Guidance > Working Platforms > Calculation of Track Bearing Pressures

CALCULATION OF TRACK BEARING PRESSURES
FOR PLATFORM DESIGN

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This document sets out the basic procedure for calculating the track bearing pressures for a crane or piling rig for use in the working platform design process set out in the BRE Report BR470, Working Platforms for Tracked Plant: good practice guide to the design, installation, maintenance and repair of ground-supported working platforms.

It should be noted that the track bearing pressures calculated by the appropriate method for use in the BRE design method are commonly much higher than given by a simple calculation of the total rig weight divided by the total track area.

The calculation of the track bearing pressures in an appropriate manner consistent with the BRE design method is a fundamental requirement of its use, and the use of bearing pressures calculated by any other means could potentially lead to an unsafe working platform design.

All of the figures in the document are general examples. Platform designs must be based on the actual rig loadings supplied by the piling contractor and the FPS can take no responsibility for any use made of the example information shown.

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The FPS have a Rig Loading Spreadsheet tool that is referenced in this document. We recommend undertaking the training workshop which are held by the FPS before using the Spreadsheet. For more information about the Spreadsheet or the workshop, please contact the FPS at FPS@FPS.org.uk.