8/15/2019 CaseStudy Analysis Balguard

1/1

SCI Consultancy: Development

Engineering Support

Analysi s

Dynamic analysis of a st eel st aircase

SCI was approached by Balguard Engineering Ltd. to providespecialist consultancy services on a scissor staircase they weredesigning and constructing for use in an office building, to ensure thatthe staircase would meet the acceptability criteria for vibration.

Finite element modellingSCI prepared a finite element model of the staircase to determine thevibration characteristics of the structure such as the frequencies andthe mode shapes – the deflected forms that the staircase will tend toadopt when it is vibrating. The first mode shape is shown above.

Assessment and comparison to the StandardUsing the output from the finite element software, SCI used theanalysis methods detailed in P354 – Design of Floors for Vibration: A

New Approach together with forceinputs defined in the current standardappropriate for the assessment ofvibrations, ISO 10137. This produceda contour plot for the staircaseshowing the location and magnitude ofthe liveliest vibrations that would becaused by someone walking down thestairs. These magnitudes could then be compared to limitingvibrations defined in the Standard.

Providing specialist skills

Balguard’s Design Manager comments; ‘SCI worked with us providingspecialist skills and software that supplemented our own expertisewhich helped us to swiftly complete our work on this project.’

Client:Established in 1977 andstill managed by its twooriginal directors,Balguard Engineering hasestablished a trustedreputation for producinghigh-quality architecturalmetalwork across a widerange of industry sectors.

Based in LeightonBuzzard, and operatingfrom a modern well-equipped factory,Balguard’s highly skilledworkforce deliver designand fabrication solutionsto clients throughout theUK.

Every project is conductedin a professional andcourteous manner,ensuring clients receiveexceptional customer careand superior workmanshipat all times.

As the company hasgrown, so too has itsinvestment in people andequipment. Health andsafety procedures arestrictly adhered to at alltimes with staffundergoing regulartraining programmes andsafety consultancy.

www.balguard.co.uk