Modular Assembly Support Towers (MASTs)

1500-ton project in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, required innovative staging solutions. Gehman Iron, based in Knoxville, PA, was selected as a key team member to achieve this mission. They developed and fabricated modular, reconfigurable staging that significantly optimized space, reduced manual labor, and improved overall operational efficiency of the staging. The project began May 2024 with installation staggered; the first two designs were delivered February 2025, and the remaining four were completed and installed in December 2025. The design criteria was demanding and called for a single footprint capable of supporting the construction of five different components of varying heights and widths, while also incorporating retractable decks to navigate known obstructions. This "herculean task" demanded innovative engineering and collaborative execution.

The design-build team comprised of The Mezzanine Company located in NJ, Gehman Iron, Inc. Knoxville, PA, and Boyle Engineering, LLC State College, PA was selected as the winning team for a 1500-ton Department of Defense Contractor project located in Rhode Island. This project required the design, detailing, fabrication, and installation of several different large scale structural steel work platforms with multiple decks that are adjustable to fit around different DOD Contractor components at various stages of fabrication. The platforms are 65’wide x 65’to 90’ depth with 2 or 3 decks at various heights ranging from 10’-35’.

The design-build team had numerous challenges to overcome including developing a work platform system that could be assembled and disassembled with the client’s mobile or overhead crane, have an adjustable floor system to fit the different components, galvanizing of long parts, compressed installation schedule, and other interesting challenges.

The work platform system will be stored outside for extended periods of time in a coastal environment, necessitating the need for a strong corrosion resistant coating system. An anti-slip duplex coating was chosen for its corrosion resistance, color and anti-slip capabilities.

The design-build team takes great pride in this project knowing the impact this project plays in providing a continued strong national defense.