January 2014
39
Products
The Mystery of Ships Ladders by Shawn Gosselin A “ships ladder” in an industry term for a ladder that is on a fixed angle versus a ladder on a straight 90 degree run. This type of ladder can be used on exterior and interior applications where the footprint space is available and an easier climb is desired. Roof, mezzanine, loading dock, and crossover (over ducts, rooftop pipe system) are all typical ships ladder access applications. Generally speaking, the industry standard of climbing angles for ships ladders fall between 60 and 75 degrees. Some of the basic requirements are as follows:
Hoffmann Receives Patent Hamden CT - Hoffmann Architects, Inc., an architecture and engineering firm specializing in the rehabilitation of building exteriors, announced receipt of a United States Patent for an innovative design by a senior member of the firm’s engineering team. Designed to prevent and remediate structural failure at precast parking garage decks, the patented seismic connection improves structural integrity and reduces the incidence of stress and fatigue fracture. Lawrence E. Keenan, PE, AIA, director of engineering with Hoffmann Architects, developed the design after observing structural failure of welded deck connections at different precast parking garages. The extent and nature of the failures led Keenan to consider new ways of approaching these critical connections. The patented solution developed by Keenan and Hoffmann Architects reduces stress at precast concrete garage connections by replacing standard straight bars with bent erection plates. By increasing
Patented design solution the bending capacity of both the plate and the weld, the design improves the strength of flange connections by as much as a factor of ten. By reducing the concentration of stress, the patented connection also satisfies building code requirements for fatigue resistance. These benefits are achieved without increasing the size of the steel bar or the weld, making the design cost-effective, as well.
IMAGINiT Renames Product Line Framingham, MA – Rand Worldproduct to represent the theme of con-
wide announced that it has renamed its three IMAGINiT Clarity software products: IMAGINiT Clarity, the platform product; IMAGINiT, Clarity Connect and IMAGINiT Clarity Connect LT. “We’ve changed the names of our COMMERCIAL
necting,” says Tim Johnson, senior vice president,IMAGINiT Technologies. “It continues to deliver on the promise of helping BIM teams tackle their toughest challenges.”
INDUSTRIAL
Mechanical room ships ladder in the gymnasium at Londonderry High School
INSTITUTIONAL
Ships ladder used at University of N.H. • Maximum height is 20 feet. • Minimum tread width is 16 inches. • Minimum live load is 250 lbs (ANSI) and 200 lbs (OSHA). • Maximum treads spacing uniform throughout is 12 inches. • First tread must be level with the walk off/exit point. • Handrail must extend 42 inches above walk-off point. • Clearance from center of the rung to the wall or nearest object is 7 inches. The next time your project requires a fixed access ladder, a ships ladder might be the perfect solution. Ease of climb and climber safety rank among the top reasons to consider a ships ladder. As always, the professionals at UPNOVR, Inc. are available to answer your questions. Shawn Gosselin is sales manager at UPNOVR Inc.
FACILITIES
MUNICIPAL
Aluminum Access ladders Ultra Series Safety Stair Nosings and Treads • • • •
Lightweight, durable aluminum fabrication Maintenance Free Meets OHSA 1910.27 and ANSI 14.3 requirements Custom fabrication available
• • •
Durable Non slip aluminum extruded treads Models for new construction or renovations Available for fresh pour concrete and steel pan stairs.
UPNOVR, Inc., fabricates high quality aluminum fixed access ladders for a variety of applications. We offer a broad range of high strength vertical ladders and ship’s ladders to meet just about any requirement. Our Ultra Series Treads and Nosings will provide and attractive, long lasting and safe option to address your non-slip requirements. Models available for new or exiting stairs, concrete or steel pan stairs. Contact us today to discuss your requirements. UPNOVR, Inc. 3 Crane Way Hooksett, NH 03106 (t) 603-625-8639 (f) 603-625-8650 www.upnovr.com constprod@upnovr.com
www.high-profile.com