STRUCTURAL PLATFORMS: A Small Presentation for

the beginner

A platform is normally horizontal surface at elevated level usually provided for maintenance and
easy access (operation) to required items such as valves, instruments etc. Sometimes pipes and
piping items can be supported from platforms but pipe loads has to be transferred to CSA after
stress analysis for taking consideration into platform design.
TYPES OF PLATFORMS (Refer Fig. 1, 2 and 3):

 OPERATING : – Used for personnel movement for operating the valves / switch panels only
 MAINTAINANCE : Used for maintenance of valves / equipments
 MANIFOLDS: number of pipes are branching in one line

INPUT FOR DESIGN

 PIPING LAYOUT: piping layout will reflect the needs of platforms.

 SIZE AND ELEVATIONS will be provided
 PIPE SUPPORT LOADING (IF ANY)
 NORMAL LIVE LOADS
o Access walkways : 250 kg/sq.m
o Operating floors : 500 kg/sq.m
o Special case(heat exchanger) : 750 kg/sq.m

APPROCH TO PLATFORMS:
For ascending and descending we are using ladders or staircase depending on use of the platforms
and space availability.
Standard drawings for:

 ladders
 staircase

PLATFORM COVERING

 Gratings and chequered plates as covering of platforms depends on use

 Standard drawing : Grating

PROTECTION IN PLATFORMS

 Handrails to protect the personnel from falling.

 Standard drawing : Hand rails
Fig. 1: Typical Platform 1
Fig. 2: Typical Platform 2
Fig. 3: Typical Platform 3