Wind Turbine Platform Bolting Help

[engtips123456]

http://i50.tinypic.com/iv8qx2.jpg

I can not find a reliable example of working out how to design a row of bolts for the platform illustrated in the image linked above.

The platform is made up of 4.5mm folded steel sections that are to be supported on tabs. Each steel segment is to be bolted to it's neighbor with high strength friction grip bolts but I am struggling to come up with something I am happy with.

For the sake of argument the platform is to support lets say 500kg.

Are there any kind souls reading this that can push me in the right direction?

Regards

 

[desertfox]

From the picture you've posted and the information given I would struggle too.

desertfox

 

[rb1957]

having trouble "Seeing" your pic ...

what direction are the loads on the platform ?

what additional reactions are imposed on the platform ? (ie loads offset from the platform will produce a couple).

bolts work best in shear. align your flanges so that bolts are reacting shear loads.

 

[engtips123456]

http://i48.tinypic.com/27zg3y8.jpg

for a clearer image... loads will be imposed by somebody walking around on top, so consider a point load placed in the centre of each segment. The platform is suspended by a ring of tabs, but to reiterate I need to ascertain a method of determining the clamping requirements between each segment.

 

[rb1957]

1) if the beams have flanges (in the plane of the deck), attach to them, and add a stiffening angle on the outer edge (plate on it's own would be quite flexible/bouncy) ... how many bolts ? 1 1/4" bolt pere 3-4 inches of run.

2) if the beans don't have a convenient flange, create one by attaching an angle to the beam web, and continue as above. it make it look planned, i'd inter-pitch the bolts for the angle with the bolts for the deck.

 

[dhengr]

I think you need three more bolts, over there. No, I mean over there. I’m surprised that your CAD engineering package didn’t pick this up for you. Although, I think rb1957's suggestion of 1.25" bolts at 3 or 4" spacing, may be overkill, size wise. But, with those loads and their directions, maybe not.

 

[dvd]

Is the platform installed on-site?
Where are the installers standing/hanging from at the time?
How is the platform rigged during installation?
Why do you want it in segments?
Why is it bolted? Does it need to be removable later on?
Does the platform need structural integrity during assembly?
Without a little more knowledge about the requirements it is hard to speculate on the bolts.

 

[rb1957]

"1 1/4" bolt" was meant to be read as "a 1/4" bolt"