Piedroba to present paper at World Dredging Congress (WODCON) June 3-7, 2013

Piedroba has been invited to present Dr. Luis Prieto-Portar's paper on cuttability and abrasivity in rock dredging at the World Dredging Congress (WODCON) in Brussels, June 3-7, 2013. Dr. Prieto-Portars' paper proposes the use of “cuttability” from the mining industry to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of different cutter-head forces upon rock strata. The Cuttability Index is a function of the strength and the geometry of the cutter-head basket and the placement of its teeth, in addition to the physical properties of the rock.

Numerical examples are given of the use of the equations of cuttability and productivity of dredging in rock. This paper also pursues the applicability of “abrasivity” in rock dredging to predict the wear of buckets or cutter-head teeth. Data is presented of how the Cerchar Abrasivity Index (CAI) use in the mining and tunneling industries has developed a large database to predict tooth wear in different rock strata. Finally, data and examples are presented on tests performed on limestone and sandstone strata in PortMiami in view of its deep dredging in 2013-2014. 

​About the World Dredging Congress (WODCON)
World Dredging Congresses (WODCONs) are organised once every three years by WODA, the World Organisation of Dredging Associations. First organised in 1967 in New York and held throughout the world since, this series of congresses has become the unique most important event for dredging professionals worldwide. WODCONs, the only worldwide events dedicated exclusively to dredging and maritime construction, provide a unique platform for researchers and practitioners from industry, academia and governments to meet and debate dredging.

WODCON XX will showcase some 120 technical papers over three days covering all aspects of dredging and maritime construction. All WODCON XX papers will be peer reviewed and provide up to date, relevant and high quality information. The Congress will also feature a technical exhibition and technical visits. These technical programme elements will ensure a complete learning process, while various social events will allow participants to meet fellow professionals from all over the world in a friendly and inspiring atmosphere.