- Installation Solutions
- Facade Access / BMU Systems
Facade Access / BMU Systems
The development of 3D modelling and the technical capabilities of lightweight glass structures are allowing architects to achieve their futuristic dreams about the design of contemporary glass structures.
The changes to the geometry of these buildings have led to increasingly complex façade access requirements, that not only incorporate mechanical building maintenance units (BMUs), but also monorail systems and rope access methods requiring fixed anchors and removable davit arms to give full access to all the buildings facades, no matter what shape and size.
Façade Access Solutions
Full-height glazed light wells now appear in the centre of many buildings to allow natural light to permeate the inner part of the building, creating access requirements to areas where there is no option of using mechanical elevated platforms. Again, no single type of system is available that can address all of these issues, but by using a combination of lightweight platforms, abseil systems, travelling gantries and ladders, all areas can be safely maintained.
On top of these developments, the changes made to the CDM regulations in 2007 have broadened the maintenance requirements to cover far more than cleaning. Access strategies for facades have to look at all aspects from initial construction, general cleaning and maintenance, through to more major works such as replacement of glazing or cladding panels.
Eurosafe takes all of these requirements on board and designs systems to suit the building. From simple abseil access anchor points, horizontal and vertical monorail systems for window cleaning, and travelling ladders and gantries for glazed atria, to complex bespoke engineered BMU systems capable of mechanically removing and replacing large glass and cladding panels weighing in excess of 500kg, to areas of buildings where it is not possible to lift these items with traditional craneage.