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SPAN 500 BRIDGED TOWER
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When a Spandeck is used as a bridging platform between two towers, it is essential that each
tower is sufficiently stiff. Each tower should comply therefore with the requirements of
EN1004:2004, so that no additional knee bracing is strictly needed. However, stiffening by
knee bracing in this instance is so easy to do, and so beneficial in improved stiffness, that user
frequently add knee braces as a matter of routine.
Instant Upright Recommends that knee
brace stiffening is applied when the Spandeck is fitted at a height of 2m or greater.
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The knee brace is fixed between the Spandeck side extrusion and a vertical frame, and is
normally fitted at an angle of about 45 deg. The end of the knee brace which clamps to the
clamp to the Spandeck has a swivel fitting to enable the other end to clamp to a vertical tube,
whether directly in line with the side of the Spandeck or not.
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Knee brace stiffing can be achieved by fitting diagonal tube and coupler from a low position on
the central Spandeck post to the tower at either side. One set of these braces is sufficient if
the assembly is static, but if the assembly is mobile, a set of these tube and coupler braces
should be fitted to either side of the Spandeck.
Note: Knee braces are not used to increase the load capacity of the Spandeck
USE OF KNEE BRACES WITH SPANDECK
