There is a ASTM spec (C 1433-06), "Standard Specification for Precast Reinforced Concrete Box Sections for Culverts, Storm Drains, and Sewers".
Also, California DOT has a section for underground structures in their "Bridge Design Practice Manual".
A 30yr old crane operator could have 10+ years experience, seems adequate to me (depending on the situation).
A PE only is only required to have 4 years experience to be responsible for the design of the crane (or tens of identical cranes) right?
In Blodgett's "Design of Weldments", there is an example of calculating the pressure on the drum of a winch. In his example, he uses only the pressure from the first two layers of cable around the drum. The subsequent layers tend to force the preceding layers into a smaller diameter and reduce...
If the pipe is laying flat before you pick up one end, it will have bending stresses on it until it is upright. I would check the bending stresses during erection and the attachemt method. You can pick up the pipe from somewhere other than the end to reduce the bending stress, but then it wont...
You may be able to add or remove weight to the lifted item to get the CG where you need it.
You may be able to use a spreader frame to allow the slings to clear an obstruction over the CG.
You may be able to use two cranes.
You may be able to tolerate lifting the object in a tilted postion...
The AISC LRFD code I believe has a section on combined shear and tension on bearing type connections. If the applied shear stress is over a particular value, the "allowable" tension stress is reduced. I guess you could look at it the other way too (for a given tension, shear may be reduced)...
I read some threads about spreader bars made with wide flanges where it was not appropriate to use the unbraced lenght as the length of the beam. This is due to the ends of the beam not being torsionally restrained. Search for "spreader bar lateral torsional buckling".
Texas has a program for counties along the coast called windstorm insurance (for hurricanes). To get the insurance, the house has to be inspected by an engineer who fills out some forms. The inspection is paid for by the homeowner who can shop around for inspectors. Without the inspection...
Structuraly, the lines should be sized for bending stress based on the span between their supports and loading (wave, wind, current). Vortex induced vibration may control for smaller diameters (6"&8"). 8" pipe is not uncommon for 15' spans near the waterline.
Check the lines at the supports...
StructuralEIT
For a real roller support, the vertical reaction at each end of a sloped beam would not be in line with the center of the roller axis. The horizontal distance would cause a moment and would cause the roller to rotate untill the beam fell off the rollers.
