Channel Systems

Primarily for use within mezzanine floors, C-Channel sections can also be applied in many other circumstances such as door framing, roof trimming, window trimming, brickwork restraints, parapet rails and side rails.

The mezzanine floor beam depths of 127, 220, 270, and 290mm are all catered for within the range, together with channel depths of 150, 170, 205, 230, 255, 305 and 350mm, which are fully compatible with our 'Z' purlin and rail sections. While mezzanine floor beams are normally punched with 18 diameter holes as standard, 14 diameter holes are also available in these sections, together with the option of counter formed holes.

Single Span Design

The single span design is more commonly used than the double span design due to floor depth restrictions. Please ensure that the holes in the standard MFB cleat projects far enough beyond the flange of the hot rolled member to provide adequate fixing to the C-Channel. Non standard cleats are available.

Double Span Design

The double span design is used when there is no depth restrictions within the floor zone. The benefit of a continuous member is reduced deflections, which in turn can reduce the sections size and therefore cost. Standard purlin cleats can be used for this system.

Restraint Requirements

As the bottom flange of the C-Channel is usually unrestrained we recommend that a Hi-SPAN tubular sag rod is fitted. Where possible the channel should face toe to toe with the restraint situated in the lower gauge line holes. (Typically spans less than 3.50m do not require restraints).

Threaded Sag Bars

These 19mm diameter flow-coat galvanised and lacquered seamless tubular sag bars are preferred by many consultants and structural engineers; not only for visual effect, but also from a structural point of view. They are sturdy (0.9mm thick) and the zinc plated 12mm dia. threaded end spigots with nut and washer provide a positive fixing. 

Floor Cleats

When Hi-SPAN C-Channels are used as mezzanine floor beams the MFB cleats should be used at the supports. The cleats are manufactured from a thicker material than the trimmer cleats to support the higher shear loads associated with floors. When a double span system is used, hot rolled cleats are needed in order to support the web of the channel. Fixing directly through the bottom flange of the channel to the supporting member is not recommended.

PARAPET CHANNELS

Many buildings are designed to incorporate a parapet to the perimeter to hide the ridge from view. 

The parapet has a horizontal coping which can require fixing to the internal face, external face and over the top of the parapet. Hi-SPAN C-Channels are capable of fulfilling all of this criteria. They come in a range of depths to suit practically all parapet dimensions.

DOOR AND WINDOW TRIMMERS

With the web orientated towards the opening, a flush clean surface is available to affix the door and window frames.

The standard trimmer cleat is used to connect the vertical posts to either the horizontal posts or the rest of the frame in conjunction with CFP plates to provide a flush finish around the window/door frame.

BRICKWORK RESTRAINTS

The channels sit directly on top of the wall and are connected using sliding anchors. The wall will provide support to the channel about its weak axis, and the channel will restrain the wall against horizontal wind forces. Where walls are erected after the channels, temporary propping will be needed until the wall is in place.

When designing rails to act as brickwork restraints using the Hi-SPAN Design Suite, consideration must be made to the higher deflection limits required by both the brick/block walls.

Restraint must be provided to the outer flange of the channel by a positive fixing to the overlapping cladding.