3 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
3.1 INTRODUCTION
The dimensions of the precast unit, the
edge and end spacings, the type and
position of the lifting anchor and the
concrete quality (compressive strength
of the concrete at the time of the first
lift) are all of critical importance.
3.2 SELECTION
The permissible forces, edge spacings
and installation values can be taken
from the relevant tables.
S p e c i a l l i f t i n g p ro p o s a l s w i t h
calculation can be provided by our
technical department. Please contact
Halfen Ltd on +44 (0) 8705 316 300.
Regardless of type, the choice of the
correct anchor with regard to the forces
acting on it depends on the following
factors :
- weight of precast unit
- number of anchors
- positioning of the anchors
- angle of lift
- pitching details
- characteristics of the lifting
slings/ anchors
- dynamic forces
- adhesion to the mould
must be taken into account in the
design/ selection.
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3.3 WEIGHT OF PRECAST UNIT 3.6 EVEN LOADING OF ANCHORS
3
A specific weight of 25 kN/m is
normally used as a basis for determining Uneven loading
the weight of a fresh reinforced precast
unit. Designs may increase this figure
For an arrangement of four
for heavily reinforced units.
independent cable runs or continuous
diagonal cable runs, only two anchors
can be assumed to be load bearing.
3.4 NUMBER OF ANCHORS
For a beam with more than two
suspension points and for a panel with
more than three, it is impossible to
calculate the load per anchor precisely,
even if the anchors are arranged
symmetrically to the load centre. As a
result of unavoidable tolerances in the
suspension system and in the position
Even loading
of the anchors, it can never be
determined whether the load on each
anchor is equal. U s i n g a s p re a d e r b e a m w i t h
symmetrical lifting sling, the load is
equally distributed to all 4 anchors.
3.5 POSITIONING OF THE ANCHORS
Whenever possible, lifting anchors
should be positioned symmetrical to the
centre of gravity of the precast unit. If
this is not possible, then increased
tension forces may act on an individual
anchor, depending on their spacing
from the centre of gravity. These forces
should be determined in order to select
the correct anchor.
Even loading
The compensated lifting slings ensure
equal load distribution.
3 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Even loading 3.7 ANGLE OF LIFT 3.8 DYNAMIC FORCES

LIFTING LOAD COEFFICIENT

The use of pulleys also ensures an equal If a lifting sling is used in a triangle form,
loading on the sling legs and the the acting forces on the anchors (sling
anchors (e.g. Tilt-up System). loads) are increased compared to
simple vertical lifting. As the spread
angle increases, the forces acting on the
anchors and slings are increased. This
influence is taken into account by factor
Z dependent on cable angle â. Halfen
â recommend where possible â should
not exceed 30°.
The size of the dynamic loading is
mainly determined by the choice of the
lifting equipment ie: type of crane
used. However the type of sling also has
an influence.
Cables out of steel or synthetic fibre
have a damping effect. This effect
increases with the increase of the cable
length. In contrast, short chains have
an adverse effect. The coefficient used
in the calculation should be selected
from the table below.

â
â Table 2 Lifting load coefficient

Lifting Load
Lift Equipment Speed coefficient
m/min f

Stationary Crane
Revolving Crane < 90 1.0
Table 1 Angle of Lift Rail-mounted Crane

Stationary Crane
Cable angle â Factor Z Revolving Crane $90 $1.3
Rail-mounted Crane
0° 1
Lifting & transporting
15° 1.04 with excavator on - $1.65
30° 1.16 even ground
45° 1.41
Lifting & transporting
with excavator on $2.0
-
uneven ground

The lifting load coefficient can vary

from the values recommended in Table
2, according to the situation.

9
3 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
3.9 ADHESION TO THE MOULD
When the precast unit is first lifted out
of the mould, the force may be a
multiple of the actual concrete weight.
This is caused by suction, adhesion and
friction between the mould and the
concrete unit.
These influences can be reduced by the
use of an appropriate bondbreaker on
the mould.
Amongst other factors, the adhesion to
the mould depends on mould surface.
Calculate using the following adhesion
forces:
- for smooth, oiled moulds
q = 1 kN/m2
- for smooth, non-oiled moulds
q = 2 kN/m 2
- for rough timber moulds
q = 3 kN/m 2
For special formwork such as double T
and battery forms, larger factors may be
required unless provisions are made to
release the precast unit. For ease of
calculation a multiple of the weight is
used.
See below
Ha = adhesion to the mould
Calculated by using - q x A
or as Table 3 below
Table 3 - Special formwork:
Double T slabs: Ha = 2 x G
Ribbed slabs: Ha = 3 x G
Waffle/ coffered slabs: Ha = 4 x G
10
3.10 TENSILE FORCES AT ANCHOR
The tensile force Z acting on the anchor
is normally determined using the
following equation:
Lifting from the mould
F = (G + q x A) x f x Z/N
(or factor for special formwork. See
table 3)
Transporting
F = G x f x Z/N
where:
F = tensile force at anchor (kN)
G = weight of precast unit (kN)
q = adhesion force (kN/m²)
A = mould area (m²)
N = number of load bearing anchors
Z = cable angle factor
f = lifting load coefficient
Ha = adhesion to the mould (kN)
3.11 ANGLED LIFT
The Pin Lifting Anchor is installed in the
concrete with a hemispherical recess.
This allows a direct transfer of the
horizontal force into the concrete via
the Universal Head Lifting Clutch
during angled lift.
3.12 CORROSION PROTECTION
If lifting anchors are left exposed to
corrode near the surface of precast
units, spalling of the concrete surface
could occur. This may also affect the
structural reinforcement and could
influence the service life of the precast
unit. If the anchors are covered after
installation with a filler layer which is
the equivalent to the concrete cover,
there will be no further requirement for
additional protection against
corrosion.
The following is given as guidance to
assist the specifier:
Mill finished lifting anchors should only
be used in concrete elements for dry
internal areas.
Galvanised lifting anchors (coating
thickness 8-10mm) should only be used
in concrete elements for internal areas.
Hot-dipped galvanised lifting anchors
(coating thickness $ 45mm) can also be
used in damp rooms and external areas.
Stainless steel 1.4401 lifting anchors
are, due to the Molybdenum content
in the alloy, suitable for use in
industrial atmospheres and marine
locations as well as the previously
mentioned applications. Stainless steel
1.4301 is generally sufficient for less
aggressive environments.