You are a solutions design consultant at a major third-party logistics services provider (3PL). You have been recently engaged to provide advice to a client in the aviation sector. This client would instead like to convert an old single-storey light-aircraft hangar into a warehouse to be managed by a 3PL. This hangar does not have a very large area but has a high ceiling of 20 metres. Hence, the client would like to explore the construction of a mezzanine to make full use of the high ceiling. An Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) has been specifically excluded from consideration by the client, due to the costs involved. The client's products weigh as much as 1,000kg per pallet, with average pallet dimensions of 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.2m. You have conducted a site visit with a structural engineer, whose measurements show that the floor of the hangar is "level but not flat", due to the age and deterioration of the concrete. Secondly, the uniformly distributed load capacity of the hangar is rated at just 20 kN (kilo Newton) per square metres and the point load capacity at 40 kN.

(a) Appraise what is meant by the statement that the floor is "level but not flat" and its implications on solutions design. 

(b) Propose three (3) ways (whether individually or in combination) that storage capacity can be maximised in the old hangar, without the use of a mezzanine or AS/RS. Your answer should include the respective benefits and drawbacks that are associated with your proposals. 

(c) Offer your views on: (i) the rationale for using a mezzanine in a warehouse, (ii) the circumstances in which a mezzanine would be appropriate and (iii) its disadvantages. 

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Answer a Appraisal of level but not flat floor and its implications on solutions design Level but not flat indicates that the floor surface may lack uniformity and smoothness due to age and deteriorat... View the full answer