MIDFIX

⚠️Five reasons why evidence is important for M&E support installations⚠️

Are you questioning the need for collecting evidence for every bracket and component in your installation?

The answer should be a simple: YES, YOU NEED IT!

Here are five reasons why:

1️⃣ Tier 1 contractors are questioning the quality of installations and are looking for evidence to show that all bracketry and components are tested as part of a system and are fit for purpose.

2️⃣ The Building Safety Act is now in place, and the Golden Thread is becoming a norm in construction. Tier 1 contractors seek more meaningful information on the performance of products and systems.

3️⃣ There's potential reputational and financial loss for both Tier 1 and M&E contractors if the correct standards have not been followed.

4️⃣ There's potential physical harm. If manufacturers installation instructions have not been followed, suspension failure chances increase.

5️⃣ You want to be remembered for being a part of the movement towards a safer and compliant construction industry.

So, the next time you are faced with an M&E support installation, keep evidence at the forefront of your mind.

What are your thoughts on collecting evidence for every bracket and component in an M&E installation?

Share them in the comments below 👇

The idea that channel and fixings are simply commodity items and that tested channel systems are unnecessary is a common misconception among M&E contractors.

While cost-saving is important, it's important to remember that these components play a crucial role in the safety of an installation.

Many experts in the industry, including the BESA, the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, and the Construction Products Association have all stated that:

➡️ Safety-critical components should not be treated as mere commodity items

➡️ Principal contracts and clients should devise contracts that specifically state that safety requirements must not be compromised for cost reduction

➡️ The performance of construction products is complex and highly dependent on the combination of individual characteristics and other factors.

The solution is clear: choose systems that help you achieve a balance between compliance and cost. One such method is through a tested channel system. This approach can help M&E contractors to:

📄 Evidence that their supports have been designed to support the load required

🏢 Reduce embodied carbon by installing design-optimised supports

✅ Become recognised as a contractor that is leading change

What myths do you hear around the M&E sector that you wish didn't exist?

Share your thoughts in the comments below ⬇️

4 reasons why tested channel systems can reduce your costs and add value to your offering 👇

👉 Tested channel systems encourage a ‘right first time’ mentality that reduces the need for costly rework.

👉 Moving away from over-engineering means that M&E bracket designs are focused on the tested minimum performance of the system and its components (including safety factors), then this will give you the ability to optimise the bracket design and use the least amount of material necessary to achieve the desired performance.

👉 Maximise safe installations - competent installers reduces the risk of bracket installation errors saving potential rework.

👉 Guard against reputational loss – minimise the unseen costs to your brand that result from not following best practice.

Embracing these reasons will mean M&E contractors truly add value and gain competitive advantage.

How can you ‘evidence’ that your M&E support brackets are fit for purpose?

Many M&E contractors want to move away from the traditional way of sourcing and assembling M&E support brackets that do not give you the necessary evidence.

For instance:

❌ Mix and matching components from different manufacturers to create brackets (making all load data invalid).

❌ Over-engineering supports with the belief that sourcing components with higher working load is evidence enough – but again, unfortunately this is not evidence.

It is completely understandable that this may seem like a nuisance - especially if you are not sure how to pull together the necessary evidence that a Tier 1 contractor may be asking for.

It is always best to define what is meant by the term ‘evidence’.

‘Evidence’ can be defined as:

‘The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.’

Here are the key factors that will enable you to evidence an M&E support bracket:

✔️ Engage as early as possible in the project life cycle

✔️ Ensure you are using a tested channel system - this is a system that has component connections independently tested and not just the components tested in isolation.

✔️ In your bracket design, identify all of the connection points.

✔️ Record the load capability of each connection point (from the tested channel system data).

✔️ Identify the lowest load value from all connection points.

✔️ Record the load being placed on the bracket and ensure that this does not exceed the lowest load connection value - you may want to factor in some redundancy.

✔️ Ensure this process is fully documented for your trapeze design.

✔️ Make sure all installers and been trained to competently install brackets as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

As you can see, it is not as complicated as it initially seems.

Do you ‘evidence’ your M&E support brackets?

📍 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁! 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸 🔗

The ElecLink project is a new 1GW electrical interconnector between the United Kingdom and France, which includes two direct current cables inside the Channel Tunnel.

These two cables enable the electricity produced, on either side of the Channel, to circulate between the two countries as needed. By making use of the existing infrastructure, this project minimises environmental impact.

ElecLink commenced operations on 25 May 2022 as part of Europe's continued efforts to meet our growing energy demands, reduce CO2 emissions and explore ways to generate electricity from alternative, more renewable sources! 🌎♻

𝗦𝗼, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗠𝗜𝗗𝗙𝗜𝗫 𝗱𝗼?

For this project, MIDFIX was appointed to design and manufacture support frames for AHUs on the site, using 316 A4 grade stainless steel.

The interconnector is in Folkestone, Kent - a coastal environment - hence the use of 316 A4 grade stainless steel, a corrosion-resistant material, for the support frames.

Our supports were designed on a QwikFoot modular frame system, which provided superior load distribution and an installation process that was quick and simple!

Needless to say, this was a very exciting job for our Design & Engineering team! 👏

𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 - How can you make sure your M&E installations uphold the highest standards of performance and safety? 🤔

Ensuring excellence in the modern built environment demands more than just intentions – it requires tangible evidence, traceability, and reliability. So, do you have the right tools at your disposal to ensure your M&E installations endure the trials of time?

🔍 Let's look at the of two key types of evidence play a pivotal role in M&E installations:

1️⃣ Product evidence:
This involves meticulous documentation and verification of the materials and components used in M&E installations. From anchors to supports, it's about scrutinising specifications, certifications, and performance characteristics. Why is this paramount? Because it ensures that the chosen materials meet industry standards, comply with regulations, and possess the necessary durability and load-bearing capacities. Plus, it provides a trail to trace back the origin and quality control measures of each component. Robust product evidence forms the bedrock of reliability, reducing the risk of failures, and enhancing overall safety and performance.

2️⃣ Installation evidence:
Quality components are only part of the equation; how they are installed makes all the difference. Installation evidence focuses on comprehensive documentation of installation procedures, adherence to manufacturer specifications, and the qualifications of the installers. Even the highest-quality components can fail if not installed correctly. Comprehensive documentation ensures precise integration, boosting reliability and longevity, and making future maintenance and troubleshooting more efficient. It's not just about today; it's about the years to come.

The emphasis on evidence, traceability, and reliability is a commitment to installations that stand the test of time - as well as a show of compliance. It's a step in advancing monitoring and evaluation practices across diverse industries.

Let's make our built environment safer, more efficient, and future-ready! 📄✍

How important is collaboration between the 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 and the 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗿 in construction projects? 🤝

Teamwork makes the dream work - this is true in construction too. The relationship between the principal contractor and the principal designer is absolutely crucial throughout a project's lifecycle. Here's why:

1️⃣ Early Appointment: When the client appoints a principal contractor from the get-go, their construction expertise can be tapped into during the initial stages of project design and planning.

2️⃣ Continuous Communication: Communication is key, especially during the construction phase. It's vital when it comes to making alterations to designs and managing health and safety risks.

3️⃣ Effective Liaison: The collaboration should involve gathering information necessary for the principal designer to:
(a) Compile the health and safety file.
(b) Address factors that could impact the pre-construction phase planning and management.

Pre-construction information is the backbone of effective planning and management, laying the foundation for a successful construction phase.

So, whether you're in construction or simply interested in the process, share your thoughts on the importance of this collaboration!

🌟 Important update: we're hosting a dynaMX® webinar! 🌟

Do you design and configure brackets for your M&E projects?

Are you tired of support bracket designs taking too long?

Let's explore how automation could revolutionise your approach!

Join us for an exclusive webinar featuring Stevan Grkinic, Head of Business Development at MIDFIX, as we unveil our latest innovation: dynaMX®. This groundbreaking online bracket configurator is set to transform the M&E industry with its advanced features and capabilities.

In this webinar, you'll learn:
🔧 How dynaMX® uses advanced algorithms to automate bracket configurations with ease.
🔧 The benefits of design automation tools in your construction projects.
🔧 How dynaMX® optimises material usage and reduces waste.
🔧 What sets dynaMX® apart from other similar tools out there.
🔧 Enhanced safety and compliance features.

Make sure you have all your burning questions ready!
📅 Date: 19th August 2024.
🕒 Time: 10:30am

Sign up using the form in the comments! 👇

How can we minimise structural failure? 🏗⛔

We all want to feel secure in the spaces we inhabit, but do we truly understand the critical steps required to ensure structural integrity?

Have you ever wondered:
👉 How long can a building withstand a fire before it becomes unsafe?
👉 What happens when a vehicle collides with a structural column in a parking facility?
👉 Who ensures that the design, manufacturing, and assembly of structural systems meet rigorous standards?

These are questions that demand answers, and they highlight the importance of a holistic approach to structural safety. Here's why it matters:

1️⃣ Fire safety and evacuation:
Knowing how long a building remains stable during a fire is crucial. Fire engineers provide expertise that enables firefighters and rescue services to make informed decisions about evacuating or containing the situation.

2️⃣ Post-collision assessments:
Accidents can happen. When a structural column is compromised due to a collision, prompt and specialised assessments are necessary to determine the extent of damage. Building managers play a pivotal role in arranging these assessments.

3️⃣ Competence is key:
Structural systems require expertise at every stage, from design to construction. Only individuals with rigorously validated competence should be entrusted with these responsibilities. The stakes are too high to cut corners.

4️⃣ Shared responsibility:
Structural safety isn't just the domain of structural engineers. Everyone involved in the design, construction, and management of buildings has a role to play. Understanding how each role contributes to safety is essential.

5️⃣ Intersection with fire safety:
Structural safety and fire safety go hand in hand. Unauthorized modifications can introduce severe risks. All changes must be reviewed and approved by competent individuals to ensure structural integrity.

In the grand scheme of things, our collective efforts towards structural safety impact our daily lives profoundly. Let's strive for a shared understanding and commitment to safeguarding the structures that shelter us. 🙏

How is BSR Shaping the Future of Building Safety in 2024? 🏢

2023 marked a year of pivotal growth and foundational success for BSR, establishing a world-leading building safety regime. Now, with 2024 underway, how will BSR continue to lead and innovate in the industry?

Key Developments and Focus for 2024:

🔍 Recent Changes: This month, the building control profession will see transformative regulatory shifts as mandatory registration for inspectors and approvers goes into effect. This establishes a uniform standard of high operational quality that is crucial for advancing the integrity and trust in building safety management.

🌍 Elevating Building Control as a Career:
BSR is dedicated to enhancing the status and appeal of building control roles, positioning them as desirable career paths filled with opportunities for significant impact. This strategy is part of a broader goal to attract and retain top talent, essential for the ongoing improvement of industry standards.

🏗️ Focus on Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs):
- BSR’s increased oversight responsibilities since October 2023 include all higher-risk buildings in England. The aim is to ensure these buildings are designed and constructed to the highest safety standards.
- Principal accountable persons (PAPs) must now secure building assessment certificates and submit comprehensive safety case reports as part of the new stringent regulations, a major step towards mitigating risks of fire and structural failures in HRBs.

📊 Driving Cultural and Regulatory Change:
- BSR’s guidance and insights throughout the year will support stakeholders in developing a deeper collective understanding of the new building safety regulations, clarifying compliance requirements and fostering the cultural shift needed within the industry.

🔄 Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:
- As 2024 progresses, BSR will intensify its efforts in working alongside industry stakeholders, sharing valuable expertise and data. This collaborative approach is vital for maintaining a stringent regulatory environment and promoting competence across the sector.

BSR’s commitment in 2024 centers on progressing a critical agenda to raise safety standards and performance across the built environment, ensuring that residents feel safe and secure in their living spaces.

Stay connected for ongoing updates into the transformations taking place in the construction industry!

🚀 Are you ready to revolutionise your M&E bracket configuration process?

The process of designing and configuring brackets for M&E installations can sometimes be challenging, from time-consuming manual calculations to the risk of human error and costs. In fact, designs are often not even done at all.

But what if there was a smarter, more efficient solution? 🤔🥁

Introducing 𝗱𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗠𝗫® – a game-changer for the mechanical and electrical sector in construction. This innovative online bracket configurator has been developed and engineered to streamline your workflow with unmatched speed, precision, and reliability.

So, what exactly is dynaMX®?

dynaMX® is a cutting-edge online bracket configurator developed for common repeatable M&E supports such as trapeze brackets. By harnessing advanced algorithms that incorporate proven engineering principles, dynaMX® automates bracket designs specific to your requirements.

With dynaMX®, engineers, designers, and contractors can input detailed specifications effortlessly. From service load requirements to soffit information, every aspect is accounted for, ensuring optimal outcomes.

dynaMX® isn't just about convenience; it also elevates standards. By automating the configuration process, errors are minimised, turnaround times are reduced, and overall efficiency is enhanced.

Currently, dynaMX® offers bespoke designs for trapeze brackets, with ongoing developments to automate other common configurations such as AHU frames, H-frames, and goalposts.

dynaMX® is designed to seamlessly integrate with the MIDFIX MX Channel System and each configuration comes with a technical report illustrating all of the engineering maths and principles behind the design. This means you not only get optimised designs but also ensure evidence and compliance with regulations.

Ready to experience the future of M&E bracket configuration? 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗠𝗫® 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 👇 💬

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Calculating purlin loads involves determining the equivalent service load on each purlin. The following step-by-step guide outlines the process:

1. 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱: Determine the point load on each purlin, representing the weight per unit length applied to the structure. This is a crucial parameter in the load calculation process.

2. 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿: Utilize the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²) and a conversion factor (10^-3) to convert the point load from kilograms to kilonewtons, aligning units for accurate calculations.

3. 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀: Define the service spacing, representing the distance between purlins, and the purlin centres, indicating the spacing between each purlin. These parameters are essential for understanding how loads are distributed across the structure.

4. 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮:

The formula for calculating the equivalent service load is:

Equivalent service load = (Point load on purlin * 9.81 * 10-3) / (Service Spacing * Purlin Centres)

Where:

◾ Point load on purlin is the weight per unit length applied to each purlin, in this case, 9.5kg every 1.454m.

◾ 9.81 is the acceleration due to gravity in m/s²

◾ 10-3 is the conversion factor to convert from kg to kN

◾ Service spacing is the distance between the purlins. [1454mm]

◾ Purlin centres is the distance between each purlin. [1600 mm]

Using the given values, we can calculate the equivalent service load on the purlins to be 0.036kN/m².

5.𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀:

Compare the calculated equivalent service load with the design load capacity of the purlins. If the calculated load exceeds this capacity, adjustments such as increasing profile size or reducing bracket spacing may be necessary.

What are the significant differences between the 2010 Building Regulations and the groundbreaking Building Safety Act 2022 in the UK? 🔍📄

In the aftermath of the devastating Grenfell Tower fire, the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022 marks a shift in our approach to ensuring building safety. But what sets this new legislation apart from the existing building regulations?

Our latest article explains the disparities between the Building Safety Act 2022 and 2010 Building Regulations, covering key aspects such as:

1. Scope and Coverage: How the Act specifically addresses the unique risks and challenges associated with high-rise and complex buildings.
2. Enforcement and Oversight: The establishment of clearer roles and responsibilities for stakeholders and the introduction of a more robust regulatory framework.
3. Professional Oversight and Competence: Introduction of a framework for setting and maintaining standards of competence for professionals involved in building safety.
4. The Golden Thread of Information: The mandate for accurate and accessible digital records throughout a building's lifecycle.
5. Role of the Building Safety Regulator: Centralised oversight and enforcement capabilities to ensure compliance and accountability.

Discover how the Building Safety Act 2022 goes beyond the foundational framework laid down by the Building Regulations, introducing a more robust and comprehensive approach to building safety. Link to read more in the comments👇!