Access Platforms

Rigmar has extensive experience in the design and installation of suspended access platforms and offers a range of options depending on our clients’ requirements.

Our in-house systems include Spaceframe, which Rigmar deploys for applications where elevation is a requirement, such as lifting loads, and QuikDeck, our ‘go-to’ solution for underdeck areas and complex structurers with numerous features to negotiate.

Rigmar first introduced QuikDeck to the EU/UK market back in 2012 and has since developed numerous applications as well as integration with other systems to deliver a broad project portfolio of ‘collective access’ solutions.

Mobile Immersible QuikDeck Platform: Deep Concrete Beam Bridge

This QuikDeck platform was designed and engineered to Highways standards, supported by an Approval in Principle (AIP), CAT III certificate and ‘Type P’ temporary works certificate.

The mid-span element has an unsuspended cantilever for access and egress via a drop-down, system-scaffold stair tower. Material supply was facilitated using a mobile crane located on the car deck.

The elements surrounding the piers have been rigged on mechanical lifting devices and can be lowered at low tide to access the columns and conduct concrete repairs and install cathodic protection below the high tide water line.

Mobile Immersible QuikDeck Platform: Deep Concrete Beam Bridge

Working to a strict lift plan developed by the Rigmar team, the platforms were lowered daily to provide access to the bridge columns at the required elevations.

Mobile Immersible QuikDeck Platform: Deep Concrete Beam Bridge

In order to stay within the load limits of the bridge beams during high-tide, storm conditions, the deck was constructed using GRP, allowing wave crests to penetrate the surface, thereby reducing drag.

Mobile Immersible QuikDeck Platform: Deep Concrete Beam Bridge

Both the QuikDeck structure and GRP decking were designed and installed to fit closely (50mm) around the structure detail, providing a supported edge throughout and ensuring that the design load was maintained at all locations.

QuikDeck/Scaffold Hybrid: 1920’s Concrete Bridge – Parabolic Arch

The layout of the QuikDeck suspension points and inherent rigidity allows for fewer connection points than with scaffold, which is essential on structures where remedial works are required to leave no trace of the project on completion.

Complex Surrounding Structure: Offshore Oil Rig Heli-Deck

Rigmar has completed QuikDeck installations on various offshore-helidecks, reducing installation time by 50% over tube and fitting scaffold, despite the complex structure and multiple intersections though the deck. The system weight is significantly less too, allowing heli-deck operations to continue.

Integrated Scaffold

At Rigmar we firmly believe that the ‘quality of access’ on any access project is key to safe and efficient operations and that an amalgamation of access techniques should be considered in order to deliver the optimum solution for our clients. Despite rope access and suspended access platforms being a core competence at Rigmar, integration with tube and fit and system scaffold provides the versatility to adapt to the characteristics of a structure.

QuikDeck/Scaffold Hybrid: 1920’s Concrete Bridge – Parabolic Arch

For this bridge, the client required a 100% drops-free install and 100% drops free access once installed. The QuikDeck cantilever allowed scaffold to be built up the elevation face and over the parapet wall, facilitating full encapsulation throughout.

Mobile Immersible QuikDeck Platform: Deep Concrete Beam Bridge

In order to allow safe and effective access and egress to the QuikDeck platform, HAKI system stair towers have been installed, with all bridge interface detail and loadings specified in the engineering package for CAT III certification.

Full Under Deck FM Access: Semi-Submersible Drilling Rig

On this install, a cantilever was built around the perimeter of the rig, allowing system scaffold to be built and encapsulated to facilitate blasting and painting operations. The cantilever also provided material supply and personnel access to the deck.

Inspection

Rigmar provide both tactile and visual inspection-at-height services for steel and masonry structures. Photos, measurements and final reports can be provided in line with the client’s specifications.

Concrete Anchor Pull Testing: Cable Stay Bridge

Rigmar examined and pull-tested in-situ anchors on all four faces of the three primary towers of a major cable stay bridge structure in the UK. A full report was completed that recorded condition observations and mapped anomaly locations. This led to a retro-fit-and-replace programme to close-out the works.

Concrete Condition Inspection: Cable Stay Bridge

The photo above shows a Rigmar rope access technician carrying out a DEMEC Strain Gauge measurement survey on a concrete tower from an elevation of 147m above the car deck. Readings are taken by placing studs either side of any visible cracks with reference to pre-placed studs. These are recorded, mapped and re-visited later to identify any crack propagation.

Cable Stay Examination: Cable Stay Bridge

Using roller slings combined with a ‘rig-for-rescue’ lowering set-up, Rigmar’s technicians examined the cable stays from the tower interface down to the road deck.

Working at Height Rescue

On larger projects with multiple working-at-height (WAH) activities, it is essential to have the capability to provide rescue and first-response functions that are suitable to the tasks being undertaken. On a recent cable stay bridge project, Rigmar and several other WAH companies deployed up to 100 personnel on site at any one time, working above and below deck in a range of scenarios. Rigmar provided around-the-clock rescue and first-response support for the entire project.

WAH Rescue and First Response: Cable Stay Bridge

Rigmar’s technicians regularly practiced lowering rescue exercises using a pre-rigged system on the tower and roller slings on the casualty. Continuous site audits were conducted and a T-Card system, cross-referenced to a specific rescue plan, was used to monitor work activities. Where deemed ‘complex’, rescue drills such as that above were conducted on each fortnightly shift rotation, with both teams present.

WAH Rescue and First Response: Cable Stay Bridge

Another ‘complex rescue’ drill being carried out. This scenario was based on rescuing personnel from inside the towers below car deck level using a stretcher.

Assembly & Fixing

Rigmar offers a broad range of trade skills on the ropes including: welding, fabrication, inspection, electricians, painting, blasting, rigging, assembly and fixing.

Our assembly and fixing capabilities complement our rigging and rope access expertise, providing the ability to conduct complex installations at height, with both intricate and robust components.

Tension Ring Installation: Cable Stay Bridge

In 2017 Rigmar’s specialist access division was contracted to install a combination of tension rings and guide deviators, totalling 288 cable stay interfaces with the three main towers. This required a combination of rope access and suspended access platforms to provide access for rigging and assembly. Bespoke tooling was used to compress the primary strands into the required pattern, prior to installing fixings and weather sealing before locating the outer sleeves. Rigmar accumulated over 55,000 hours on this project, with zero accidents or incidents, contributing to the on-time completion of this work scope in time for the ‘grand opening’.