Suitable metal for flooring in an industrial lift + power

Research reveals that the ideal metal for flooring in an industrial lift must be durable, lightweight, and resistant to various environmental conditions. Metals such as aluminum, steel, and stainless steel are often recommended for this application. They provide a strong structural foundation that can withstand the demands of lifting heavy loads while ensuring safety and efficiency.

I'm currently faced with an assignment in a class where we really haven't been taught anything and have to figure it out on our own. We've been tasked to design an industrial lift system that raises approximately kg up 25 stories. After conducting extensive research, I have successfully designed a robust platform frame with minimal deflection of less than 3mm at maximum load conditions. I've also calculated the necessary torque and information on the kW rating of the motors I wish to utilize. However, I still face a few unsolved issues and am uncertain about where to seek help.

My frame is composed of standard UK beam segments in a criss-cross pattern as illustrated below:


The project directive states:
"The floor is expected to be constructed from suitable expanded metal according to the given cage specifications. The construction company prefers the floor to be made from a lightweight metal to minimize material costs."

While I could implement a 200 mm steel plate across the frame, which would indeed suffice, I genuinely lack knowledge on how to determine an appropriate material and thickness for the application. My most relevant learning occurred two years ago covering simply supported beam bending analysis; however, this appears to entail a more advanced calculation. Given that it's a lift, I believe it needs to endure a "point load" at the maximum rated load of kg. This raises concerns about whether a lightweight aluminum sheet would be sufficient. Could anyone provide guidance on how to approach this calculation?

Additionally, the assignment specifies the following:
"Power Supply Range: 370-460 V, 50 or 60 Hz, 3 Phase
Rated Power: kW ?
Power Supply Fuse ?
Starting Current: 130 A
Power Consumption: 65 kVA"

I have estimated that around 17 kW would be necessary with a safety margin to raise the load with my design. I have not previously engaged with the task of selecting an appropriate fuse. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

-Chris

If you are seeking further details, please visit KAIYAO.

Steel as a Flooring Material

Although not conventionally considered, a steel flooring system provides superior durability and strength over more traditional materials such as timber, delivering additional cost savings through its inherent pest resistance properties including termites and borers.

Let’s explore five critical benefits of utilizing a steel flooring system instead of timber:

1. Rapid Installation

Our steel flooring is designed using ProCAD Software, manufactured to precise specifications off-site, and delivered prepped for installation, enhancing efficiency significantly. The pre-cut aspect leads to minimal waste, ultimately saving both time and material costs, making steel flooring an economically advantageous option.

Electrical and plumbing service holes can be pre-punched, and connection tabs are pre-fabricated for swift connections. Attachments require no additional brackets!

Learn more:
How to Choose the Right Flush Sandwich Panel?
Top 5 Reasons Why Asphalt Shingles Installation is All ...

Reach out to us for discussions related to your steel flooring panels. Our knowledgeable sales team is equipped to assist you in identifying the options best suited to your specifications.

2. Longevity of Steel Flooring

Steel flooring bearers and joists are resistant to twisting, warping, or shrinking over time, preventing issues with sticking doors and window frames or cracking cornices.  

We primarily utilize quality Bluescope TRUECORE steel, which includes a 50-year warranty (terms and conditions apply). TRUECORE steel features protection against corrosion through a hot-dipped metallic layer of zinc-aluminum alloy.

3. Pest and Fire Resistance

Steel flooring is immune to termites, dry-rot, and borer infestations; it's also naturally non-combustible, meaning it won’t ignite, combust, or facilitate the spread of fire, providing security and safety. Frequently, steel flooring and framing products are utilized in areas with high fire risks such as bushfire zones. 

A key benefit of steel flooring is its absence of toxic chemical treatments commonly applied to protect timber.

4. Versatility of Span Length

The robust structural integrity of steel facilitates remarkable floor spanning capabilities, reducing the need for numerous internal load-bearing walls and columns and allowing for greater flexibility in building design.

Steel flooring excels in sloped and hilly settings. 

5. Environmental Sustainability

Choosing steel flooring is an environmentally responsible option, as it is produced from recycled materials and perfect for energy-efficient constructions. Steel is recognized as the most recycled product globally, with waste materials being fully recyclable—thanks to the precision involved in its manufacturing process, leading to minimal waste.