Belt Conveyor Truss Loads on Walkways
Belt Conveyor Truss Loads on Walkways
(OP)
Two things, Live Loads and Snow Loads on conveyor box trusses with walkways supported from a cantilevered outrigger for material handling applications. What have you typically used for the walkway live load? I've seen multiple answers ranging from 20-60 psf. In ASCE-7 I think the closest Occupancy or Use in Table 4-1 would be "Catwalks for maintenance access" which is 40 psf. Also, do you include snow load on your expanded metal, gripstrut, or grating conveyor walkways? I know engineers that argued both sides. Just looking for some different opinions here, I have always included snow on the walkway. Thanks.






RE: Belt Conveyor Truss Loads on Walkways
RE: Belt Conveyor Truss Loads on Walkways
For industrial purposes, I consider a "catwalk" to be of minimal width which, by it's location, is clearly intended for use only by workers (no tools, parts, or other extra load).
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RE: Belt Conveyor Truss Loads on Walkways
RE: Belt Conveyor Truss Loads on Walkways
Take a look at OSHA Stds. and see how they apply to your situation. I think they talk about 300lb. workers, with 50lbs. of tools and the possibility of several workers in a fairly small space for maintenance work, and the like. I tend to agree with SRE, they could be hauling a motor, or some such, up that conveyor box truss walkway, which is in good part, intended for servicing and maintaining the conveyor. And, at some time you are going have three guys and two motors in a confined area on the walkway, all at one time. That walkway can also retain snow and ice under the right conditions. I might not design the whole box truss for 100 lbs./sq.ft. on the walkway, but I probably would use 100 lbs./sq.ft. for the walkway itself, and then also consider extra loads in some specific areas, or 300-500 lbs. (man and motor) on discrete smaller areas.
RE: Belt Conveyor Truss Loads on Walkways