Design of materials handling machines to AS4324.1-1995
Richard A. Morgan · Australasian Structural Engineering Conference 2012: The past, present and future of Structural Engineering · 2012
The increasing level of mineral exports from Australia has resulted in the need for expansions to existing facilities and new export facilities. Rail-mounted materials handling machines such as shiploaders, stackers and reclaimers are significant investment items for the ports and mines involved in the supply chain for export of these commodities. Australia is one of the few countries to have its own standard for such equipment. AS4324.1 Mobile equipment for continuous handling of bulk materials - General requirements for the design of steel structures (Standards Australia, 1995) was introduced in response to a number of machine failures within Australia. This Standard specifies general requirements, design loads and specific requirements for the structures of mobile equipment for continuous handling of bulk materials. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has a design standard for bulk materials handling machines ISO5049.1 (ISO, 1994), which has been widely used internationally; however its use has been discontinued in Australia since the introduction of AS4324.1. Australian Standard AS4324.1 has been in use for 16 years now and major machine suppliers and design audit engineers operating in Australia are generally familiar with the document. The author describes the background to the Standard and experience in using AS4324.1 for machine design. Suggestions are offered as to how the Standard might be improved in future revisions.