Strength of Damaged Steel Sections
Even though the damaged structure may appear to be intact, the ability to resist earthquake loads, wind loads and other abnormal loads is severely reduced and catastrophic failure may result without warning.
Changes in AS4324.1-2017 – What Does This Mean for Existing Machines?
In contrast to previous revisions, AS4324.1-2017 states that the standard should be used to risk assess existing machines for continued use, upgrades or modification. This clarifies the importance of AS4324.1 compliance for existing machines and may impact current risk management strategies, systems and procedures for these machines.
P-F Curves and Asset Management
The P-F curve is a common representation of an assets life cycle based on the concept of the relationship between “Potential Failure” (P) and “Functional Failure” (F). Typically, P-F curves have been used to assist reliability analysis of mechanical equipment such as pumps, drives, bearings etc. However, the concept of the P-F curve can be applied to any asset. ASPEC frequently utilise P-F curves as a useful tool to communicate information regarding asset condition and status within the asset lifecycle.
Welding and Fabrication Defects
Welding and fabrication defects can greatly affect the performance and longevity of steel structures. Having an understanding of the various defects, their causes and remedies can help to ensure higher-quality and longer lasting structures.
Summary of Changes in New Revision of AS4324.1-2017
This article provides a high level summary table of changes in the AS4324.1-2017 standard and likely implications for new and existing machines.
Fatigue of Bulk Materials Handling Machines
Materials handling machines are complex structures which often rely on load limiting devices to prevent damage. Fatigue damage is a consideration for machines of this type.
Vibration Acceptance Criteria
Excessive vibration of equipment or structures can have a range of detrimental effects, however what is considered excessive is not always well understood. There are a number of standards which outline what is considered an “acceptable” level of vibration.
Organisational Factors in Catastrophic Mobile Machine Failures
Major structural failures of heavy mobile machines may have multiple contributing causes in addition to the technical issues normally considered in structural design codes. Organizational factors involved in structural failures for which detailed information was available have been investigated.
Changes in AS4324.1-2017 – Use of Partial Load Factors
AS 4324.1-2017 has been recently published. One of the changes in the standard is the use of partial load factors that are consistent with the Limit States Design method used in structural design.