Description
CGR was commissioned to assess the structural capacity of an existing wharf in order to determine its suitability for the operation of two new LHM250 cranes. The work also required a review of the operational requirements of the wharf and an assessment of the loading and unloading operations to determine safe surcharge loads to the rear of the wall. The new cranes are part of an upgrading of the facility to incorporate a new rolling line increasing the steel mills’ capacity.
The structure was assessed from historical drawings and based on a site visit where the general operational requirements of the client were determined. This information was used to determine acceptable loading patterns to the rear of the wall and the critical parameters for safe operation of the berth. Factors considered in the design check included groundwater, tide levels, bollard pulls, crane loads, and discrete surcharge loads from steel waiting for loading. All of this information was included in a report submitted to the client including a loading diagram to cover the operation of the wharf. Also included within the report were options for future upgrading of the structure's capacity if required.
The successful and timely completion of this work enabled the client to commit to the order of the two new cranes in order to meet a delivery date before the end of 2005.
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