Temporary Works & Stability Calculations
Project-specific engineering support for complex floating access arrangements, plant, scaffold and specialist equipment.
Engineering the Pontoon Around the Actual Load Case
Standard modular pontoon arrangements suit many access projects, but heavier plant, scaffold towers, drilling rigs, unusual geometry, tidal conditions or restricted restraint can require a more detailed engineering review.
FPS can provide pontoon configuration and loading information and, where required, work with consultant engineers to assess project-specific arrangements. The review can consider buoyancy, freeboard, stability, point loads, load distribution, plant position, access, environmental conditions and restraint.
The objective is to develop a practical temporary works solution that reflects how the pontoon will actually be installed and used on site — not just the total weight placed on it.
What the Temporary Works Review Can Consider
The level of design input is matched to the complexity and risk of the proposed configuration.
Assessment can consider personnel, plant, scaffold, stored materials and equipment together with concentrated reactions and the location of those loads on the platform. Load spreading or changes to the pontoon footprint may be required for significant point loads.
The pontoon must retain suitable freeboard and stability under the relevant load cases. Platform dimensions, number of pontoon layers, load position, movement of personnel and asymmetric loading can all influence trim and stability.
Plant dimensions, operating weight, track or wheel contact area, outrigger reactions, scaffold leg loads and proposed equipment position should be identified before mobilisation. Operational movements or changes in configuration may also need to be considered.
Depending on the location, the design review can consider spud legs, ropes, mooring points or other restraint together with water depth, current, tidal range, waves, wind and changes in water level. The chosen arrangement must also suit the installation and removal method.
Project-specific layouts can incorporate ramps, gangways, edge protection, scaffold positions, plant zones and interfaces with the bank or structure. Drawings can be used to coordinate the work area and identify the intended load positions before site installation.
- Site and structure drawings
- Required pontoon dimensions
- Plant and equipment data sheets
- Scaffold or point-load information
- Proposed load positions
- Water depth, current and tidal information
- Access and launch method
- Restraint or anchoring constraints
- Client temporary works requirements
Discuss Your Temporary Works Requirements
Send the proposed layout, site drawings, equipment data sheets, working loads and water conditions and we can review what level of temporary works input is appropriate.
For the wider technical process, see our Technical Information & Engineering hub.
