Raising the bar: The use of cable railings in industrial settings

by arslan_ahmed | March 1, 2024 1:54 pm

[1]By Ryan Shure

Industrial buildings traditionally have gotten the reputation of being cold, utilitarian structures. However, this notion is rapidly changing as more and more people understand the importance of ambiance and environment for promoting employee wellbeing.

With that said, modern industrial buildings cannot be all style with no foundation. They have to be able to get the job done, withstand heavy usage, and adhere to the highest safety standards.

Mulitfunctional use of cable railings

To this effect, cable railings are one of the most effective building solutions available for promoting aesthetics while maintaining utmost safety and security. During the construction phase, these railings provide temporary safety barriers on scaffolding, elevated platforms, and open edges, ensuring worker safety while maintaining a professional appearance that does not deteriorate in the face of inclement weather.

Due to these features, cable railings can also be employed as perimeter fencing around construction sites, demarcating boundaries, and protecting the area from unauthorized access. Their sleek design allows for ample visibility, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the site and promoting a sense of order and cleanliness.

[2]

Within the structure itself, cable railings can be incorporated into architectural elements such as stairs and elevated walkways, contributing to the open aesthetics of the project while prioritizing safety and functionality. There are also various ways in which cable railings can enhance industrial aesthetics and safety standards.

Aesthetic advantages of cable railings

Cable railings have become increasingly popular in industrial settings due to their sleek, modern aspect, and ability to enhance the overall appearance of a building. Here are some of the key aesthetic advantages of cable railings in industrial spaces:

• [3]

  Minimalist design: Cable railings’ minimalist design allows for maximum visibility and an unobstructed view of the surrounding environment. This creates a clean, uncluttered look that is highly desirable in modern industrial buildings.

• Versatility: Cable railings are incredibly dynamic and can be customized to suit a wide range of design styles. They can be used to create a sleek, contemporary look or a more traditional, industrial aesthetic. This makes them an ideal choice for a variety of industrial settings.
• Enhanced natural light: Cable railings allow for an abundance of natural light to enter the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. This can help to improve the overall ambiance of the building and create a more pleasant working environment for employees.
• Low maintenance: Cable railings are incredibly low maintenance—a major advantage in industrial settings where durability and ease of cleaning are important. They do not require painting or staining, and they resist rust and corrosion.

[4]

Safety enhancements of cable railings

Cable railings offer several safety advantages over traditional railing types, such as wood beams or metal balusters. As noted, they are strong and durable. Secondly, the cables used in cable railings are made of high-grade stainless steel, typically 304 or 316. These two varieties of stainless steel are highly resistant to wear and corrosion, two qualities that are critical to guaranteeing the longevity and safety of commercial installations. The most common type of high-grade stainless steel is 304, which is known for its good corrosion resistance and formability. The other commonly used stainless steel in cable railings is 316, which is similar to 304 but with a higher molybdenum content for even greater corrosion resistance, making it a preferred choice in industrial environments exposed to higher levels of chemical agents, such as manufacturing or processing plants. If there is a downside to cable railings over traditional wood or metal railing, it is that as a “modern” railing solution, it will usually carry a higher upfront cost. In addition, not all municipalities allow horizontal railing systems, so be sure to check local bylaws before beginning construction.

In addition to being strong and weather resistant, cable railings also promote visibility in the built environment, which can help to improve safety in industrial settings. This is especially important in areas where there is a lot of foot traffic or where heavy machinery is being used.

[5]

Finally, cable railings are easy to maintain. They do not require painting or staining, and they can be easily cleaned with a mild detergent and water. This can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in industrial settings.

Styles of cable railings

There are various styles of commercial cable railing systems,¹ each with their own unique advantages. Here are a few of the most popular configurations:

• [6]

  Swaged systems. Swaged systems are the most common type of cable railing system. They are made of stainless steel cables, swaged or crimped at the ends. This creates a very strong and secure connection. Swaged systems are also relatively easy to install, making them a good choice for DIY projects.

• Swageless systems. Swageless systems are made of stainless-steel cables which are not swaged at the ends. Instead, they are connected using a variety of different fittings, including swageless terminals, eyebolts, and turnbuckles. Swageless systems are more expensive than swaged systems, but they are also more flexible and easier to adjust. This makes them a good choice for projects that require a lot of customization.
• Metal post systems. These systems use metal posts, such as stainless steel or aluminum, connected by cables. Metal post systems are vextremely robust and long-lasting, and they are also visually appealing. However, they are also more expensive than other types of cable railing systems.
• Wood post systems. These systems use wood posts, such as cedar or redwood, also connected by cables. However, the strength and durability of metal post systems outweigh the attractiveness and affordability of wood post systems.

[7]

Boosting aesthetics and safety 
in industrial settings

In an industrial construction sector that is increasingly facing pressure to balance the optimum in aesthetics while maintaining the highest safety standards, cable railings provide a unique solution applicable in many settings. Their sleek, understated aspect works well in a variety of industrial settings, and their low maintenance properties ensure they are not easily marred by the elements.

Notes

¹ Learn more about cable railing systems by visiting https://vivarailings.com/cable-railings[8].

Author

Ryan Shure is a freelance writer who loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on renovations and construction. He lives in Tampa, Fla., where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching building material trends in his free time. Shure’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, 
a new construction industry resource.

 

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/raising-the-bar-the-use-of-cable-railings-in-industrial-settings/

---