Section 8 Information required for approval

8.1.1 Before plan approval can commence, the information detailed in this section relating to the site at which the linkspan will operate is to be submitted for consideration.

8.2.1 All data reflecting the environment in which the linkspan is designed to operate, and which it will experience at its service site are to be submitted. These data include:

1. Large scale hydrographic chart of the local area, its seabed topography and its environs.

2. Highest and lowest astronomical tides (HAT and LAT) together with details of known exceptional water levels for the site location and the associated return period.

3. Maximum operating and survival wind speeds and directions associated with a 50 year return period for the site.

4. Maximum and operational significant wave heights and periods and directions associated with a 50 year return period for the site. Information also to include the effects of waves from passing marine craft.

5. Maximum current speeds and directions at site including the effects of ships' propulsion units.

6. Seabed conditions and likelihood of silting in vicinity of site.

7. The anticipated effects of passing marine craft at site.

8. For areas subject to sub-zero temperatures the lowest observed daily mean ambient temperature (LODMAT) for the location is to be submitted. See Pt 3, Ch 2, 2.1 Grades of steel 2.1.2.

9. Extreme snow and ice loadings.

10. Seismic conditions, where appropriate.

8.3.1 Vehicle loading data on ramps, bridges and pontoon decks including:

1. Maximum gross vehicle weight with maximum axle loads, associated axle spacings and tyre print data.

2. Number of vehicles assumed to be present on the linkspan, loading rate and fatigue load spectrum.

3. Number of traffic lanes and direction of traffic.

4. Exceptional vehicle loading, including any tracked vehicles or other loadings specified by the Designer.

5. Range of height adjustment. Maximum ramp gradients, operational and extreme.

6. Vertical geometry profile of ramps at ship to ramp interface and at other points of articulation.

8.3.2 Other applied loading data:

1. Design uniformly distributed loadings.

2. Loads imposed by ships' ramps including location on berthing face.

3. Passenger/pedestrian loadings.

4. Any other loadings not specified above.

8.3.3 Berthing data including:

1. Size and displacement of ships intending to use the linkspan.

2. Berthing contact speeds and approach angles.

3. Proposed mode of berthing and means of the ship's position-keeping when berthed.

4. Frequency of berthings and Designer's calculations of berthing energy.

8.3.4 Other operational data:

1. Coefficients of friction for all sliding support surfaces of bridges, ramps and walkways.

2. Maximum inclinations of bridges, ramps and walkways during operation.

8.4.1 The following plans and information are to be submitted for approval:

1. Profile and deck(s).

2. Shell plating and stiffening arrangements.

3. Sections showing transverse and longitudinal structural members.

4. All transverse and longitudinal bulkheads.

5. Details of appendages fixed to the pontoon supporting bridges, ramps and walkways.

6. Pillars (where fitted).

7. Welding and construction details.

8. Material grades used in the construction.

9. Mooring and towing attachments.

10. Fixed and adjustable ballasting and sounding arrangements. (See also Pt 3, Ch 1, 8.7 Other information 8.7.1).

11. Locations and weights or loadings from all equipment, fixed or otherwise, which may affect buoyancy calculations.

8.4.2 The following plans and/or information are to be submitted for information purposes where applicable:

1. General arrangement.

2. Hydrostatic properties.

3. Maximum design operating angles of heel and trim.

4. Maximum amplitude of dynamic wave-induced pontoon roll and pitch in service.

8.5.1 Plans indicating the following information are to be submitted for approval:

1. All structural plans, including details of deck plating, deck longitudinals, transverses, girders and any gantries or supporting columns and towers where provided.

2. Material specifications.

3. All hinges and articulated joints.

4. All support arrangements.

5. Details of all connections including weld sizes and number, size and grade of bolts where fitted.

6. All hoisting arrangements, where applicable, including reeving arrangements, rope sizes and sheave details, and hydraulic cylinders and associated schematics.

8.5.2 The following plans are to be submitted for information where applicable:

1. General arrangement, including the positions of any bridge, ramp or walkway at the lowest and highest tides and showing allowances ensuring the linkspan will not foul any obstacle within the operating envelope.

8.6.1 Details of the method of securing the linkspan pontoon on-station are to be submitted. See Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.2 Application 1.2.1and Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.3 Scope of classification 1.3.4.

8.6.2 Details of the mooring system (including size, material grade and design loads of ropes, chain cables, shackles, etc.) and of the tethering components (e.g. guidepiles, yokes, brackets, etc.) are to be submitted for approval.

8.7.1 Pontoon ballasting arrangements and maximum and minimum ballast drafts are to be indicated for the operating condition and, where applicable, towage conditions. Where ballasting is adjusted using compressed air, the maximum air pressure is to be specified. The envisaged maximum static angles of heel and trim, are also to be specified.

8.7.2 All test procedures are to be submitted in accordance with Pt 3, Ch 1, 6 Acceptance testing of pontoons, bridges, ramps and walkways.

8.7.3 Where an impressed current cathodic protection system is fitted, plans showing the proposed layout of anodes, reference cells and wiring diagrams are to be submitted.

8.7.4 The results of any model tests are to be submitted.

8.7.5 The design life of the linkspan is to be advised. A fatigue assessment in accordance with a recognized National or International Standard is to be made and submitted for consideration. See Pt 3, Ch 3, 4.1 General 4.1.2.

8.7.6 Information required for engineering systems is listed in Pt 4, Ch 1, 2 Information to be submitted.