Engineering & Design: Mechanical | Data Collection & Analysis
A major construction company experienced a sudden failure of a gantry crane drive on their tunnel project site, resulting in the load falling into a service shaft and multiple projectiles of failed components. The company engaged FIELD Engineers to determine the cause of this potentially dangerous incident.
FIELD forensic engineers firstly worked with site personnel to document all the failed components, including need to reassemble pieces ejected from the drive. This identified multiple potential causes. To arrive at the root cause, engineers analysed available video, load and vibration data to rule causes in and out, until the most likely cause was found: a failed gearbox input shaft bearing. Engineers then worked out design changes that could avoid the failure happening again.
FIELD Engineers completed the investigation and provided a comprehensive report on schedule, allowing the site to return to operation and providing support for potential litigation. In this case, FIELD’s expertise in investigations, expert witness reports and rapid response combined to provide the company’s legal team with an understanding of why the incident occurred, as well as design and operation advice on how to avoid another failure.
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