Thread: Structural Advice Required - A safe and a hard place

Basically you will have to install the safe on a platform with about 3.5 times the area of the safe. And the safe will need to be in the middle of the platform. (This is not as bad as it seems - the platform only needs to extend about half the width of the safe all round) The platform will have to be designed by a structural engineer or possibly an architect to properly spread the load.

You will also have to consider how the safe is going to get there, probably by crane through a window. I suggest consulting with the safe suppliers and the possibly the building's architect - it is possible that although the figure you have for the floor loading is the minimum for the floor as a whole, there may be locations that allow a higher loading.

I know you have been thrown in at the deep end, but really this is the sort of thing that should have been on the critical path in the decision to choose that location!

Garry,

Sensible concerns.

Structural Engineer required.

Engineer will need information about the structure. Depends on the age of the building as many allowed for higher loadings in some areas for Compactus units.... usually adjacent to Lift shafts....and close to columns ....shear forces and such rather than mid span and bending moments.

JD is right too about the logistics of getting the safe in.

The mob I work for as a design manager have recently established an office and are building two office buildings in Canberra so have contacts with local knowledge. Indeed our project manager for the projects is a Canberra boy.

I'm sure Thiess (Trevor and I) would be happy to help.

It might be as simple as a phone call.

PM me.

Here's your opportunity to relocate to an office with a view. May I suggest something near parklands and the beach or a river. Somewhere near a decent cafe', and maybe a bit closer to home.

Make sure the new carpark can accomodate your new Defender with 4" lift and loaded roofrack.

Just thinking outside the square.

Mmmm
All valid and sensible concerns.
I am intrigued as to the whereabouts and accountability of the previous PM.
Is he still about? If so ask your super to visit him and collect the solution! 8)
If not around anymore, again go to your super, insist you receive additional funds (to fix the inherited problem), a deadline extension and a project review note succinctly detailing that although happy to fix it, you didn't cause it!
Ideally, a sub or parallel project could be raised and allocated to the original PM.
I guess you have gathered that I am involved in project work also and my pet hate is picking up a project mid life

regards
Ralph

Thanks for all the comments - yes structural engineer was engaged - he was the bastard who said we only had 300kg per sq m.

Previous PM resigned because supers were not listening - me having the same problem and I am being shot as the messenger of bad news as I do my job and identify issues - like this one. Was accused yesterday of blowing out timeframes even though I have been in the job for only 4 weeks. This of course will be my fault.

This is a nice new office -has a nice view over a harbour (no problem setting the aspect up) and garage will fit 4x4 - unfortunately we have a Territory, Toyo Troopy and a crapped out HiLux - so a nice new D3 will easily fit.

Considered the frame on the floor to spread the weight - this will be last option if all else fails.

Still pondering to see if we can get the safe classification changed - no luck yet, so still pondering

Thanks for the comments - confirms what I was thinking.

Gazzz

Welcome to the world of office politics. Just make certain you don't like those on the floors below 8O .