wire mesh allowable loading

huangyhg

wire mesh allowable loading
wire mesh was installed as safety net for overhead conveyors.  it has since been used by workers as a service platform.  the plant has asked us as consultants to determine allowable live load for assurance of worker safety.  the wire mesh manufacturer is not forthcoming with info - as was intended for shelving, etc.  product was not designed for man platform or walkway.  any ideas on how to analyze?
i used mesh for a similar situation once.  the architect insisted on using mesh for a gaurdrail system.  so i had to ensure that this mesh could withstand the 200 lb force in any direction.  i ended up analyzing it as a cable supporting loads in tension only.  i assumed a conservative angle between the "cable" and teh support and calculated the actual tension in the strand.  then i just made sure the wire was large enough to take it.  be sure your end conditions will suppport this tension load since this mesh will not act in bending and will not deliver a vertical load to the support.
structuraleit is correct.  the end condition is likely the controlling factor.
if you're not getting any help from the manufacturer, they probably won't recommend it for personnel use.  if they won't recommend it for such use, i certainly wouldn't recommend it for such use.  i would issue a statement to the facility, and recommend further evaluation to determine the proper flooring and structural steel support system for the maintainence area.  if the structural steel support is adequate, you might get away with putting 1.25" to 1.5" grating down on top of the wire mesh.  the grating still has to be positively connected to the support steel.  
the potential problem with this is material can accumulate between the bearing bars, and may lead to corrosion of the bars.  i've seen it happen in pulp & paper, cement and kitty litter plants before.  i'm sure it happens in other environments as well.
chip
p.s. if the mfr does issue a statement regarding the allowable live load, they are likely going to caveat the heck out of the end conditions.  unless they have their own engineer that will sign off on it, i'd stand very clear of using the wire mesh for this function.
' the wire mesh manufacturer is not forthcoming with info - as was intended for shelving, etc.  product was not designed for man platform or walkway. '
i think you answered your own question.
the load i would be will to 'certify' is zero pounds in this case.   
try roofing safety mesh. they use it in australia for industrial roofs e.t.c. for this purpose. not sure about the us.