BIDVEST PORT OPERATIONS
REPORT ON DAMAGED COLUMN AT
WAREHOUSE 15D AT RAINNIE ROAD,
MAYDON WHARF
Prepared by
S. Osborn Pr Eng
SKP Engineers cc
21 September 2007
File No: 1380/17
Bidvest Port Operations – Report on Damaged Column at Warehouse
1.
SKP Engineers cc
TERMS OF REFERENCE
SKP Engineers cc were requested by Bidvest Port Operations (BPO) Operations Manager
(Mr N. Watson) to carry out an inspection of a damaged structural steel column at
Warehouse 15D at Rainnie Road, Maydon Wharf.
2.
SITE INSPECTION
A site inspection was undertaken on 21 September 2007 and the column examined. The
following observations were made:
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3.
The steel column of approximate length 12m is fabricated from two I-sections
406x140, stitch welded together on the butting flanges.
The column had been struck by an operating forklift driving in a northerly direction,
at a height 1.3m above floor level.
The two column sections had separated from the point of impact to the floor, and
one column flange was severely deflected.
The overall column had been deflected out of plumb in both a westerly and northerly
direction, by 50mm and 140mm respectively.
The column had also been rotated up its full length, to the junction with a stub
column at the intersection of the roof beams. It appears (by visual examination from
the floor) that the main column is welded to the stub column, and that there could be
damage to this connection. This will have to be verified (see recommendations
later).
There is a 700mm sq isolation joint in the floor surrounding the column encasing the
holding down bolts, and the concrete within the joint had cracked and lifted on the
south side.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
The structural integrity of the column has been affected by the damage, and the load
carrying capacity reduced. This is as a result of the permanent deformation inducing
additional secondary bending stresses in the flanges.
This load carrying capacity must be reinstated for the longevity of the structure.
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Bidvest Port Operations – Report on Damaged Column at Warehouse
4.
SKP Engineers cc
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are made:
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In order to reinstate the load carrying capacity, the column should be encased in
concrete to a height at the top of the painted chevrons (2,7m above the floor). This
concrete encasement will both assist in reinstating the load capacity of the column,
and protect the steelwork from possible future impacts.
The encasement would require steel reinforcement, and galvanised angles on the
corners as edge protection. The concrete encasement should be painted to safety
colours (black/yellow) after the concrete has cured.
The cracked floor concrete within the isolation joint should be broken out, and the
base plate exposed to confirm that there is no damage below the surface. This
concrete would be replaced during the concrete encasement process.
The steelwork at the top of the column should be inspected, to confirm that there is
no damage at this point. This will require the use of a “cherry-picker” or similar
access equipment. Appropriate remedial measures would be determined after this
inspection.
It is also recommended that the remedial works be carried out as a matter of
urgency, in order to reinstate the structural integrity of the column.
After completion of the remedial work as noted, the Client could elect to concrete encase
the remaining columns (or at least those in the busy operating area), in order to improve
their structural integrity and reduce the risk of a similar occurrence.
Report prepared by:
S. OSBORN
_________________
S. Osborn Pr Eng
SKP ENGINEERS
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