Structural & FEA Analysis of Geodesign C245 Barrier for Heavy Paste Fill Containment in Underground Mining
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
We are Geodesign Barriers, a manufacturer of certified flood protection systems. We are seeking an experienced mechanical/structural engineer with expertise in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to assess whether our C245 modular barrier system can be adapted for use in underground mining as a containment wall for heavy paste fill.
This is a non-standard application compared to floodwater containment, with substantially higher material density and load.
Background
In underground mining, paste filling is used to stabilize voids by pumping in a dense mixture of finely ground rock, water, and sometimes binders.
• The specific gravity (SG) of the paste ranges from 1.8 to 2.6, significantly heavier than water.
• If the paste fails to cure properly, there is a risk of sudden release through containment walls into mine tunnels.
• Currently, mines build temporary rock or waste bunds as safety barriers — a process that is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
The goal is to determine if the C245 barrier, with modifications, could safely replace or supplement these rock bunds, providing a faster, modular, and reusable solution.
Scope of Work
• Base Model Provided: We will supply the SolidWorks CAD model of the C245 barrier support assembly.
• Required Modifications by Freelancer:
1. Narrow the center-to-center spacing between supports to 64 cm.
2. Replace the current connection rod with a different specified design (CAD provided).
3. Add a special top element (CAD provided).
• FEA Objectives:
• Simulate a 2 m high paste wall with SG up to 2.6.
• Determine maximum stresses (von Mises), deflections, factors of safety, and potential failure modes.
• Identify if current or modified C245 design is sufficient, or if further reinforcement is required.
• Loading & Boundary Conditions:
• Hydrostatic-like pressure distribution for paste density (up to 2.6 SG)
• Gravity loading
• Base fixity and realistic contact constraints
• Material Properties: Will be provided (high-strength steel and aluminum alloys, per Geodesign specifications).
Deliverables
• A comprehensive FEA report including:
• Assumptions and boundary conditions
• Material definitions
• FE model details (mesh, element type, constraints, and loads)
• Stress, deflection, and factor of safety plots
• Recommendations for reinforcement or design changes
• Native simulation files and modified CAD geometry
References
We will provide:
• Past FEA reports for similar barrier designs
• Previous SolidWorks simulation data
• Detailed material specifications
Skills Required
• SolidWorks or equivalent CAD/FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, etc.)
• Proven track record in structural analysis of high-load steel/aluminum structures
• Experience with hydrostatic and high-density material loading simulations
This is a non-standard application compared to floodwater containment, with substantially higher material density and load.
Background
In underground mining, paste filling is used to stabilize voids by pumping in a dense mixture of finely ground rock, water, and sometimes binders.
• The specific gravity (SG) of the paste ranges from 1.8 to 2.6, significantly heavier than water.
• If the paste fails to cure properly, there is a risk of sudden release through containment walls into mine tunnels.
• Currently, mines build temporary rock or waste bunds as safety barriers — a process that is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
The goal is to determine if the C245 barrier, with modifications, could safely replace or supplement these rock bunds, providing a faster, modular, and reusable solution.
Scope of Work
• Base Model Provided: We will supply the SolidWorks CAD model of the C245 barrier support assembly.
• Required Modifications by Freelancer:
1. Narrow the center-to-center spacing between supports to 64 cm.
2. Replace the current connection rod with a different specified design (CAD provided).
3. Add a special top element (CAD provided).
• FEA Objectives:
• Simulate a 2 m high paste wall with SG up to 2.6.
• Determine maximum stresses (von Mises), deflections, factors of safety, and potential failure modes.
• Identify if current or modified C245 design is sufficient, or if further reinforcement is required.
• Loading & Boundary Conditions:
• Hydrostatic-like pressure distribution for paste density (up to 2.6 SG)
• Gravity loading
• Base fixity and realistic contact constraints
• Material Properties: Will be provided (high-strength steel and aluminum alloys, per Geodesign specifications).
Deliverables
• A comprehensive FEA report including:
• Assumptions and boundary conditions
• Material definitions
• FE model details (mesh, element type, constraints, and loads)
• Stress, deflection, and factor of safety plots
• Recommendations for reinforcement or design changes
• Native simulation files and modified CAD geometry
References
We will provide:
• Past FEA reports for similar barrier designs
• Previous SolidWorks simulation data
• Detailed material specifications
Skills Required
• SolidWorks or equivalent CAD/FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, etc.)
• Proven track record in structural analysis of high-load steel/aluminum structures
• Experience with hydrostatic and high-density material loading simulations
Related categories:
Health & Medicine
Solidworks
Materials Engineering
Finite Element Analysis
Imaging
Engineering Drawing