What are modular steel frames and when to use them in M&E installations?

With ever-increasing demands on contractors to deliver projects quickly, cost-effectively, and environmentally friendly, it is not surprising they are now making more use of modular steel frame solutions.

What are modular steel support frames?

Modular steel frame systems like Walraven’s Maxx heavy frame system,  are non-welded steelwork support systems. They allow for efficient fabrication of frames and load-bearing structures for building services.

Heavy frame systems like Maxx can be used for supporting loads that are beyond the capabilities of typical strut channel. These would previously have required traditional fabricated steelwork supports.

The advantages of using a modular steelwork construction over a welded steelwork system include:

• Faster construction
• Lighter and more agile than steelwork systems
• Assemble easily onsite or offsite
• Versatile system
• Easily modified on site
• Safer to construct than traditional welded systems
• Offers excellent corrosion protection

Modular systems can be delivered in three ways to suit your requirements:

1. Pre-cut and delivered in kit form for quick assembly on site
2. Pre-fabricated and delivered fully assembled to site
3. Full lengths and components to cut and build on site

How are modular steel support frames used in building services?

Initially you might think that there would not be much of a requirement for a heavy steel system in building services, but there are a number of applications where standard strut products are not suitable for the job.

Traditionally, when this occurs, welded steel systems are used. But because of the benefits of modular systems previously mentioned, and the pressure for delivering projects faster and more efficiently, modular systems are growing in popularity for building services applications.

Here are some examples of when you might require a heavy frame support system like Maxx for a building services installation:

• Plant Rooms and Energy Centres, in particular those without a solid ceiling structure to fix steel to
• Multi-service corridors or tunnels
• Utility risers with large cross section areas
• High-load rooftop plant installations
• Service bridges or support columns at significant height and/or spanning two buildings

View our image gallery of building services installation examples using Maxx.

Getting a suitable frame design

Our Technical Support Team can provide designs and part lists with loadings and all supporting calculations and documentation for your project. You will need to provide the specific details of your installation to enable us to deliver an initial design.

Find out more about Walraven’s Maxx modular frame

Find out more about Maxx including product information, case studies and other useful articles here.

If you would like to request a product demonstration or an appointment with a Walraven representative to find out more about this system, or request technical support then please complete the form on this page and we will get back to you.