As a Structural Design Engineer on the Grassy Mountain Mine project, I was entrusted with pivotal design responsibilities for critical operational infrastructure. My contributions included the comprehensive structural design of over 1300 m² of reinforced concrete foundations and a specialized multi-storey steel platform within the Truck Wash building, both integral to the mine’s functional efficiency and safety.

My Role and Responsibilities

In my capacity as a Structural Design Engineer, I executed a broad range of critical engineering tasks:

  • I served as the Lead Structural Designer for extensive reinforced concrete foundations spanning over 1300 m² across three key structures. My design solutions meticulously addressed:
    • Support for heavy mining trucks and associated substantial operational loads.
    • Ensuring long-term durability and integrity for water-retaining structures.
    • Extensive coordination with architectural teams and Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) manufacturers to achieve integrated and optimized designs.
  • I was the Primary Engineer responsible for the complete structural design of a multi-storey steel platform and associated stair systems within the Truck Wash building. This design specifically accounted for demanding dynamic water jet loads generated during truck cleaning operations.
  • For the steel platform in the Truck Wash building, which houses essential pumps and is supported on a raft slab, my responsibilities encompassed the full design lifecycle:
    • Conducting detailed Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using Dlubal RFEM to create, analyze, and iteratively refine the structural model.
    • Engaging in proactive interdisciplinary coordination with Process Mechanical and Geotechnical Engineers to integrate their requirements and ensure a holistic, robust design.
    • Leading the design documentation process by translating complex engineering data from the FEA model into clear, actionable markups for CAD technicians, directly facilitating the generation of Revit models and construction drawings.
    • Undertaking the detailed structural design of all steel platform members and their critical connections to the underlying raft slab, ensuring structural integrity under all specified load conditions.
    • Developing comprehensive technical specifications for procurement and construction, ensuring precise alignment with design drawings.
  • I systematically managed the design review and feedback incorporation process:
    • I prepared and delivered progress sets of design drawings (at 40% and 60% completion stages) to the owner’s engineer for review, ensuring alignment with project specifications.
    • I conducted internal design reviews with the Engineer of Record prior to each submission.
    • I diligently addressed and incorporated feedback from the owner’s engineer, providing detailed responses to all comments to ensure design conformance.
    • I adhered to my firm’s rigorous Organizational Quality Management (OQM) program by submitting final drawings and design calculations for an independent internal structural review prior to issuing for construction.
    • I responded to all comments from the independent reviewer, documented the outcomes of discussions, and meticulously incorporated necessary changes into the final design, drawings, and calculations.

Key Accomplishments and Deliverables

My contributions to the Grassy Mountain Mine project culminated in several significant achievements and critical deliverables:

  • I successfully delivered the complete structural design for over 1300 m² of reinforced concrete foundations, providing robust support for critical mining infrastructure and heavy vehicle loads.
  • I engineered a resilient multi-storey platform and stair system within the Truck Wash building, meticulously designed to withstand significant dynamic water jet loads and ensure long-term operational safety and integrity.
  • I produced comprehensive tender documents for the multi-storey steel platform, enabling competitive bidding and efficient procurement. This package included detailed drawings and technical specifications.
  • I generated accurate and detailed design markups, derived from sophisticated FEA (Dlubal RFEM), which directly guided the CAD team in the creation of precise Revit models and associated construction drawings.
  • I authored comprehensive technical specifications for the steel platform, ensuring clarity in material requirements, fabrication standards, and construction procedures, while maintaining meticulous consistency with all design drawings.
  • I ensured all designs met and surpassed rigorous internal and external review standards, receiving formal approval from senior structural engineers, the supervising professional engineer (Engineer of Record), the owner’s engineer, and dedicated CAD reviewers. This involved a structured process of feedback incorporation and design refinement.
  • My thorough and precise engineering design and documentation package was instrumental in the successful award of the construction contract for the steel platform.
  • The Grassy Mountain Mine project, including the structures I designed, is currently in the construction phase, a direct testament to the clarity, accuracy, and viability of the engineering solutions and documentation I provided.