Lesson 1/Learning Event 6
Learning Event 6
DESCRIBE SITE PREPARATION AND PLANT ERECTION
CRUSHER PLANT SITE PREPARATION
Your site preparation for the crusher plant will consist of the following basic steps:
Preliminary Earthwork. Initially you should cut the lower level of the site to grade and proper dimensions. A
predetermined portion of the material may be deposited above the hardstand for later use in backfilling behind the
retaining wall. You may do the excavation for the hardstand simultaneously.
Hardstands. Hardstands must be constructed to support the equipment. This is due to the weight of the
equipment and settling that could be caused by the constant vibration of the machines as they process the rock.
Ideally a concrete pad would be desired as a hardstand, but this is seldom possible in the field. You can use a
primary crusher to produce base course material to provide material for a hardstand. This material should be
leveled and well compacted to provide adequate support.
Retaining and Wing Wall Construction. Following completion of the earthwork on the lower level, you may
start work on the retaining walls. Support for the retaining walls may be provided by driven piles. Holes may be
drilled and piles set in and concreted individually, or the base of the wall may be entrenched and piles set in a
continuous concrete footer.
ERECTING THE PLANT
The importance of proper site preparation and proper stationing of the plant cannot be overemphasized. Your site
for stationing the plant should be flat, level, and well compacted. Crushing and screening plants may be operated
for short periods of time from the wheelbase. But it is advantageous on longer and more deliberate jobs, from a
maintenance standpoint, not to operate the plant until it has been blocked and leveled with the tires clear of the
ground.
You should include the following steps in the blocking, leveling, and operational startup phases.
Leveling. You should level the plant both transversely and longitudinally before initial operation. This should be
frequently checked while the plant is in operation. Leveling should be done on the unit frame, and a rigid, straight
plank should be used across the unit frame rails for transverse leveling. The level should be checked at several
points throughout the unit.
Blocking. You should install blocking under each side of the tandem axles and under the dolly axle to raise the
tires clear of the ground. Place blocking parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the unit. If cribbing is used, the
ground timbers should be parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the unit.
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