SERVICES / Crane analysis and calculations
Crane analysis and calculations.
Does a crane need a new hoist, a change in lifting capacity or an assessment for continued use? We analyse structures, crane runways and lifting accessories using analytical calculations and finite element analysis.
Design and strength calculations / ENGINEERING
DELIVERABLES
What you receive from Solutn.
- A calculation report with loads, applicable standards and assumptions.
- Assessment of strength, stability, deformation and relevant fatigue.
- Reactions, wheel loads and critical interfaces.
- Limitations of use and, where relevant, a basis for reinforcement.
How we get started.
Send us the material you already have. We review the basis and agree on scope, documentation and schedule.
View the relevant information and files
- Drawings, photos, a 3D model and information about the existing structure.
- Current and proposed SWL, reach, span and hoist data.
- Materials, welds, bolts, supports and known modifications.
- Use, load spectrum, number of lifts and available operating history.
- Previous reports, inspection findings and relevant NDT data.
- The original standards basis, project requirements and intended future use.
We agree on calculation deliverables and their role in the overall process. Inspection, NDT, load testing and any CE documentation have separately defined roles. A change in lifting capacity is assessed across the relevant components and interfaces.
TYPICAL TASKS
When a modification needs more than a new drawing.
A new hoist, higher lifting capacity or changed use affects the structure and its loads. Solutn reviews geometry, materials, joints and operating data and defines the relevant calculation basis. We help crane service companies, suppliers and asset owners with the calculation scope.
Strength and structural verification
Analytical calculations and finite element analysis of load-bearing structures, columns, jibs, joints and relevant interfaces. Load capacity, stability and deformation are included according to the agreed scope.
Changes in capacity and modifications
Assessment of a proposed change in SWL, new hoist, changed span, new use or reinforcement. We examine the load path and the parts affected by the modification.
Crane runways and wheel loads
Calculation of relevant wheel loads and their effects on crane runways, beams, brackets and other crane-supporting structures. The interface between crane and building is described.
Lifting beams and specialist lifting accessories
Design and calculations for lifting beams, spreaders, lifting points and specialist equipment based on load, centre of gravity, suspension and the agreed use.
Fatigue and service-life assessment
Assessment of repeated lifts, load spectra and critical details based on operating history and inspection data. Conclusions are tied to the agreed assumptions and future use.
Calculation inputs for inspections
Technical assessment of critical structural components and findings from major inspections, including relevant 10-year inspections. Inspection and NDT results can form part of the assessment.
STANDARDS AND ASSESSMENT BASIS
A clear basis for the assessment.
The standards basis is selected according to equipment type, use and scope. General design rules are combined with the relevant product standard and requirements for the supporting structures.
| Standards and assessment basis | Application to the task |
|---|---|
| EN 13001-1 | General principles and requirements for the crane design basis. |
| EN 13001-2 | Load actions and combinations as a basis for crane calculations. |
| EN 13001-3-1 | Verification of crane steel structures using the relevant limit states. |
| EN 15011 | Product-specific requirements for bridge and gantry cranes. |
| EN 13155 | Requirements for non-fixed load lifting attachments, including lifting beams and spreaders. |
| EN 12999 | The relevant product standard where the task concerns a loader crane. |
| EN 1991-3 / EN 1993-6 | Crane actions and design of crane-supporting steel structures where these Eurocodes apply. |
The relevant edition, national annexes, product standard and customer requirements are defined in the project basis. For existing equipment, the original design basis, later modifications and the conditions to be assessed are also considered.
WHAT THE ANALYSIS COVERS
From load cases to critical details.
Loads
Self-weight, lifted load, hoist and trolley weight, load position and relevant horizontal and dynamic actions.
Load capacity and stability
Stresses, critical sections, joints, local stability and other relevant failure modes.
Deformation and interfaces
Deflections and reactions that affect use or transfer to crane runways, columns and supports.
Fatigue and use
Repeated loads, critical structural details and the relationship between operating history and future use.
FOR THE CRANE INDUSTRY
A calculation partner for your customer project.
Solutn can act as a calculation partner for crane service companies, lifting-accessory suppliers and manufacturers. We provide the agreed analysis and report while you coordinate delivery to your customer. We start by screening the available basis and clarifying data gaps, scope and next technical steps.
QUESTIONS
Before we get started.
Can you assess a higher SWL or a new hoist?
Yes. We assess the structure and affected interfaces under the new loads. Results may identify limitations of use, necessary modifications or further inputs to the overall assessment.
Can you help with older cranes and incomplete documentation?
We start by reviewing the available material. The original design basis, material information, operating history and current condition are clarified before the calculation scope and method are defined.
Can you act as a calculation partner for a crane service company?
Yes. Solutn can provide calculations, finite element analysis and a report as a defined part of your project. Customer contact, inspection inputs and the subsequent documentation process are agreed with you.
What do you contribute to a 10-year inspection?
We can provide calculation-based assessments and input on highly loaded structural components based on the specific crane and available findings. This supports the overall inspection process with the agreed specialists and inspection activities.
CONTACT
What needs to be calculated or designed?
Send a short description, a drawing or a photo. Tell us what you want to modify or assess and when you need the deliverable. We will clarify the technical basis and next steps.
You are also welcome to call if the scope is still taking shape.
Jon Svenninggaard
Director · Solutn ApS
Opens your email application. You can attach drawings and images.
Vågøvej 16
8700 Horsens · Denmark