Loading Ramp Structural Design Review

Structural Engineer – Loading Ramp Design Review & Calculations (Australian Standards) We are seeking an experienced structural engineer to independently review, verify, and revise preliminary calculations for a mining-site loading ramp retaining structure in Western Australia. The structure consists of an inverted 40 ft high-cube shipping container, partially buried and filled with compacted ROM rock, forming the retaining edge of a ramp used by a Cat 950 GC wheel loader. The preliminary design includes two rows of M20 Grade 8.8 tie rods, RHS 100×50×4.0 C350 walers, and the retained container floor frame acting as the upper restraint. The loader operates over the central 20 ft, with angled berms covering both end sections. Design drawings, specifications, and Excel calculation workbooks are provided. Scope of Work 1. High-Cube Container Assessment - Verify the revised geometry (approximately 2.7 m wall height, 1.8 m exposed, and 0.9 m buried). - Evaluate two versus three tie rows or trimming the walls to approximately 2.1 m. - Assess wall bending, tie positions, load distribution, and below-ground restraint. - Recommend the most structurally adequate and practical configuration. 2. Tie, Waler & Connection Verification - Independently verify M20 tie-rod loads, RHS waler capacities, and corrugated wall strength. - Assess 6 mm versus 10 mm galvanised plate washers and crush-tube load transfer. - Check local bearing, deformation, connection details, corrosion allowance, and design life. - Review the existing floor-frame restraint, welds, unstiffened cut edge, and relevant end-wall details. 3. Structural Stability & Loading - Review loader wheel/axle loading and the assumed 30 kPa surcharge. - Verify lateral earth pressures, sliding, overturning, and foundation bearing. - Assess ROM fill and foundation assumptions, drainage, and construction-stage stability. - Identify any missing site information or testing requirements. 4. Calculations & BOM - Review and correct the existing calculations using applicable Australian standards. - Provide updated, transparent and editable Excel calculations. - Update the Bill of Materials (BOM), including member sizes, connection specifications, and quantities. - Clearly identify unresolved assumptions and conditions requiring verification before certification. Required Deliverables - Technical design review report (PDF) with findings and recommendations. - Revised, fully editable Excel calculation workbook. - Recommended high-cube configuration and verified connection details. - Updated technical BOM (Excel). - Summary of outstanding engineering issues and required site confirmations. Attached Reference Documents 1. Tie & Waler Design – Draft 3 (Word): Design assumptions, sketches, specifications, installation sequence, and outstanding checks. 2. Tie & Waler Calculations – Draft 3 (Excel): Original loader, stability, wall, tie/waler calculations, and BOM. 3. Tie & Waler Calculations – Draft 5 (Excel): Latest calculations, updated washer/connection checks, and revised BOM. Primary calculation reference. 4. Engineer Scope of Work – Draft 1 (Word): Overall engineering review and project requirements, provided for reference only. All supplied calculations are preliminary and must be independently verified.

Requirements

Experience with steel structures, retaining walls, structural connections, and engineering calculations. - Familiarity with AS 4678, AS 4100, AS/NZS 4600, and AS/NZS 1170. - Ability to independently assess existing calculations and justify design recommendations. - Mining or heavy-equipment infrastructure experience preferred. This assignment covers technical design verification and calculation updates only. Formal engineering certification, construction drawings issued for construction, site inspections, construction-stage approvals, and final sign-off are excluded. Timeline & Application Urgent, remote, fixed-price assignment. The high-cube configuration and washer/crush-tube assessment are the immediate priorities because they affect material procurement. Please provide relevant experience, your proposed approach, estimated turnaround time, and fixed-price quotation. Work may be divided into an initial priority-review milestone and a final calculation/BOM milestone.