Bumps formed in the side wall under applied forces during unloading process increase local contact forces and accelerate wear. A similar phenomenon occurs in floor plates and is a well-known issue that is typically addressed by adding a saddle plate underneath. However, in this case, there is insufficient space between the stiffeners to install a saddle plate.

This effect can limit the potential for reducing the side-wall thickness. Thinner side walls lead to greater deflection, which increases bump formation and, consequently, local contact forces and wear. Therefore, this phenomenon may become a limiting factor when considering thickness reduction of the side walls.

Section and photos of tipper side wall with stiffeners

As conceptually illustrated, the redesigned side-wall stiffener eliminates the need for direct welding to the side wall.

The absence of a direct weld between the side wall and the stiffener prevents the formation of local bumps and avoids potential changes in material properties caused by welding heat input. As a result, wear remains more uniform across the side wall.

Details such as the distance between the side wall and the closing plate, whether rubber pads should be used to fill the gap, where the gap should start and end, and the design of the stiffeners and closing plate should be adapted to the specific requirements of each tipper to ensure adequate stiffness and satisfactory fatigue performance.

The same concept can be applied to the longitudinal beams beneath the tipper floor.

Schematic view of the rear section of a side-wall stiffener with direct weld between the side wall and the stiffener of a conventional U-shape tipper. Components such as the saddle plate and longitudinal beams are omitted for clarity.

Schematic view of the rear section of a redesigned side-wall stiffener of a U-shape tipper. Closing plates in blue. The gap does not necessarily need to start at the side wall–floor plate connection or extend all the way to the top rail. The design details should be optimized to ensure adequate fatigue life and ease of manufacturing. Components such as the saddle plate and longitudinal beams are omitted for clarity.