Free standing overhead crane support system 2

[tft2001]

Working on a project where the existing building is constructed of light steel frame members and wood exterior panels. The client wants to install an overhead crane system (~38 ft long; 15ton capacity) within the existing building.

The building clearance is limited. Thinking about bracing the each new bridge support column with a truss/batter system. Any other suggestions to complete the frame stability?

 

[msquared48]

When you speak of light steel frame members, are you talking of light gage steel, or a PMB frame?

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[hokie66]

It sounds like you have the right idea. Keep the crane runway system separate from the building. It is called a gantry crane. Triangular bracing frames each side. Remember also to brace the runway longitudinally.

 

[tft2001]

Msquared48:

The light framing members are actually tapered truss column and clear span beam assemblies (similar to a pre-engineered building).

 

[msquared48]

Yes. Unless you want to do a lateral on the whole structure, keep them completely separate => lateral and vertical.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[kslee1000]

Overhead crane shall have its own support system. However, due to space concern/limitation, it usually utilizes the building frame to provide lateral stability (a built-up self sustain frame, or truss). Also, a backup truss is usually provided in between building columns at runway level, then thrust plate (top) and batten plates/diagonal braces (bottom) tie the runway girder and backup truss to prevent excessive lateral movement and rotation of runway girders in between supports.

Check out AISC design guide, I forgot the DG No., but its title should be something like "industry building design".
Also,

http://www.AISE.org

publication No. 13 is of great help.

 

[kslee1000]

By the way, you might need to upgrade the existing frame for the extra demand, otherwise, I agree, you would have to provide seperate runway lateral support system to achieve and stisfy stability requirement.