440MoPar
Structural
- Jun 3, 2009
- 23
I am working on a project that features a "telescoping" structure where people will sit (however, people will not be on it when it extends or retracts). Furthermore, it features two cantilever platforms that both extend (i.e., as the first platform reaches its most extended point, the second platform starts to extend). The best way to describe it is to think of a forklift: as the forks rise and a section reaches its limit, the next section starts to extend and so on.
This tower is essentially a large forklift, but with two fork points. To give you an idea of the size: the tower will extend to ~60 feet.
My question is if anyone has come across a similar design. This is in the preliminary stages but I'm thinking that I would just mimic the design of a forklift. However, instead of two "columns", this will have four. If memory serves me correct, forklift "columns" are made of channels that sit inside one another (these are the guides, similar to a drawer slide) with wheels/casters or ball bearings inside...? And the lifting mechanism is a hydraulic ram.
At any rate, I already have a lifting mechanism found, so thats not any issue (I don't want to disclose what brand it is because of confidentiality).
I'm an EIT structural engineer just I'm just curious what others have to say and if they know of any examples/guides/manuals that might pertain to such a project.
Thanks.
This tower is essentially a large forklift, but with two fork points. To give you an idea of the size: the tower will extend to ~60 feet.
My question is if anyone has come across a similar design. This is in the preliminary stages but I'm thinking that I would just mimic the design of a forklift. However, instead of two "columns", this will have four. If memory serves me correct, forklift "columns" are made of channels that sit inside one another (these are the guides, similar to a drawer slide) with wheels/casters or ball bearings inside...? And the lifting mechanism is a hydraulic ram.
At any rate, I already have a lifting mechanism found, so thats not any issue (I don't want to disclose what brand it is because of confidentiality).
I'm an EIT structural engineer just I'm just curious what others have to say and if they know of any examples/guides/manuals that might pertain to such a project.
Thanks.
