:
Swing Gates:Function like traditional doors, swinging open and closed.
Sliding Gates: Operate horizontally along a track.
Retractable Gates: Can be expanded or collapsed as needed.
Pallet Drop Gates: Feature a pivoting mechanism for safe loading/unloading. It designed specifically for handling pallets with forklifts.
Safety Pivot Gates: Combine features of swing and lift-out designs.
GateKeeper Systems: A dual reciprocating barrier that prevents simultaneous opening of inner and outer gates. Enhances safety by ensuring personnel cannot enter while materials are being moved.
RacKeeper Systems: Utilizes existing rack structures to minimize footprint. Reduces human interaction in high-traffic areas while maintaining safety.
Industrial Mezzanine Configuration Case Studio
Venezular Industrial Mezzanine: Shelving-Supported Mezzanine
Compact Storage Area, Shelving-Supported Mezzanine Floor to provide more storage space for manual storage.
Using a Compact Shelving mezzanine to create a High efficiency workflow with storage above or below is a popular method, particularly in the distrubutor centers & picking module with convyor. A second level floor structure supports extra shelving system, using the height above to store bulky items.
Switzerland Industrial Mezzanine: Freestanding Mezzanine (Freestanding Industrial Work Platform)
Above WMS Operation area, Free Standing Mezzanine Floor to provide high turnover e-commerce warehouse.
Free-standing mezzanine floors placed above floor picking area can create fast picking vertical space without impacting floor space below. Constructing a floor for your e-commerce warehouse enables you to use the space above that would be otherwise wasted.
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