Situation
A bank facility in Mississauga, Ontario planned the installation of a heavy vault weighing approximately 10,000 lbs along with multiple ATM machines. The existing floor system was part of an older building and had not been designed to support these concentrated loads.
The original structural design proposed a series of long steel beams, approximately 7 m in span, to be installed within the basement to support the additional weight. After contract award, the general contractor identified significant constructability issues with the proposed solution, including the lack of access to transport long beams into the basement without creating major openings in the existing building.
Engineering Scope
Following a site visit and review of the original design, services included development of an alternative structural solution focused on constructability, localized load transfer, and installation efficiency.
The scope involved redesign of the support system using a compact steel framing solution that could be delivered in smaller components, detailed structural design and drawings, general review of construction, periodic site visits during installation, and issuance of a final structural sign-off letter upon completion.
Key Engineering Considerations
Concentrated loading from a heavy vault and ATM equipment
Capacity and limitations of the existing floor system
Constructability constraints within an occupied bank facility
Access limitations for transporting long structural members
Localized load transfer to supporting elements below
Minimizing building disruption, cost, and construction duration
Outcome
An efficient steel framing solution was developed to locally support the vault and ATM loads without the need for long-span beams or invasive building modifications. The revised design significantly simplified installation, eliminated the need for major structural openings, and reduced construction time.
The solution resulted in substantial cost savings, estimated at over $100,000, while maintaining structural safety and compliance. The project was completed successfully, and a structural sign-off letter was issued upon completion. The general contractor expressed strong satisfaction with both the engineering approach and the project outcome.
Projects involving heavy equipment installation within existing buildings highlight the importance of engaging an experienced structural engineer in Toronto to resolve constructability constraints while maintaining safety, code compliance, and cost efficiency.
Related Engineering Services
Structural assessment and retrofit design
Constructability review and value engineering
Discuss a Similar Engineering Challenge
If you’re facing structural constraints related to heavy equipment, existing buildings, or constructability limitations, we can provide practical engineering solutions. Contact a structural engineer.