1- Heliports "HELISTOP"
2- The Platform
3- Equipements
4- Signs To comply with ICAO standards
5- Safety systems To comply with ICAO standards
6-Control-test
Heliports “HELISTOP®” built from composite materials provide a technological step forward by offering the following advantages:
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HELISTOP profile cross section.
- Lightweight, they can be placed on the roofs of most buildings, including those which are not designed to take major additional loads. They can also be built over new, structurally lightweight buildings. Ground heliports built on columns can be supported by small footings, eliminating the need for deep foundations. When of equal strength, Thomann-Hanry’s composite material are about one tenth of the weight of concrete.
- Attractive, they blend easily with most environment thanks to the variety of shapes, textures, and colors available.
- Easy to assemble, the installation of HELISTOP does not require heavy- weight equipment. Structures are prefabricated off-site, and then transported in modules. Final assembly is uncomplicated and fast.
- Nominal maintenance requirements, composite materials require little maintenance, even in corrosive environments or in climates that experience large temperature variations.
- Durability, HELISTOP is hydrocarbon resistant. It is manufactured to withstand ultra-violet radiation, physical impacts and strong winds. Schools in Saudi Arabia and public buildings built 25 years ago from composite materials in the extreme north of Canada demonstrate the durability of the product, even in severe climatic conditions.
Heliports “HELISTOP” built from composite materials are fire and heat resistant, particularly when compared to heliports built from materials such as steel or aluminum. Tests performed by the Institut Français des Pétroles have shown the impressive characteristics of composite beams in fire. When exposed to flame, the composite beam remains intact for 40 minutes versus 15 minutes for the steel beam.
The structure of HELISTOP allows for the installation of de-icing systems under the landing surface thereby ensuring safer landings during inclement weather.
HELISTOP heliports are adaptable - they fit a variety of load-bearing surfaces. Often, no changes are required to the existing roof and its climate-control equipment during installation.
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The platform is a horizontal structure designed to take the loads and forces generated by a helicopter. Two structural solutions are proposed below: assembly using beams and assembly using panels.
a. Assembly of pultruded beams set out in parallel
Using this procedure, horizontal beams support horizontal lightweight beams set out at 90° and positioned next to each other. Panels are covered on one side with a non-slip surface and are then fixed to the structure. Joints are provided to prevent any water or hydrocarbon leaks.
A de-icing system can be incorporated into the structure. Anchor points for helicopters are also provided. Ground markings are applied after the parts have been assembled.
b. Construction using sandwich panels.
Using this procedure, composite sandwich panels are fixed to the load-bearing structure and fastened by fitting them or gluing them together.
The ground markings and the non-slip finish are integrated into the material when the panels are manufactured. De-icing systems can also be added.
CLADDING
The structure may be covered with flat or curved panels that have a translucent or solid appearance. One can choose a mat or glossy finish, with a smooth or rough texture. These non-structural panels add to the general appearance of the heliport and help it blend with the surrounding architecture and environment.
WEIGHT, SIZE AND CANTILEVERS
HELISTOP shown in pictures has been designed for a MI 8 helicopter weighting 13 tons MAX. The size of the platform is 28 meters diameter. Its weight is about 50 tons. HELISTOP meets the requirements of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Authorities). If the supporting building is narrower than the heliport, the platform may be cantilevered.
HELISTOP heliports are designed to support the heaviest helicopter which is expected to land on the platform. Other loads are also taken into account: passengers, snow, fire protection equipment and additional vehicles.
The design of the structure takes into account mainly the following loads:
- the shear and bending forces when the helicopter is landing,
- the maximum weight of the helicopter,
- a structure reaction coefficient which depends on the platform's frequency,
- a total super-imposed load (snow, vehicles, etc.),
- a lateral load and a wind load on the columns.
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MEANS OF ACCES AND EVACUATION
a. Gangways, ramps and stairs
In order to ensure personal safety, a gallery is provided at the edge of the heliport, set about 1.50 meters below the landing level. This gallery allows rapid access in the event of a fire.
The heliport has two exits, usually a ramp and stairs. The gallery, ramp and stairs are also manufactured from composite materials (see following illustration).
b. Lifts
The platform can also be served by a lift. Typically, it is a hydraulic or a ram-driven lift located close to the heliport. Certain site layout however requires that the lift be constructed directly on the platform. A flush, removable cover is opened by the lift as it rises and closes as it goes down.
RAINWATER AND HYDROCARBON RECOVERY
The surface of the heliport is slightly dish-shaped to ensure that water and hydrocarbons drain to trenches fitted with gravel covers. The fluids are then sent to a fire-resistant settlement tank, before going on to a petrol interceptor. This allows the fuel to be separated from the rainwater.
click picture to zoom
click picture to zoom
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a. Wind sock
It indicates the strength and the direction of the wind. It is positioned in such a way that it can avoid air disturbance. It is large enough so that it can be seen from a helicopter in flight, from a height of up to 200 meters.
b. Signaling lights
The choice of lights depends on the layout of the site and on the heliport’s intended use. Lights are recessed and project by less than 35mm, giving a spread of light which is not dazzling to the pilot or to the staff.
c. Markers
Ground marking can be permanently incorporated into the composite or it can be applied after component assembly using long lasting polyurethane paints.
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a. Fire protection system
The choice of a fire protection system will depend on the layout of the site, its intended use and upon recommendations from the relevant authorities.
They could include:
- one 250 kg powder fire extinguisher fitted with a nozzle and hose, or two foam units extinguishers fitted with low expansion nozzles
- or an automatic flame detection system, a pre-mixer station, pipework and two automatic spray jets
b. Peripheral gallery
Described above
c. Optional de-icing system
Automatic de-icing equipment such as hot water tubing or heating wires just below the surface of the platform prevents the formation of ice and snow on the heliport.
Anti vibration system
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All materials are tested in hard conditions
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