Fatigue Assessment of Existing Shiploaders

Abstract

Shiploaders are used to load bulk material onto vessels. They can experience a large number of loading cycles during their design life. As a consequence, fatigue damage is an important consideration when assessing the useful life of an existing shiploader. This paper presents the results of the fatigue assessment of an existing shiploader. The shiploader is used to load coal onto bulk carriers; it is over 30 years old and the operator wishes to continue to use the facility for at least another 25 years. The results from the fatigue assessment form part of the decision making process for replacement or refurbishment of the shiploader. This assessment includes data from finite element analysis, strain gauging and measurements from on-board monitoring equipment. The results from the fatigue assessment were used to calculate the probability of fatigue damage for continued use.