the Institute of Failure Analysis

Does really the turned-over concrete pump became a rack?!

Does really the turned-over concrete pump became a rack?!
During unexpected movement of a mobile concrete pump, the whole vehicle turned-over. As a result, the driver cabin had crashed and the main arm was expected to be damaged. According to concrete pump manufacturer experts – the pump became dangerous for use and was defined as total-loss, therefore the certificate of operation was cancelled.
A group of our engineers executed reverse engineering methodology on main arm in order to determine damage extent and to perform risk assessment of the system.
Work consisted of overhaul measurements,(since no drawings were available), establishment of computerized model of the arm by Ansys ™ software and then construction a dynamic model of the system by ADAMS™ software.
Geometry measurements and original geometry were compared (with Ansys ™) in order to simulate reconstruction of existing deformation. Fartheremore, original dynamics could be compared (with ADAMS™) with the "deformed" system dynamics. The results were - 1% change in lateral movement!
Based on the detailed analysis, the basic certificate of operation was re-issued, and no extreme repairs were needed, beyond some extra painting...
Indeed, the manufacturer build fantastic machines...