Crane Selection and Application

Introduction

This presentation was developed as a teaching aid with the support of the American
Institute of Steel Construction.
It is primarily intended to be used by Construction Management programs to
supplement classes in Construction Methods and Construction Equipment but also
provides examples applicable to Estimating, Soils, Statics and Structures.
The presentation materials would also be applicable in Architecture and Civil
Engineering programs.

This presentation contains several interactive Macros.

You will need to enable Macros in PowerPoint to use these functions. Because
viruses are sometimes transmitted through Macros, the default security setting for
PowerPoint is usually High. This must be changed to Medium before opening the
presentation.
The security setting can be changed by first closing the presentation. In PowerPoint
select Tools|Macro|Security Select Medium. Reopen this presentation and select
Enable Macros when prompted by the Security Warning.
See the Slide Notes for additional information
2

Crane Selection and Application

Crane Types
Crane Selection
Crane Capability Evaluation
Crane Use Optimization
Estimate of Crane Costs
Jobsite Methods and Management

Load
Macro Data
3

Crane Types

Rough Terrain

Truck Mounted

All Terrain

Tower
See also [1],
53-66, 78-81

Crawler Lattice

Types of Cranes

Rough Terrain
Designed for unimproved work sites
Roadable for short
distances
Four steering
modes
Pick and carry
capability
Three position
outriggers
5

Truck Mounted

Can be driven at highway speeds

Limited off-road capability
Can do multiple jobs in one day
Hydraulic booms allow fast setup but the
weight (compared to lattice) reduces lifting
capability

All Terrain
Combines features
of Rough Terrain
and Truck Mounted
cranes
Off-road capable
All-wheel steering
Highway speeds

Crawler Lattice
High-capacity, longreach lifts
Pick and carry
operations
Multiple attachments
provide great
flexibility in boom
configuration

Tower
Used when space is
at a premium
Up and over reach
Moving
counterweight
balances load
Fixed foundation or
Crawler w/attachment

Crane Selection
Selection criteria
Crane data sheet examples
Rough Terrain - Grove RT700E
Crawler Lattice - Manitowoc Model 777

Manufacturer web sites

10

Crane Selection Criteria

Available space
Working range
Load charts
Crane availability
Number of lifts

11

Available Space
Can crane fit on jobsite?
Can crane maneuver as required on
jobsite?
Can the boom configuration reach all
required placement positions?
Can boom avoid existing obstacles while
performing required movements?
12

INFO

Available
Space
Clicking on the category button will
briefly describe the crane's
capabilities.

Tower

Hydraulic

Crawler

13

Working Range
Working range
diagram shows the
cranes reach
Load capacity will be
significantly reduced
at long radii
Diagram also shows
range of boom angles
and attachment
geometry
14

INFO
LOAD

Load Charts

Load charts provide the

authoritative load
capacity for all crane
configurations at all
ranges
Load Chart NOTES
must be followed 4.
Weight of the block,
rigging equipment and
cable below the boom
must be subtracted
from load capacity to
determine actual
payload

NOTES:
4. Capacities appearing above the bold line are based on
structural strength and tipping should not be relied upon
as a capacity limitation.

15

Crane Availability
As with most types of construction
equipment, the theoretically optimal crane
for the job based on capability may not be
readily available, or a more capable crane
that is owned by the steel erector may be
more economical
Availability will always be an important
factor in crane selection
16

Number of Lifts
Fixed costs for crane mobilization will be
more significant for smaller jobs requiring
fewer days on site
A crane that can perform all lifts from a
small number of positions (or a single
position) on the job site may be highly
desirable even if mobilization and
operating cost are higher
17

Crane Data Sheets

Specifications
Dimensions and weights
Working range
Load charts
Notes to load charts

18

Rough Terrain Hydraulic Crane

Grove RT700E
50-60 ton capacity at 12 ft
radius
36 ft 110 ft, 4 section, full
power boom
33 ft 56 ft bifold lattice
swingaway extension
20 ft or 40 ft extension
inserts
12,150 lbs counterweight
pinned to superstructure

19

Critical RT700E Dimensions

20

Critical RT700E Dimensions

21

RT700E Weights

Crane weight is critical when hauling

The counterweight may have to be removed and transported on a
separate vehicle
22

INFO

Selected RT700E Specifications

Boom

Information
Clicking the buttons showing standard crane symbols will provide
the information from the specification describing that characterstic
of the RT700 crane.

Fixed

Counterweight

Bi-Fold

Steering

Insert
s

Gradeability
23

RT700E Working Range

24

LOAD

RT700E Capacity Calculator

Boom

110 ft.

Cntrwgt

Outriggers

12,150 lbs. 50%

Spread
17 ft. 4 in.

Rotation

Insert

Fixed Swingaway

360 deg

20 ft.

Length
56 ft.

Offset
25

Select a crane
configuration from
the options
provided. If that
configuration is
allowed, the load
chart will be
displayed on the
following slide.
25

LOAD

RT700E Load Chart (pounds)

33 ft. LENGTH
56 ft. LENGTH
Radius 0 deg 25 deg 45 deg 0 deg 25 deg 45 deg
in
OFFSET OFFSET OFFSET OFFSET OFFSET OFFSET
Feet
#4064 #4065 #4066 #4084 #4085 #4086

35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70

9,360
(78)
9,360
(77)
8,480
(75.5)
7,680
(73.5)
6,990
(71.5)
6,190
(70)
5,890
(68)
5,390
(66)

7,480
(78)
7,070
(77.5)
6,470
(76)
5,970
(74)
5,570
(72)
5,070
(70)

5,880
(78)
5,880
(77.5)
5,480
(76.5)
5,080
(74.5)
4,780
(72.5)

NOTE: ( ) Boom angles are in degrees.

6,300
(78)
6,300
(7.5)
6,000
(76.5)
5,990
(75)
5,980
(73.5)
5,510
(72)
5,010
(70)

NOTES: Radii listed are for

a fully extended boom with
the boom extension
erected. For main boom
lengths less than fully
extended, the rated loads
are determined by boom
angle. Use only the column
which corresponds to the
boom extension length and
offset for which the machine
is configured. For boom
angles not shown, use the
rating of the next lower
boom angle.

4,840
(78)
4,840
(77.5)
4,440
(76.5)
Tipping Structure
Governs Governs

Displays the load chart for the configuration selected on the previous slide.

26

LOAD

Boom
Insert
FS Length
FS Offset
Outriggers
Capacity
Rigging
Max. Load
to Lift

110 ft.
20 ft.
56 ft.
25
50%
2880 pounds
1000 pounds
1880 pounds

Config
#0042
Radius 100
Boom Angle
66

27

Crawler Lattice Crane

Manitowoc Model 777
200 ton capacity at 13
270 ft, Heavy-Lift
Boom (HLB)
300 ft Fixed Jib on
HLB
350 ft Luffing Jib on
HLB
Self assembly
Ships on 8 trucks
28

INFO

Selected Specifications
Boom

No. 134 Fixed Jib

Optional: No. 134 basic fixed jib 30' length consisting of 15'
jib butt and 15' jib top with 12' jib strut, pendants and
backstay.

Fixed Jib

Luffing Jib

Counterweight
29

Model 777 Dimensions (w/o Boom)

30

Model 777 Dimensions

31

Model 777
Working
Range

32

LOAD

Selected Model 777 Load Charts

CONFIGURATION: Luffing Jib
Boom

Fixed Jib

70 ft.

Length Offset
None
N/A
Counterweight

Rotation

360 deg

Luffing Jib

Boom Angle Length

60
70 ft.

142,000 lbs. Counterweight

44,000 lbs. Crawler Frame

33

LOAD

Model 777 Load Chart (kips)

Radius
in
Feet

90
100
110
120
130
150
170
190

Luffing Jib
Main Boom Length in Feet

70 100 130 150 180

34.7
30.3
26.7

24.1
21.5

18.7
16.7

14.8
11.9

9.3

Displays the load chart for the configuration selected on the previous slide.
34

Links to Manufacturers Web Pages

http://www.groveworldwide.com
http://www.linkbelt.com
http://www.terex.com
http://www.tadanoamerica.com

35

Crane Capability Evaluation

Select crane position(s)
Calculate distance to
Member staging area(s)
Member locations

Check load capacity at each range

identify critical lifts
Insure that crane can reach each location
with previously placed members in place
Consider multiple lift rigging
36

Crane Positions
Level, solid foundation
Provided by controlling contractor, as required
by OSHA

Adequate set back from slopes

Consider addition of surcharge load to
earth pressure on walls
Protection of underground utilities/
structures
Interference with other construction
operations

37

Plan for Crane Positions

38

Office Building Case Study

Consider the Office Building Case Study
[2] available from the AISC Digital Library
The steel erection was performed using a
Manitowoc 222 crane stationed in two
different positions
Multiple lift rigging was employed to
improve efficiency and reduce operator
fatigue
Since the heaviest members weigh about
3000 lbs the crane choice will be governed
39
by the distance to the far corner

Four Story Steel Frame

40

Erecting Second Sequence

41

Position Relative to Building

42

Multiple Lift Rigging

43

Roof Framing Plan

60-4

90-8

Approx.
40
Crane
Center Pin
44

Example Governing Lift Evaluation

Distance to column C.G. is
(90.67 40) 2 60.332 143.9 feet

Weight of 33-6 W12X45 with attachments is

determined from detailers calculations (~1700 lbs)
A 19 ton capacity weight ball and wire rope for hoisting
weigh 1000 lbs.
The crane load chart must be checked to insure that is
has adequate capacity for the total load of 2700 lbs
The Manitowoc Model 222 with 160 Boom and 40 Jib
at 0 Offset can lift 4400 lbs at 150 foot radius
The erection sequence must be checked to insure that
the crane boom wont strike other members
45

Capability Evaluation Example

Consider the Office Building Case Study
Assume that two cranes are available
Grove RT700E
Manitowoc Model 777

Select a crane location

Some details from the actual building were
simplified in the model
46

LOAD

Crane Model
Manitowoc Model 777 w/190ft Boom

Boom Tip Height

Member Height
OK
Top

139
42

Locate Crane

X
Y

Group
Fourth Floor

130
-30

Radius
Capacity
Rigging Weight
Max. Lift Load
Member Weight

136.5
14900
2000
12900
1452

OK

47

Crane Use Optimization

Optimization in construction is generally
defined in terms of minimizing cost
Many second order costs will be
considered in a real world problem e.g.
scheduling constraints. These are beyond
the scope of this presentation
We will consider the fixed cost of crane
mobilization and the variable cost of crew
hours required for the job
48

Crane Use Optimization

Mobilize
Crane
Fixed
Cost
Demobilize
Crane
Minimize
Cost

Crane
Rate
Variable
Cost

Rig/Lift
Members

Cycle
Time

Hoisting
Time

Position
Members
Secure
Members
Return

Labor
Rate

Reposition
Time
49

Crane Use Optimization

In a simple optimization problem, the fixed and
variable costs are functions of the crane type
All cranes considered must first be found
capable of completing all required lifts for the
erection project
A crane with higher fixed costs must be able to
demonstrate lower variable costs than a
competing crane to be a viable option
The better of two competing cranes will then be
determined by the size of the job higher fixed
costs will be offset by relatively lower variable
costs on large jobs
50

Steel Erection / Crane Cost

Evaluation
The crane-dependent cost of steel erection is

C F V F Rt
where
C Hoisting Cost
F Fixed Cost
V Variable Cost
R Hourly ( Daily) Cost Rate
t Hoisting Time ( Hours, Days)
51

Case Study
Consider two options for erecting the Four
Story Office Building
A large crawler lattice crane positioned in one
location
A medium crawler lattice crane placed at two
positions
A smaller rough terrain crane that must be
repositioned several times

52

LOAD

Case
Model 222

Hoist
Abort

Radius
Boom Angle
Swing Angle
Max. Lift Load
Rigging Weight
Net Capacity
Approx. Weight
Percent of Capacity

83.2
64
-32.7
32700
2000
30700
2800
9

53

LOAD

Steel Hoisting Cost Illustrator

Case RT700E

Position Crane Time

Number of Members
Members / Hour

124
7.5

1 Hours

Truckloads
3
Unload Hours / Truck 0.75

Sequence Number
1

Mobilize
Crane
$

3000

Calculate

Position
Crane

Unload
Trucks

1.0 Hr

2.3 Hr

Hourly Rate

529.00

Total Cost

$68,100

Place
Members
16.5 Hr

Demobilize
Crane
$

2000

Hourly Rate
Crane 300.00
Operator
50.00
Oiler
0.00
Foreman
39.00
54
Iron Workers (x4)
35.00

Jobsite Methods/Management

Safety
Rigging
Crew coordination
Crane foundation issues

55

Safety
OSHA requirements for steel erection are
covered in Subpart R of Safety and Health
Regulations for Construction
Two sections are critical for planning crane
operations
1926.752 Site layout, site-specific erection
plans and construction sequence
OSHA Steel Erection eTool Site Preparation.htm

1926.753 Hoisting and rigging

OSHA Steel Erection eTool Cranes.htm
56

Accidents
Crane failures can be
classified as structural or
tipping
Tipping can be caused by
overload, inadequate
foundation, or wind loading
Structural failure may be due
to overload or lateral load
Operator error can cause
either failure mode
Operations near power lines
present additional safety
hazards

57

Rigging

Columns
Beams
Multiple Lift Rigging
Statics of rigging

58

Column Rigging
This column is rigged using a device
that allows the iron workers to release
the rigging from the ground by pulling on
the rope

59

Beam Rigging
Beams are usually
lifted using a choker
wrapped around the
beam at the center of
gravity
Beams may also be
hoisted with two
cables

60

Multiple Lift Rigging

Multiple Lift Rigging is
used to increase
productivity and
reduce crane operator
fatigue
OSHA Subpart R has
specific requirements
when using this
approach
61

Statics of Rigging
Lifting a beam or column using a single
cable is simply a problem of selecting a
cable that can support the weight and
attaching it at the center
Some situations will require the rigger to
calculate
Center of gravity
Load in skewed cables
Variable sling lengths
Spreader bar design
62

LOAD

Statics of Rigging
1500 lbs

11'

/\

15.56'

14.21'
954.6 lbs.

1066.0 lbs.

\/
Spreader
Compression
675.0 lbs.

+ C.G.

< >

20 ft. @ 50 lb/ft
500 lb weight
63

Crew Coordination
Typical erection crew
Crane operator
Oiler (not required on hydraulic cranes)
Foreman
Four ironworkers 2 ground, 2 connectors

Order of assembly is determined in

advance
Crane operator may be guided by hand
signals or two-way radios when visibility is
inadequate
64

Crane Foundation Issues

Outrigger loads must be distributed over
an area large enough to avoid overloading
the soil
Crane outriggers and tracks should be
sufficiently offset from the base of slopes,
excavations and retaining/basement walls
Damage to underground utilities and
structures from crane loads must be
avoided
Site soil conditions must be thoroughly
evaluated before using a crane
65

LOAD

Soil Bearing Load Calculator

Track Pressure (kips/sf)
Crane Type

Crawler
130
Boom Length (ft.)
Radius (ft.)

86

<

>

Swing Angle

<

>

Load (kips)

57

<

>

Calculate

0.00

25.77

0.00

25.77

Soil Type Soil State

Gravel

Firm

sand and
gravel

Approx.
unit weight,
120 lb/cf

Presumptive Bearing
Capacity for Cranes

12 ksf
66

Crane and soil properties were found in Ref. [4]

Slopes, Excavations and Walls

Loads from outriggers and tracks can
cause shear failure near a slope
Backfilled soil can be expected to have
much lower bearing capacity
Walls can be damaged by surcharge loads
from cranes transmitted through the soil
Cranes should be offset 1.5 feet* from the
toe for every foot of excavation depth
*Can vary due to soil type and moisture content
67

Slopes and Excavations

Outrigger
Load

1
1

In
1 good
soil

1.5
Preferred

68

Option for Walls

1
1.5
Preferred

69

Summary
Proper crane selection and application is
essential for a safe and economically
competitive steel erection plan
The crane must be placed on stable
foundations and have adequate range and
lift capacity to make the required
placements

70

References

[1] AISC (2005) Jobsite Layout, Mobilization, Equipment and Coordination, American
Institute of Steel Construction, Inc.. Chicago, IL.
[2] AISC (2003) Structural Steel Construction Process - Technical, American Institute
of Steel Construction, Inc.. Chicago, IL.
[3] AISC (1999) Construction Management of Steel Construction, American Institute
of Steel Construction, Inc., Chicago, IL.
[4] Shapiro, H.I., J.P. Shapiro and L.K. Shapiro (2000) Cranes and Derricks, McGraw
Hill Companies, Inc., New York.

71