Identification of low cycle dynamic loads acting on heavy machinery

Abstract Power and mining industry characterizes with common use of the machines and installations that size and mass exceeds the machinery and equipment used in majority of industries. Due to the scale of those objects, the objects dynamics and external loads characteristics comprises with low frequency, low cycle loads of large energy. The paper presents the objects (bucket wheel excavators, load carrying structures…) which are prone to that type of the loads. Proper loads definition, calculations procedures and the experimental testing and/or validation requires dedicated approach. Improper design and operational conditions assumption, due to the scale of the objects, often leads to the disastrous failures.