Custom plant support system

The extensive renovation project included works on a new build behind a retained façade, together with the refurbishment of existing buildings to create retail, office and residential areas. 

As part of this flagship project, Big Foot was asked to provide a support system for the plant which was to be sited over three large areas, and would contain over 50 pieces of AC equipment and the plant enclosures. The rooftop posed a number of challenges, as the site area identified for the plant was at differing levels and the existing structure had an unknown structural loading capacity.

Working closely with the contractor, Big Foot Systems designed a custom solution that used a combination of its Heavy Duty system, Safe Access and Fix It Feet. Along with safely and evenly supporting this large amount of plant, this created a level platform that was supported on differing level roofs and incorporated support for AC equipment and plant enclosures. 

“As this was a renovation of an old building, we were faced with a number of challenges not found in new builds where the roof has been designed to support a known loading capability,” Ashley ten Wolde, UK project team manager, Big Foot Systems, said. “In addition to working with a tricky rooftop, it all had to be done to a tight timescale with the supports designed, fabricated and assembled on site before a crane was dismantled to allow room for further building. This all took place within a few months, including gaining design approval from contractors, M&E contractors, architects and installers, and the customer is very happy with the end result.”