Spider Engineers Custom Solution for Window Wall Installation

Spider, a division of SafeWorks provided a custom suspended access solution for installation of window walls on the new 16-story Centre 425 commercial office facility in Bellevue, Wash.

All New Glass Inc. required an access solution that would enable its crews to work on three faces of the building simultaneously. The contractors also required that the equipment’s footprint on the rooftop be minimal to enable other trades to continue working safely, effectively and according to the rigorous construction timeline they faced. Spider engineered a custom rigging solution, securing eight-foot outrigger beams directly into the rooftop’s 14-foot tall mechanical screen wall to eliminate the need for counterweights and a complex maze of tieback cables.

Ten swing stages, ranging in length from 30 to 40 feet each, powered by SC1000 traction hoists, and equipped with walk-through stirrups, were suspended from the outriggers, maximizing the customer’s productivity on the jobsite.

“On the Centre 425 project, we recognized the opportunity to utilize a custom swing stage system that would minimize moves and virtually eliminate impact to other trades,” said Joe Martel, project executive with All New Glass. “Spider’s team was instrumental in turning the opportunity into reality by providing engineered solutions, quick pricing, and the ability to meet the project schedule.”

Spider’s equipment is expected to be onsite for the 8-month duration of the window wall installation.