When structural support is needed for a walk-in, due to various load demands, there are several types of support that can be implemented. The engineering team at KPS Global designs for seismic and live loads but also for lateral, wind and equipment loading. It is critical to share the demands and uses of the walk-in when submitting your quote. This blog explores three types of structural support that can be used.
Suspended Ceiling Structural Support
Suspended ceiling systems are designed to support cold room insulated ceiling panels, when the building roof structure can support the additional load, with either ceiling hanger brackets or channel supports. This type of ceiling support eliminates the need for structure inside the cold room. A suspended ceiling simplifies design, reduces costs and is a reliable application for both retrofits and new projects, ensuring consistent performance and protection of stored products.
The panel-end to panel-end joint, which sits on the channel, is sealed with 2-part foam to create a thermal seal between the panels. Suspended ceilings distribute the weight of the insulated panels to the building structure. Thread rod or metal stranded cable can be used for attaching the ceiling supports from the walk-in ceiling channel to building structure above.
Internal Steel
There are instances where walk-ins need a structural member to support the size or the unit. Internal steel supports the walk-in panels directly by the structural framework, allowing the ceiling system to safely carry maintenance and operational loads. Internal steel is required on most large outdoor walk-ins to support snow and wind loads.
Internal steel is fabricated to exact internal dimensions to support the insulated panel wall and ceiling loads. The panels clad the steel structure and are fastened to the steel internally for a weatherproof exterior. Steel is pre-painted and is bolt together so that welding is not required. KPS Global will engineer and supply all steel and fasteners with the walk-in.
Rack Supported
Rack supported buildings and warehouses are designed to maximize storage efficiency by making the rack system an integral part of the building structure. This approach eliminates the need for additional structural steel allowing for full use of space from floor to ceiling and wall to wall, helping reduce construction costs and minimize the overall building footprint. Rack supported systems are structurally engineered for indoor and outdoor environments with high winds or seismic conditions.
Typical cold room racking can be erected after the insulated panel room is constructed, however, for rack support rooms the racking must be erected first. Engineered steel racking supports the wall and ceiling loads the same as internal steel and attachments are made internally.
When is Support Needed for Walk-ins
The engineering team at KPS Global designs for seismic and live loads but also for lateral, wind and equipment loading. Equipment loading allows for equipment to be mounted on top of the walk-in to free up building floor space. This is a fairly common practice in grocery stores to leverage the space above the walk-ins.
Why use KPS Global for Designing Walk-Ins?
KPS Global is a large-scale national manufacturer of walk-ins. When working with KPS Global, you have access to the industry leader and knowledgeable experts including our in-house design and engineering teams. An additional benefit of working with KPS Global for your walk-in coolers or freezers is the proximity of our manufacturing plants. As a specialized regional fabricator, our plants are located strategically throughout the country allowing your panels to be produced near your jobsite. Contact KPS Global to learn more.
