Crane Rail Finite Elememt Analysis
A cantilevered steel rail with a unique support configuration and an atypical cross section required a more detailed analysis regime than provided by the ASME code. HEA developed a detailed, non-linear computer model of the crane rail and subjected it to simulated...
Containment Building Crane Anchorage
HEA performed a 3rd party review of the design calculations for the support of a crane to be installed inside a nuclear power plant containment building. The review indicated that the lower base plate did not distribute the load evenly to the anchor bolts, causing...
Crane Collapse Analysis
A platform crane boom collapsed during a routine lift. HEA attributed the failure to the collapse of the dual mast members, causing the lattice boom to sequentially collapse. HEA performed further inspections, which revealed corrosion related deterioration in a few...
Crane Lift Plan Review
A refinery FCC unit was to be demolished. HEA worked with the contractor to develop a suitable lift plan. This work included designing a suitable mat for crane operation, overturning calculations, lifting lug design and a structural analysis to identify suitable...
Electrostatic Precipitator Lift
It was necessary to lift a new precipitator onto its support structure. The challenges involved included finding the center of gravity of each precipitator module, locating the lug attachment points, creating a lift schedule (which included rotation of certain...
Crane Pedestal Design and Foundation Analysis
HEA performed a feasibility study and concluded the purchase of a new diesel crane was preferable to electrification of the existing crane. HEA developed the crane design specifications. HEA also designed the pedestal base frame and evaluated the existing pier slab...
Self Ratcheting Spreader Beam Design
HEA designed an adjustable spreader to be used with a shipyard's 300-ton cranes. The spreader employs a self-contained ratcheting system, which allows easy adjustments to accommodate different-sized loads. The spreaders are in service, where they have proven their...
Offshore Platform Crane Replacement
Challenge: An offshore platform is replacing both of its pedestal cranes. The existing platform structure must be analyzed under the new, larger crane forces and structural modification requirements will be specified. Resolution: A computer model was used to evaluate...
Main Engine Lift Spreader Beam
Challenge: To design a lift spreader beam capable of lifting the over 400-ton weight of the main engine for a new class of ship. The engine is too heavy for one crane to lift, so a spreader beam is necessary to provide enough clearance for two cranes to lift the beam...
Main Engine Lift Spreader Beam Test
Challenge: To design a test procedure to verify that a spreader beam (also designed by HEA) is capable of lifting the over 400-ton weight of the main engine for a new class of ship. The test procedure called for twelve 35-ton water bags to be suspended from the...