Abstract
In Hungary, as in other countries around the world, intervention firefighting units often use a mechanically operated aerial ladder for high-altitude rescue tasks. The safe operation of the equipment is only possible under strict safety regulations and requires a high level of expertise from the operating staff. During each intervention, extraordinary events such as sudden wind gusts can occur, which can cause extreme overload of the structural members of aerial ladders and have adverse effects on the equipment that can lead to malfunctions and - even worse - to accidents. Therefore it is important to study the consequences of external influences on aerial ladders during operation. The examination was performed on a widely used Magirus M32-L aerial ladder. The reason for choosing this type of aerial ladder is because it has a wide operating range, therefore test results can be a good starting point for other similar equipment as well. In this paper the development of our beam model and the performed finite element simulations are presented. The aim of the research is to develop a model based on geometrical measurement data that is suitable for studying the effects of wind gusts on the ladder structure. With our research, we aim to contribute to the safe operation of aerial ladders and to prevent possible accidents.
Highlights
After reviewing the available literature on the subject, it was found that similar studies had been carried out only to determine the operating parameters of aerial ladders [13]
To analyze the deflection of the ladder caused by wind load, four different wind events have been applied using linear representation of their associated ramps: a) Wind rise: a 20 km/h wind speed increases to 60 km/h within 1 second b) Wind gust: a 20 km/h wind speed increases to 80 km/h falls down to 20 km/h within 1 second c) Wind lull: a 60 km/h wind speed dies out and rises up again to 60 km/h d) Wind die-out: a 60 km/h wind speed decreases to 20 km/h within 1 second
The aim of the research is to identify the phenomena that occur in sudden wind gusts which lead to damage of the ladder structure and to facilitate the safe execution of firefighters' high-altitude rescue tasks by examining the swings of ladder structure, providing a more effective preparation of the intervening firefighters for the effects of possible wind gusts
Summary
After reviewing the available literature on the subject, it was found that similar studies had been carried out only to determine the operating parameters of aerial ladders [13]. As a first step, the operating parameters of the selected aerial ladder were examined. The operating reports where a sudden wind gust would adversely affect the equipment were selected. In order to obtain practical results, the behavior of the equipment was examined at four different wind loads. Based on the geometrical data, a 3D beam model was created and a finite element simulations were carried out. The investigation of the behavior of the aerial ladder under wind gusts was motived that our place of residence, North-West Hungary is the windiest region of our country firefighters carry out high-altitude rescue tasks during varying wind events
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
