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CCA has a tri-fold double sided brochure for prospective clients and other interested people. It is now available for download as a .pdf brochure. (299KB) |
Canopy Construction Associates (CCA) is composed of professionals, including both active scientists and construction experts. Whether your interests lie in the realm of an extensive or complex canopy access system or a simple observation platform , we can provide a turnkey key system from the initial consultation through the design phase to construction as well as maintenance services. Canopy walkways have since become valuable tools for education, such as at Williams College and Hampshire College in Massachusetts where the systems are being used for research in the temperate forest canopies. These facilities also provide opportunities for scientists, teachers, and students who wish to do work in tropical environments to practice aerial research techniques and methodologies. CCA's expertise spans many years in construction, arboriculture, and scientific research. This varied background defines CCA and makes it uniquely qualified to handle projects around the world. CCA's first expedition was in 1990 to the upper Momon river in the rain forest of the Peruvian Amazon. There a walkway system consisting of two platforms connected by a forty foot cable supported bridge was designed and constructed. The installations that CCA provides are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. References to CCA's systems can be found throughout the scientific and popular literature. |
DIMENSIONS
Under appropriate conditions, the bridge component of a walkway can typically be up to 100 feet (and potentially longer). The height above ground is a function of the selected trees or in some cases, manmade towers constructed on site. Observation platforms likewise can be built to any dimension allowed by the architecture of the tree (or tower), but are typically 6'x6' with safety railing.
Both galvanized and stainless steel cable and associated hardware are used throughout, sized to meet a safety design factor of 5:1, i.e., the stress on any given component may not exceed one-fifth of its minimum breaking strength. Polyester rope and cordage are also used in various applications under the same restrictions. CCA has had some independent testing performed to establish or verify hardware minimum breaking strength in order to provide our clients with the best system possible.
Factors of critical importance deal with the suitability of the trees at the desired site with regard to species, size, health and architecture. Other factors to consider are existing and potential environmental impacts, ease of accessibility and diversity of habitat.
Galvanized steel cable and hardware may last 20 to 30 years and stainless steel will last longer. Walkway systems are capable of outlasting the trees as long as it is regularly inspected and maintained. CCA can provide this service as a separate contractual maintenance agreement.
Users of canopy walkways must be trained to use proper and safe techniques and procedures. Prior to release of the walkway system to the client, CCA provides this training as well as the systems the safety protocols. Redundant safety features implemented during construction are placed into the system at the design phase.
Safety protocols and good risk management procedures require that walkways be secured against unauthorized use. CCA provides a variety of methods of controlling access depending upon the client's needs and situation.