Design and Calculations
Our pontoons have undergone extensive testing by both structural engineers and marine architects in order to ensure they are able to meet the demands placed upon them. The pontoons and ancillaries have been extensively tested giving us information on buoyancy, crush, stability, shear and tensile strength. As a result, for the vast majority of uses we can be confident that the system and setup we propose will be perfect for the ‘normal’ uses we encounter.
Load capacities at a glance
Our modular pontoons are tested by structural engineers and marine architects for buoyancy, crush resistance, stability, shear and tensile strength. Use the figures below as a quick guide to whether a standard setup will suit your job.
| Setup | Capacity |
| Single layer: evenly spread load | 175 kg per m² |
| Double-stacked: evenly spread load | 350 kg per m² |
| Point-load crush resistance | Over 7 tonnes per m² |
| Plant and machinery | Up to 10 tonnes and more, subject to design |
| With steel subframe and reinforced deck | Higher concentrated loads, subject to engineering assessment |
Figures are a guide. Point-load crush resistance is not the same as safe working load. Capacity depends on how the load is distributed, platform dimensions and site conditions. Every commercial platform is assessed against the proposed loading before installation.
Not sure if your load will fit?
Send us the make and model of your machine or equipment, and roughly where it will sit on the platform. We’ll review the requirements and advise on a suitable setup, usually within 24 hours.
Structural Engineers
However, in some instances we need to go above and beyond these standard calculations to ensure the proposed configuration and layout of the pontoons will be suitable. Whether it’s ensuring the required loadings can be met, identifying the positioning of equipment and plant on the pontoon or the anchoring configuration, it’s better to be safe than sorry. In such instances we commission structural engineers to take account of all factors and produce a report with their findings and recommendations.
More Pontoon
We have a number of solutions to increase the buoyancy, strength and capability of our pontoons based on the recommendations of our engineers. The obvious solution is more pontoon, whether this is a bigger footprint to the pontoon as a whole or double stacking the pontoons to effectively double the overall buoyancy, both can easily be done and even partnered together. Double-stacking takes the load capacity from 175kg/m² to 350kg/m² if evenly spread which is enough for most excavators and piling rigs up to 10 tonnes.
Steel subframe
The modular makeup of our pontoons means that when significant weight is applied to the surface, they flex in order to spread the load and accommodate the weight being applied. Should significant weight need to be applied to the pontoon in a small area then we are able to install a subframe on the pontoons using steel soldier beams and reinforced deck. This significantly increases the point loading capabilities of the pontoons. A subframe is typically used for loads above 7 tonnes or where tracks, outriggers or legs put heavy point loads on the deck.
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Do you have a pontoon requirement in mind? Send us your details using the form below or have a quick chat with one of our experts on 01590 607104.