How Are Mechanical Services Supported in Long-Span Structures?

Design of Mechanical Services Support Systems in Long-Span Structures

• Space frame roofs

• Industrial facilities

• Airports

• Logistics warehouses

Long-span structures are widely used in large-volume projects such as airports, logistics warehouses, manufacturing facilities, sports halls, exhibition centres and buildings with space frame roof systems. While reducing the number of columns creates large, uninterrupted spaces, safely supporting mechanical services becomes a significant engineering consideration.

Pipelines, ventilation ducts, cable trays and mechanical equipment must not only be supported; their loads must also be safely transferred to the main structure, maintenance access must be ensured, and the system must be designed to accommodate potential future modifications.

For this reason, mechanical services support systems are an integral part of project design in long-span structures.

Engineering Challenges in Long-Span Structures

The design of mechanical services in these structures requires different engineering considerations compared with conventional building applications.

The main challenges include:

• Increased support distances due to long spans

• Controlled transfer of loads to the main structure

• Correct planning of suspension points

• Coordination of multiple building services within the same area

• Preservation of maintenance and service access

• Creation of an infrastructure that can accommodate future modifications

Evaluating these criteria at the beginning of the project helps reduce revisions and additional costs during the installation process.

Key Design Criteria for Support Systems

Mechanical services support systems are not designed solely according to equipment weight.

The following criteria must be evaluated together:

• Loads from pipes, ducts and cable trays

• Equipment weights

• Static and dynamic loads

• Characteristics of the main structure

• Support spacing

• Connection details

• Maintenance access

• Corrosion conditions

• Seismic requirements, where applicable

The correct engineering approach directly affects not only the system’s current requirements but also its performance throughout its operational life.

Advantages of Modular Support Systems

In long-span structures, modular support systems provide flexible solutions that contribute to the safe support of mechanical services.

These systems enable:

• Different building services to be planned on a common support system

• Faster installation through welded-free connections

• Easier adaptation to modifications that may arise on site

• Controlled transfer of loads to the main structure

• Preservation of maintenance and service access

These features improve installation efficiency, particularly in large-scale projects, while also providing significant advantages throughout the operational life of the building.

Engineering Approach

A successful support system design depends on more than selecting the right products.

The engineering process must address the following stages as an integrated whole:

• Analysis of project requirements

• Modelling of the support system

• Evaluation of load calculations

• Determination of connection details

• Coordination between different disciplines

• Technical support for on-site installation

This approach contributes to the safe, sustainable and long-term operation of mechanical services.

Conclusion

Mechanical services support systems in long-span structures are more than structural elements used to support service lines. A properly designed support system enables the safe transfer of loads, improves installation efficiency, preserves maintenance access and supports long-term operational performance.

Therefore, addressing mechanical services support systems through an engineering-led approach from the beginning of the project plays an important role in creating safe and sustainable buildings, particularly in space frame structures, airports, manufacturing facilities, logistics warehouses and other large-scale projects.