The Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) is seeking expressions of interest from forestry contracting businesses to participate in a national trial of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE eg Dyneema) Lashing to establish whether it is a viable means of log restraint. Source: Timberbiz
This follows work completed on existing load restraint configurations, concern regarding compliance and the desire to achieve compliance that is a feasible option for forestry contracting businesses.
Initially, AFCA is seeking to gain participation from up to 15 trucks which cover various regions, log species, log lengths and trip duration. These factors will be considered when considering participants for the trial. Depending on the outcomes of the initial trial it may be extended to a larger group.
What are the aims of the Trial?
The aim of the trial is to:
- Understand life span of UHMWPE rope when in service
- To observe impacts on the wear and tear on current trailers caused by the higher clamping forces, if any.
- Gain driver and other user feedback on operational issues not currently identified
- Monitor performance of log shift events in transit (if any) whilst using UHMWPE rope lashings
- Understand the stability of loads secured with UHMWPE rope, in particular the risk of small diameter pulp logs and potential for these to break or become unsecured in transit.
- To develop a greater understanding of the performance, durability and operating issues of UHMWPE rope lashings in a log load restraint application.
- Understand life span of UHMWPE rope when in service.
What will you need to supply?
Each participate will be required to source their own equipment as ‘in-kind’ support for the trial and be able to provide feedback throughout the 3-6 month period. This will include equipment, UHMWPE and related set up as well as auto- tensioning winches.
What support will you get?
Pre-trial
- Risk assessment for use of UHMWPE Lashings as a restraint method
- Dyneema specification to ensure that lashings are provided to a consistent standard
- Safety guideline providing key information for the use of the UHMWPE on log trucks in service.
In-trial
- Engineering troubleshooting of technical issues arising from the trial, including liaison with equipment suppliers and trailer manufacturers as require
- Discussion of feedback from participants via phone to understand key issues.
To register your interest in the trial please email [email protected] or call 0419 328 093. All participants will be required to confirm their ability to meet the criteria and source the material within four weeks. The trial is expected to commence August 2018.
