Working platforms
Working platforms
Ground-supported working platforms provide a safety critical foundation to ensure the stability of tracked plant, such as piling rigs and mobile cranes. Constructed from granular materials, these platforms are designed to provide adequate bearing capacity beneath the tracks to prevent the rig from overturning. Two main types of platform are provided: 
  • Unreinforced granular platform
  • Geosynthetic reinforced granular platform
The design of these geoetechnical structures is usually carried out in accordance with BRE 470 - 'Working platforms for tracked plant'. Additional guidance concerning geosynthetic reinforced platforms is found in CIRIA SP123 - 'Soil reinforcement with geotextiles'. More recently, the Temporary Works Forum have published draft guidance on the subject with the aim of providing consistency for designs to BS EN1997-1:2004 ('Eurocode 7' - Geotechnical design). 
We have designed or checked working platforms for a number of projects including:
  • Category III design checks of geogrid reinforced piling platforms adjacent to Network Rail properties 
  • Design of geogrid reinforced piling platform for energy from waste project on soft Tidal Flats deposits
  • Design of unreinforced piling platform for energy from waste project on loose sand deposits
  • Design of unreinforced piling platform adjacent to railway line incorporating a modular concrete block retaining wall
  • Design of unreinforced piling platform directly above an existing reinforced soil retaining wall
  • Slope stability analysis of temporary batter slopes supporting unreinforced piling platforms
Using plant loading data provided in the standard FPS format, the bearing capacity of the sub-grade and platform are assessed based on the published methods. Stability analysis using LimitState GEO may also be used in the design process.
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