Hyspan & Hybeam from CHH Futurebuild - a warehouse, not a hot-house
Tis the season to be jolly aware of fire hazards. With another long hot summer ahead, it's worth noting stories
like this one out of Queensland.
Simon Pty Ltd is one of Toowoomba's largest family-owned timber and building supply outlets. Established in 1928, the business
has been in its current location since 1950 and has continued to grow and thrive.
In 1994 the company recognised the need for a warehouse and workspace to accommodate machinery and operations. Simon Pty Ltd
commissioned Timberbuilt to design and erect a large portal frame structure. The structure was built using five box section LVL
portal frames over four bays. Two of the bays incorporated Hyspan LVL purlins and two incorporated Hybeam I-Joist purlins.
In the early hours of the morning of February 4th 2003, an electrical fire broke out in the warehouse. The fire was intense
and yet structural damage was minimal. The main structural members had been built with Hyspan LVL resulting in minor structural
damage. Remarkably only two of the bays needed replacing. According to members of the fire crew, the insurance company and the
demolition company, a steel structure would have been 'completely unusable.'
The rebuilding of the warehouse began a little over a month after the fire thanks largely to the quick response and supply of
material from Peter Hann at futurebuild's Nangwarry mill. Tasbeam became involved immediately with the fabrication and supply
of new portal frames and purlins.The rebuilding of the structure included new cladding and a new electrical board and was
completed in just 18 days. An incredible feat which meant minimal disruption to operations. Simon Pty Ltd General Manager Ross
Simon declared "What made the difference was everyone pulling together at a time when it was most needed - all the staff and the
suppliers."
It was decided during rebuilding that the surface charring of the old members would not be removed. Kept instead as a reminder
to all who visit just how resilient to fire engineered building products can be.
For further information contact:
CHH Futurebuild
phone: +61 3 9258 7600
fax: +61 3 9258 7629
web: www.chhfuturebuild.com
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