The organization of floating platforms on the water surface is required in a variety of areas - from recreational activities to the construction of engineering structures. As a rule, such sites are operated temporarily, that is, they are not objects of capital construction. Therefore, materials for the manufacture of platforms are used practical and inexpensive. In particular, plastic pontoons are common today, which are characterized by their unpretentiousness in maintenance and ease of use.
Purpose of the pontoon
In the simplest versions, pontoons can serve as temporary islands on the water, where you can organize a bathing place, a small pier or bridge. Massive pontoons with traditional designs are used to organize entertainment and special occasions. Depending on the volume, they allow you to organize mini-cafes, dance floors and recreation areas. As for the practical construction and economic tasks, for example, plastic pontoons, moorings, may well serve small catamarans and yachts. Hydrological facilities can also be serviced by personnel from pontoon rafts made of plastic. The main thing is that the work operations do not damage the shell of the floating structure - you need to think about this in advance if you plan to perform welding operations or mechanical cutting of materials with a power tool. There are also specialized pontoons designed for the transport of water equipment and machinery. Such models, in particular, are used to launch jet skis.
Manufacturing technology
With all its versatility and high efficiency, plastic-based pontoons are a fairly simple product. In essence, it is a polymer hollow shell with a set of functional elements on the surface. It is made by rotational molding. As plastic raw materials, special grades of polyamide mixed with polypropylene and polycarbonate are used. Some technologies also allow the use of polyurethane, epoxy compositions and thermosetting polymers, however, in the development of such compositions there are significant limitations associated with maintaining environmental safety. Direct manufacturing of plastic pontoons takes place in a metal rotating form. It is filled with granules, heated and thereby gives the effect of melting the billet mixture to form a shell with thin walls. However, the thickness of the walls of the future pontoon can vary depending on the intended purpose - on average it is from 6 to 20 mm.
Pontoon construction
The most common form of construction release is a rectangular platform with a thickness of about 20-30 cm, which can act as a full-fledged pontoon and as an integral part of the structure. In the second case, we are talking about a modular floating site, which can be formed by the type of constructor. Each element is provided with uniform grooves for connection. There are types of fasteners for connecting the pontoons themselves with each other, as well as fixation points for functional structures on the platform surface. For example, it can be partitions, racks, stairs, descents into the water, etc. As a rule, modular pontoons made of plastic are supplemented by a similar element and an adapter. This is in some way a connecting link that unites the pontoon as such with the shore. Tubular structures that can form different configurations of floating structures are also common. They sometimes act as binding elements in relation to individual modular pontoons.
Varieties
In addition to differences in designs, pontoons can be made in different ways in terms of functionality. For example, cast float models are common today. This is a kind of combined pontoons, which include a supporting plastic base, but the surface of the structure is made of wood. A separate category is collapsible structures. But, unlike standard model platforms, such structures are designed to accommodate small houses, baths, utility units, etc. They are distinguished by a large load-carrying capacity and wear resistance. Self-propelled plastic pontoons, which are characterized by the presence of nasal floats with a 45-degree cut, are also in demand on the market. They are intended not only for stationary operation, but also for movement on water. Suffice it to say that in the aft parts sometimes provide a technical area for mounting the outboard motor.
Working properties
The main operational qualities of floating platforms made of plastic include ease of movement, fairly high strength, low weight and lack of tendency to stick, which is important for prolonged use in water. Special properties, the significance of which will depend on the place of application of the structure, include resistance to sunlight, stability in the presence of a wave, and protection against icing. For example, there are frost-resistant modular pontoons made of plastic for use on ice, which do not freeze to the surface, allowing free movement even with small parking lots. The set of those or other operational qualities is largely determined even at the stage of creating the polymer mixture, so you should not rely on the future modification of the pontoon.
Nuances of operating modules
Even before using the pontoon, it is necessary to calculate the carrying capacity of the structure. The weight of the load for each module is taken into account. Data on the capabilities of the product is contained in its passport, so there should not be any difficulties in this part. Next, you must provide a rigid connection between the individual blocks. For this, kits with fasteners are provided in the kits. At the same stage, plastic pontoons are provided with functional components - stairs, descents, etc. During operation, it is important to maintain the stability of the structure, not forgetting the safety rules. After using the surface of the pontoon, it is necessary to thoroughly wipe it with protective agents for plastic - they will help preserve the structure of the polymer material.
How much do plastic pontoons cost?
In Russia, the production of pontoons is well developed and widespread. One of the leaders in the segment is the company West Real, which offers pontoons with a load of about 500 kg for 15 thousand rubles. Plus, a complete mounting kit for 500 rubles is offered. Attractive offers come to the market from Center-Plastic. In this case, water pontoons made of plastic from the manufacturer are estimated at 13-14 thousand, and the carrying capacity will be 600 kg. If the ability of the structure to cope with loads of the order of 700-900 kg is required, then you should refer to the assortment of the Zhilkomsnab company. True, the prices in this case will be considerable - about 30 thousand.
Conclusion
The water equipment industry is developing with the improvement of the characteristics of the basic materials of manufacture. Obtaining new polymer compositions made it possible for technologists to combine several operational qualities that might previously have seemed incompatible. Among them are lightness, strength, mobility, wear resistance and protection from aggressive environments. The production of plastic pontoons is also developing in the direction of structural optimization. Modular units are becoming more ergonomic, functional and reliable. Moreover, their advantages are significantly increased if you correctly approach the use of nodes and connection schemes. Again, by the principle of the designer, from the modules that are different in characteristics and functions, each user can get exactly what he needs - both in hydrological qualities and in terms of safety and ease of use.