Large-scale working platforms have become important solutions to infrastructure projects. grown in use in infrastructure, such as for situations in which load transfer enables more efficient construction or makes the construction possible. Reinforcement geosynthetics are commonly part of working platform designs. International geosynthetics manufacturer NAUE has developed an enhanced model for the design of working platforms, distilling field experience and current research into a new user-friendly software: NAUE Platform.
“The software eliminates shortcomings of existing design guidelines,” NAUE writes, “[such as] the well-known British BR470 good practice guide for working platforms.”
Complex earthworks involving embankments, piles, soft soils, etc. have realized significantly quicker construction timelines with the use of geosynthetic support and platform designs.
WORKING PLATFORM IMPROVEMENTS
The NAUE software’s design model includes numerous enhancements:
- A more realistic propagation of shear planes for geogrid stabilized and reinforced granular working platform materials
- The transfer of 2-D design models into 3-D models
- Adding a Global Stability check to Ultimate Limit State (ULS) designs
- Adding a Serviceability (SLS) check (differential settlement/tilting) for a holistic design approach
MORE GEO: Online Learning Opportunities in Geosynthetics
“These improvements are based on large-scale laboratory tests with NAUE’s Secugrid® geogrid and Combigrid® geocomposite products,” the company notes.
A free version of NAUE Platform is available at https://service.naue.com. Online workshops to support users are being organized. Additionally, the company also offers regular webinar training for engineering with geosynthetics in various applications, such as coastal protection, soil reinforcement, and environmental protection.
