AIL provides efficient solutions for all types of mine site infrastructure, but one of the most challenging applications is the heavy haul road arch.
We made quite a buzz when in 2004 our designers completed the world’s largest corrugated arch in Whitehorse Creek, AB. So, when our client requested that we design another heavy haul road crossing, they knew that we were plenty capable of doing the task at hand.
The client for this project is one of Canada’s largest diversified mining companies. In 2003, the company purchased a new excavation site located in an old deserted mining town, just south of Cadomin, AB. The once-prosperous community — nicknamed the “Windy Valley” — is notorious for its unpredictable weather and harsh winters. Prairie Erectors International Ltd. out of Nisku, AB, provided construction services for this project, and they knew that erecting the structures in harsh weather conditions would be tricky. Fortunately, AIL products are designed for quick installation, so by working around a variety of major weather events, the contractors were able to keep on schedule.
One of the design requirements was that the crossing support a four million pound shovel. AIL’s 6.78 m round Super-Cor structure coupled with a 12 m span, 6 m rise Super-Cor arch were up for the challenge, with MSE Wire Walls and Gabion crash barriers lending their support.
Environmental concerns also topped the list on this project. To limit the impact on the surrounding environment, the construction had to fall within strict time windows to ensure fish and duck migrations were not disturbed.
At the client’s request, AIL’s Technical Sales Representative was instrumental in liaising with the consultant and the geotechnical engineer to ensure a successful project outcome all around.
