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250050 R1
4.2. Guidelines for Supporting Catwalks and other External Loads
on Westeel
Frequently catwalk and related equipment loads are supported on grain bins. Such connections are commonly
made into the grain bin stiffeners and across the peak. A grain bin is a thin shell structure primarily designed to
withstand the internal uniformly distributed loads inherent with the stored bulk material inside of the bin.
Special considerations must be given to the manner in which external loads are supported. Westeel has
developed products which are compatible with these requirements and considerations. If a third party solution
is provided, the provider assumes full responsibility of the structure, its load distribution, and the manner in
which it is connected to the grain bin. The following guidelines must form part of the third party design
considerations.
Connection to Stiffeners
1. The available catwalk support stiffeners in Westeel stiffened bins are for 10,000 lb incremental catwalk
loads and 20,000 lb incremental catwalk loads per upgraded stiffener. The actual loads subjected to a single
stiffener by the mating catwalk support shall not exceed these maximum capacities.
2. Westeel recommends that the vertical load transfer between the catwalk supports and the stiffener occur
over a minimum distance of 66” for 10,000 lb loads and 120” for 20,000 lb loads. Adequate connection
strength must be provided.
3. The catwalk support stiffener in Westeel bins are designed to provide vertical load support only. Any lateral
loads subjected to the grain bin must be negligible.
4. There is a restriction of 2 upgraded catwalk support stiffeners per bin location. Therefore, the maximum
supported load at the grain bin eave is 20,000 lbs (for two 10,000 lb upgrades) and 40,000 lbs (for two
20,000 lb upgrades). This can be repeated on the opposing side of the bin at a second location. Deviation
from this must be approved by Westeel Engineering.
Connection to Peak Rings
1. The allowable vertical peak load to any Westeel bin roof is restricted to its published rated capacity. The
load must be centered and evenly distributed into the peak ring. Any off-centre load and/or improper load
distribution may cause roof failure.
2. A Westeel structural roof requires the peak support loads to be transferred directly into the compression
ring/roof rafter system. This is accomplished with peak load support brackets that are included with the
structural roof. They must be installed as shown in the structural roof manual, connecting the peak support
structure to the compression ring. They are required even if a non-Westeel peak support structure is used. A
non-Westeel peak support structure needs to be designed to be able to connect with the brackets. The
required bolt pattern is shown in the structured roof manual.
3. A Westeel non-structural roof that is supporting a catwalk requires six clips to be installed in order to attach
the flat cap to the peak ring. These clips are available from Westeel.
EASYDRY® WIDE-CORR CENTURION® GRAIN BIN – GRAIN BIN DRYER
