Test of strength

To stay ahead of the game, Rivet Mining Services sought a transport solution that would result in significant payload gains. Through innovative engineering and clever design, Duraquip developed three triple road train combinations that answered the call.

Operating in the harsh Kalgoorlie Goldfields region of Western Australia, Rivet Mining Services has certainly been putting its latest triple road trains to the ultimate test.

Rivet provides bulk haulage and ancillary onsite services to the mining sector across key resource producing regions throughout Western Australia. Its key operations include truck haulage across off-road and on-road routes from mines to ports and processing facilities.

In a bid to maintain a competitive advantage and hold on to an existing contract it had serviced for the past 15 years, Rivet approached Duraquip and requested a proposal for a triple road train combination that would allow for an increase in payload to 215 tonne per trip, up from the previous maximum of 175 tonnes.

Duraquip visited the mine site and spent time with Rivet to understand its challenges and frustrations, before custom designing an innovative solution to suit the task at hand. By using Solidedge design software and FEMAP FEA stress analysis software, Duraquip was able to offer a fast turnaround from concept to production. Quality materials including SSAB’s high tensile steels were used for added strength – Strenx steel for the chassis and Hardox for the trailer bodies.

Once delivered and put over the weighbridge, Rivet was thrilled to discover the new combinations had exceeded expectations, achieving a massive 222-tonne payload.

As the combinations will be used for short haul work, with trips averaging around 40 kilometres, the additional 47 tonnes per load is resulting in significant efficiency gains.

“The attention to detail and the quality of finish that Duraquip has achieved with these Triple-train combinations is of the highest standard. The delivery of these trailers has been a real positive boost for the entire organization. The trailers having now notched up 750 hours of operation are performing well beyond expectations,” says Nick Casella, Rivet’s Operations Manager based at Kalgoorlie.

Duraquip was able to address a number of challenges Rivet had put forward due to the harsh conditions the triple road train was required to work in, including the need for a greaseless door hinge system, bolted ram pin receptacles to assist with rebuild work down the track if corrosion sets in, and stress-minimising multi lift ram system, as well as additional safety features. According to Duraquip, these added features will assist to reduce costs during service and maintenance.

The trailers are spec’d with heavy-duty York suspension, JOST fifth wheels and V.Orlandi couplings. Given the high tonnage of the triple road train, Duraquip worked closely with all suppliers involved to ensure the combination didn’t exceed any component manufacturer’s ratings.

Though the trailers are operating predominantly off-road, they have been registered for on-road use, allowing Rivet to travel on public roads on the return leg of their haulage routes. This also allows them to be driven into town for major servicing when required.