HVAC Industrial Equipment Platform Case Study

Case Study Images – HVAC Industrial Equipment Platform

Project Challenge: HVAC Industrial Equipment Platform

The project began when 548 Group, Inc. approached FCP with a specific set of hurdles. Their client needed to support multiple HVAC heavy air handling units (AHUs) outside their facility. However, the project had many hurdles to overcome.

• Weight and Terrain Issues – The platform needed to hold substantial weight from the air handling units. The designated installation area was an outdoor sloped surface originally made of asphalt. A standard platform would not suffice because the asphalt base could not support the point loads of heavy-duty AHUs. Due to the weight of the equipment, code compliance required concrete footings.
• Complex Equipment Integration – The challenges went beyond just supporting weight. The end client needed to locate specific equipment towers beneath the platform. These towers were taller than the platform deck itself.
• Water Management – Since the platform was located outdoors, environmental factors played a huge role. The client required an integrated drainage system to prevent water from pooling on the deck. They needed a clean, efficient way to manage runoff without unsightly pipes cluttering the exterior of the structure.

Project Solution: HVAC Industrial Equipment Platform

FCP took ownership of the design, engineering, and prefabrication of the platform. We utilized our proprietary FCP Free-Space Mezzanines™ technology to create a rigid, durable structure capable of handling the heavy HVAC equipment loads.

• Structural Integrity with FCP ConnectRite™ – Central to the success of this project was the use of the exclusive FCP ConnectRite™ cold-formed steel connection system. This system is the first moment-resistant, bi-directional rigid frame system approved by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and adopted by both the IBC and CBC. Using ConnectRite™ provided two major advantages for the 548 Group and their client:
  • Expedited Permitting: Because the system is pre-approved and meets rigorous standards, the permit process was significantly faster.
  • Reduced Labor Costs: The design allows for quicker, more efficient installation, reducing on-site labor.
• Terrain – To address the sloped asphalt and heavy loads, the design team required concrete footings. These footings allowed the base plates to be recessed, creating a cleaner design while providing the necessary code-compliant stability for the heavy equipment above.
• Equipment Integration – FCP addressed the challenge of tower height beneath the platform by designing precise deck openings, allowing the towers to pass through while preserving structural integrity.
• Water Management – Perhaps the most unique feature was the custom drainage solution. FCP engineered a system where drains were installed directly into the top of the concrete deck. Instead of external piping, the water flows down the interior of the columns and exits through the bottom. This provided the functional drainage the client needed while maintaining a sleek, professional appearance.

Why 548 Group Chose FCP

According to 548 Group, the customer informed us that several of FCP’s competitors were asked to quote this project but declined due to its complexity. FCP was the only manufacturer confident in its ability to design a system that had the expertise to meet the client’s needs.

Conclusion

This HVAC Equipment Industrial Platform case study serves as a prime example of how specialized engineering and proprietary technology can overcome site limitations that standard solutions cannot. By utilizing the FCP ConnectRite™ system and thinking creatively about drainage and foundations, FCP was able to deliver a system that met the expectations of the customer.