Mezzanine Guide
Application: how will you use your mezzanine?
Some mezzanine applications include:
- Storage
- Production
- Equipment positioning and support
- Offices/administrative
- Order picking modules
Location: where in your building will it be?
Mezzanines in corners are common, but sometimes they stand free in the middle of a plant. This helps you understand if the ceiling is high enough in that area, what power runs are needed and how it flows with your facility layout and design.
Facility factors: floor, ceiling, layout, columns
What is your slab floor capacity? The typical floor is 6” thick concrete with 25,000 pounds capacity. When you load a floor with tons of equipment, you must know its capacity. This depends on the thickness of the concrete and how much the soil underneath the slab will compress.
Will your mezzanine be point loaded?
This is a critical question, Point loading is the application of a very heavy load or application of dynamic force on a small area of the mezzanine and must be accounted for in the design process.
What does each column have to bear?
Make sure mezzanine column base plates are correctly sized. The interior columns of the platform will always bear the most weight due to the fact that they support the most square footage. If your slab can support interior column loads, then the exterior columns should not be a challenge. Larger base plates help, but can’t compensate for extremely heavy loads. You may need concrete footings in some instances.
What code compliance applies?
You may be subject to IBC2006, IBC2003, or something else. These variations frequently rely on seismic zone, but not always. Well constructed mezzanines should meet IBC, AISC and ATSM standards. IBC is usually the standard for permitted projects. Be certain your guardrails and stairs meet requirements. If you classify the mezzanine as a work platform (and it’s used as a work area and isn’t publicly accessible) requirements vary.
