Table of Contents
2 Preparing the Model for Shipment
3 Selection Mode of Transportation
5 Preparing the Crates for Shipment
1 Introduction
The design model is to be used as a detailed engineering tool as well as a construction and planning aid for the job when shipped to the site.
Shipping the model to the construction site requires custom-built crates to accommodate the different sizes of model tables, and special care handling because of the value and fragility of the models.
2 Preparing the Model for Shipment
Prior to actually placing the model in either a crate or on board the transportation carrier, the following steps should be taken.
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Reapply cement to each and every bond joint on the model; structure, equipment, pipe joints, duct-work, etc.
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Add any necessary cross bracing, corner triangles, or supports (all represented as fictitious members) to the model - structure, equipment, piping, etc. - at points where the strength of the model is inadequate. These points may occur where the glued joint is of a small cross-sectional area and requires reinforcement, or where the weight of a model component might cause considerable damage if it were to break loose during transit.
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Apply nylon filament tape to sections of the model to keep model split levels from separating. The number of floors to be taped to one another depends on how many section are to be shipped or placed in a crate as a unit. Nylon tape can also be used for general cross bracing on the model structure.
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Models having a multi-storey building structure normally cannot be shipped as a unit because of the crate size, model weight and limitations imposed by the carrier. Therefore, it is advisable that the model floors be fastened in some manner to a 1/2” thick plywood sheet to act as a base. The plywood should extend approximately 1” beyond the model floor on all four sides.
An important factor to be recognized is that the model must not be made into a rigid system. Some flexibility and movement is needed to absorb impact.
Remove the legs from the model base and tape the legs together in pairs.
3 Selection Mode of Transportation
The mode of travel for the model from the engineering office to the construction site must be selected to determine the method of handling and the crating needs. The selection depends upon:
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Project schedule - model completion and filed delivery dates.
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Travel Time.
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Cost Factors. Model value - replacement value and engineering backup in case of total model loss and differential transportation costs.
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Physical size of model.
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Safety risk elements of transportation.
There are two basic types of transportation available for transporting models; truck and air. Truck transportation, generally in moving vans, is most commonly used. Train and nautical transport will be avoided.
Shipment by van generally eliminates the need for crates. The truck bed is covered with thick foam padding and the models are placed on the foam in such a way that they do not touch the sides of the vehicle or other bases. Rolls of foam can be placed between model bases and the sides of the van. Tie-downs are not required. This method provides door-to-door service and direct loading and unloading. The cost of crating is avoided if there are few limitation on the size of the model shipped.
Van shipment is usually more expensive than air freight and the delivery time is usually longer especially if long distances are involved or adverse driving conditions are encountered.
Air freight is relatively inexpensive especially over long distances. The service is reliable and relatively unaffected by weather conditions. However, all models must be crated and the crate size is limited by the size of the cargo door of the aircraft used. This method also requires multiple handling operations and local trucking at both the origin and the destination, greatly increasing the risk of accidental damage. Air freight is used extensively for overseas shipments.
4 Model Packing
Crates are fabricated to contractors specification (see Attachment 1). The inside crate size should allow 50 mm on all sides of the model base. An exception to this rule occurs when a model has an overhang which requires an adjustment to crate size.
The model tables are individually crated. Knowing this, and the size of the model table, the crate sizes can be pre-calculated and arrangements for shipping can be made with the airlines cargo section, or any model contract mover. Sometimes an extra crate may be needed for the removal sections of the model if there is insufficient space on the model table to ship the sections.
Crates will have three perspex windows (top, side, side) 300 mm x 300 mm for customs control.
Crate dimensions will be measured by crate fabricator and are his responsibility.
5 Preparing the Crates for Shipment
Place a copy of model uncrating instructions on the side of the side of the crate in a waterproof envelope.
Address the crates and prepare the shipping documents, such as packing slips, bill of lading, and declared value, as required. These requirements vary from domestic and international shipments.
In air shipment, volume is the main factor not the weight, as is usual in over-the road shipment. The air shipment crates should not be made oversized in any case. The crates are pelletized and smaller crates are placed on the top of bottom crates.
The following labels should be on the crates:
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Fragile
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This side up (and direction arrow)
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Open top first
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Delivery address
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Weight
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Dimensions
6 Model Transport
If going by road the freighter may use a van/lorry which is enclosed and waterproof. If by roadship - road to destination the arrangements re. the ship must be roll on, roll off type, to reduce possible damage to model.
Each model base will than be independently fixed rigid to the floor of the van/lorry using wooden battens of size 100 mm x 38 mm. These wooden battens will be fixed securely either directly to the floor or the sides of the van/lorry.
Foam padding will be positioning on the floor of the van/lorry.
Model table supporting legs will be removed from the model bases and securely taped to respective model bases.
The model bases will then be positioned in the van/lorry on the foam padding so as to avoid contact with other bases being transported simultaneously.
If it is felt that certain structures or other high items may be subject to movement caused by vibration set up by the moving vehicle then all reasonable precautions will be taken to minimize this. These measures, as a minimum, will be the tapping down of subject parts of the model.
Personnel from Piping Group should accompany model when in transit to site, in order to control handling and be present when model is removed from cases. (Note. providing freedom of travel allowed in country of destination).
Travel by air - the same applies (i.e. personnel to travel with model from office to airport to witness cases being loaded. If cases are interchanged en route Constructors Personnel should be there to witness transfer and again personnel available at destination to supervise off-loading. Aircraft should be met to see off-loading and loading on lorry for final journey to site.
Contractor should be notified immediately of any breakage or damage.
Once received at site the DESIGN MODEL will be required to be housed in a temporary building close to the unit being erected. This building will require to be well ventilated, water proofed and have a source of heat supply to prevent condensation damage to the mode.
Whilst the model is retained in the temporary building it is the responsibility of the Company Construction Supervisor to ensure the storage and safekeeping of the model.
So as to minimize the possibility of damage to the model it is recommended that only supervisory personnel are allowed unrestricted access to the model. All other personnel are to be accompanied on visits to the model.
All damage occurring to the model is to be reported immediately so that qualified personnel may carry out repairs and ensure that all at all times the model is an accurate portrayal of the subject unit.
Design changes to the model once delivered to site will be resisted. Any changes that are agreed to will be the subject of a Project Change Notice and will require to be approved by Company Project Manager. All design change requests must be made in writing, to Company Project Manager.
Upon completion of the erection of a subject unit the model will be removed from the temporary building and placed in a final location.
At this stage the model will be formally handed over to the Client.
7 Insurance of Model
The design model will be covered by an insurance policy held by Company responsibility for shipment a special insurance will be arranged by the Traffic Coordinator.
Insurance cover for the model will be as a maximum - for total destruction. The declared value of the model should only be the cost of the material and only the cost of an after the fact model (a model built only after the drawings are completed). No design time should be included in this declared value.
To enable insurance claims to be instigated it is imperative that all damage is reported immediately howsoever caused.
8 Attachments
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Fabrication of Totally Enclosed Model Table Crate
