STRUCTURAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF A CONVEYOR STRUCTURE SUBJECTED TO VEHICULAR IMPACT LOADS

A structural risk assessment of a 100 m long deficient existing conveyor structure was completed at an oil sands plant near Fort McMurray. The existing condition of the conveyor was assessed by visual inspection, document review, and 3D laser scanning. The conveyor columns had significant damage due to impact from loaders cleaning debris in foggy conditions. Laser scan information was utilized to simulate the geometry of the deformed column shape for input into the FE Model of the structure. The FE Analysis simulated vehicular impact. The objective of the structural evaluation was to determine the existing structural capacity of the conveyor against collapse, and to project degradation with time. It was determined that the structure had capacity for a limited number of additional collisions prior to complete collapse. The structural analysis was utilized to conduct a Reliability-Based assessment to risk-rank the deficiencies within the structure and provide recommendations for repairs.