User Guide

MP30 Mechanical Strut - Issue 1 - April 2013

MP30 Mechanical Strut
Important Notes

All excavation work must be thoroughly planned before work commences on
site and a comprehensive site specific risk assessment completed

These instructions form guidance for MP30 Mechanical strutting equipment
when used to support excavations. Non-standard applications of this
equipment must be approved by a Groundforce engineer.

Ensure all personnel engaged in installation operations are adequately
trained, properly briefed and supervised by a competent person.

All hires for this equipment will generally be accompanied by an
arrangement or scheme specific drawing. This must be read in conjunction
with these instructions
IF IN ANY DOUBT SEEK FURTHER ADVICE:
ON FREEPHONE - 0800 000 345
User Guide
MP30 Mechanical Strut - Issue 1 - April 2013
Introduction
The MP30 is a medium duty modular format mechanically operated strutting system for spanning between waling
beams. The strut comprises short stroke push / pull type screw units in conjunction with standard MK2 solider
components as shown schematically below. The strut can resist axial loads up to 30 tonnes (working load) at
short spans after which the load capacity reduces due to potential buckling of the soldier. Soldiers can be twinned
up and braced together using a multi-way adapter which will allow increased load capacity at longer spans
(refer to technical data). The strut assembly is shown schematically in the diagrams below; note as the
adjustment range of a single screw unit is only 150mm, therefore screw units are recommended at each end to
give more range adjustment on site.
Connections Details
Bolt
Ref.
No. required Specification Tools
Tightening
Torque
B1 4 No. per flange
M16 x 35 HT Bolted
connection
Spanner / socket 160Nm (120ft lb)
B2 1 No. swivel pin
M30 x 100 grade 10.9
bolts, Nyloc nut c/w
2No. washers
Spanner / socket Spanner tight only
B3 2 No. per flange
M16 x 35 HT Bolted
connection
Spanner / socket 160Nm (120ft lb)
Note: Ensure all bolts are fully tightened before & after installation.
B1
B2
B1
B1
B1
B2
B3
B3
Component Identification
Description Weight
End Cleat 1.5kg
End Bearing Plate 15kg
Swivel Pin
(M30x100 Gr 10.9 bolt )
0.25kg
Bolted Flange Swivel Plate 12kg
Screw J ack 24kg
MK2 Soldier Extension 20.8kg/m
Multi-way Adapter 20kg
Inset - Multi-way
adaptor
User Guide
MP30 Mechanical Strut - Issue 1 - April 2013
Notes on Handling, Lifting & Installation
Prepare a detailed lifting plan
Ensure adequate capacity of lifting equipment
Know the weight of the load
Adjust slings so that loads are balanced correctly
Check lift angle of chains is not exceeded
Do not exceed the capacity of individual lifting
points

Use a qualified banksman
Be aware of personnel in the vicinity
Use tag lines to control load
Ensure all lifting equipment has valid certification
Do not use damaged lifting points
Report damaged lifting points and equipment
Note. MP30 struts are relatively lightweight and are therefore are not fitted with specific lifting points. It is
therefore necessary to sling the struts through holes in the soldiers. The lifting positions must be chosen so that
the strut is slung horizontally.
All slings, shackles and any other lifting equipment must have current test certificates and working load limit
values marked on them.
Installation Guide
Adjust the chain positioning to ensure that the strut is
lifted horizontally. Do not sling around the screw
jacks

STEP 5. Lift the strut into the excavation and position
one end of the strut against the waling beam so that
the angle cleat hooks over the flange. With the strut
still slung by chains, adjust the screws evenly to
lengthen the strut so that the angle cleats at the
remote end engages over the beam flange and the
end bearing plate contacts the beam.

STEP 6. Further extend the strut length by rotating
the screw adjustment bars evenly so that positive
contact is made between beam and strut. Tighten by
striking the knocking bars with moderate force only

STEP 7. Secure the strut in position at both ends
using the restraining chains supplied, wrapped around
the bearing plate as shown on the next page

STEP 9. Fit the lower cleats to the bearing plates if
required.

STEP 10. The lifting chains can now be removed.
GENERAL:

STEP 1. Ensure that the lifting appliance is of
adequate capacity (see component weights &
operating range chart). The components should be
off-loaded and stacked, preferably on a clean flat
area.

STEP 2. It is recommended that the bearing areas on
the waling beam be carefully selected, referring to the
design drawings as necessary to avoid protrusions,
e.g. bolts, bushes, etc; that would interfere with the
seating of the strut, then cleaned and marked prior to
installing the strut.
I MPORTANT NOTE:
Ensure that the cleat positioning allows the centreline of the strut to be lined
up to within +/ - 50mm of the centreline of the waling beam.
I NSTALLATION:

STEP 1. The strut will arrive on site pre-assembled in
its correct configuration However if adjustment of
components is required this should be carried out
outside the excavation prior to lowering into place.

STEP 2. Check that all bolts connecting the
components are in place and tight. Do not attempt
lifting the assembled strut until this is done.

STEP 3. Adjust the screws equally at each end so
that the overall length of the strut is set at 50mm less
than the required dimension between bearing faces.

STEP 4. If the strut us to span between steel waling
beams attach the top angle support cleats to the end
bearing plates using the three bolts supplied. Fully
tighten.

Note: No specific lifting chain attachment points are
included on MP30 struts. Slinging is achieved by
passing the chain legs through the diamond shaped
holes in the soldier and looping the hook back over
the chain.
User Guide
MP30 Mechanical Strut - Issue 1 - April 2013
Do Do Not
Dos and Donts
Laterally load the strut from the side
Use bolts other than those supplied by Groundforce
for all flange connections
Allow debris to accumulate on the strut
Contaminate the external screw thread with concrete
etc.
Use uncertified lifting equipment
Attempt to remove the strut under load
Suspend or store materials on the struts
Sling around the threaded portion of the screws.
Prepare a detailed site specific method statement in
place before installation and removal commences.
Ensure the strut is adequately located onto the
bearing surface and always use a designed and
approved connection to support both ends of each
strut
Inspect struts regularly and check overall strut
alignment after installation
Adequately support strut sub-assemblies during
installation / removal
Ensure all flange joint bolts are in place and are tight
before use.
Take care to protect the strut from accidental strikes,
concrete accumulation, etc
Ensure the screws are well protected with grease
tape or similar after installation
Removal Guide
REMOVAL:

STEP 1. Upon completion of the permanent works,
ensure the excavation is backfilled to the underside of
the strut and the surround material is fully
compacted.

STEP 2. Make provision for adequate support
below the strut before attempting removal (i.e.
attach the lifting chains).

STEP 3. Release the load in the jack by loosening the
screw retaining nut. It may be necessary to carefully
hit the strike points with a lump hammer until
manual removal is possible.
(DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE FORCE).


STEP 4. Remove the lower angle cleat only (if
fitted).

STEP 5. Remove the Hanging/Interlink chains when
the strut is secured to the Lifting chains.

STEP 6. take the weight of the strut and unscrew one
end sufficiently to release the strut to enable it to be
lifted clear of the excavation. Warning: the strut may
swing once the load is released.

Note: The strut can resist substantial axial loads in
use and no attempt must be made to remove it during
excavation work or prior to backfilling.
Restraining Chains
I MPORTANT NOTE:

THE RESTRAINING CHAINS PROVIDED MUST BE
USED AT BOTH ENDS OF THE STRUT. THEY SERVE AS
A SECONDARY MEASURE IN CASE OF ACCIDENTAL
DISLODGEMENT.

Connection must be made by securing to the
adjacent beam or other suitable point. Struts must be
securely supported by means other than the restrain-
ing chains before installation or during removal.
WARNING!

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
MUST RESTRAINING CHAINS BE
USED FOR LIFTING OPERATIONS
Refer also to Restraining Chain Instructions.
User Guide
MP30 Mechanical Strut - Issue 1 - April 2013
Ranges (standard configurations)
The MP30 mechanical strutting system uses short stroke, push / pull type screw units in conjunction with
standard Mk2 solider components as shown schematically in the diagrams below. Axial loads up to 30 tonnes can
be accommodated although at longer spans the load capacity reduces due to potential buckling of the soldier. A
twin soldier heavy duty version is available to accommodate increased load at longer spans. Three different
configurations of the MP30 are available:

1. Single screw / single soldier assembly for short spans typically up to 2.0m
2. Twin screw / single soldier assemblies (illustrated above) for spans up to 5.8m
3. Twin screw / twin soldier assemblies for heavy duty use up to 8.0m maximum span

Available Soldier Lengths: 150mm (7.2kg), 450mm (11.7kg), 900mm (21.4kg), 1800mm (37.4kg), 2700mm
(54.2kg) & 3600mm (71.0kg)
Configuration 1 (Single Screw / Single Soldier)

Minimum Range = 650 - 800mm (no Soldiers included)
Maximum Range = 2.0m
Configuration 2 (Twin Screw / Single Soldier)

Minimum Range = 1000 - 1300mm (no Soldiers included)
Maximum Range = 5.8m
Configuration 3 (Twin Screw / Twin Soldier)

Minimum Range = 1930 - 2230mm (includes 450mm Soldiers)
Maximum Range = 8.0m