diy passarelle, boarding ramp

[richievtu]

Hello
Im thinking about making a passarelle from an aluminium ladder, prefarably the 3 or 4 part hinged type as found in screwfix etc. I have read previous posts where they have been made this way but im concerned about how it will handle a horizontal load on a daily basis without being strengthened as they only give a vertical load rating (approx 150kg), I suppose because this is how they were intended to be used!
can anyone here give feedback on those you have made and how they are holding up?
thanks
richard

 

[mont]

Got to be a basic physics answer really but I think your answering your own question. Seen very strong simple ply planks snap in the middle and other tatty ones that have clearly lasted for years. Got to depend on distance spanned / weight applied in the middle / overhead support etc.
HSE prevents any recommendation by me but I've seen others in worse shape / design do the job. I'd buy one / lay it out and check for flexing as some will just snap.

 

[richievtu]

yes looks like I will have to buy & try!