Total Containment Systems - The Columbia Study

In December of 1995 Columbia University's Carlton Labs in New York City was commissioned by Total Containment Systems to design and perform a series of tests in order to substantiate the structural integrity and design calculations of the patented (#5,299,655) TCS Working Platform and Shielding Systems.

The objective of the test program was to determine the maximum load carrying capacity of the working platform and shielding system under different working conditions. To facilitate the testing, Columbia University erected a 25 foot by 40 foot steel-frame mock-bridge structure 5 feet off the floor in the Carlton Laboratory. The working platform and shielding system was then installed by Total Containment Systems. A total of 4 tests were conducted; testing uniform loading, deflection, drop testing and cable stresses.

Test 1
Longitudinal cables were placed 6 feet on center, and the platform uniformly loaded with 53 pound sand bags. The four cables held a continuous load of 80 lbs/sq. ft., with a cable deflection of only 10 inches.

Test 2
Using the same cable configuration as in test 1, 1,658 pounds was dropped from10 feet 6 inches. Visual inspection showed no damage to the TCS working platform. Total released energy was calculated to be 17,500 foot pounds.

Tests 3 & 4
The cable spacing was reduced to 3 feet on center, and two transverse cables were installed. Sand bags were again loaded on the platform to test the load capacity. In test 3, the platform held 96,612 pounds, in test 4 it held an astounding 133,612 pounds, equating to 301.9 lbs/sq ft. and 417.5 lbs/sq ft. respectively. It is important to remember that most suspended light scaffold specifications request a minimum 25 pounds per square foot requirement, and concrete shielding systems request anywhere from 75 - 125 pounds per square foot.

The tests conducted by Columbia University's Carlton Laboratory conclusively show that the TCS working platform and shielding system greatly exceeds all specifications in the categories. A TCS working platform provides state-of-the-art containment, bridge demolition debris shielding, eliminates costly lane closures, and its ease of installation and use can save you up to 90% in labor costs - plus it meets and exceeds OSHA standard.

[ View Cable Deflection & Cable Tension Graphs ]

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Total Containment Systems, L.P.
28½ Alice Street
Binghamton, New York 13904
(607) 723-3066 (voice) - (607) 723-4514 (fax)