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Photo Courtesy of the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

Allnorth was contracted to lead a project team in the research and development of a mechanical snow clearing system to keep the Port Mann bridge stay cables free of snow during winter snowstorms. 

The multi-talented project team included mechanical, structural, electrical and instrumentation engineers, rigging specialists, plus a steel fabrication manufacturing facility.  The focus was on the research and development of a rolling mechanism actuated via high speed linear winches to clean the stay cables.

Allnorth completed prototype testing of the snow shuttle in an all-weather GM test laboratory located near Oshawa, Ontario, and mock system prototype testing was completed in Chilliwack, BC.

Although the snow shuttle design was highly regarded by the BC MoTI, research and development of the cleaning system was placed on hold prior to starting the bridge testing, to allow for the installation and situational testing of the currently installed chain drop cleaning system.

In addition to snow shuttle research and development, Allnorth also provided finite element analysis (FEA) engineering services to estimate the heat input required to keep the stay cables free of snow electrically.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Research and development
  • Mechanical Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

LOCATION

Coquitlam to  Surrey, BC

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With locations across Canada and into the US and Mexico, Allnorth prides itself on being responsive to client needs and to providing leading-edge methodologies, technologies and protocols. Having a local presence helps us build strong relationships, and working cross functionally throughout the company helps us leverage the strengths of our entire team to deliver successful client solutions. Contact us today for more information as to how we can work together for you.

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