Expansion Joint in Bridge Crane Runway
Expansion Joint in Bridge Crane Runway
(OP)
I'm designing some new framing to go in an existing building to support a bridge crane. The building is 500'x400' broken into 4 quarters by expansion joints; typical warehouse/manufacturing (tilt-up walls, bar joist, joist girder).
The new crane runway will cross an expansion joint. I've designed the crane beams/columns on either side of the joint to act independently; specifically in relation to transverse and longitudinal crane loads.
The crane manufacturer is hesitent to put a joint in the rail. If the rail did not have a joint, what types of issue would arise with it being the only structure to be linked across the expansion joint. Should the crane beams have the typical 1" gap similar to the roof structure, or should it be a flush joint so that the rail isn't spanning the 1" gap?
I know my fair share about designing crane supports but I must not understand this particular concept of why the rail should be completely continuous.
The new crane runway will cross an expansion joint. I've designed the crane beams/columns on either side of the joint to act independently; specifically in relation to transverse and longitudinal crane loads.
The crane manufacturer is hesitent to put a joint in the rail. If the rail did not have a joint, what types of issue would arise with it being the only structure to be linked across the expansion joint. Should the crane beams have the typical 1" gap similar to the roof structure, or should it be a flush joint so that the rail isn't spanning the 1" gap?
I know my fair share about designing crane supports but I must not understand this particular concept of why the rail should be completely continuous.






RE: Expansion Joint in Bridge Crane Runway
The expansion joint should allow for longitudinal movement only. The vertical and transverse directions should be locked out with keepers.
RE: Expansion Joint in Bridge Crane Runway
RE: Expansion Joint in Bridge Crane Runway
Michael.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
RE: Expansion Joint in Bridge Crane Runway
RE: Expansion Joint in Bridge Crane Runway
Another thought; could you longitudinally anchor the girder in just one section and use Teflon bearings and guides in the other sections?
Michael.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
RE: Expansion Joint in Bridge Crane Runway
RE: Expansion Joint in Bridge Crane Runway
The third page of the attached PDF should help with regard to expansion.
RE: Expansion Joint in Bridge Crane Runway
RE: Expansion Joint in Bridge Crane Runway
I've seen 2 different detail:
1. Joint at a 30 deg angle to the rail, with the gap appropriate for the installation temperature and extreme operating temperatures.
2. Using a halved joint, where the end of each rail segment is sliced down the centreline and then overlapped, and the end gap being staggered. This only works if the rail is large enough.
RE: Expansion Joint in Bridge Crane Runway
If the runway were 200' on one side and 200' on the other, I can see needing the joint and using the joint type aspix decsribed.
I don't think I'm going to put a joint in the rail or the support beams. Even if there is a little connectivity across the expansion joint at the crane beam level (elev+20') the existing roof still has it's ability to be seperate at the +30' elevation.
Thanks guys for your help.