TM 5-5420-278-10
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LONGITUDINAL RAFTING PROCEDURE (Contd)
Table 1. Longitudinal Rafting Ratings Table (Contd).
c. Accumulations of snow, mud, or ice will reduce the ratings from those given
in the preceding table.
2. Raft commander must observe leading edge of raft and ramps and decrease
speeds or halt operations, as necessary, if continuous water is coming over bow dam
or ramp tips.
3. For 4-bay, 5-bay, and 6-bay rafts, ratings are for single or multiple vehicles. 7-
bay rafts have separate ratings for single vehicles and multiple vehicles.
4. For single vehicle loads, vehicles should be loaded on the centerline of the
roadway and centered between the ramps. For multiple vehicle loads, heavier
vehicles should be placed towards the center of the raft, with lighter vehicles
towards the ramps. Vehicles with an MLC of less than 20 may be loaded adjacently
on either side of the raft centerline but should be of the same general type and
MLC. Total added MLC for multiple vehicle loads shall not exceed the multiple
vehicle rating. Vehicle loads shall not be on or overhang onto ramps.
5. Ratings apply only with bottom of ramp ends raised 12 in. (30 cm) before raft
is under way.
6. For longitudinal rafting, current speeds cannot exceed 5 feet/sec
(1.5 meters/sec) at off-load/on-load sites. However, for higher mid-stream currents,
longitudinal rafting capacity is greater than conventional rafting capacity for the
same raft size and current speed.
7. For conventional rafting, two BEBs are used. Refer to figure 3, Longitudinal
Rafting Procedures, to determine where and how boats are attached to longitudinal
rafts.
WARNING
Never intermix IFB bays with IRB bays when building
rafts. Failure to comply may result in damage to
equipment or possible injury or death to personnel.
8. Do not intermix IFB bays with IRB bays when building rafts.
