“Cold roll-formed steel specialist Metsec plc has launched a range of initiatives to make life simpler for lattice beam specifiers and contractors.”

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Cold roll-formed steel specialist Metsec plc has launched a range of initiatives to make life simpler for lattice beam specifiers and contractors. To keep specifiers up to date it has published a fully revised version of the Lattice Technical Manual, and developed a comprehensive CPD seminar on lattice beam technology. Where specifiers elect not to take advantage of their free design service, Metsec can also supply a new version of the free LatticeSPEC software. This easy to use software enables specifiers to design all types of lattice joists and trusses quickly and efficiently and then export these designs into a common drawing package such as AutoCAD. Time savings are possible on site with Metsec’s simplified chord section, which makes it easier to attach other components to trusses and joists. Further information is available from Metsec on 0121 601 6000 or HYPERLINK “http://www.metsec.com” www.metsec.com

Adrian Bellingham, Beams Division Sales Director, says Metsec has a continuous research and development programme which enables it to keep pace with the changing structural and architectural needs of the market. “Our new CPD seminar is an opportunity to share key elements of our knowledge with users and to highlight the possibilities that lattice beams offer the construction sector,” he says. “Lattice beams are renowned for their excellent strength to weight ratio, ease of handling and installation, and the simplicity of installing services. They also offer enormous opportunities for visually attractive designs.”

Metsec Lattice Beams Division offers a wide range of pre-engineered truss and joist solutions with spans up to 40m, providing optimum structural performance in roof and floor constructions. All solution types are detailed in the new free Lattice Beam Technical Manual, together with typical fixing details and applications, chord details, design examples and load tables. To simplify specification, Metsec’s lattice products are also included in the NBS Plus specification system.

Darren Bird, Divisional Director of the Beams Division, says Metsec is a pioneer in the provision of design software packages. He says: “We produced our first program for lattice design in 1989, and we’ve been improving the range continually since then. The new LatticeSPEC is a standalone package to help specifiers save valuable time when designing projects that incorporate parallel, pitched and curved trusses or joists.”

The package facilitates the quick and easy design of all types of lattice joists and trusses. It also includes an option to export the profiles of the truss, with its end section, in .dxf format, enabling specifiers to import direct to their working drawings, to speed up the completion of their detailing.

Metsec has redesigned the profile of its larger chord sections for lattice beams. Darren Bird says: “The new profile is just as strong but can be manufactured more rapidly and, more importantly, using less energy. The profile of the new beam also makes it much easier for contractors to attach other roofing and flooring components, so they are able to complete their part in the construction process more quickly.”

Metsec plc has been established for over 75 years and is the UK’s largest cold roll-forming company providing structural steel components for the UK construction and manufacturing industries. The Structures Division, based in Oldbury in the West Midlands, produces a wide range of building shell and mezzanine floor systems, long-span lattice beams and trusses as well as light gauge framing systems including site fixed infill panels or standalone Metframe superstructures currently up to nine storeys high.

Contact us on 0121 601 6000
Email us at lattice@metsec.com