New Lifting/Spreader Beam Load Test or Not?
New Lifting/Spreader Beam Load Test or Not?
(OP)
Our Engineering Department designed (using AISC 9th Ed.) a new spreader beam for lifting a specific size and weight of sea-land container. The device was fabricated of A50/A36 structural shapes and plates and controlled (QC inspected) welds were used per AWS D1.1. Allowable working load for the device is 33.6 Tons.
In the past (on much smaller capacity rigging fixtures) we have justified NOT load testing because the devices were considered an "engineered item" designed by qualified engineers using proven empirical design data, and fabricated using the same highly qualified personnel and procedures we use on high pressure nuclear piping.
My question is: Do we need to load test this device before use? We don't load test building structures before we use them. Since we don't have means on site to load test such a large capacity device, it will need to be shipped out to a vendor if testing is required. How do you handle such a problem at your facility?
Thanks so much for any recommendations you can offer...!
In the past (on much smaller capacity rigging fixtures) we have justified NOT load testing because the devices were considered an "engineered item" designed by qualified engineers using proven empirical design data, and fabricated using the same highly qualified personnel and procedures we use on high pressure nuclear piping.
My question is: Do we need to load test this device before use? We don't load test building structures before we use them. Since we don't have means on site to load test such a large capacity device, it will need to be shipped out to a vendor if testing is required. How do you handle such a problem at your facility?
Thanks so much for any recommendations you can offer...!






RE: New Lifting/Spreader Beam Load Test or Not?
In the U.S., design should be per ASME B30.20 for Below the Hook lifting devices and once again you should test to 125% of the rated load. (This is worded as "should" not required.) If you are doing this for any type of agency that is involved in nuclear work I would be suprised if they did not require you to perform and certify a load test.
In testing lifting devices for nuclear containment vessels this same procedure was also followed.
RE: New Lifting/Spreader Beam Load Test or Not?
RE: New Lifting/Spreader Beam Load Test or Not?
IMHO (not worth 2c) if the loading is well defined (i think it is) and the loadpaths are well defined (i think so) and the calcs are well understood (i think so) then you shouldn't need to test.
if you have a heathy MS and/or included a sufficiently large Factor of Safety in your calcs, i think a test is unnecessary. If your first lifts are below capacity then you'll get some experience with it and judge how well it performs.
on the other hand, maybe your labour code says you have to !?
RE: New Lifting/Spreader Beam Load Test or Not?
It may or may not be a requirement in your case, typically it will be at the Owners discretion.
RE: New Lifting/Spreader Beam Load Test or Not?
BTH-1 covers the structural design of spreaders and includes variable factor of safeties based on usage. The safety factors are more strict than AISC. This standard first came out in 2005 and will be updated next year.
RE: New Lifting/Spreader Beam Load Test or Not?
RE: New Lifting/Spreader Beam Load Test or Not?
RE: New Lifting/Spreader Beam Load Test or Not?
It seems to me that the static failure load should be about 100 Tons, is that about right?
BA
RE: New Lifting/Spreader Beam Load Test or Not?
Would recommend this only on solid ground though.
RE: New Lifting/Spreader Beam Load Test or Not?
http:/
In this interpretation letter, OSHA says essentially all rigging equipment used for material handling must be proof tested to 125% of rated load.
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RE: New Lifting/Spreader Beam Load Test or Not?
THANK YOU to all who responded -- What a great resource this site is!!