What does the transportation of an architectural façade look like?

Ensuring the successful completion of an architectural façade isn’t just about design and installation, transportation methods play a major role too.

In a nutshell:

• Forward planning is always a good idea before scheduling deliveries to a site, this includes considering routes, possible delays and permit requirements.

• Sustainable methods of protecting façade components in transit involve using recyclable materials, keeping non-reusable materials to a minimum and using metal stillages.

• Packaged goods can then be loaded onto transport vehicles and securely fastened to reduce the chance of damage during transit.

• Tailoring the transport vehicle to the size and weight of the façade is important for example using flatbed trucks for large panels.

• Once delivered, components must be carefully unloaded before inspection to check for possible damage during transit.

• Proper safety measures and training must be undertaken throughout the entire delivery process.

Planning and Coordination

Before delivery to a site, a detailed logistics plan that includes routes, timelines, and special transportation requirements must be organised. It’s also a good idea to consider the most efficient and safest route, considering factors like road conditions, traffic, and bridge clearances.
This includes obtaining necessary permits for transporting oversized or heavy loads and ensuring compliance with local transportation regulations.

Packaging and Protection

To protect façade components from damage during transit, all parts must be properly packaged. Sustainable ways of packaging products include keeping non-recyclables to a minimum and using metal stillages to stack materials and empty packaging in order to optimise transport and reduce CO2 emissions.
Each package must be clearly labelled with handling instructions, contents, and destination details to guarantee a smooth delivery and installation onsite. 

Loading and Securing

Cranes, forklifts, and other machinery are used to carefully load façade panels onto transport vehicles.

Once loaded, the packages are securely fastened to the transport vehicle using straps, braces, and other securing methods to prevent movement and damage during transit. 

Transportation

Using appropriate vehicles based on the size and weight of the façade components is also an important consideration. This can range from flatbed trucks for large panels to specialised transporters for extremely oversized elements.

Monitoring the transport process is also advised to quickly address any issues that arise, such as traffic delays or weather conditions.

Unloading and Onsite Handling

To carefully unload the façade components at the construction site, the same machinery as the loading stage is often used (e.g cranes and forklifts).
Inspecting each component upon arrival to check for any damage that may have occurred during transit is also an important stage to ensure quality and safety. Components can then be temporarily stored in a secure and protected area until they are ready for installation.

Safety Measures

Throughout this entire process, its vital to ensure all personnel involved in the transportation and handling process are properly trained in safety procedures and experienced equipment operation. Task specific measures are implemented both off and on-site, ensuring each operation is fully evaluated in safe systems of work.