Fiberglass Catwalk Support Letter

Effective Engineering Solutions, Ltd.
61 White Water Ct.
New Lenox, IL 60451
815-485-1470
(Fax) 815-485-0603
cleverenz@comcast.net

April 01, 2004

Grady J. Irvin
Irvin Steel, Inc.
1909 US Highway 301 North
Suite 130
Tampa, FL 33619

RE: Fiberglass Catwalks

Dear Grady,

We have reviewed the information you sent to us regarding fiberglass catwalks to be utilized within the billboard industry. The major component parts are an “F track”, non-skid grating panels. Where needed, additional materials are included to add flexural strength.

Based on our review, we have concluded that such product, if properly installed and utilized, is a viable alternative to other walkway options within the industry. We base our determination on the following:

Testing was conducted at the manufacturing facility. Test conditions were simple span, two span and cantilevered with panel widths of 24” and 36”. We have reviewed the findings and have determined that, if properly utilized and installed, these fiberglass catwalks maintain criteria of a 500lb concentrated load, 50 psf uniform loads, limiting deflection to l/240, per industry standards for metal catwalks.

Based on the testing results and the listed criteria, we would recommend the fiberglass panels and “F” track system to be used as follows:

2’ panel width – 8ft maximum simple span length
3’ panel width – 7ft maximum simple span length
2’ wide with 2 or more spans – 9ft maximum span length
3’ wide with 2 or more spans – 8ft maximum span length
*Note that these spans can be increased if the available 6” fiberglass channel is used in conjunction with the fiberglass “F” sections.
Cantilever recommendations are as follows:

1’ cantilever – “F” sections only
3’ cantilever – “F” sections and 6” channels are to be used.

We feel that this product, if properly utilized and installed, will offer an option to structures which may not be able to handle the weight of metal catwalks, namely wooden billboards, as the fiberglass walkway system weighs less than _ of their metal counterparts. New builds may benefit from this product as well, particularly flag or offset structures where any reduction in head weight should be welcomed.

Please feel free to contact us with any other questions.

Sincerely,

Cliff W. Leverenz, P.E., C.S.P.