Spreading the load

The company has supplied a large custom plant deck solution to H&T Presspart as part of an extension to its Blackburn factory. Contractor Walter Carefoot & Sons (Construction) was awarded the contract to provide a three-storey structure comprising steel frame and metal deck floors with a single ply PVC/TPE membrane roof.

A plant deck was required that could safely distribute the plant load across a light-weight roof consisting of cold rolled purlins, transferring them down to the structure without the need for penetrations. Big Foot Technical worked closely with the structural engineer for the scheme, Paul Waite Associates, and subsequently with the Carefoot Construction team, carrying out a number of site surveys to ensure the system would land above the purlins, avoiding a service riser and man safe system. 

Due to the lightweight nature of the roof construction, Big Foot developed a solution to distribute and limit the imposed foot pressure loads to 5.5kN/m2. The resulting 66m2 modular plant deck, which was fundamental to the critical path of the construction programme, was assembled in two days allowing the installation of plant to commence immediately. 

“The solution that Big Foot Systems provided has met all expectations and the team were both thorough and knowledgeable when planning the deck with us,” said Mark Armstrong, contracts manager at Walter Carefoot & Sons. “As well as spreading the load safely and evenly, the non penetrative nature of the system means we have avoided any need for additional waterproofing detail and it won’t introduce cold bridging to the roof which is another huge benefit.”

Offering specifiers a comprehensive range of freestanding systems, Big Foot’s products are designed and manufactured for a wide variety of applications, including HVAC, solar units and safe access equipment. The product portfolio provides complete, simple, safe and secure non-penetrative, prefabricated roof support systems negating a need for time consuming and costly penetrations through the roof. 

Big Foot Systems’ products and systems are quick and easy to install ensuring project cost and time clarity, thus reducing the need for complex, time-consuming and expensive detailing. Available to install in all weathers using familiar components, all systems are designed with safety, security and simplicity in mind. Short manufacture and delivery lead times help a project meet its schedule and stay within budget.