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In the initial design of a new building, an abseil rail system was specified to facilitate façade maintenance and cleaning. This system, intended to provide a secure anchor point for workers, was designed to be fixed directly to the standing seam roof. Standing seam roofs, known for their durability and sleek appearance, are made of metal panels with raised seams where the panels lock together.
However, a critical issue arose: the structural integrity of the standing seam roof couldn't handle the load requirements of the abseil rail system. This type of roof isn't designed to bear the concentrated, dynamic loads associated with abseiling equipment and personnel. Mounting the system as per the initial specifications would have compromised the roof's structure and created a significant safety risk. This incompatibility between the specified design and the roof's load-bearing capacity created a major obstacle.
Lightweight and Compliant
To address this challenge, we initiated a series of meetings with all key stakeholders: the consultant, main contractor, and the end user. Our goal was to not only highlight the incompatibility but also to propose a viable and safe alternative. We provided detailed technical explanations, including load calculations and structural diagrams, to demonstrate why the original design was unfeasible.
We proposed a redesign that would involve installing additional offset brackets attached directly to the building's primary steel supports. This approach would transfer the abseil system's load from the standing seam roof to the building's main structural framework. It would also allow the abseil rail to be mounted at the required height without putting any stress on the roof itself.
Compliant with BS8610:2017 and by proxy conforms to EN795:2012
Following our technical presentation and discussions, the design team agreed to amend the project's drawings. The revised design incorporated the new steel supports, providing a safe and reliable foundation for the abseil rail system. This collaborative effort resulted in the successful installation of the system, ensuring the building's façade could be maintained safely for years to come. By proactively identifying the design flaw and proposing a sound engineering solution, we were able to prevent a costly and dangerous structural failure, all while maintaining the project’s schedule.