Modular Walkway with Integrated Services Bay for Rooftop Plant Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction industry faces low productivity due to bespoke building designs and traditional methods, which are time-consuming and costly, especially for research and medical facilities that require rapid construction and flexibility. Additionally, locating plant equipment on the roof increases project costs and complexity, and makes facilities less reconfigurable.
Innovation Solution
A modular walkway system comprising a raised walkway with handrails and a services bay to support conveying components, allowing for quick installation and reconfiguration, with support pedestals that secure the walkway modules to the roof, enabling easy distribution of services and access to plant equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plant equipment is located on the roof of a facility, then space inside the facility is saved and access to plant equipment is improved, but project cost and complexity increase and reconfigurability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The roof structure is divided into modular sections with integrated services bays that can be independently configured. Each module contains predefined service routes and access points, allowing the roof to be segmented into functional zones that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof structure is designed as a multi-functional platform that simultaneously serves as structural support, service distribution network, and equipment mounting surface. Standardized services bays provide universal access points and connection interfaces for various plant equipment types, reducing the need for specialized installation procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bespoke building designs are used for particular applications, then specific requirements are met, but construction time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The building system is divided into standardized modular components including prefabricated wall panels, floor cassettes, and services modules. These segments can be rapidly assembled on-site according to specific facility requirements, maintaining flexibility while dramatically reducing construction time through industrialized manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements such as movable partitions, flexible service routing, and adaptable equipment mounts. This dynamic capability allows the facility to be reconfigured during and after construction to meet changing requirements without requiring complete redesign or demolition.
3Ease of manufacture
If service networks are installed in a constructed building, then essential services are provided, but installation is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
Service networks including electrical conduits, data cabling, and fluid piping are pre-installed within modular building components during factory manufacturing. This preliminary action allows services to be integrated into the structure before on-site assembly, eliminating time-consuming post-construction installation work and reducing overall project timeline.
Solution Approach 2:
Service networks are nested within hollow core floor cassettes and wall panels, where conduits and pipes are embedded during manufacturing. This nesting approach protects services during construction, simplifies on-site installation, and allows rapid connection between modules through standardized interface points.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a walkway module for providing a walkway on a roof of a facility. The walkway module comprises: a raised walkway; one or more handrails extending along at least a portion of the walkway; and a services bay located below the walkway and arranged to support services comprising one or more conveying components, the conveying components arranged to convey at least one of a fluid, power and an electrical signal. The walkway module is connectable to a further walkway module to provide a walkway network on a roof of a facility.