Supporting Live Load an a Mechanical Duct
Supporting Live Load an a Mechanical Duct
(OP)
I have to design gravity and seismic support for a small platform approximately 4' wide x 17' long. The platform is along the side of a boiler and will be used by employees to maintain some small mechanical units.
We are having problems fitting the platform into the structure because of the numerous ducting/insulation/mech units around it. We are considering using a large steel duct to transfer the platform forces to the structural steel columns. The steel duct will be fabricated out of ASTM A36 flat plate and it is about 3' deep and 5.5' wide.
I know I can design the duct to be able to carry the loads (it might need stiffeners) but is there anything in the code that does NOT allow this. The duct will be transferring heated air at about 0.25 psi pressure. My concern is carrying live load on a mechanical duct. I've never heard of anyone doing this.
Thanks
We are having problems fitting the platform into the structure because of the numerous ducting/insulation/mech units around it. We are considering using a large steel duct to transfer the platform forces to the structural steel columns. The steel duct will be fabricated out of ASTM A36 flat plate and it is about 3' deep and 5.5' wide.
I know I can design the duct to be able to carry the loads (it might need stiffeners) but is there anything in the code that does NOT allow this. The duct will be transferring heated air at about 0.25 psi pressure. My concern is carrying live load on a mechanical duct. I've never heard of anyone doing this.
Thanks






RE: Supporting Live Load an a Mechanical Duct
You might check into deflection of the duct due to pressure or thermal movement and also possible vibration.
RE: Supporting Live Load an a Mechanical Duct
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Supporting Live Load an a Mechanical Duct
RE: Supporting Live Load an a Mechanical Duct
yeah, its about time that the ME's 'gave something back'
RE: Supporting Live Load an a Mechanical Duct
I know, the original OP was not about this, and the ductwork is for some heavy duty stuff, not typical building ductwork.....