Innovative suspension system supports MMC

The management of cables can now be classified under Modern Methods of Construction thanks to an innovative prefabricated bracket and track suspension system that is fast becoming the system of choice for contractors, not just in the UK, but globally.

Fast Trak is a prefabricated suspension system O ne such project which has benefitted from using the Fast Trak suspension system is Merlin Park University Hospital in Galway, Ireland. The scheme, designed and delivered by Rhatigan Architects as part of two simultaneous projects, involved the delivery of an ambulance base for Galway City, a two-storey building which sympathetically echoed the original building design and a €1m extension housing two brand new orthopaedic theatres. The modern purpose-built theatres were developed to serve the needs of Galway and surrounding regions.

Challenge

All successful construction projects delivered on time and within budget are reliant on the effective working of contractors and consistent supply of materials in-line with the schedule of works. However, more often than not, timescales are squeezed, which is where prefabricated products really come into their own.

Sub-contractor H&F Electrical Contractors was chosen to deliver the electrical services at Merlin Park University Hospital and wanted to ensure timescales were met. One way in which it found it could work smarter and save time was to look for an alternative to traditional threaded rod suspension kits. These traditional kits are extremely time consuming in both preparation and installation, making deliveries difficult, and also require additional health and safety measures such as hot works permits.

The answer the company found was the Fast Trak prefabricated suspension system by Gripple, a modern solution that provides versatility and flexibility and is known to reduce installation times by 85%.

The solution

Fast Trak was selected for the suspension of electrical containment on site. The quick bracket suspension solution was chosen to reduce labour intensive on-site activity and help simplify the additional cable containment along with pipework and ductwork in building services applications.

One of the new features of Fast Trak is the enhanced bracket innovation, which allows installers to fit the bracket in any orientation. Enabling the use of standard channel products and accessories as well as its unique quarter turn accessories increases flexibility. There is also a suspension point guide, providing faster and safer alignment of brackets as well as a pioneering four-way latch which can be used in any orientation. This negates the need for tools and provides a much faster and simpler installation and quick adjustment.

The advancements made to the track include a ladder style – this allows brackets to be installed in increments of 10mm, meaning specified heights can be kept with minimal effort, also enabling the tiering of brackets, to increase the number of services per run. The new manufacturing technologies developed mean that the ladder track is now curved and can be snapped or bent, providing a neat and tidy finish with minimal to zero waste, all while delivering increased track rigidity and load ratings.

Contractor’s thoughts

The Contracts Manager for H&F Electrical says: “With the tight programme we have, we needed something that we could get in quickly, so Fast Trak fit the bill. The services we’ve installed using Fast Trak has been containment, tray, basket and trunking. By using Fast Trak we’ve been able to save a considerable amount of time on the installation and I would definitely recommend the system to others.”

In fact, statistics show that Fast Trak can make installations on average six times faster when compared with traditional threaded rod installations. In addition, labour cost can be three times less, which can equate to thousands of pounds saved. So with, bottom line savings coupled with increased health and safety plus a measurable and sustainable carbon footprint, Fast Trak really is the system of choice for not only H&F Electrical but for contractors across the globe.

Manufactured by Gripple, Fast Trak is also a zero-waste product which comprises metal tracks and mounting brackets which arrive on site in pre-cut lengths, it offers total embodied CO2 savings and provides BREAM credits and LEED points.

Gripple, gripple.com

The answer the company found was the Fast Trak prefabricated suspension system by Gripple

YEAR S SLEEK, CURVED TRUNKING

1942 - 2022

Sterling Curve Cat7a compliant trunking has three segregated compartments 3 167 x 50mm 3 Dado or skirting variations 3 Bio version available for Profile 1 (dado)

FIND OUT MORE

DELIVERING INNOVATION www.marshall-tufflex.com