C-AIM Consulting Engineers

Service Overview

We offer Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) as well as Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS) testing and certification as per ISO 3471 and ISO 3449. Our infrastructure features a pneumatically suspended testing floor, which allows us to securely attach large structures for testing and load application, supported by a wide range of fixtures, a 5-tonne overhead crane an array of load cells as well as a 70-tonne hydraulic cylinder, for the application of static test loads. FOPS testing in the from of physical impact tests are performed with a quick release mechanism, calibrated 275kg weight and a hoisting mechanism. If necessary, FOPS tests can also be performed at the premises of the client if required.

Expertise

ISO 3471 assessment: Roll-over protective structures – laboratory testing.
ISO 3449 assessment: Falling-object protective structures — laboratory testing.

Supplementary FEA assessment.
Strength indication before assessment.
Design assistance if retest is required.

Full-scale vehicle testing (depending on vehicle size).
Partial vehicle testing.

Guidance on test fitting design.
On-site tests (depending on available infrastructure).

Equipment and Software

Slotted and pneumatically suspended test floor.

Wide array of fixtures, including large overhead frame.

Large array of loadcells up to 1 MN to measure the applied loads.

5-tonne overhead crane.

Quick release mechanism and 275kg weight for FOPS tests.

ISO 3164 DLV representation

Software routines to visualise structure deformation with reference to DLV.

Relevant Standards

SANS ISO 3449, SANS ISO 3471, Anglo American 264073.

We are typically approached by clients developing new protective structures for mining applications or clients which have made extensive modifications to existing protective structures. Typical structures that are evaluated include:

LHDs.

Personnel carriers

Drill rigs.

Graders.

LPDs.

Light commercial vehicles etc.

Utility vehicles etc.

Related Services

ROPS & FOPS Testing

Service Overview

Expertise

ISO 3471 assessment: Roll-over protective structures – laboratory testing.
ISO 3449 assessment: Falling-object protective structures — laboratory testing.

Supplementary FEA assessment.
Strength indication before assessment.
Design assistance if retest is required.

Full-scale vehicle testing (depending on vehicle size).
Partial vehicle testing.

Guidance on test fitting design.
On-site tests (depending on available infrastructure).

Equipment and Software

Relevant Standards

We are typically approached by clients developing new protective structures for mining applications or clients which have made extensive modifications to existing protective structures. Typical structures that are evaluated include:

Related Services

Structural Integrity & Dynamics Assessment

Durability Testing & Response Reconstruction

Optical & Non-Contact Measurements

Need ROPS or FOPS Testing Support?

ROPS & FOPS Testing

Service Overview

Expertise

ISO 3471 assessment: Roll-over protective structures – laboratory testing. ISO 3449 assessment: Falling-object protective structures — laboratory testing.

Supplementary FEA assessment. Strength indication before assessment. Design assistance if retest is required.

Full-scale vehicle testing (depending on vehicle size). Partial vehicle testing.

Guidance on test fitting design. On-site tests (depending on available infrastructure).

Equipment and Software

Relevant Standards

We are typically approached by clients developing new protective structures for mining applications or clients which have made extensive modifications to existing protective structures. Typical structures that are evaluated include:

Related Services

Structural Integrity & Dynamics Assessment

Durability Testing & Response Reconstruction

Optical & Non-Contact Measurements

Need ROPS or FOPS Testing Support?

ISO 3471 assessment: Roll-over protective structures – laboratory testing.
ISO 3449 assessment: Falling-object protective structures — laboratory testing.

Supplementary FEA assessment.
Strength indication before assessment.
Design assistance if retest is required.

Full-scale vehicle testing (depending on vehicle size).
Partial vehicle testing.

Guidance on test fitting design.
On-site tests (depending on available infrastructure).