When planning to install a mezzanine floor, one of the most important factors to consider is the load rating. Getting this right ensures your structure is not only compliant but also safe and functional for your intended use.
What is a Load Rating?
Load rating refers to the amount of weight a mezzanine floor can safely carry. You will often see load ratings expressed in kilopascals (kPa). This can seem technical, but it’s quite straightforward:
1.5kPa = 150kg per square meter
3kPa = 300kg per square meter
5kPa = 500kg per square meter
7.5kPa = 750kg per square meter
Essentially, kPa measures the pressure exerted by a load over a specific area. For example, residential homes typically have a load rating of 1.5kPa, meaning they are designed to carry 150kg per square meter. In comparison, an industrial mezzanine with a 3kPa load rating can carry double that amount.
Why Load Ratings Matter
Understanding load ratings is critical because it determines how much weight your mezzanine can safely hold. Ensuring that you allow for any changes of use in the future is recommended so that you aren’t limited with what you store on your mezzanine floor.
For example, a 100-square-meter mezzanine floor rated at 5kPa is designed to carry 50 tons when the weight is spread evenly across the surface. It is important to note that this is based off the weight being evenly spread, if there are areas that require heavier storage requirements we can increase the load rating for that particular area.
Modular Mezzanines and Load Ratings
Our modular mezzanine systems are engineered to meet common load requirements without needing additional footings. Typically, we design our systems to handle load ratings of 3kPa and 5kPa. However, depending on your specific needs, we can achieve much higher load capacities with or without footings.
Flooring and Load Ratings
Choosing the right flooring is just as important as selecting the correct load rating. When you opt for a load rating of 5kPa or higher, flooring with a high puncture rating becomes essential.
19mm or 25mm structural plywood is often used for high-load mezzanine floors due to its superior point load in comparison with flooring such as 22mm particle board. This is crucial when installing pallet racking or using pallet jacks, as these concentrate large amounts of weight on small areas, like the foot of a rack or the wheel of a jack.
Whether you’re expanding your warehouse storage or adding office space above your factory floor, understanding load ratings will help you make the right decisions. Always ensure your mezzanine is designed to handle your intended load safely and efficiently.
Need help choosing the right load rating for your mezzanine? Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements today.
Ph: 1300 668 468
Email: sales@dynamicws.com.au
