Structural Condition & Risk Assessment
Understanding the condition of existing structures is vital for safety and operational continuity. Our team applies advanced knowledge of structural design principles alongside customised inspection and risk assessment processes. Competent evaluation of a structure’s condition, along with contextual and standardised risk assessments for personnel safety and business risk, enables clients to make informed decisions about current and future maintenance requirements.
Know the State of Your Assets, Before It’s Critical
Competent and effective structural condition and risk assessment requires detailed knowledge of the design basis of structures, including loading and resistance parameters.
SIE use internally developed and customised structural risk assessment processes that establish the correct context when assessing structural risks. These processes can include:
- Visual inspection techniques coupled with the targeted use of non-destructive testing where appropriate.
- On-site initial risk assessments that can be performed by our Structural Engineers with the background knowledge to make rapid assessments.
- Where necessary, techniques such as weighing, strain measurement, vibration and dynamic measurement etc.
Understanding Condition, Managing Risk
Our clients benefit from our structured approach to condition and risk assessment by receiving clear, concise and targeted information that allows an understanding of the criteria used for condition assessment, the risks the current condition may pose and actions necessary for risk mitigation.
Through our customised approach to structural risk assessment, we provide the following benefits to our Clients:
- Knowledge and participation in setting the design criteria and/or risk assessment criteria for a project or structure.
- Knowing that the condition assessment of a structure will be based against the standard of compliance for structural elements as established by relevant standards and legislation.
- Using the right technique of condition assessment at the right time to obtain the key information necessary.
- Efficiently communicating the key condition and risk issues arising from condition discovery via clear and concise reports and direct verbal communications.
Some of our Condition Inspection Projects:
Reclaimer Structural Audit and Condition Assessment
A comprehensive structural inspection was carried out on a large reclaimer machine to assess its current condition and identify potential risks to structural integrity. Drawing on years of precedent data and inspection history, engineers conducted a targeted review of critical components using a risk-based approach. The audit included visual inspection, drone-assisted imaging of inaccessible areas, and review of non-destructive testing results. Notably, the inspection revealed previously undetected cracking in key structural elements, highlighting the importance of specialist engineering oversight in maintaining safe and reliable plant operations
Fixed Plant Structural Inspection
A detailed structural inspection was carried out across multiple fixed plant assets, including conveyors, trestles, towers, and mobile feed hoppers. Using a combination of ground-level access and drone-assisted imaging, engineers were able to assess structural condition in areas typically inaccessible during routine maintenance. The inspection revealed significant corrosion in critical support trestles. This damage had remained hidden due to limited visibility and encrustation. These findings enabled targeted maintenance planning and helped mitigate future structural risk, reinforcing the value of thorough, risk-based inspection practices.
Shiploader Condition Inspection
As part of a comprehensive integrity inspection of a shiploader, engineers conducted a detailed review of structural components using a combination of visual inspection, drone imaging, and historical data analysis. A critical finding was the identification of eccentric seating of the forestay pendant’s circular end relative to the lug plate’s circular thickening. This was an indicator of pin hole wear. This subtle but significant misalignment, discovered through close inspection and engineering experience, highlighted a potential failure risk that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. The audit provided actionable insights for maintenance planning and asset life extension.
Why Structural Integrity Engineering Is the Right Choice
Specialist structural engineering advice trusted for over 25 years. Our team's total cumulative knowledge and experience delivers expert guidance on critical, complex, and challenging structural projects across Australia and overseas. We take on projects other companies shy away from.
Providing Trusted Specialised Engineering Services for over 25 Years
Rapid incident recovery support you can rely on. Unexpected incidents can be stressful and costly. Our team responds quickly to help restore operations safely and efficiently, ensuring remedial works can be carried out in a risk-controlled manner.
Responding Fast to Keep Your Assets Operational
Our proven experience and technical expertise supports preventative maintenance, life extension, and asset longevity. Talk to us about how our technical abilities and specialist services can help with your asset reliability.
Reliability You Can Count On From Maintenance to Longevity
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