Timber Refit Decking System (TRDS) for Helidecks
old timber helideck surface (still in use!!)
Old timber helidecks: there are numerous timber decked helidecks all around the world and most of them built in the 1960s and 70s are reaching the end of their useful lives. In many cases, the steel support frames which support the timber decking is still in serviceable condition and only the timber needs to be changed out.
We design and produce special timber refit decking systems (TRDS) in various sizes and configurations which are meant to be a direct swop for the timber. Over 30 such helidecks have been changed out by using the TRDS since 1990 and references from major clients are available. In all cases, the aluminium decking is designed to be top-installed without the need for scaffolding or hot work offshore. The advantages of using aluminium alloy for such projects:
Lightweight, will weigh less about 25% of equivalent hardwood timber. This reduces handling and lifting requirements
Exact dimensions, alu decking is extruded at 100mm and 75mm deep, the two usual sizes for timber decking. This way, the interfaces of the old helideck are not affected
Easier to instal- special clamping system which is installed from the top
Faster to instal ?the Lego?like construction method is unrivalled for speed of installation. An entire 22m dia deck can be re-decked in as little as 3 days (excluding timber removal)
Choice of interlocked or side-by-side decking: interlocked decking provides a more efficient landing surface. Side by side decking provides the advantage of being able to remove each decking plank individually without affecting an adjacent plank.
Maintenance free, all elements in the new system are designed to be completely maintenance free and are produced in either marine alu alloy or ss 316
Hatches provided in alu are much lighter, safer and easier to handle than timber or steel
Hatch swivel mechanisms and hardware are in corrosion resistant ss 316
Environmentally friendly, recyclable aluminium is a better choice than hardwood or steel
Cost effective in initial purchase against any other alternative
Installation method:
- Remove the old timber decking
- Clean and paint the existing steel support frame
- Apply special self adhesive neoprene tape (supplied by us) on the top flange of the steel beams as a bi-metallic corrosion insulator
- Working from the top, instal the decking in long lengths (typically upto 12m) using the special clamping system supplied
- Paint markings as usual, painting procedure supplied
Typical scope of supply
- Helidecking ?TRDS75, 100 or 130 depending on support span and helicopter type
- Available for any helicopter/span combination
- All fasteners and clamps
- Sealing rails for butt joint connections
- Edge coaming
- Gutter extrusion for perimeter
- Marine neoprene tape
- Tie down points
- Stairs (optional)
| Helicopter | Helideck diameter | Aluminium (pancake) | Steel (pancake) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sikorsky S-76 | 16m | 2.0m | TRD5 75 |
| Superpuma AS332L2 | 19.5m | 2.0m | TRD5100 |
| S-61/S-92 | 22.2/20.9m | 2.0m | TRD5130 |
|
Agusta AW139 |
16.7m | 2.0m | TRD5100 |
Enhanced Safety®TRDS
If enhanced safety is required for a timber refit programme, the TRDS decking can be delivered in Enhanced Safety?configuration. There is no weight difference between a standard and enhanced safety decking system. As most timber decks are on unmanned platforms, the substitution of a safety decking in place of rotting timber leads to a quantum leap in terms of aviation safety. Remember that there are no real fire-fighting systems on an unmanned platform and case of an emergency, the helicopter crew have to try to exit a probably burning helicopter to grab portable extinguishers situated on the deck periphery and to fight the fire themselves: hardly a useful strategy and one which assumes that all are in good health after the mishap! Hence the UKCAA CAP437 (5th ed, ch 5) recommendation to use an Enhanced Safety mechanism on all unmanned platform helidecks.
Similarly, water spray DIFFS nozzles can be incorporated into both Standard and Enhanced Safety?TRDS..
Track record
We have a track record in timber refit programmes going back to 1990 and including customers like the Shell Group of companies (who moved away from wood for environmental reasons back in 1991), ADMA, ADOC and ZADCO. Our policy of continuous improvement means that experience gained from one customer was used to improve the product for all. The current TRDS systems are a state-of-art design which offer an ideal solution for aging timber helidecks.
Typical timber helideck on a wellhead platform
Wellhead helideck support frame with timber removed and ready for steel touchup.
Photo in July 2008 shows decking in perfect condition 17 years later. The gap between deckings was specifically requested by client to allow rain water to seep through just as it would for timber since this was a fully cantilevered deck. Alternative configuration TRDS systems with gutters are available for decks where water-tightness is required.
No adjustment was required for the steel interfaces as the alu decking depth is exactly the same as the timber.
The clamping system is recessed so as not to cause a trip hazard. Various TRDS configurations are available to suit any steel span/helicopter combination
S61 lands on a TRDS75 refitted helideck in 2007.
TRDS refitted helideck undergoing repainting after 11 years offshore. Note the long life of alu painted surfaces which only suffer from paint fade and not corrosion induced damage as with steel or wood surfaces.
TRDS 100 decking showing recessed clipping system (top part). Tightening is done via a ratcheting nut driver. No special tools are required for installation and a plank can easily be handled by two persons.
Lower clip section which tightens up against the steel beam flange, shown here half inserted. Clip contact areas are delivered powder coated against Bi-metallic contact and clip tolerances are designed to cater for corrosion in steel flanges.
