Case Study
Structural Platform FEA — Steel Access Platform & Equipment Support
Structural FEA AnalysisConfidential Details Removed
Problem / Requirement
A refinery required a new mezzanine-level access platform to support three rotating equipment skids and provide safe operator access around the equipment. The platform was constrained by adjacent pipe racks and existing foundations, resulting in an irregular framing arrangement with eccentric load paths that could not be adequately assessed using simplified hand calculations alone. The structural engineer of record required an FEA-based verification report before authorising the drawings for construction.
Engineering Scope
3-D structural frame model build from issued-for-design steel sections and connection geometry
Load case derivation: dead, live, equipment operating and upset loads, wind (ASCE 7) and seismic (IBC)
Load combination matrix per AISC 360 LRFD and site-specific design basis
FEA stress and deflection analysis — identification of over-stressed members and excessive deflection locations
Member unity check (utilisation ratio) against AISC 360-22 code allowables for each section
Connection design verification: gusset plates, base plates, end-plate shear connections and welds
Anchor bolt pull-out and shear interaction check for equipment skid base frames
Optimisation recommendations — section upgrades for non-compliant members, connection reinforcement details
Deliverables
Structural FEA Analysis Report — Platform FrameAISC 360 Member Utilisation Check Summary TableConnection Design Calculation Sheets (×6 connection types)Anchor Bolt Load Reaction Summary for Civil EngineerFEA Deflection and Stress Contour Plot PackRevised Structural Steel Section ScheduleStructural General Arrangement Drawing — Mark-Up for Revision
Client Value Delivered
FEA verification satisfied the engineer of record's requirements, releasing the drawings for construction without further revision cycles
Optimised member selection reduced structural steel weight by approximately 12% compared to the preliminary design
Anchor bolt reaction summary enabled the civil team to finalise pad designs in parallel, maintaining the project schedule
Six connection detail sheets provided the fabricator with unambiguous weld size and plate thickness data, reducing RFIs
Deflection check confirmed grating panels met serviceability limits, avoiding specification of a heavier floor system
Standards Referenced
AISC 360-22 (LRFD)AISC 341-22 (Seismic)ASCE 7-22IBC 2021AWS D1.1 (weld design)ACI 318-19 (anchor bolts)OSHA 1910.23 (access platform geometry)
Software Used
ANSYS Mechanical 2024 R1STAAD.Pro CONNECT EditionAutoCAD 2024Microsoft Excel (load derivation, connection checks)HILTI PROFIS Anchor (anchor bolt software)
Need Similar Engineering?
Contact SLETEC to discuss your project scope and receive a tailored proposal.
Request Support