Technical information

Willy Naessens Industrial Buildings offers an optimised range of construction components and techniques. We produce all structural elements for your project in-house. This vertical integration ensures a rapid execution and also punctuality.

Isolated foundations are often an efficient solution when the bearing soil stratum is shallow. The columns are fixed in the bearings of the foundations. A levelling concrete layer is provided under the foundation pad. We can find alternative solutions to improving the soil conditions in order to avoid using pile foundations. However, if the bearing stratum of the soil is very deep or the loads are very high, we can also use pile foundation for your building.

The concrete structure is usually made of precast columns and prestressed reinforced concrete beams.  Due to the high flexibility of our concrete moulds, the building can take many shapes. A hybrid structure with steel members is also available. Loads are carried via beams into the vertical members which then transfer them into the foundations.  Columns can be one or several floors high.  Columns spanning over several floors are fitted with corbels.  The dimensions of the columns is determined by the design department based on the vertical and horizontal loads that need to be resisted by the structure. 

The columns can be provided with fittings such as: 

• steel T- or L-shaped fittings for attaching topside façade panels;
• steel profiles, vertically set to attach the inner boxes of metal wall cladding;
• anchor channels to attach façade panels, injection shafts in which bars of the foundations are clamped;
• bars or Edison bases on top of the pillar column to ensure attachment of the beams;
• rainwater drain pipes that are completely fitted into the column. Efficient towards maintenance and durability.
  

Concrete beams come in two types: prestressed precast beams and cast in situ reinforced concrete beams.

Cast in situ reinforced concrete beams are used as floor beams, foundation beams or roof beams. Their cross section is rectangular and usually the beams are laid isostatically. Anchorage is provided to allow for the casting of other beams in the following phases.

IV-beams (prestressed precast beams) are used as roof beams, the slope aiding water drainage. The variable height allows significant material savings. These beams offer the most economical solution to complex industrial buildings.

Prestressed precast concrete roof purlins are usually used to support the roof slab and transfer the load to the primary prestressed precast concrete beams

The prefabricated concrete walls are an efficient solution for all façades and internal walls. These wall elements are placed on the concrete structures. Due to the great range of colours and dimensions, we can integrate these walls to fit every project. Our solid and insulated wall elements allow us to combine contemporary architecture with great functionality and technical efficiency

Solid wall elements
We distinguish solid wall elements (at least 14 cm thick) from insulated concrete wall elements. Solid wall elements are used as skirting boards, retaining walls, internal walls and fire walls. The latter are a special application: despite their large size, these elements can be installed very fast, with a minimum number of joints. Lengths up to 12 m are perfectly possible and a fire resistance of two hours is standard. The walls are either mounted on columns or moved in slots between the columns.

Insulated wall elements
Insulated wall elements are made of the following:

• outer layer in reinforced concrete, cast in a metal formwork
• insulating core (PS, PU, PIR, RESOL)
• reinforced concrete inner layer (manually levelled off)

Afterwards, we connect the inner and outer liner with each other by using an anchoring system in stainless steel in which the insulation continues over the entire surface. We finish the outer of the panels with decorative pellets (flint and flint concrete walls). The decorative layer is vibrated after the pouring. After demoulding, we wash the pellets with water under high pressure so that the alto-relievo of the pellets becomes visible.

In addition to making buildings structurally safe, wind and waterproof, the infrastructure can also be integrated in the project. Willy Naessens Infra uses its own expertise to deliver high quality infrastructure. The internal study of the infrastructure is always very accurate.

We strictly follow the standard with regard to surfacing, roadbeds, etc. At Willy Naessens Industrial Buildings, we have a long-term vision. For example, an asphalt surfacing needs a heavier and more qualitative roadbed than a concrete surfacing. The rubble has to limit sagging after prolonged use. Where possible, we will use our experience to optimise the quantities and materials to find a sustainable solution.

At Willy Naessens Industrial Buildings, we have the right expertise to carry out the complex levelling, sewerage works and infrastructure.

You can let us take care of the full coordination of your turnkey project. This way, you will be spared from time-consuming side activities to bring the project to a good end. In collaboration with the architect and our partners, we integrate the techniques and finishing as custom work into the project.We dimension the structure so that:

we can install the rack using the minimum surface area possible;

• piping is calculated to cover the shortest route and to limit pressure loss;
• by using the right finishes, we limit reflection in study areas;
• a mezzanine is suitable for storage of heavy goods;
• the room layout can be changed in offices at no extra cost

Turnkey projects are often extensive. Through our own techniques department, these are closely monitored, so that gaps and voids are reduced to a minimum.