Project Specs:
Location: Los Angeles, California
Application: Access Flooring System for MRI Rooms
Product: Fibergrate’s Micro-Mesh® Moulded Grating Panels Covered with a High-Pressure Laminate and Grating Pedestals (Non-Magnetic Access Flooring System)
Overview
A University in California has been reconstructing an existing building into a state-of-the-art research facility. The original, five-story building was constructed in 1952 and is undergoing major renovations. This newly renovated facility will contain new office space, conference rooms, collaboration areas, a data centre, a high-tech lab, and rooms for two MRI machines.
Problem
When searching for and selecting the right material for this project, the architects were facing some obstacles. First, the materials selected for use in these MRI rooms must have non-resonant properties in order to prevent any interference with the MRI machinery.
Next, an elevated access flooring solution was required. There needed to be enough space below the flooring surface to house the machinery’s cables and equipment. The cables also had to be easily accessible to workers – even after final installation – to allow for quick and easy repairs or upgrades whenever necessary.
Third, the flooring solution chosen needed to be adaptable to fit uniquely sized rooms. The rooms being retrofitted for the MRI machines were comprised of small, narrow dimensions – a likely scenario when renovating buildings over fifty years old.
Solution
Fibergrate was able to provide an access flooring system that addressed all of the requirements of the architectural firm and even provided additional benefits! Fibergrate’s fully non-magnetic access flooring system met with the non-resonant material requirements. This non-magnetic, non-conductive flooring system is comprised of Fibergrate’s Micro-Mesh® moulded grating panels covered with a high-pressure laminate and grating pedestals.
The grating pedestals are used in conjunction with the grating panels to create an elevated floor with plenty of space below to house the cable equipment of the machines. Fibergrate’s non-magnetic raised flooring system utilises 2’ x 2’ square flooring panels that are lightweight, allowing for easy removal when needing to access any of the hidden equipment.
Fibergrate’s GRP products are also lightweight, plus easy to fabricate and install. Because of the rooms’ narrow dimensions, some of the panels had to be trimmed. This was done easily at the job site which ensured an exact fit to the unique room dimensions. This entire installation was completed in less than two weeks. The architectural firm heading up the project was very pleased with the results. Fibergrate’s MRI room panels have bevelled edges that result in a resemblance to tile. This created a modern look while still maintaining a smooth walking surface, opposed to the look of standard linoleum.
From the beginning, Fibergrate’s local sales manager worked alongside the architectural firm to get the product specified into the job. After purchase and delivery, Fibergrate’s sales manager continued to provide support, even visiting the jobsite during installation to make sure the project ran smoothly.
The architectural firm heading up the project was very pleased with the results. Fibergrate’s MRI room panels have bevelled edges that result in a resemblance to tile. This created a modern look while still maintaining a smooth walking surface, opposed to the look of standard linoleum.
The architects also became familiar with the many product solutions that Fibergrate could provide and the non-conductive, corrosion resistant and slip resistant properties of GRP. Plus, they witnessed first-hand the ease of installation and fabrication of the products. Building a positive relationship with the local salesman and having that foundation of trust in a company and its products resulted in the use of additional Fibergrate products throughout other areas of this project. These included transformer trenches, fascia screening, an overhead trellis and access platform.
At Fibergrate, we are visionaries, engineers, drafters, manufacturers and fabricators. Most importantly, we are relationship builders, and we are building the world to last.
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