Our task in this project was the structural design of maintenance platforms for high voltage switchgear stations. With some differences in design parameters, we had to design maintenance platforms for three high voltage switchgear stations in multiple locations in Germany.
The platform consists of many independent structures, whereas most of them are of different geometry. Bearing members are supported against the equipment of the station and only partially against the concrete floor (self-standing). A major part of the platform is designed as a lightweight aluminum structure, and only a small part was designed in steel. Aluminum profiles used are extruded profiles with complex cross-sections, which made modeling somewhat more challenging. Although not located in the seismic prone region, the client’s requirement was that design peak ground acceleration of over 0,4g to be considered.