Longspan

Longspan, in the context of storage systems, refers to a modular metal shelving system designed for storing long or bulky items. Also known as long-span shelving, it uses upright frames, horizontal beams, and shelves that rest on the beams. The configuration is adjustable, with shelf heights changeable in defined increments to accommodate items of varying sizes. Longspan shelving is typically lighter in load capacity than pallet racking and is commonly used in warehouses, storerooms, maintenance shops, and garages.

Construction and components include steel uprights with evenly spaced slots, beams that connect to the uprights, and shelves that can be solid panels, particleboard, or wire mesh. Finishes often involve powder coating for corrosion resistance. Beams come in different depths and lengths to create bays of various widths, enabling customization of the storage footprint.

Installation and usage are characterized by modular assembly, usually without welding or complex tools. Accessories such as lip edges, bin dividers, label holders, and drawer units may be added to improve organization. Weight ratings vary by manufacturer and configuration, and it is common to calculate a bay’s total capacity as the sum of the per-shelf ratings.

Applications and limitations: Longspan shelving is well suited for organizing tools, hardware, pipes, lumber lengths, and other non-palletized items. It is not intended for high-density palletized storage or environments requiring maximum vertical space; for such needs, higher-capacity systems like pallet racking may be more appropriate. The system offers flexibility, ease of expansion, and cost advantages relative to heavier-duty storage solutions.

History and usage: The term longspan emphasizes longer shelf spans compared to traditional utility shelving. It is used across industries under various brand names, with manufacturers offering diverse configurations to suit different storage requirements.