The owner of a 42-year-old goliath gantry crane planned to improve its functionality and reliability to perform specialized lifts over the next decade. Liftech and McKay International Engineers assessed the existing structural, electrical, and mechanical systems. The structure was reviewed for increased hook loads and current hurricane and seismic design loads.
Category: Crane Repair Projects
San Antonio Terminal Paceco Crane Damage Assessment and Repair
Two Paceco cranes operated by San Antonio Terminal Internacional at their San Antonio Terminal in Chile suffered damage when the cranes were struck by departing ships in the aftermath of the February 2010 magnitude 8.8 earthquake. One crane suffered significant damage to the boom and the portal frame. The other crane suffered significant damage to the boom and the trolley.
Freeport Hyundai Crane Damage Assessment and Repair
A tornado damaged six Hyundai monogirder cranes and toppled another. Liftech assessed the damage to the untoppled cranes and assisted with engineering for the repairs. Hyundai Crane 9 suffered severe damage when it collided with Crane 10. The boom detached from the right lower hinge pin, the upper hinge broke off, the forestay apex connection plate bent, and the boom rotated more than 45 degrees.
RTG Equalizer Beam Cracking
Equalizer beam fatigue cracking has occurred in many rubber tire gantry cranes at various locations. The fatigue cracking is caused by a combination of factors including high fatigue stresses, undersirable design details, and poor workmanship. Liftech has been involved in several RTG equalizer beam repairs.
STS Equalizer Beam Cracking
As container cranes become bigger and faster, new types of fatigue problems emerge. Fatigue cracking of pin plates in equalizer beams has occurred in many cranes, made by different manufacturers, at various locations. Liftech has been involved in numerous equalizer beam repairs. We have investigated the cause of the fatigue cracking, performed structural analyses, provided modification concepts, assessed the effectiveness of the modifications, and helped develop new equalizer beam designs.
Newport News Marine Terminal, Paceco Crane and Wharf Damage Review
Paceco Crane 313 was struck by a departing ship on January 31, 2004. Virginia International Terminals retained Liftech to review the damaged crane and wharf, design temporary bracing to stabilize the crane, and design repair details for the damaged crane stop.
Repair of Damaged Crane Booms
Container crane booms are frequently damaged due to ship collisions. Liftech has been involved in dozens of repairs and provides all aspects of engineering for repairs. Repairs range from rebuilding damaged sections to stiffening damaged sections to heat straightening damaged locations.
Port of Oakland Crane Repair
On February 7, 1997, a ship struck a Krupp crane at the Port of Oakland. The bow hit one of the waterside legs just above the portal beam, about 45’ above the rail. The impact pushed the waterside legs 35” to the right and 30” toward the land. Because the wheels remained on the rail, the sill beams at the waterside and landside partially separated from the equalizer beams.
Repair of Fire Damaged Coal Loader, Berth 301, Port of Los Angeles, California
Repair of damage from September 2000 fire, February 2001 fire, and April 2001 ship collision. The coal loader built by Krupp was severely damaged in two fires and suffered significant damage during a ship collision. After each incident, Liftech provided on-site engineering to assist with repairs.