For the Phoenox Textiles Ltd. project the goal was to design a warehouse extension to fit in with the existing warehouses on the site. This gave us the challenge of having to model the new structure in a limited design space enclosed by buildings at different orientations and differing shape.
The new structure was modelled using Tekla Structural Designer software and included parts of the existing buildings that the new warehouse would be adjoined with. The steel structure has been laid out in a way such that members are mostly of similar size to allow for easier acquisition of materials as well as consistent details for fabrication while still at at least medium capacity as to not be using excessive steel. A similar approach was used for the pad foundations other than for the few scenarios that the design loads varied largely from the more general areas and a more suitable pad size specified.
To avoid affecting the roof structure of the smaller warehouse building, specific connections were designed for columns of the new building to be bolted through into the sides of the columns of the existing structure. Room was then also between the new and existing structures to allow for drainage for water that would otherwise build up in the valley.
These connections can be seen in the photo below during construction where the new columns almost look like they’re floating with the connection to the existing warehouse building hidden behind the side panels.
The next photo then shows how the new warehouse building connects into the other surrounding structures.
And finally, the new warehouse with all the roofing and wall panels fitted ready for the new textiles machinery to be installed that will stretch the full length of the new and existing structure.
A later addition to the design was then also included to incorporate a frame structure hanging from the rafter beams for fan systems to be fitted. As the rafters had been designed to approximately 75% capacity to allow for the future installation of things like solar panels on the warehouse roof, the new frames won’t have an excessively negative effect on structure and will be able to be installed in the future.
Design Engineer: John Holland
