 Voice of the steel framing industry Photos courtesy of raSmith.
The Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, recently installed fully furnished, 10,000-pound modular research lab pods that were built off-site using cold-formed steel (CFS) framing.
Transported by truck, lifted to the second floor and rolled into final position with precision, the pods were engineered for strength and stiffness to protect interior finishes during movement and maintain structural integrity throughout the transportation and installation process.
 raSmith engineered the cold-formed steel (CFS) framing for the free-standing pods and ensured each unit could be safely lifted, rolled into position, and securely anchored.  raSmith collaborated with the Cleveland Clinic to overcome engineering challenges and develop an effective design and approach for off-site construction. Fully Furnished, Steel Framed Pods
SFIA member raSmith played a pivotal role in the groundbreaking project, engineering the CFS framing for the free-standing pods and verifying that each unit could be safely lifted, rolled into position and securely anchored. The pods were fully furnished prior to transport, an important detail that increased the overall weight and added to the engineering challenge, making it essential to limit deflections and maintain a stiff structure to prevent interior drywall cracking during movement.
The project entailed designing the lifting connections and the load transfer mechanism, as well as developing innovative solutions for moving and anchoring the pods in place. This level of involvement required seamless coordination between raSmith and RG Construction, the CFS specialty contractor, along with an open-minded, flexible approach to challenges. During the planning phase, numerous strategies were explored, ultimately leading to the development of a cost-effective solution for moving and securing the pods.
How to Move 10,000-Pound Modules
The project’s success relied on overcoming several engineering challenges. raSmith collaborated closely with the Cleveland Clinic to determine the most effective approach for constructing the modular labs off-site, transporting the units, lifting them into place and rolling each into final position. Section 13/CF2.3 — a designation used in structural steel components where a frame will be lifted or moved — was critical to ensuring the safety and stability of the structure throughout the process.
 The project’s success depended on solving key engineering issues, including how to roll fully assembled modular labs into final position.  Four lifting and rolling points were evenly spaced along each pod’s long sides for stability, with cold-formed steel (CFS) spreader beams supporting the rolling devices and distributing the pod’s weight evenly. One of the critical tasks was identifying a rolling device capable of supporting the 10,000-pound pods. Appropriate safety factors were applied to address the varied loading conditions and transportation methods.
Car jacks were considered initially due to the high load capacity and the ability to easily raise and lower the pods. However, most lacked the 360-degree rotation needed to position the pods, which ultimately led to caster-type rolling devices. Once a suitable rolling device was found, weight distribution needed to be for rolling and lifting. It was decided to lift the pods at the same location where they would be rolled.
Four sets of lifting and rolling points were evenly spaced along the pod’s long sides, ensuring stability. CFS spreader beams provided sufficient surface area to fully support the rolling devices while evenly distributing the pod’s weight.
Additionally, the use of 97 mil posts, spreader beams and clips enabled the highest-capacity connections with the fewest required lifting points. The spreader beams were designed for easy removal with minimal disruption to the completed interior drywall.
 Transported by truck, the pods were engineered for strength and stiffness to protect interior finishes during movement and maintain structural integrity throughout the transportation and installation process. Design Cuts Carpentry by 40%
17,000 Trade Hours Eliminated
While Section 13/CF2.3 may appear standard, it represents the result of extensive research, development, and problem solving. This project showcases the impact of collaboration and innovation in delivering a solution that significantly reduced costs while preserving structural integrity — cutting on-site carpentry by 40% and eliminating 17,000 direct trade hours.
The success prompted the hospital to approach RG Construction and raSmith to develop a modular prototype for a larger, more complex phase of the project. The Cleveland Clinic has also expressed interest in applying this innovative construction method to future initiatives.
R.A. Smith, Inc.
raSmith has a niche expertise in cold-formed steel (CFS) engineering. The team provides services to architects, builders and general contractors on projects nationwide. raSmith has one of the largest cold-formed steel engineering groups in the United States.
Its CFS structural engineering applications include residential, sports, retail, educational, health care, mixed-use, corporate, industrial, senior living and hospitality facilities.
The firm’s cold-formed designers and technicians are highly responsive and detail-oriented. The speed and quality of project turnaround stem from gathering key information early and preparing complete, easy-to-read drawings before work begins.
For more information, visit rasmith.com
Additional Resources
The post Steel-Framed Pods, Engineered by raSmith, Saved 17,000 Trade Hours on Cleveland Clinic Project appeared first on BuildSteel.org.
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