Load Test of Overhead Cranes (Multiple)
Load Test of Overhead Cranes (Multiple)
(OP)
I am working on a project where we have two overhead cranes running on the same runway. The cranes need load tested per OSHA requirements. My question is: OSHA nor ASME B30.20 make it clear if the load test needs to be performed with both crane bridges under load at the same time?
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?






RE: Load Test of Overhead Cranes (Multiple)
Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanConcrete/
RE: Load Test of Overhead Cranes (Multiple)
Since you do not design the structure for two cranes w/ simultaneous impact load, you would not load test both cranes simultaneously which would produce the same effect. I would not argue against testing one crane at the prescribed 125% while the other crane is simultaneously loaded at 100%.
RE: Load Test of Overhead Cranes (Multiple)
The intentions of the OSHA and ASME tests you are talking about are to test the immediate structural member cap’y. and mech. component strengths of the O.H. crane. The tests are not intended as a means of testing the, worst case, strength and adequacy of the bldg. structure, that would be a whole different testing regimen. However, in the process of testing the crane, you will want to consider load and trolley locations which cause the max. loads, forces and stresses in the various components. That is, with the trolley almost anyplace, (1.25)(rated crane cap’y.) pretty well tests the trolley and its mech. parts, but it may not test the trucks, or induce the max. bending or shear on the spanning bridge structure.
RE: Load Test of Overhead Cranes (Multiple)
Professional Engineer (ME, NH, MA) Structural Engineer (IL)
American Concrete Industries
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanConcrete/
RE: Load Test of Overhead Cranes (Multiple)
and is common for us to set up radio controllers such that they operate two cranes simultaneously - to support this scenario. Bridge Building shops often do 3 & 4 crane pics
As said by others, OSHA is not clear on this
so it comes down to:
1) what is the actual operational application of your cranes? Does it merit this form of testing?
2) What is management comfortable with? - In this litigious society we live in
3) What is the building, columns & runway beams designed for? Two cranes bumper to bumper or X feet apart? All this may be moot if not bumper to bumper. Be reminded that the runway structure, hence facility, will see double the longitudinal force no matter how far apart the cranes are (at least that's how we design for longitudinal restraint)
Best regards