Overhead Structure

Overhead structure in industrial real estate refers to all the architectural and engineering components located above the warehouse or industrial facility floor. These primarily include beams, trusses, support girders, crane rails, and other structural elements that influence the internal clear height of the warehouse space. Clear height, defined as the usable vertical free space from the floor to the lowest point of the overhead structure, is a critical factor for warehouse functionality, affecting storage capacity and the type of equipment that can operate within the building, such as forklifts and automated storage systems. Overhead structures also accommodate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations, integrating lighting, sprinkler systems, and ventilation ducts. Careful design and engineering of these overhead systems are essential to optimize operational efficiency, minimize obstructions, and enable flexible industrial use. In logistics and distribution centers, optimizing the overhead structure to maximize clear height directly contributes to increased pallet stacking and throughput capacity, ultimately enhancing the return on investment of the industrial asset. Additionally, compliance with building codes and safety standards governs the materials, dimensions, and load-bearing properties of overhead structures, ensuring structural integrity and operational safety.