An investigation of hoist-induced dynamic loads on bridge crane structures

A series of tests were performed on a bridge crane to investigate how the peak dynamic response during hoisting is affected by the stiffness of the crane structure, the inertial properties of the crane structure, the stiffness of the cable-sling system, the payload mass, and the initial conditions for the hoisting operation. These factors were varied in the test program and time histories were obtained for displacements, accelerations, cable tension, bridge bending moment, and end truck wheel reactions. Values for the dynamic ratio, defined as peak dynamic value over corresponding static value, are presented for displacements, bridge bending moment, and end truck wheel reactions. A two degree of freedom analytical model is presented, and theoretical values for the dynamic ratio are calculated as a function of three dimensionless parameters that characterize the crane and payload system. The predicted dynamic ratios are found to be conservative when compared with the test results. A general format is suggested for dynamic factors in design standards that apply to bridge cranes with constant speed motors. Key words: bridge crane, hoist, dynamic load.