Case Study: Parallel Beams
Shopping Complex, Birmingham
Metsec Lattice Division supplied 70 lightweight lattice joists acting as long span purlins to support the roof of a 1700m2 shopping complex in Birmingham.
The joists, spanning between 10.7m and 11m, are just 400mm deep and spaced at 2m centres. The high strength to weight ratio
of the lightweight steel meant that relatively shallow joists can achieve long clear spans and directly carry the roof sheeting.
The open web design of the joists allowed easy passage of the mechanical and electrical services.
Designed in-house using Metsec's own LatticeSPEC software
and detailed on StruCad, the joists were delivered to site in four weeks from receipt of order.
Using lightweight steel lattice joists as purlins where long spans
are required is common practice in the USA and is a solution being adopted increasingly in the UK, particularly where large, open floor space is required.
Supermarket projects such as this shopping complex are a typical application since column free floor space both maximises the amount of space available for goods to be displayed and creates
an impression of openness to attract customers.