Double-Girder Overhead Crane Optimum Design Using Weighted Decision Matrix and Finite Element Analysis

In this paper, structural design optimization of box-type double-girder overhead crane was performed using weighted decision matrix and finite element analysis (FEA). Primarily, structural design calculations were achieved for 280 proposed crane case studies, then crane design parameters values were optimized using the weighted decision matrix technique based on three concepts, and these are minimum weight, minimum deflection, and minimum stress. This was followed by building and modeling the optimum crane design related to each concept using solid works software, and FEA was performed. The results showed that minimum weight concept led to the optimum crane design with minimum weight and minimum cost but with mean deflection and mean stress values. However, minimum deflection concept led to the optimum crane design with minimum deflection and minimum stress but with much higher weight, while minimum stress concept led to small deflection and small stress values but with high weight as well. Crane design was also verified by manufacturing and testing a real crane case study.