A complete structural analysis in-line with the rules set out in F.E.M Section 2, Document 2 131/ 2 132, was undertaken by Mechanika, for a 30 m feeder boom. The total structural mass when fully laden was 61 tonnes and the operational distributed load on the boom conveyor was 4.75 tonnes.
The analysis comprised the assessment of all load cases in and out of service, including wind, impact and seismic assessment. The structural analysis was undertaken using RFEM5 and detailed hand calculations were used for the assessment of the welded and bolted joints. Collision load cases were substantiated using hand calculation methods and verification with FEA.
