System and method for a modular ceiling grid beam that supports construction of a controlled environment or catwalk

A controlled environment hung ceiling assembly comprising:

• at least two ceiling grid assemblies secured in a side-by-side configuration, the ceiling grid assemblies each comprising:
• a top section, the top section comprising a first plurality of plate channels;
• a bottom section, the bottom section comprising a second plurality of plate channels;
• and
• a plurality of plates, wherein each plate of the plurality of plates is snugly fit into and attached to at least one of the plate channels, wherein at least one of the plurality of plates is attached to both the top section and the bottom section;
• at least one plate of the plurality of plates is disposed in facing plate channels thereby joining adjacent ceiling grid assemblies in a side-by-side configuration;
• at least two threaded connectors configured to be secured to a respective top section;
• and
• at least two threaded rods configured to be threadedly engaged on a first end to a respective threaded connector and configured to be secured on a second end to a girder.

A catwalk assembly for hanging from girders comprising:

• at least two grid assemblies secured in a side-by-side configuration, the grid assemblies each comprising a top section, each top section comprising at least one plate channel facing a plate channel of another ceiling grid assembly;
• at least one plate configured to be snugly fit into and attached to at least one of the plate channels and is disposed in a facing plate channels thereby horizontally joining adjacent grid assemblies in a side-by-side configuration;
• at least two threaded connectors configured to be secured to a respective top section;
• and
• at least two threaded rods configured to be threadedly engaged on a first end to a respective threaded connector and configured to be secured on a second end to a girder.

A method of assembling a controlled environment ceiling framing apparatus, the method comprising:

• extruding a top section having a first plurality of plate channels;
• extruding a bottom section having a second plurality of plate channels;
• forming a plurality of plates;
• snugly fitting each plate of the plurality of plates into at least one plate channel of the plurality of plate channels and fixing each plate in place;
• snugly fitting at least one plate of the plurality of plates into one plate channel of the plurality of plate channels of the top section and into one plate channel of the plurality of plate channels of the bottom section;
• and
• fixing the plate in each location thereby attaching the top section to the bottom section;
• wherein each plate channel of the first and second plurality of plate channels are defined by substantially parallel plate channel members.