High-Rise Industrial Scaffolding for Process Column

Project Overview

AR-TEC delivered the structural engineering and detailed modelling of a high-rise industrial access scaffold surrounding the D0610 process column at the LyondellBasell industrial facility in Rotterdam.

The approximately 75-m-high scaffold was developed to provide safe and continuous access for Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) inspection, insulation removal, non-destructive testing, surface preparation, protective coating and re-insulation activities.

The circular geometry of the process column, the considerable scaffold height and the presence of existing platforms, pipework and other site obstructions required careful three-dimensional planning.

A complete structural model was prepared to assess the behaviour and overall stability of the scaffold under self-weight, working-platform loads, wind actions and other relevant design conditions.

The scaffold was designed for a working-platform load of 3.0 kN/m². The structural assessment also considered bracing arrangements, anchoring requirements, member forces, connections and reactions at the supporting level.

The upper scaffold levels included 90/10 fire-retardant netting. Its influence on wind loading and the overall stability of the scaffold was incorporated into the structural analysis.

Closed intermediate working floors were provided to support blasting and maintenance operations while maintaining safe and practical access around the process column.

Detailed scaffold plans, elevations, cross-sections and three-dimensional views were produced to clearly communicate the arrangement and support safe erection on site.

The completed engineering solution provided a safe, stable and buildable access scaffold for inspection and maintenance activities across the full height of the D0610 process column.