Design Components, Inc. (DCI) is proud to announce the successful deployment of our Metalwalk rooftop walkway and handrail system at the Aurubis Richmond recycling facility in Augusta, GA. This project represents a significant milestone for both companies, blending advanced safety solutions with innovative recycling technology.
Project Overview
Aurubis, headquartered in Germany, is a leading global provider of non- ferrous metals and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide. The Aurubis Richmond facility marks their first secondary smelter specializing in multi-metal recycling in the United States. The establishment of this facility underscores Aurubis’s dedication to expanding its recycling capabilities and reducing environmental impact.
METALWALK®: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency
DCI’s Metalwalk system is an OSHA-approved roof walkway designed to ensure safe foot traffic across metal roofs. It is particularly noted for its compatibility with standing seam roof panels, providing a robust and secure solution for industrial settings.
For the Aurubis Richmond facility, the Metalwalk system was meticulously designed to meet the unique requirements of the project. The final installation included 540 feet of 48-inch wide Metalwalk, featuring 42-inch high two-sided OSHA safety railings on both the uphill and downhill locations. The system was attached via S-5-U non-penetrating clamps to the standing seam roof panels, ensuring secure and reliable holding power. The roof’s pitch being unusual at 2.113:12 (a conversion from the metric scale to the US scale) was carefully considered, with all parallel runs of the walkway following the roof slope, and perpendicular runs being pitch- corrected to maintain a level walking surface.
Installation Highlights
Harrell Construction, based in Jacksonville, FL, was the installing contractor for this project. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in the successful implementation of the Metalwalk system. To ensure a proper installation process, DCI sent a field technician to provide on-site training to the Harrell Construction team.
After the initial training, field technician Mark revisited the job site to assess the progress of the installation. During his visit, he met with Ricardo, the crew chief, and commended the team for their successful installation and exceptional problem-solving abilities. (See video for more info)
Design and Implementation
The design phase of the project spanned about a year, during which several layout revisions were made to ensure optimal functionality and safety. The final design, accepted by the client, integrated multiple parallel and perpendicular walkway runs, offering safe and efficient access to all rooftop equipment.
The Metalwalk system provided numerous benefits for the Aurubis Richmond facility:
Level Walking Surface: Ensures safe and stable access across the rooftop, regardless of roof pitch.
Enhanced Safety: The two-sided OSHA safety railings provide comprehensive protection for workers.
Secure Attachment: The S-5-U non-penetrating clamps offer strong and reliable attachment to the roof panels without compromising the roof integrity.
Adaptability: The system’s modular design allowed for adjustments and problem-solving on-site, ensuring it met the specific needs of the project.
Conclusion
DCI is honored to have contributed to the Aurubis Richmond recycling facility’s construction. This project not only highlights the versatility and reliability of the Metalwalk system but also underscores our commitment to supporting innovative and sustainable industrial developments. We look forward to contributing to future projects that prioritize safety and sustainability.
Alec Fox – Marketing for Design Components, Inc. since 2022. Design Components, Inc. has been providing safer, stronger and simpler metal building accessories since 1978.
