Getting In-Depth With Work Platforms & Mezzanines
In our most recent blog article about work platforms, we compared and contrasted work platforms to building an addition onto your warehouse or leasing space elsewhere. We talked about the various advantages of work platforms and why, for many, they are a superior option to building or leasing.
In this article, we’ll give an overview of some of the differences in the components that comprise Wildeck-manufactured work platforms by AK Material Handling Systems. As it turns out, not all work platforms are constructed the same. Different warehouse applications have different requirements in terms of size, capacity and function, and work platforms are custom designed to meet these needs. This means work platforms frequently differ in beam design and strength, as well as decking, to name a couple of the more common variations. How, exactly, do they differ? We’ll explain.
Work Platforms & Mezzanines Beam Construction
One of the fundamental differences between work platform designs is a difference in the structure of the beams upon which they’re built. There are five different beam designs used in the construction of work platforms: Bolted C-Section, Beam & C-Section, Beam & Beam, Beam & Bar Joist, and Truss Girder & Bar Joist.
Bolted C-Section and Beam & C-Section designs span up to 20 feet and can hold up to 200 PSF, meaning they present a significant size and capacity limitation. If your needs only require a work platform measuring 20 feet or less and holding under 200 PSF, however, they are a cost- effective option with a relatively short lead time.
The Beam & Beam design boasts unlimited load capacity and span size, and has a short lead time, to boot. It does have one limiting factor, though: price. However, you get what you pay for, and to many looking to install a work platform in their warehouse, the potential for unlimited size and capacity is well worth the added expense. The Beam & Bar Joist and Truss Girder & Bar Joist designs are ideal for medium-large applications, and are also unlimited in their span size. Load capacity, on the other hand, is limited to a maximum of 300 PSF. The Beam & Bar Joist design makes it easy to install the mechanical, electrical and sprinkler systems in one direction, while the Truss Girder & Bar Joist design makes is easy to do so in both directions. Both, however, are limited in terms of composite height.
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Work Platform Decking
In addition to differences in beam design, there are several decking options available, and which option most appropriate in any given situation depends on the application for which the work platform is being designed. Work platform decking is the surface with which people, equipment and anything else moving or being stored on the work platform will make direct contact. It can also be described as the flooring of the platform. In terms of variations, there are three primary ones you’ll find in work platforms from AK Material Handling Systems:
- Roof Deck and Moisture-Resistant Resin Board
- Roof Deck and Floor Plate
- Bar Grating
These three variations can also come with specialty wood, specialty floor plate and specialty grating, respectively. Like the different beam designs, each decking option has its own advantages and disadvantages. The roof deck and resin board option is the most commonly installed of the three, and is also the most economical. To accommodate potentially abusive loads, the roof deck with floor plating option is preferred. For applications requiring ventilation or that must comply with specific fire codes, bar grating is the go-to choice.
Work platforms may at first seem fairly straightforward, and in some ways that’s true. On the other hand, there are a number of less obvious aspects of work platforms that need to be taken into consideration. That’s why we recommend talking to someone well-versed in the area of work platforms, like our specialists at AK Material Handling Systems. We’ll help you out with any questions, and work with you to develop a work platform that fits your needs should you decide on installing one in your warehouse.
You can reach us by phone at 800-722-5908, or by email at [email protected]
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Ready to get started? Or have questions about any of our products or services? Fill out the form and a representative will contact you promptly.
About AK Material Handling Systems
We deliver value to our customers by providing the absolute best combination of quality products, helpful customer service and competitive pricing. We specialize in warehouse layout & design, pallet rack systems, engineered sales, mezzanines, modular offices and completed turn-key warehouse systems. For more information email us or call (800) 722-5908
Let’s Talk
Ready to get started? Or have questions about any of our products or services? Fill out the form and a representative will contact you promptly.
About AK Material Handling Systems
We deliver value to our customers by providing the absolute best combination of quality products, helpful customer service and competitive pricing. We specialize in warehouse layout & design, pallet rack systems, engineered sales, mezzanines, modular offices and completed turn-key warehouse systems. For more information email us or call (800) 722-5908