ENHANCING TERMINAL OPERATIONS WITH SMR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING’S STRUCTURAL VALIDATION EXPERTISE - PART I

SMR Mechanical Engineering stands as a trusted provider of structural validation services, boasting extensive experience in the realm of port equipment.

This article delves into the ways in which our diverse range of structural validation services helps terminals and ports achieve optimal crane condition, prioritizing safety while minimizing downtime and associated costs.

SMR leverages cutting-edge finite element analysis (FEA) techniques, employing state-of-the-art software and advanced structural analysis tools. Our approach delivers superior accuracy compared to traditional more conservative methods. This enables us to generate highly optimized and realistic models, enabling us to anticipate potential failures and uncover the root causes of existing issues.

Fatigue Analysis and Remaining Life Assessment: Extending Crane Lifespans

A highly sought-after service among terminals is the assessment of their equipment for the risk of crack formation. As cranes approach the end of their design life, port operators face the question of whether the crane can continue operating or if its lifespan can be extended.

We conduct a detailed analysis of crane operations using detailed Shell-type models. We analyze the load spectrum if data is available, or estimate the most accurate load spectrum possible, which is a complex task that requires a deep understanding of crane behavior and operating conditions, if data is unavailable. Utilizing up-to-date standards, we obtain results on the crane’s damage and remaining life. These results, along with a prior inspection (in some cases), allow us to prepare a structural maintenance manual, enabling the detection of cracks and proactive intervention before they become critical. Additionally, we define the various test to be performed and the inspection frequency.

Our approach demonstrates that even when cranes reach the end of their design life, they can continue operating for a significantly longer period if the recommended guidelines are followed.

Structural Design Review as a Third-Party Expert

When terminals introduce new equipment or seek to verify the condition of their existing cranes, they rely on our expertise as third-party specialists to conduct structural design reviews.

A structural design review involves a comprehensive assessment of all checks mandated by the regulations governing the crane’s design. Cranes are designed according to specific standards tailored to their location and intended operation.

At SMR, as an impartial third party, we meticulously execute all the checks stipulated by the relevant standards, including:

• Rigidity and natural frequency analysis.
• Deformation and stress checks under various load scenarios.
• Buckling and fatigue evaluation.
• Validations of connections

Through this rigorous process and by ensuring that the equipment complies with all applicable standards and regulations, we provide our clients with greater safety and peace of mind.