The project relates to the structural replacement of a 365m long steel structure supporting a belt conveyor which transfers cement from silos to the southern port of the industrial facility. A visual and ultrasonic inspection of the existing steel structure, built in 1986, revealed severe corrosion and pitting presence in most steel members as well as 100% base material loss in certain areas.
Evripidou Engineers had been assigned with the structural design of a new steel structure to support the belt conveyor and replace the existing one. In this new design, larger spans were introduced to allow for better traffic control and wider corridors for better inspection of the belt conveyor. Also, a steel sheet covering the steel structure at deck level was employed.
Considering that the belt conveyor must remain in operation 24/7, the structural design was adjusted so that the new steel structure can be built without dismantling the existing one in the construction phase.