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WOLF
BUILDING STANDARDS
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DECK
AND PLATFORMS
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| Decks
are a key component for many ropes course elements.
They allow easy transfer from one element to another on
static belay courses and are key for trapeze leaps and
zip line launch points. Construction is relatively
simple as diagramed above. |
| Lumber
should be pressure treated and checked for splits, cracks,
splinters and rot prior to installation. Decks must be
inspected regularly (monthly) for decay and fatigue.
Decks usually need to be replace more often than any other
permanent fixtures as they are more prone to weather related
damage. |
| The
drawing above shows 8" lag screw used to attach the
deck to the pole or tree. If possible we recommend
using a 5/8" through bolt instead of the lags. Bolt
ends should be trimmed with a reciprocating saw to prevent
contact injury. This will give the deck a longer life
and the hole can be reused when replacement is necessary.
The lag holes will slowly decay and will not be able to
be reused in most cases. |
| In
tree courses, the deck creates a confinement for tree
growth and will be slowly destroyed by the ever expanding
tree diameter. This facilitates the need for constant
inspection and frequent replacement. |
| All
screw heads must be completely countersunk into the wood.
As the wood dries it will shrink and expose screws that
were previously buried. Exposed screw heads can cause
injury to participants as they scramble to climb on top.
Ring shank nails traditionally used with pneumatic nail
guns are the only acceptable nails for ropes course and
tower construction as they will not loosen or 'back out'. |
| Carriage
bolts used to connect the various supports must have the
threaded end exposed under the deck to avoid participant
contact. Lock washers should be used along with flat washers
on all bolted connections. The shrinkage of the
lumber used will cause the nuts to loosen and they will
need to be tightened frequently, especially the first
year. Decking boards should not span more than 16"
without additional joist supports. |
| Lumber
shown in the drawing represents the minimum standard necessary
for a safe platform. In areas with frequent snow or extremely
wet or dry conditions, 2 x 8 and 4 x 4 lumber should be
used for horizontal joists and angle supports. Beveling
or rounding the edges add to the life of the deck by preventing
splintering. Decking board should have 1/4" to 1/2'
space in between each board to allow drainage. |
| With
careful measurements of the diameter of the pole or tree,
most of the deck framing can be built on the ground and
hoisted into place for installation. Decking boards should
not be installed until the frame is attached to allow
compensation for minor differences in the pole or tree
diameter. |
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WOLF
TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPROPER USE OF THIS INFORMATION.
THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT REPRESENT A COMPETE PICTURE OF
DECK INSTALLATION AND USE. IT IS INTENDED AS A REFERENCE
FOR THOSE WHO ARE EXPERIENCED & CERTIFIED WITH ROPES
COURSE CONSTRUCTION AND BELAY TECHNIQUES. THIS
DOCUMENT IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PROPER TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE.
THE COMPLETE ACCT STANDARDS MANUAL IS AVAILABLE THROUGH
THE ACCT.
www.acctinfo.org
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