Load Test on a Crane
Load Test on a Crane
(OP)
I am working at a nuclear facility. Our group has changed some components on a large crane. As a result of this change we are planning to load test the crane to 125%. An engineer has challenged stating that we must complete an analysis to verify the structure is able to support the increased load. He is indicating that we have to check the structure for side load perpndicular crane.
In my experience the load test is simply completed. Further buiding analysis is not required.
I would argue that the original design utlises a live load factor of 1.5. This is controlled activity below this limit. For this reason it is acceptable to complete the test.
Please advise who is correct. Thanks for any insight.
In my experience the load test is simply completed. Further buiding analysis is not required.
I would argue that the original design utlises a live load factor of 1.5. This is controlled activity below this limit. For this reason it is acceptable to complete the test.
Please advise who is correct. Thanks for any insight.






RE: Load Test on a Crane
If anything the load test is there to find out if a problem will occur during crane use, so of course loading into the safety factor of the crane and supporting structure is normal.
Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com
RE: Load Test on a Crane
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RE: Load Test on a Crane
RE: Load Test on a Crane
You said... “An engineer has challenged stating....” What engineer, who’s engineer, and what authority or jurisdiction does he have? Your research, design and calcs., etc. associated with the changes you have made should be the support you need to verify the adequacy of your changes. Of course, the crane must be able to support the increased loading, and those considerations should be part of your design package. I assume this is a bridge crane. Maybe you should/could pass your changes buy the original crane designer/manufacturer, for their review. Nobody should know their crane better than they do. It probably doesn’t require a complete redesign, if you have been diligent in your redesign/modification work. But, without some involvement on their part, in this kind of facility, you might want to consider how the changes might affect their warrantee of their crane, if anything does come up. What do your nuclear regulatory, and OSHA type agencies have to say about crane changes like this? And then, the 125% load test should be the icing on the cake.
RE: Load Test on a Crane
Dave
Thaidavid
RE: Load Test on a Crane
Which components?
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA