Roof-Supported Hoists & Structural Capacity Rating - Concord
Parsways completed a structural assessment and Safe Working Load (SWL) rating for nine roof-supported chain hoists installed within an active manufacturing facility in Concord, Ontario.
The review evaluated Open Web Steel Joists (OWSJs), primary steel beams, and supporting columns to determine allowable hoist loads in compliance with OBC 2020 (Part 4) and CSA S16:19.
Location: Concord, Ontario
Completion: 2025
Sector: Industrial / Manufacturing
1. The Challenge
The facility operated electric chain hoists supported by existing OWSJs and W-shape steel beams, introducing concentrated vertical loads not accounted for in the original roof design.
Concentrated Loading Effects:
Each hoist imposed factored bending, shear, and dynamic effects requiring verification against OBC 2020 and CSA S16 criteria.
Shared Structural Members:
Several hoists were connected to adjacent or shared joists, necessitating assessment of non-simultaneous usage conditions and serviceability limits.
2. The Engineering Solution
Parsways conducted detailed structural analysis at each hoist location to verify load paths through joists, beams, and columns under factored load combinations.
a) Capacity & Deflection Checks:
Bending resistance, shear capacity, and L/360 deflection limits were evaluated using conservative member assumptions and dynamic factors.
b) Safe Working Load Rating:
Allowable hoist loads were established for each location, governed by joist capacity, beam deflection limits, and usage restrictions.
3. The Outcome
The project established clear, code-compliant Safe Working Load ratings for all reviewed hoists within the existing roof structure. Posted limits and operational restrictions allow continued use without overstressing joists or beams. The assessment provides facility management with documented structural capacity limits aligned with Ontario Building Code requirements and applicable CSA standards, supporting safe long-term operation under defined conditions.