by Noel Singh | Aug 14, 2024 | Engineering News
Engineering Perspective on Responsibilities in Road Trailer Manufacturing.
CSA Engineering Gold Coast update on Road Trailer Manufacturing responsibilities.
Designing and manufacturing a trailer is one thing, while ensuring the safety is another.
When it comes to safety, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer. To design a trailer that must be safe, when on the road. As well as meet the requirements according to Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 Version 6(VSB1). Which follows Australian Design Rules, (ADR’s).
New Trailer Manufacturers Responsibilities
As of the 1st of July 2022, any trailer that is sold to a customer is considered to be 100% safe by the company selling it. This is irrespective of the trailer or parts being imported by others, other countries or states. This put’s the trailer companies liable for any casualty that happens. Companies must assess and ensure their trailers are safe by carrying tests. This includes consulting with a certified engineer and getting a report for each trailer they are selling. This includes meeting the initial requirements of the Roads Vehicle Safety Act 2018, and the Trade practices Act 1984.
Whilst trailer manufacturers and importers are exempt from submitting detailed evidence at the time of application based on the ADRs to the Australian Government. The manufacturers and Importers still must declare that all due diligence has been done to ensure 100% safety for road usage of the trailers.
Road Trailer Manufacturer Retaining Records.
In addition to this the Road Trailer Manufacturer must retain records relating to the manufacture, testing or inspection of road trailers. This is for the life of the model and for a period of 10 years after the last road trailer is supplied to the market. These records must contain sufficient information to establish compliance. Including the Vehicle Standards Bulletin (e.g., written confirmation from the State or Territory that the LPG installation meets the requirements for road registration). In addition, to this the Road Trailer Manufacturer must also identify any components that may have been fitted to a particular road trailer. This is for the purposes of tracing components in the event of a safety related defect recall notice.
Trailer Road Tests.
The Road tests for trailers must be conducted in such a way that the trailer is used as would the customers who purchase one. The certification of the strength of the drawbar and safety chain must also be tested. By testing them at the end, the ‘Drawbar’ and safety chain attachments shall withstand forces applied at the centreline of the intended ‘Coupling’. Without incurring loss of attachment or any distortion or failure which will affect the safe drawing of the towed trailer.
It’s the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer to conduct a safety investigation for a non-compliance trailer. As well as stop the supply and notify the trailer owners that the vehicle does not comply. This investigation shall report on the cause of the non-compliance, the number of road vehicles affected and any other relevant facts or circumstances. This report should then be forwarded to the Administrator of Vehicle Standards within 14 days.
The trailer manufacturer must assess if the noncompliance is connected to safety, in which case a voluntary or obligatory recall is required. This is in line with the ‘Procedures for the Rectification of Safety Related Defects in Vehicles and Related Products’ (the Recall Code). In cases when the noncompliance is found to be unrelated to safety, a field service campaign by the manufacturer or importer may be used to rectify the noncompliance.
Importing a trailer might seem easy option. But this isn’t the case as import approval is required for it to be delivered in Australia. If the import application is not approved, you will have to either export the vehicle. Or have it destroyed at your own expense. While the destruction of the trailer will need to take place under Customs supervision.
The Range of ADRs apply to road trailers.
Depending on the type of trailer, these ADRs can include:
ADR 1,6,13,23,38,42,43,44,45,47,48,49,51,61,62,63 and 74.
Topics include mechanical connections, lamps, reflex reflectors, tyres, brakes, trailer dimensions and trailer markings.
Safety of the entire trailer needs to be assured by the importer or manufacturer, and just because an ADR does not cover a certain area does not mean that due diligence in not required for that item.
At CSA Engineering Gold Coast we have been designing and certifying Road trailers for over 4 years. CSA Engineering provide the right kind of quality service that is required by customers who are ready to embrace the new system.
Under RVSA new guidelines importers and manufacturers don’t operate in the same way as they have been for years. They will be fully liable for everything under their required quality management system.
CSA Engineering your South East Queensland Structural Engineers
Noel Singh – Engineering Fellow with Engineers Australia, RPEQ
Phone : 0452 292 355
by Noel Singh | Aug 13, 2024 | Engineering News
Structural engineering, the backbone of modern infrastructure, is constantly evolving to meet the demands of an ever-changing world. As we look ahead to the coming decades, several key trends and predictions are poised to shape the future landscape of this critical field. From advancements in materials science to the integration of cutting-edge technologies, the future of Structural Engineering promises innovation, sustainability, and resilience. Let’s delve into some of the most exciting developments on the horizon.
Sustainable Design and Green Building Practices:
In an era defined by environmental consciousness, sustainable design practices are at the forefront of structural engineering. Buildings and infrastructure are increasingly being designed with a focus on minimizing environmental impact, reducing energy consumption, and promoting resilience to climate change. Integrating renewable energy systems, passive design strategies, and green building materials will become standard practices in the future, ensuring that structures are functional and environmentally responsible.
Adoption of Advanced Materials:
The future of structural engineering will witness a significant shift towards adopting advanced materials with enhanced properties and performance. From carbon fiber composites to ultra-high-performance concrete, these materials offer superior strength, durability, and sustainability compared to traditional building materials. Their widespread adoption will enable engineers to design lighter, more resilient structures requiring less maintenance and a smaller ecological footprint.
Integration of Digital Technologies:
Digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), computational design, and virtual reality are revolutionizing how structural engineers design, analyze, and visualize building projects. These tools enable engineers to create highly complex and innovative structures while optimizing performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. In the future, the seamless integration of digital technologies into the design and construction process will become standard practice, leading to greater collaboration, accuracy, and productivity.
Resilience and Disaster Mitigation:
With the frequency and severity of natural disasters, resilience has become a critical consideration in structural engineering. Future structures will be designed to withstand extreme weather events, earthquakes, and other hazards, ensuring the safety and well-being of occupants. Innovations such as resilient building materials, advanced structural systems, and predictive modeling techniques will play a key role in enhancing the resilience of buildings and infrastructure, minimizing damage, and improving recovery efforts in the aftermath of disasters.
Embrace of Modular and Prefabricated Construction:
Modular and prefabricated construction methods are gaining popularity in the construction industry due to their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability benefits. In the future, structural engineers will increasingly embrace these innovative construction techniques to streamline the building process, reduce waste, and accelerate project delivery. Modular components can be designed and manufactured off-site with precision, then assembled quickly and efficiently on-site, resulting in faster construction times and lower overall costs.
Emphasis on Human-Centric Design:
In addition to technical considerations, the future of structural engineering will emphasise human-centric design principles. Buildings and infrastructure will be designed to prioritize occupant comfort, health, and well-being, incorporating features such as natural daylighting, biophilic design elements, and flexible spaces that promote collaboration and productivity. By focusing on the needs and experiences of end-users, structural engineers can create spaces that enhance quality of life and foster a sense of community.
Continued Focus on Education and Training:
As the field of structural engineering continues to evolve, ongoing education and training will be essential for professionals to stay abreast of the latest developments and trends. Continued advancements in technology, materials, and design methodologies require engineers to update their skills and knowledge to remain competitive continually. Professional development programs, certification courses, and collaborative learning platforms will play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of structural engineers for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Also Read:- Reasons Why Advanced Structural Analysis Is Important In Construction
Conclusion
In conclusion, the future of Structural Engineering is characterized by innovation, sustainability, and resilience. By embracing advanced materials, digital technologies, and sustainable design practices, structural engineers will be able to create safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible structures that meet the needs of society both now and in the years to come. As we look ahead to the coming decades, the future of structural engineering is bright with possibilities, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient built environment.
by Noel Singh | Aug 12, 2024 | Engineering News
Design and Certification of Pressure Vessel to meet AS1210
Pressure vessels are a type of static equipment used to store or process fluids that are higher or lower than the ambient pressure. These vessels are widely used across industries for a variety of purposes such as storage, heat exchanging, decantation, industrial mixing etc.
Pressure vessels can be classified as follows:
According to use:
According to Shape:
According to orientation:
Codes and standards concerning pressure vessels and the compliance to these standards are legally enforced and vary across countries. These codes provide guidance on design, materials of construction, fabrication, inspection, and testing. In Australia, the code used for pressure vessels is AS1210. American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (ASME BPV Code) is also used in conjunction with AS1210 for the purpose of design.
AS1210 concerns itself with areas of pressure vessels such as:
- Construction of power boilers
- Materials
- Construction of heating boilers
- Nondestructive examination
- Instructions for the care and operation of heating boilers
- Guidelines for the care of power boilers
- Construction of pressure vessels
- Welding and brazing qualifications
- Fiber-reinforced plastic vessels
- Instructions for in service inspection of nuclear power plant components
- Instructions for construction and continued service of transport tanks
There are various parameters to be kept in mind during the design of a pressure vessel such as:
Design Temperature
Different temperature allowances are tolerance limits used above and below normal operating temperatures.
Maximum allowable stress is highly dependent on temperature, as the material property of metals change with change in temperature. There are mechanisms to prevent operation of a vessel at temperatures higher than which the maximum allowable stress was evaluated.
There is also a minimum temperature above which the vessel is guaranteed to operate safely. This is due to metals becoming brittle at low temperatures The minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) is the lowest temperature that the vessel can operate in.
While specifying maximum and minimum temperatures, disturbances caused by upstream processes and external factors need to be considered. Some of these factors are transient conditions, upsets, auto-refrigeration, climate, other cooling factors.
Design Pressure
Vessels are often designed to operate above the maximum operating pressure. Vessels that will experience positive external pressure, must have a design pressure based on the maximum difference between internal and external pressure
Vacuum vessels must be designed to resist a negative pressure of 1 ATM. The large surface areas of some vessels can cause a vessel collapse even with a small negative pressure. Circumstances that may lead to vacuum conditions include startup/shutdown procedures, cooling vessels with condensable vapors, pumping or draining without proper venting, or vacuum storage.
Design Loads
Pressure vessels and their support structures must be able to counter deformation and collapse when subjected to loads which are classified into major and subsidiary loads.
Loads classified as major loads include design pressure(Including pressure heads) maximum operational weight, wind, seismic loads, and auxiliary loads supported by the vessel.
Loads classified as subsidiary loads include local stresses caused by supports, internal structures, and connecting pipes, shock loads caused by change in fluid levels, bending moments due to displacement of center of pressure, thermal expansion/contraction, and those caused by fluctuations of temperature and pressure.
Corrosion Allowances
Corrosion allowance is the extra thickness provided to vessel walls to counteract the thinning caused due to corrosion which compromises mechanical integrity. In case of negligible corrosion or the complete absence of corrosion designs can be made considering zero corrosion allowance.
What CSA Engineering offer
At CSA Engineering we offer pressure vessel design and 3D modelling services. We supply drawings, calculations, and certification of designs as per AS1210 and ASME BPV Section 8 requirements.
We also project manage fabrication of pressure vessels along with complete inspection reports.
Why Pressure Vessel Certification is critical:
To ensure safe operation of pressure vessels it is required that their designs are subject to comparison with the recognized standards. This ensures compliance with design criteria and structural integrity for operational conditions. Pressure vessels are required to be registered if they fall under hazard levels A, B, C or D. Failing to do so can result in punitive action. Our team of qualified engineers ensure that the designs are compliant according to AS1210 and AS1228. Further certifications and/or compliance with other standards such as AS1418 (in case of portable pressure vessels) will also be ensured depending upon the design and functionality of the pressure vessel.
We specialize in a broad range of standard and non-standard pressure vessel designs, furthermore we also provide design verification through Finite element analysis (FEA) according to the requirement.
The services we specialize in include:
- Pressure vessel PDF drawing conversion to AutoCAD and solid modeling for analysis
- 2D Installation, assembly, exploded and detailed manufacturing drawings
- Design, drawings and required layout vessels for maximum performance
- Heat transfer and fluid flow analysis using Computational Fluid Dynamics.
- Service life assessment.
- Stress formation and concentration for identification of critical part
- Complete design and fabrication
- Design reports of certification
- Design modification to ensure compliance and better performance.
Contact CSA Engineering Gold Coast for a free consultation
CSA Engineering your South East Queensland Structural Engineers
Noel Singh – Engineering Fellow with Engineers Australia, RPEQ
Phone : 0452 292 355
by Noel Singh | Aug 11, 2024 | Engineering News
Manufacturers of Road Trailers have till 1st July 2022 to Meet New Standard.
Important Industry News from Composite Structures Australia Engineering Gold Coast.
Come 1st of July 2022, trailers manufacturers and importers will not be able to register their trailers under the current system.
The Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA) is the biggest legislative change the Australian low ATM road trailer industry has seen in over 30 years. For Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers and Importers in Australia, the RVSA is set to completely transform the industry as we know it.
Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA) 2018 to replace Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.
The RVSA better reflects the significant changes improvements in vehicle technologies over the last few decades. Under the new system even trailer importers will be considered as manufactures and required to show full compliance and conformity for their product.
The RVSA improves the safety and compliance of road trailers being manufactured or imported with greater enforcement powers to assist in stamping out non-compliant and more importantly, unsafe trailers making it onto Australian roads.
It’s up to the importer or the manufacture to show full compliance of their products and ensure safety for road use. Contact Composite Structures Australia Engineering to make sure you are ready come 1st of July 2022.
Key Changes
- Trailer importers have same liability requirement as Australian manufacturers.
- All registrable trailers need to hold prior government approvals.
- Trailers can no longer be self-certified beginning 1 July 2022.
- All trailers to be entered into the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV).
- All trailers must obtain vehicle type approval by 1 July 2022.
What do you need to do?
You can immediately engage a Trailer Engineer like CSA Engineering to guide you through the process and work out a scope of work your company requires to be complaint under the RVSA, Road Vehicle Standards Act.
At the very minimal you need the following items completed before you can submit an application for the vehicle type approval;
- Engineering certification for your trailer done by a Certified Engineer like CSA Engineering who are certified by of from RPEQ Professional Engineers of Queensland.
- Engineering drawings for your trailer showing ownership of the product.
- Establish a Quality Management System to show production complies with certified trailer.
CSA Engineering Gold Coast provide free consultation and site visits in South Eastern Queensland.
Contact Noel Singh – 0452 292 355
(Engineering Fellow with Engineers Australia), RPEQ
Composite Structures Australia Engineering Gold Coast Queensland
by Noel Singh | Aug 9, 2024 | Engineering News
The Trends in Composite Material Use.
CSA Engineering Gold Coast like other Structural Engineers expect a projected surge in the materials industry, composites have seen a tremendous growth in the past decade. With a varied range of applications from the Electronics Industry to Aerospace applications. Composites are bound to be used in almost every field where property trade-offs are required. Composites are being considered throughout the world in many industries. Due to their excellent mechanical properties. The use of composites will be a clear choice in many instances. Material selection in others will depend on factors such as working lifetime requirements, number of items to be produced, complexity of product shape. As well as possible savings in assembly costs. Also consideration on the experience and skills of the designer. To tap into the optimum potential of composites. In some instances, best results may be achieved through the use of composites in conjunction with traditional materials.
What are Composite Materials
Composites, in general, are defined as a combination of two materials. The matrix binds like a glue, while the fibre carries the load. Combined, they provide a material with a mix of properties of both materials.
The evolution of the use of Composites in the Automobile Industry began in motorsport. The exclusive segment automobiles purely based on performance requirement. Amidst the increased regulations in the automobile industry in terms of emissions and major industry goal. Towards having a fuel-efficient vehicle, companies have started working on developing products which are both light in weight and contribute towards performance parameters. This consequently contributes towards making the vehicle fuel efficient.
Fibre metal laminates (FML) are another class of hybrid materials. Fibre metal laminates use metals such as aluminium and steel embedded with fibres. With aluminium forming the outer skin and fibres contributing to the core of the material. The fibre metal laminates have been widely used in the Aerospace Industry in doors and wing panels. The applications in the Automotive Industry are wide including their usage in doors which can be made of FML, for the hood of the car and so on.
Additionally, as Carbon fibres are only one fifth the density of steel, they perform better in terms of weight to strength ratio. One major advantage of Carbon Fibre is its unique ability to resist corrosion and its prolonged fatigue cycle endurance. The higher stiffness of the carbon fibre and ensures are lighter weighing, stiffer, stronger and a more durable structure.
Composites are light in weight compared to most and metals. Their lightness is important in automobiles and aircraft for example. Where less weight means better fuel efficiency. Designers of airplanes are greatly concerned with weight, since reducing a craft’s weight reduces the amount of fuel it needs, and increases the speeds it can reach. This change in direction to composites is now becoming very important as the automobile industry is also moving towards energy efficiency. Lower vehicle weight means less energy is required for movement.
From a financial viewpoint, the manufacturing of steel is less expensive than the manufacturing of composites. In the long run, with increased maintenance costs and rising fuel prices, an automobile which is fuel efficient coupled with less maintenance requirement is the need in the society. The total cost of ownership when viewed in relation to the life cycle of the vehicle is less than that of metallic structures.
Some of the major European automobile manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Koenigsegg, and many more have started including composites into the frames of their cars.
CSA Engineering Gold Coast comes with a wealth of experience in Composite Design Modelling and Manufacturing with members who have previously worked for aerospace giants such as Boeing and Airbus.
With the knowledge gained, CSA Engineering Gold Coast design and analyse every product in accordance with the set standards. Along with risk assessment for the product to perform throughout its serviceable life span.
CSA Engineering – Composite Structures Australia servicing South East Queensland
Noel Singh (Engineering Fellow with Engineers Australia), RPEQ
Phone Noel direct : 0452 292 355
by Noel Singh | Jul 30, 2024 | Engineering News
The oil and gas industry extensively uses large storage tanks for bulk containment of fluids throughout various stages of the refinery process. These storage tanks store the fluids for a short time before transferring them to other containers, though certain tanks can also store the products for a long time.
Each oil and gas tank needs to meet minimum standards and requirements for design and applications in the industry. Common storage tank engineering standards include the American Petroleum Institute’s API 650 API 620, Indian Standards, and Australian Standards.
The Application and Design features included while Storage Tank Engineering:
Vapor vents, also called breather valves, prevent pressure build-up when fluids or gases are filled in the tank. They also minimize the risk of implosions by preventing vacuums while emptying the tank.
These valves are engineered to alleviate excessive pressure that may rise beyond the safety limit. Excessive pressure left unchecked can damage the tanks and cause wastage and inefficiency.
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Sampling and Gauging Hatches
The sampling and gauging hatch is also referred to as the thief hatch. The hatch is generally used for retrieving a sample of the fluid or gas from the containers for analysis. The thief hatch is also used to track and measure the level of contents in the storage tanks.
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Fire Protection Mechanisms
Storage Tank Engineering prioritizes fire protection systems while building containers for the oil and gas industry. The fire protection system includes nozzle rings that spray foam and other fire-extinguish elements over the tank’s surface if a fire breaks out.
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Cleaning & Maintenance Decks
The cleaning and maintenance decks are called manholes, usually either on the roofs of the containers or at the bottom level. The manholes facilitate access to the inner sections of the storage tanks for purposes like inspection, cleaning, and maintenance.
Rainwater usually accumulates on the roofs of the tanks, which can cause damage if left unchecked. To prevent this, every storage tank for the oil and gas industry is fitted with a water drainage system. Water accumulates in the center of the roof and is subsequently directed outside via a flexible pipe.
The Common Shapes Of Storage Tanks Include:
- Vertical Cylindrical Tanks
- Horizontal Cylindrical Tanks
- Open Top Tanks
- Closed Top Tanks
- Flat Bottom Tanks
- Cone Bottom Tanks
- Slope Bottom Tanks
- Dish Bottom Tanks
Following Are The Storage Tank Designs Widely Used In The Oil And Gas Industry:
- Floating Roof Tanks
- Dome Roof Tanks
- Cone Roof Tanks
- Double Wall/Cryogenic Tanks
Also Read: A Guide To Effective Liquid Transport Solutions From Trailer Engineering
