Conveyor support structure

[JTPE]

I have read through the drift and deflection criteria in the IBC and ASCE 7 and can not find any real guidance as to the allowable lateral drift at the top of a conveyor support.

We have a 145 foot bent that has a lateral deflection of 3.2 inches at its top. This seems like a lot, but maybe not.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[shin25]

What kind of structure is the conveyor belt for?

At 3.2" deflection, is the conveyor still going to fuction properly?

 

[jike]

That doesn't sound too bad. It is H/544.

The real question is will it affect the operation of the conveyor?

 

[civilperson]

Depending upon how the conveyor is attached and supported, this amount of drift in an extreme wind or seismic event is probably OK. Check with conveyor manufacturer for sliding plate details and slotted holes required at attachments. The ends of conveyors have lots of tolerance in relation to the next segment.

 

[dbuzz]

We typically have a horizontal deflection limit of H/500, up to a maximum of 50 mm (2"), under operating wind of 20 m/s (~45 mph), and H/250 under serviceability wind.