Over the years, the global demand for efficient logistics systems and infrastructure has skyrocketed. This has been driven by the exponential growth in commercial, personal, and business transportation of goods and services worldwide. To accommodate these increasing demands, logistics hubs, distribution centers, and facilities have become essential, especially across Germany and Western Europe.
POLARKON has positioned itself as a key partner for multinational logistics companies in the region. With expertise in steel structure design, engineering, and installation, POLARKON provides custom solutions tailored to the complexities of modern logistics.
From main steel platforms to handrails and steel gates, POLARKON ensures every component meets strict safety and performance standards.
Main Steel Platforms
Structural steelwork constitutes the main framework of the structure which supports automated handling systems directly or through the flooring units. Structural steel is subject to different types of loads which are caused by either operation of machinery units or human load during maintenance works. The structural geometry as a whole is solely developed according to support and accessibility requirements of the system.
The main steel platforms also have the ability to support the secondary steel components, which are stairs, cages, ladders, handrails and gates.
Serviceability of structural system also has major impact during the structural design due to strict deflection criteria requirement of automated systems which are very sensitive against excessive deflections and vibrations. Horizontal loads are also developed during operation together with dead and live loads acting in gravitational direction.
Steel Floorings
One of the main parts of the logistics platforms, floorings can be designed and implemented with chequered plates, combi-deck, metal planks, gratings or timber floorings. Such systems are also designed according to regulations defined in ISO 14122.
Flooring system needs to have minimum bearing capacity against point load acting on random position on floor which is defined by the logistics company. Any flooring system shall have minimum of 2.00 kN/m2 distributed load capacity or 1.50 kN point load capacity acting on 20.00-cm x 20.00-cm area, whichever is more critical. Common design requirements for flooring systems are 3.50 kN pointing load which generally governs the design with a deflection limit of 4mm. Surface of the flooring system needs to prevent slipping hazard.
Steel Stairs
Stairs are accessibility components which are used to reach platforms or catwalks at higher and/or lower elevations. All the design, engineering and fabrication of such products are carried out in accordance with the ISO 14122 requirements and specifications.
As described in the image, going (g), rise (h) and overlap (r) are the main parameters to look for in order to design and construct an internationally verified system. Stairs are composed of two inclined parallel structural member and stair treads installed in between those members.
Steel Cages & Ladders
Ladders, step ladders and cage ladders are generally used for climbing up and/or down for certain platforms where accessibility requirement is not so frequent and supported. Ladders are used to access platforms having less than 3.00-m climbing height and cage ladders are used for the same having climbing height more than 3.00-m with fall protection systems. Rungs are used as steps in ladders. Step ladders are steep stairs having approximately 65-70 degrees.
Steel Handrails
Handrails are the fall protection members located on the edges of the platforms which has a minimum height of 1100.00-mm. POLARKON executes the design and fabrication details accordance with the ISO 14122.
Steel Gates
Gates are the doors in between the ladders and the platforms which have self-closing hinges mechanisms. Safety nosing is also required for the floor edges under self-closing gates. The designs, fabrications and all the technical specification in order to build the gates are coordinated and followed by ISO 14122 Standards.
