Presentation Title:
A critical look at working platform design
Working Platforms, especially over poor ground, can be a significant cost item, but the potential costs in terms of injury or death, plant damage and repair, third party damage and repair, and lost time due to WHS stoppages and loss of use of equipment, can be far greater. One year ago the EFFC/DFI published the 2nd Edition of its Guide to Working Platforms, and a paper reviewing that document is included in the proceedings of this conference, which you are encouraged to read. The Panel Discussion is intended to open up the subject, and allow you all to contribute your ideas and experiences.
The panel will include the following:
Moderator: Amir Shahkolahi, Global Synthetics
Stephen Buttling, National Geotechnical Consultants, QLD
David Corke, Corke Project Solutions, UK
Martin Larisch, Larisch Consulting, NZ
David Martell, Wagstaff Piling
It is intended that there will be brief introductory presentations, followed by discussion and contributions from the floor. This is the chance to clarify any doubts or misunderstandings you may have by asking questions, or to share your own experiences. You can stand up and ask questions, or submit them in writing or through an app to be read out anonymously if you prefer. If you have a contribution to make, you may support it with a few slides if that helps. We need to know what are your real experiences of working platform design, construction and maintenance.
Abstract:
The EFFC/DFI issued a Guide to Working Platforms in December 2019. Since December 2022 the authors have been involved in the preparation of a revised Edition, Ed2, of the Guide, which has been published in May 2025. Ed2 states in its opening section that “ the guide outlines tools for a practical implementation of better practices that can be adopted across the world.” However, in the opinion of the authors it fails to provide any practical advice across a number of very important areas. These include:
- Assessment of the platform material angle of friction compatible with the particular design method.
- The basic calculation of the bearing capacity of a strong granular layer over a weaker subgrade, such that new platform designers will have a better understanding of what the various available calculation methods are trying to achieve, and why there is not a simple mathematical formula.
- It is stated several times that a Design Method needs to include at least three components, and maybe four. It is also stated that they must be compatible, but no advice is offered as to how this can be achieved.
- It is stated at least twice that “ The working platform is temporary works and its design must be managed as such.” No advice is offered as to what this means or how it is to be applied.
- The use of calibration in an empirical method, how this is carried out, and what limitations it creates on the use of the output.
- Further there are a number of questions with regard to the determination of tracked rig bearing pressure which have not been adequately addressed.
The shortcomings of these key areas will be identified as a caution to readers and, where space permits, alternative practical advice will be provided.