Services
Canopy Repair
Steel columns that are exposed to weather- which inherently act as a catalyst to accelerate the rust degradation process in steel. Typically, the degradation is most visible at the column bases (bottom 24” typically)
Rainwater conductor systems
Center trough and perimeter drains
This system typically has a trough system that moves water from the decking into the perimeter gutters and center gutter which then drains into a scupper box which drains either vertically down the outside of the canopy column or the vertical drain is located inside the canopy column- which then it is drained onto the ground or is piped to underground storm water system.
Center tough WITHOUT perimeter drains
This system has only a center trough system that drains into a scupper box -then vertically down the column, either inside the column or affixed to the surface of the outside of the column.
Perimeter gutter ONLY-NO scupper boxes
This system has only perimeter gutters which are then drained vertically using rainwater conductors.
How concentrated loads begin
Concentrated initially start when the rainwater conductor system isn’t functioning properly. This is often caused by debris in the gutter system
MEM has been performing canopy inspections for structural integrity since 2012.
MEM has inspected more than 1000 gas station canopies.
MEM has studied the root causes of canopy failure by analyzing video footage of real time structural failure. The failures and collapses can be separated into 3 failure causes.
Concentrated load(s)- typically occur when the rainwater conductor system is either clogged-not allowing for water drainage. This often quickly becomes compounded. Once the concentrated load occurs, it affects the canopy causing it to list- compounding the load.
Concentrated loads in snowbelt regions- once a canopy isn’t draining, ice forms, and through freeze and thaw cycles, water proofing is affected, sealed seams are expanded and loads are compounded.
Cause A
Concentrated Loads
Cause B
Column degradation
There is a direct correlation between canopy column count and total collapse.
Canopy columns that are degraded on the corners on the column are significantly compromised.
Cause C
Welded clipping brackets (decking only failure)
Canopy decking is affixed to the structural steel purlins in 3 methods
-
Clips to I-beam purlin. These are a “c” type clips which include a friction bolt which is mechanically tightened to fasten the decking to the purlins.
2. Tech screwed to welded brackets that are affixed to steel purlins
3. Nut and bolted through I-beam purlins.