General and detailed structural inspections of approximately 3,000 items including hot metal cranes and crane runways, EOT mill cranes and runways, ore bridges, buildings, electrical transmission towers and conveyor structures. The inspection program is plant-wide and is scheduled according to our clients corporate standards. Emergency structural inspections are performed on an "on-call" basis. Numerous engineering projects have been performed as a result of the inspection recommendations (including runways, cranes, bridges, loading floors, etc.)

Engineering Services for Inspection and Assessment of Fire-Damaged Industrial Structures and Cranes and at a Metals Industry Facility Responding on very short notice, Globex dispatched a team of engineers and inspectors to assist a metals industry client with the assessment of structural damage that occurred during a devastating fire at their production facility. Although the primary focus was the structural integrity of the buildings and crane runway structures, Globex specialists also examined those cranes damaged in the fire to determine the extent of the damage and to identify the measures necessary to restore these assets to a fully operational state. In the immediate aftermath of the fire, Globex provided essential guidanceto the client, and related entities, as to the extent of the damage and the manner in which the structural repairs and restoration effort could proceed. Of special concern was the safety of the repair forces during the initial phases of the restoration for the main building structures. In addition to assessing the physical integrity of the fire damaged items, Globex also provided guidance for the execution and interpretation of the dimensional surveys of the buildings and cranes, which was necessary to assure that these items would not only be restored to a state of physical integrity but that they could also be returned to a state of operational reliability. As restoration efforts continued, the focus shifted to the repair or replacementof production equipment and machinery including the standard and specializedoverhead cranes. For these, Globex examined the damaged equipment and identifiedthe various components in need of attention. These included the structural,mechanical, and electrical aspects of several overhead cranes, some equippedwith sensitive features for automated operation. At the conclusion of the structural restorations, Globex was called on to confirm that the necessary repairs had been completed prior to occupancy of the buildings for the resumption of production operations.Working in conjunction with the client and its restoration contractors, Globex provided the on-demand services necessary to assure that this metal producing facility was able to resume operations in a relatively short period after the fire which had completely destroyed its productive capacity.

Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation of the Take Up Head on a Cable Winding Machine for a Metals Industry Client Provided engineering analysis and consultation to the client in an effort to confirm the design adequacy of the take-up head and related components, connections, and mechanisms.
Globex obtained drawings from the client and the machine's manufacturer as well as conducted an on-site examination of the components of interest. This examination included visual means as well as non-destructive examination (NDE) through the use magnetic particle testing. Additionally, Globex critically analyzed the several components of interest, performing calculations to determine the level of material stress with respect to the allowable values for same. Because the machine was not produced domestically, the material properties were obtained from international standards. Based on the field findings and the results of the stress analysis, Globex provided the client with recommendations for further action in their efforts to achieve a higher degree of safety and operational reliability.

Complete field inspection for documentation of existing installation of equipment and condition. Analysis of entire skip hoist system for increased car load capacity including incline motors, brakes, gear trains, drum, skip sheaves and rope system Verification of the adequacy of electrical drive control system. Provided duty cycle analysis utilizing three different methods: horsepower second; RMS horsepower torque and watts loss calculations. Preparation of complete design and detail drawings for new skip hoist system. Provided construction management and consultation services during fabrication and erection.

Detailed inspection of runway structure to determine deterioration caused by corrosive environment utilizing ultrasonic thickness gauge measurements.Analyzed runway structure for reduced capacity due to section deterioration and duty cycle service.
Conceptualized a series of reinforcement alternatives for increased runway capacity taking into account the existing building conditions including utility hangers and auxiliary equipment. Provide plans, specifications and cost estimates.

Inspected the crane to determine the extent of structural and mechanical damage caused by dynamic forces during the unloading operation. Observed the crane during normal operation to determine the extent of dynamic loadings caused by acceleration, braking, impacting bumpers and bridge skewing. Performed a complete structural analysis of the crane including the trolley frame, bridge girder and supporting tie rods, gantry legs, portal frame, and the elevated bridge rail support system to determine structural adequacy. Recommended methods for eliminating skewing and the associated wheel and rail wear including upgrading the trolley and bridge drive systems. Investigated the potential operational benefits of several proposed crane modifications including removal of an excess portion of the bridge cantilever and replacement of bridge girder supporting tie rods with a rigid steel framework.

Provided complete design including detailed installation drawings and cost estimates for replacing the air controlled band brake systems with hydraulic controlled shoe brake systems, for the boom, main and auxiliary hoists. Prepared complete design and installation drawings for replacing the air controlled band brake system with a hydraulic controlled shoe brake system. Provided on site inspection of cranes to determine the existing condition and to verify existing engineering information. The brake conversions required unique engineering solutions due to the physical space available. Globex designed an additional primary pinion shaft with new structuralsupports to mount the new brake wheels. These four (4) portal cranes are classified "special purpose" as they lift nuclear loads. The brake replacement design engineered by Globex Corporation met and exceeded the Government SPS criteria and was subsequently approved by NAVFAC.

Complete structural analysis of both crane runway systems for increased overhead crane loading capacity. The analysis was completed using computer finite element analysis techniques. Components analyzed included: crane runway girders, runway and building support columns, column foundations and all critical structural connections. Preparation of complete detail, arrangement and installation drawings, specifications and cost estimate to allow fabrication of the new runway girders. Provided fabrication and installation/erection engineering support, including fabricator site inspections, quality assurance, erection drawings and procedures. Provided construction management services, bid review, assisted erection contractor and resolved any point in question during erection process. Provided as-built drawings.

Cranes and runway were located in a radiological controlled area. This contract required the usage of qualified radiation workers to perform all field surveys.Surveyed entire runway for rail straightness, elevation, parallelism and span, inspected runway for rail wear, structural damage, and other problems. Inspected all cranes for squareness and alignment, bridge wheel replacement as well as general mechanical, electrical, and structural repairs. Evaluated electrical control systems, bridge drives, runway feedrail systems, and other proposed modifications under consideration by NRF management. Prepared complete reports on all findings which included our evaluations, conclusions, and recommendations. These reports included conceptual drawings describing proposed facility and crane repairs and upgrades. A detailed cost analysis was also provided for proposed facility and crane repairs and modifications.

Responding on short notice to the client's request for assistance,Globex performed an instrument dimensional survey of the crane runway in their coil shipping building. The client had recently installed a newly purchased crane on this runway and was experiencing operational difficulties with its bridge tracking. Globex was tasked to identify the cause of the problems. From the survey results, Globex identified several problems with the runway structure as well as the crane itself and provided the client with recommendations to remedy these.

Complete structural analysis of both crane runway systems for increased overhead crane loading capacity. The analysis was completed using computer finite element analysis techniques.Components analyzed included: crane runway girders, runway and building support columns, column foundations and all critical structural connections. Preparation of complete detail, arrangement and installation drawings, specifications and cost estimate to allow fabrication of the new runway girders. Provided fabrication and installation/erection engineering support, including fabricator site inspections, quality assurance, erection drawings and procedures. Provided construction management services, bid review, assisted erection contractor and resolved any point in question during erection process. Provided as-built drawings.

Provided quality assurance services as required to ensure that all work was accomplished in conformance with the design drawings and specifications. The services consisted of reviewing all design documents and, based on same, developing detailed checklists and other forms for recording that required tasks had been performed and recording the values of all parameters measured. The checklists and other forms were complex, comprehensive and provided installation personnel and inspectors with a detailed roadmap to ensure that all necessary strictures were complied with. Also provided field support engineers to perform quality assurance oversight of installation work. The modifications to the cranes involved mechanical, structural, electrical, and PLC systems and components. Of particular note is that much of the work involved the installation, start-up and checkout of a fiber-optic communication system between the various elements of the cranes' control systems including the PLC, drive controls, command consoles, and various sensors located throughout the cranes' structures and systems.

Provided complete design including detailed installation drawings and cost estimates for replacing the air controlled band brake systems with hydraulic controlled shoe brake systems, for the boom, main and auxiliary hoists. Prepared complete design and installation drawings for replacing the air controlled band brake system with a hydraulic controlled shoe brake system. Provided on- site inspection of cranes to determine the existing condition and to verify existing engineering information.

The brake conversions required unique engineering solutions due to the physical space available. Globex designed an additional primary pinion shaft with new structural supports to mount the new brake wheels. These four (4) portal cranes are classified "special purpose" as they lift nuclear loads. The brake replacement design engineered by Globex Corporation met and exceeded the Government SPS criteria and was subsequently approved by NAVFAC.

Provided forensic consultation to a legal firm for their case involving a crane-related workplace injury. Reviewed the information related to the case, examined the crane, and advised the client (legal firm) as to the best course of action to establish the actual cause of the incident. Based on Globex's advice, the client was able to achieve an early (out-of-court) settlement in their favor.

Investigated various means to safely lower suspended crane loads in the event of power failure and other emergencies which would render the hoists inoperable. Provided analyses and recommendations based on capability with respect to load handling and feasibility with respect to retrofit onto the existing cranes. The methods selected were capable of accomplishing the required load handling independently of the cranes' normal power and control systems. Developed the methods for load handling. Prepared the drawings, specifications, and other design documents required for the customer to purchase and install the items required for retrofit onto the cranes.

Turn-key engineering services for relocation of a 35 ton capacity semi-gantry crane from at a customer facility. The semi-gantry crane was converted from AC to DC operation, and structurally modified to fit in the new location. Inspection to determine the condition of the existing mothballed equipment at a customer site to ascertain feasibility and project commitment for equipment relocation. Conversion of the crane from AC to DC operation including motor and brakes changes, control system, conduit layouts and installation of a festoon system. Converted the trolley from the stiff mast to a reeved lifting system.Provided complete construction specification, drawings and cost estimates for both semi gantry crane and runway installation. Globex Corporation designed a complete new runway system including piers and foundations, columns, runway girders and electrification system for the elevated portion of the runway, and the rail foundation and rails for the gantry leg portion of the runway. Provided construction management and consultation services during fabrication and erection of the crane and crane runway system.

Engineering technical services for mechanical, electrical, and structural inspection of erection of the 165 ton stiffleg derrick. Work involves the inspection of the crane assembly, operation, and inspection of components. Specific inspections include the monitoring of field welding and non-destructive testing, high strength bolting verification, painting and installation and connection of wiring to insure that the construction work complies with contract plans and specifications.The erection complies with contract plans and specifications. The erection work performed by private construction contractors.

Provided shop inspection, test support, and design evaluation for the crane's conformance with purchase specifications and industry standards. Evaluated design documents produced by the crane manufacturer and significant equipment vendors. These included drawings, specifications, O & M manuals and PLC program printouts. Prepared and submitted reports for customer review. These listed deficiencies, inconsistencies and items of nonconformance. Met with client personnel and personnel from the customer's departments and outside organizations responsible for the operation and maintenance of the cranes. These meetings were at the manufacturer's location and held in preparation for the inspection and testing activities which were to follow at the production facility. Reported to, advised and coordinated inspection and test activities with these personnel. Inspected the crane in the manufacturer's facility with emphasis on its conformance to purchase specifications, design documents and industry standards including materials used and execution of the work. Particular concentration was in the area of wiring practice, drive controls installation, and software functions. Reports were prepared and submitted for customer review. These listed observations made during the inspection and detailed those deficiencies and items of nonconformance which were discovered during the inspection. At the manufacturer's fabrication facility, witnessed the testing of the various functions associated with the power and control of the hoist and travel drives on the crane. Prepared and submitted reports of same for customer review.

Provided assistance to a metals industry client in determining the most advisable crane features with respect to design, construction, and performance as appropriate for the crane's operating environment and production duty. This allowed the client to achieve the best balance between the installed cost (purchase price plus installation) and thecrane's functionality, ease of maintenance, and operational reliability. Advised the client in its dealings with prospective suppliers, especiallyin its evaluation of vendor proposals. The emphasis was on areas of technical merit, including conformance to the applicable codes and standards. Individual areas issues addressed included the structural, mechanical and electrical aspects of the crane as well as the design and production capabilitiesof the prospective crane supplier including their ability to produce the crane within the time required and with an adequate level of quality assurance. During this project, Globex consulted with the client's engineering, production andmaintenance personnel to determine features and capabilities essential for thecrane as well with prospective suppliers to ensure that these features andcapabilities would be provided.

Determined feasibility and most appropriate means of converting existing crane control system to fiber optic connection for signal transmission. Evaluated available fiber optic equipment for application to overhead crane control. Crane control system included both onboard and remote control devices.New fiber optic system improved signal transmission integrity, reduced system hard wiring, and enhanced control system performance.