ASM provided a subject matter expert (SME) for the focus area of Structural Integrity, who formed part of multi-disciplinary teams performing Operational Risk Assurance (ORA). Audits have been joined at numerous mining and processing operations in 4 countries on 3 continents. The audits evaluate the design adequacy and operational effectiveness of the critical controls implemented to prevent priority unwanted events (PUEs) from occurring. Feedback is provided to the senior leadership of the site and contributions are made to the audit report which is presented to group management, in particular the Audit & Sustainability Committees of the Board.

​The rail load-out station at a manganese mine in the Northern Cape was inspected by ASM. Following the inspection, ASM provided engineering support for various structural repairs and design improvements. An investigation was also performed to assess the structural integrity of the load-out station chute. The investigation involved analyses using LS-DYNA as well as stain gauge measurements to characterise operational loads. 

​ASM collaborated with architects Dario Schoulund (MUD Berkeley) and Rudie Botha (MArch Pretoria) in the development of the structural concept for a footbridge design for Gauja National Park in Latvia. Engineering and analysis support provided by ASM included structural analysis based on international design codes, a parameter study of global bridge dimensions, as well as first order structural optimisation. The design was entered into an international architecture competition organised by the Nature Conservation Agency of Latvia, and was short-listed. 

​Factory built Kubota 4-seater Utility Vehicles (UTVs) are converted for light transport use in underground mines. In order to comply with mining specifications, an improved roll-over and falling-object occupant protection system was required. ASM performed the design, analysis and testing of a new roll-over and falling-object protective structure (ROPS & FOPS) for this vehicle. ISO 3471 (ROPS) and ISO 3449 (FOPS) were used as basis for the design and assessment. 

​Refuge bay structures are provided for personnel working in underground mines to be used in case of an emergency. An investigation was performed to calculate the expected blast pressures that these structures may be subjected to in case of an underground explosion. Arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eularian (ALE) analyses were performed using LS-DYNA to model the blast front propagation and associated pressures. Furthermore, optimised refuge bay wall designs were developed taking into account geometrical constraints and the calculated blast pressure loading. 

The roll-over protection of large passenger vehicles (more than 16 passengers) is covered by SANS 1563. ASM performed the roll-over assessment of several busses and other passenger vehicles for various manufacturers according to this Code. The assessment of the vehicle superstructures involved a combination of experimental testing and structural analysis that has been developed over 20+ years of experience. Clients were supplied with signed reports which were submitted to the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) as part of the vehicle homologation process.        

Given the increasing pressure on our limited water resources, effective treatment of waste water is essential to ensure sustainable growth and protection of our fresh water resources. Tecroveer appointed ASM to provide structural analysis expertise required in the design of water treatment infrastructure at various locations around the country. Examples include the structural design of an 18m span aerator bridge and fatigue assessment of a welded rotor shaft.  

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​ASM were involved in various investigations where existing equipment needed to be modified, or where equipment did not meet the original design criteria after some time in operation. In these instances, structural integrity were assessed in accordance with API 579 Fitness-for-Service (FFS). The Code provides guidelines for taking non-linear geometry effects as well as elastic-plastic material behaviour into account, thus allowing the use of reduced design margins. These methods were used to assess Code compliance of heat exchanger and pressure vessel components.   

A 60 kl rectangular water storage tank in a water treatment plant was analysed and assessed. Non-linear large displacement analyses were performed. The safety of the tank was assessed using limit load analysis.  

A scalping screen for marine application was modelled and analysed. Dynamic steady-state reponse for various loading conditions were considered. Dynamic stress range results for fatigue assessment purposes were calculated.