New Pivot Fenders protect Iron Ore Barges
Posted on July 2nd, 2010 by hector
QuayQuip just took innovative fender systems a step further with a US $1.75 million Pivot Fender installation, built and installed in China.
Every year the port is scheduled to handle up to 27.6 million tonnes of processed ore using 20,000dwt barges. The berth posed several design challenges: barges may impact the berthing structure over a 13m height range, and wave action on the structure could impose significant upward forces. The design had to take resonance and overturning moments into account.
QuayQuip answered these problems with giant 20m Pivot Fenders, mounted on fully forged, heat treated and sealed ball and socket joints. Finite Element modelling (see illustration) helped designers to build the strongest system with the least weight. The result is a system that can withstand high angular asymmetrical point loads at different levels. A traditional fender installation would have meant doubling the size of berthing structure.
The berth is expected to enter operation later this year.
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