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Armor-Deck Systems Armor-Deck also known as Armordeck and Armor Deck is a state of the art transit platform. Armor-Deck panels are composed of a structural reinforced polymer composite formed into a structural pre-cast panel incorporation a monolithic Diamond-Tek granite wearing surface. Armor-Deck Systems manufactured by the makers of Armor-Tile boasts a factory installed “Diamond Hard” vitrified polymer composite. Armor Deck offers a fully ADA complaint detectable warning surface with the natural wear resistance of granite. Armordeck is corrosion resistant to salt, ice melting, chemicals, acid rain and other prevalent chemicals found on a transit platform. Armor Deck is high density, non-porous material for freeze/thaw resistance and ease of maintenance. Ultra light weight Armor-Deck panels can reduce up to 85% of concrete weight. This saves money on erection and substructure. Armor-Deck’s enhanced design of detectable warning surface provides a safer more accessible walking surface for all disability groups and more including mobility impaired, the elderly and visually impaired to name a few. Armor-Deck meets all ADA requirements. Armor Deck is UV stable and comes with a twenty five year structural and corrosion resistant warranty. I trust this brief overview of Armor-Deck Systems will give you a better understanding of Armordeck. For more information please contact us. Written by: Jim Darling, Armor Deck representative jdarling@engplastics.com INNOVATIVE DESIGN OF TRAIN STATIONS AND PLATFORMS USING INNOVATIVE COMPOSITE MATERIALS (source: Metra Primera) In the late 1990’s Metra initiated a program to repair and upgrade station platforms for the Metra Electric District. The platforms had originally been constructed of either timber or pre-cast concrete planks supported by steel beams. Both systems had deteriorated and created many tripping and safety hazards. In addition, new Federal regulations to accommodate access and safety measures for the physical, visual and hearing impaired required significant improvements to the platforms. Initial investigation confirmed that the existing pre-cast concrete systems were vulnerable to the extreme Chicago winters and the harsh chemicals used for de-icing. The team invested significant resources in research and development to select and modify platform components both to meet the safety and serviceability requirements and to withstand the deicing chemicals. The team selected Engineered Plastics Incorporated’s Armor Deck Transit Platforms (ADTP), to meet the project requirements. Description of Structures The stations and platforms are built in between two active at-grade and elevated railroad tracks. The electric train cars have under-mounted engines and door thresholds at 40 inches above the tracks. Platforms had to meet strict geometrical tolerances to allow for the safe transit of passengers, and all construction was completed during off-peak hours. The ADTP panels are made of a reinforced polymer composite material formed into a structural shape and incorporating a granite wearing surface with high friction for walking safety. They also include tactile requirements to aid visually-impaired passengers. The platforms themselves are a simple structural system. ADTP panels are supported by two steel beams parallel to the tracks. The beams are then supported by concrete piers spaced 24 feet apart. The platforms are complemented by canopies and other accoutrements. Description of Tests Primera worked with Engineered Plastics, Incorporated to design and implement a series of tests to justify the use of the Armor Deck system. Strength, serviceability (deflection and vibration) and friction test were done by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Incorporated (WJE). Fire tests were conducted by Underwriters Laboratories, Incorporated Finally, a full scale in situ test of one of the completed stations was also completed by WJE. Primera complimented these tests with a series of calculations and finite element analyses. Stations Built to Date Primera has been the Engineer of Record for 10 stations utilizing this system. Six of the 10 stations have been completed, including four in the City of Chicago. Two more will be built this year and the last two are pending funding. This design has been replicated for two more stations in the City of Chicago by another engineering firm. These projects are the first application of this material for elevated train station platforms in the country. Advantages of the Armor-Deck Transit Platform System -Is resistant to winter weather and de-icing deterioration