From relatively standard building forms to the most structurally and architecturally complex buildings in the world, our expert team of designers and engineers have accumulated an extensive portfolio of successfully deployed building maintenance systems. These are always developed to deliver practical, efficient and cost effective access solutions and navigate complex building geography where necessary while also, most importantly, safeguarding the safety of BMU operators, building residents and the general public with a wide range of key safety features.
To look at one project specifically where a combination of complex building parameters and a number of vital safety concerns both needed to be addressed, the building maintenance system for Torre Caja Madrid is a good example. A unique feature of the building is its distinctive archway structure above the roof level which is an arresting architectural focal point and also deliberately designed to create a wind tunnel effect which is intended to provide power to the building as a site for wind turbines.
Two highly flexible Building Maintenance Units are located at roof level, one with an articulated three knuckle jib which is required to navigate the complex geography of the archway structure and its interior surfaces. Both BMUs share a common track to improve efficiency and are both designed to be lowered below the parapet so they are hidden from view when not in use. Bearing in mind the complexity of the structure and of the building maintenance system as a whole, providing for a number of safety measures was also a paramount concern. In order to avoid any collisions with the building parapet both Building Maintenance Units provide a counter-weight anti-collision system, and, given that they share a common track, track stoppers are also in place to prevent collision of the units themselves.
In respect to the high wind conditions, especially where the arch structure forms a wind tunnel effect, both BMUs are tested to withstand the typical wind levels during their operating conditions and a higher level of storm force winds in their parked positions. Both BMUs also feature a wind speed monitoring system to keep operators constantly updated on this safety factor.
The particular complexity and functionality of the articulated three knuckle jib BMU also called for further specific safety measures to be built in to the building maintenance system. In order to access all areas of the deep archway feature, the BMU is capable of navigating to the underside of the arch using all three knuckle joints in combination with slewing rings which prevent the cradle from overturning. In order to ensure safety throughout this complex operation, the BMU includes a primary and a backup hydraulic power pack so that operators can be safely returned to the starting position in the event of a primary power failure.
As a leading supplier of building maintenance systems with over 50 years’ experience in the industry, CoxGomyl have always placed safety as our number one priority and it sits at the heart of every building access project we undertake. Contact us to discuss your building access needs.
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