Situation
An industrial facility in Ontario required a cable tray support system extending hundreds of meters across multiple areas of the plant. The initial concept relied on a conventional Unistrut-based system installed incrementally on site, which involved extensive field labor, installation time, and coordination challenges within an active industrial environment.
The client required a solution that could accommodate long tray runs, repetitive geometry, and efficient installation while maintaining structural reliability and compliance with applicable design standards.
Engineering Scope
Structural design of a modular steel cable tray support system using HSS members, including overall framing layout, member sizing, connection detailing, and segmentation into repeatable assemblies suitable for off-site fabrication.
The scope included developing standardized modules that could be fabricated in controlled shop conditions, transported to site, and installed efficiently using crane lifts.
Key Engineering Considerations
Gravity and service loads from cable trays and supported services
Deflection control and serviceability over extended spans
Structural efficiency through repetition and modularization
Connection design compatible with fabrication and erection constraints
Lifting, handling, and stability of modules during installation
Coordination with existing plant structure, clearances, and obstructions
Outcome
A prefabricated modular steel support system was developed using repeatable HSS assemblies engineered for crane installation. The approach significantly reduced on-site labor and installation time compared to the original Unistrut-based concept, while providing a robust and standardized structural system suitable for long cable tray runs and future expansion.
The final solution improved constructability, reduced installation complexity, and delivered a practical, cost-effective alternative aligned with industrial project requirements.
Industrial systems involving modular steel framing and repetitive support geometry benefit from early involvement of an experienced structural engineer in Toronto to optimize load paths, constructability, and fabrication efficiency.
Related Engineering Services
Steel Structure Design
Structural Connection Design
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