A gangway is a raised platform that allows people to travel safely from one point to another. The term usually refers to the ramps that are lowered to allow people to board ships, although there are other types of gangways, such as the platforms used to cross over trenches on building sites, those that create flexible walkways on marinas and docks, and ramps used to board passengers at airports. On large ships, gangways load people and cargo, and larger ones are capable of handling vehicles.
Next to steel, aluminum is the most common commercially available metal, primarily due to its light weight and high strength-to-weight ratio, and it is ideally suited to the construction of gangways. Its alloys generally have excellent corrosion resistance, good workability (machinability) and good to excellent weldability, and can be used in marine applications (marine grade aluminum). Of course, selection of the proper aluminum alloy ultimately depends on the application and environmental considerations.
6xxx Aluminum Alloys
REDD Team constructs gangways and dock structures from aluminum alloys in the 6xxx series which are considered marine grade. Their excellent corrosion resistance to sea water is one of their most important characteristics for use in marine environments. These alloys contain silicon (Si) and magnesium (Mg) and are heat treatable. They have medium to high strength, good formability, weldability and machinability, good toughness, can be anodized, and have a good surface finish.
Unlike harder alloys of aluminum and copper, 6061 alloy can be easily extruded, rolled and forged, making it a satisfactory substitute for mild steel products. It can be easily welded and is rigidly strong when compared to its overall weight. It is the most versatile and least expensive of the heat-treatable aluminum alloys.
6061 aluminum is available in a wide range of structural shapes and is preferred for its solid mechanical capabilities. After welding, the product will have less strength than before welding, but the material can be heat-treated and artificially aged again to restore its strength. As an alternative to fusion welding, Hydro offers friction stir welding which provides a stronger weld with minimal deformation.
Gangway Features
- Reusable
Universal engineering allows gangways to be relocated and reassembled into different configurations. - Green
Aluminum components are non-corrosive, recyclable, non-combustible and low maintenance. - Strong
Constructed of 6000 series aluminum alloy with 6061-T6 for primary structural components. - Easy assembly
Minimal parts with slip-in rails and legs for easy installation and adjustability. - Safe
Slip-resistant deck. ADA compliant ramps and transition plates help smooth the gangway’s termination on the shore or dock, providing a safe accessibility for everyone. - If you need to navigate over a creek on a golf course, a ravine in a public park, or a roadway, consider an aluminum pedestrian bridge.
Our staff will work with you to engineer a product that meets the loading and environmental specifications for your individual project. We also provide custom options such as covered aluminum walkways, or ornamental and functional access solutions for a variety of applications.
Hydro Extrusion has extraordinary capabilities in extruded aluminum shapes, sizes, alloys and tempers, including both direct and indirect extrusion methods. Our engineering expertise ensures the right application, best design and correct fit for your aluminum gangway or other project.
Contact us to find out more about our full range of extruded aluminum profiles as well as our complete fabricating services, from precision cutting to semi-finished and fully finished parts and assemblies that meet AAMA Specifications and CSI Codes.