Goliath Crane Repair, Upgrade, and Replacement Study

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. The review included a finite element analysis of the structure and trolleys, a detailed plate buckling analysis, analysis of diaphragms, and connections.

Repair, upgrade, and replacement options were developed for the interim and long term to meet schedule constraints. Budgetary cost and schedule estimates were developed for each option, and recommendations were provided to assist the owner in selecting the most favorable option.

Reinforcing was designed to upgrade the strength of the crane gantry structure and conceptual designs were developed for upgrading the trolley structure.

Client:
Parsons Brinckerhoff