When the University of Sheffield decided to invest in its advanced manufacturing capabilities, it began building the Royce Discovery Center in the city. The additional laboratory space was created to provide an innovative research-focused facility, to enhance its engineering facilities. With the double height workshop area, the central focus of the downtown building and the time constraints imposed by university study dates, it was essential that the project be carried out quickly and safely. The subcontractor, Elecomm, commissioned Gripple to install the electrical and mechanical containment, which not only saved the project early on, saving nearly three months on site, but also significantly reduced health and safety risks and shaved around £13,400 in off-budget labor expenses. . Work has already begun on the installation of electrical containment systems and containment piping using conventional methods of threaded rod, channel nuts and channels. But the client was looking for a more aesthetic solution that could be installed quickly to make up for the time already lost on the project. After careful evaluation to determine which methods would fit the project, work began on installing Gripple’s fast, tool-free trapeze-arc solution, Fast Trak, to secure the remaining pipes and electrical containment on the project. The prefabricated system eliminated the need for on-site threaded rod or duct cutting and no tools were required as the bracket could be easily moved up and down the tracks to reposition during installation and thus was a safer option than conventional methods. The ease of installation saves time and reduces the amount of work done at heights. Pipework was also supported by Gripple’s QT Extension, which was chosen because it allowed pipes to be installed at varying heights from the stanchion to fit pipes of different sizes required by the project. Keen to improve the aesthetics of the area and conceal the services of the exposed building, we deployed a Fast Trak Bracket Cover that mounts to the underside of the arch, concealing the tracks. Contractors, accustomed to threaded rod suspension methods, had not previously used swing bracket solutions but found the easy, up-front and tool-free solutions were a simpler, safer, and quickly converted solution. Elecomm completed the project safely, on time and within budget. The mechanical supervisor explains: “This was the first time we had used Gripple solutions on a project and the feedback from the guys on the site was that it’s faster, easier, and therefore safer to install than a traditional rod and strut and really gives a neat look to the job.” Our projects moving forward, thanks to the health, safety and time-saving benefits we’ve gained, as well as the excellent customer service we’ve received from Gripple.” For more information on Gripple and Fast Trak products, visit the Gripple website.
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