Cipla Distribution Gateway
SAISC PROJECTS
Cipla Distribution Gateway
“ To accommodate the tenant ’ s required racking layout , columns were placed on a 38m x 32m grid . The 32m long girders , carrying the 38m long trusses , support a total area of 1 220m 2 resulting in very high forces within the girder and at the connections . Each girder has a support capacity of 120 tonnes .”
This project included the constructin of Cipla Medpro main distribution hub for Southern Africa 16 380 m2 warehouse and 1 500m 2 offices facility . A light-weight steel structure was built on 3m high concrete columns on the perimeter and full-height internal concrete columns . Internal columns were founded on pile foundations while perimeter columns have pad footings . The roof structure is comprised of lattice girders and trusses on a 32 x 38m grid spacing .
Eave height of warehouse is 16.5m to accommodate a clear 15m stacking height inside . The warehouse tops out at a maximum height of 22m for the monitor trusses .
A horizontal membrane was created by using a large bracing system over the entire roof area . This membrane is stabilised by strategically placed vertical bracing fixed to concrete portals . Pile foundations under the ends of these portal frames transfer lateral forces to the ground . Trusses span + 38m , spaced at 8m intervals , and supports the large HVAC ducts needed to regulate the required temperature for pharmaceutical storage . The loading from these HVAC ducts equates to an additional 3.2tons per truss located at mid-span .
Project Team
Client : Capital Property Fund ( now : Fortress Income Fund ) Architects : ICM Architecture Structural Engineer : Bigen Africa Services Quantity Surveyor : MLC Quantity Surveyors Project Manager : ICM Architecture Main Contractor : Isipani Construction Steelwork Contractor : Anchor Steel Projects Electrical Engineer : Infrastructure Solutions
Ecosense was appointed as environmental consultant during construction . Precast perimeter wall panels will result in low maintenance throughout the building life cycle in comparison to painted brick walls . To accommodate the tenant ’ s required racking layout , columns were placed on a 38m x 32m grid . The 32m long girders , carrying the 38m long trusses , each support a roof area of 1 220m 2 resulting in very high forces within the girder and at the connections . Each girder has a support capacity of 120 tons . The requirement from the tenant to control the warehouse temperature resulted in a large duct system from the HVAC plant being supported at mid span of the centre roof trusses . Due to the fast track programme , temporary stability of the structure had to be considered in order to proceed with the installation of roof sheeting and side cladding before the final steel frame was complete . Support of HVAC ducts in and around the warehouse presented additional challenges compared to facilities with traditional HVAC systems . Construction sequence was optimised to allow the various disciplines to complete their parts of the project without causing a delay to other contractors , thus shortening the construction period and finishing ahead of schedule .
Economic steel weights were achieved despite large roof spans ( only 8 internal columns ) accommodating the racking layout and supporting HVAC equipment .
The project was completed in 8 months , within budget and on time , without compromising on quality of workmanship .
Steel Construction Vol . 40 No . 3 2016 21