Cyclic loading and a modified ASTM G65 abrasion test

Shovel kinematics were analyzed to determine resistive forces experienced at the shovel bucket teeth. Recorded field data was scaled to appropriate laboratory testing magnitudes. Wear scar inspection suggested that cyclic loading scenarios potentially generate more severe wear damage versus constant loading. Field tooth life was predicted using a specific energy technique. Test results indicated that a cyclic loading approach provided closer correlation to measured shovel tooth life for an oil sands operation than a constant load approach.