Industrial Building Design

Industrial building design is about creating functional spaces for your business. Industrial spaces may need room for equipment, office space for staff, and storage space for inventory. Whether you have a new building under construction, or a renovation to an existing building, you may require structural, mechanical and electrical engineering input. The result is a building that is functional, flexible, and compliant with code.

Structural Engineering for Industrial Buildings

From the foundation to the roof, structural engineering designs ensure a solid structure. Single storey buildings made from pre-fabricated steel are popular in western Canada. Concrete tilt-ups are typical for two-storey and up industrial and commercial businesses. Structural engineering consultants will determine the best construction method for building. In some areas, seismic engineering may be required.

Mechanical Engineering for Industrial Buildings

HVAC systems keeps buildings at a comfortable temperature, sufficiently warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Rooftop units offer the best performance and lowest costs for cooling large areas. Make-up air units are needed for equalizing pressure when exhaust fans are operating for specialized equipment. Mechanical engineering consultants work with your project team to determine the best system to accommodate your current needs, as well as future equipment purchases and business growth.

Electrical Engineering for Industrial Buildings

Electrical distribution, lighting design and life safety systems are designed by electrical engineering consultants. These building systems are customized to industrial settings that could include the need to power up welders, hoists and speciality equipment with electric motors and fans. Industrial lighting design is about reliability, safety (including ensuring proper grounding), energy-efficiency, and function. An industrial space could include a warehouse as well as an office space, for example, with each space having their own unique lighting needs.

Fire Protection

Fire protection for industrial buildings can be as simple as a sprinkler system or more intricate with a dry system chemical and even foam fire suppression systems. The latest provincial building and fire code provides the guidelines for the location and the type of fire protection system. For new industrial buildings that require a fire protection system, a fire alarm is also required to monitor and warn of fire, water and sprinkler tampering hazards.

Examples of Industrial Buildings

Warehouses

Warehouses offer large open versatile spaces. Because of the elevated height requirements, the building is usually steel frame or concrete tilt-up.

Manufacturing

HVAC systems need to be customized, as separate manufacturing areas have different exhaust and humidity requirements.

Automotive

The electrical load for welders, motors and fans can be tremendous. Having the right supply and customized electrical distribution system is key to preventing voltage drop and other electrical disturbances that can disrupt operations.

Food Processing

Hygiene is key. Food processing facilities need the floor area for equipment, raw ingredients and finished product. Facilities needs to be designed for continuous cleaning, requiring a good drainage system. In some municipalities, the waste water will require pre-treatment before entering the public sewage system.

Refrigeration systems must designed to be reliable in order to store inventory prior to shipping. Cold storage for food products need continuous monitoring. Buildings need to be large enough to allow for fast and efficient access to multiple rows and stacks of products. Lighting systems must be energy-efficient and effective.

Industrial building design involves meeting current needs while also planning for future growth. As engineering consultants, we can help you with designing the right structural, mechanical and electrical systems for your building.

Contact Us