The Problem
Far beneath the surface in an underground chamber, a vibratory ore feeder was shaking the steel structure of a crushing facility and cracking beams. The gold mine needed to ensure worker saftey with a minimum of down time.
Our Approach
We worked to support Weir-Jones Engineering in a field measurement programme, in which the structure was instrumented. Our interpretation of the vibration data lead us to understand the driving principles. We created a finite element model of the system and validated it using the measurements, then jointly designed a repair and modification scheme based on the simulations.
The Results
Our design allowed revised rock wall ties to be installed during a scheduled break and the modified structure behaved as we anticipated, with greatly reduced vibrations.