PRESENTATION ON

PROCEDURE OF
CRANE
GIRDER DESIGN
- As per AISC , ASD

Presented By –
Shamik Ghosh
Anirban Mukhopadhyay
1
 CONTENTS

Sl. No. Item Page

1. Terminologies 3
2. Vendor Data Requirement 11
3. Computation of Design Forces 14
4. Crane Rails and Attachments 26
5. Selection of Runway Girder 25
6. Design of Runway Girder
• Classification of Sections
• Allowable Stresses
• Stress Combination
• Deflection Check
• Special Design Considerations
• End Bearing Stiffener Design
• Typical Seating Arrangements
• Sample Calculation –
• Steel Design Guide 7
• Excel Sheet

2
 1. Terminologies
 Auxiliary Trolley : A hoist arrangement adapted for pivoting/tilting of
wide panels/ladel between horizontal and vertical positions.
 Bumper (Buffer): an energy absorbing device for reducing impact w
hen a moving crane or trolley reaches the end of its permitted travel,
or when two moving cranes or trolleys come into contact.
 Camber: The slight upward vertical curve given to girders to compen
sate partially for deflection due to hook load and weight of the crane.
 Capacity: The maximum rated load (in tons) which a crane is design
ed to handle.
 Clearance: Minimum distance from the extremity of a crane to the ne
arest obstruction.
 Counter-torque: A method of control by which the motor is reversed
to develop power to the opposite direction.
 Cushioned Start: An electrical or mechanical method for reducing th
e rate of acceleration of a travel motion.

3
 Terminologies (contd…)
 CMAA: Crane manufacturers Association of America, Inc. (formerly EOCI -
Electric Overhead Crane Institute).
 Crab/Trolley: A short shaft or axle, mounted in a frame, having squared ends
to receive hand cranks, used to wind up a rope and thereby raise a load.
 Dead Loads: The loads on a structure, which remain in a fixed position
relative to the structure. On a crane bridge such loads include the girders, foot
walk, cross shaft, drive units, panels, etc.
 Deflection: Displacement due to bending or twisting in a vertical or lateral
plane, caused by the imposed live and dead loads.
 Drive Girder: The girder on which the bridge drive machinery is mounted.
 Dummy Cab: An operator's compartment or platform on a pendant or radio
controlled crane, having no permanently mounted electrical controls, in which
an operator may ride while controlling the crane.
 Electric Overhead Traveling Crane: an electrically operated machine for
lifting, lowering and transporting loads, consisting of a movable bridge
carrying a fixed or movable hoisting mechanism and traveling on an overhead
runway structure.
 Electrical Braking System: A method of controlling crane motor speed when
in an overhauling condition, without the use of friction braking.

4
 Terminologies (contd…)
 End approach: The minimum horizontal distance, parallel to the run
way, between the outermost extremities of the crane and the centerli
ne of the hook.
 Fail-safe: A provision designed to automatically stop or safely contr
ol any motion in which a malfunction occurs.
 Fatigue lIfe : The fatigue life of a structure is defined as the number
of load cycles required to initiate and propagate a fatigue crack to a
critical size, which could result in the fractural failure of the structure.
 Foot walk: The walkway with handrail and toe boards, attached to t
he bridge or trolley for access purposes.
 Gantry Crane: A crane similar to an overhead crane except that the
bridge for carrying the trolley or trolleys is rigidly supported on two or
more legs running on fixed rails or other runway.
 Girders: The principal horizontal beams of the crane bridge which s
upports the trolley
 Hoist: A machinery unit that is used for lifting and lowering a load.
 Holding Brake: A brake that automatically prevents motion when po
wer is off.

5
 Terminologies (contd…)
 Hook Approach: The minimum horizontal distance between the
center of the runway rail and the hook.
 Hydraulic Brake: A brake that provides retarding or stopping motion
by hydraulic means.
 Impact Allowance: Additional hook load assumed to result from the
dynamic effect of the live load.
 Industrial Duty Crane: Service classification covered by CMAA
Specification No. 70, 'Specifications for Electric Overhead Traveling
Cranes'.
 Lateral Forces: Horizontal forces perpendicular to the axis of the
member being considered.
 Lift: Maximum safe vertical distance through which the hook,
magnet, or bucket can move.
 Lift Cycle: Single lifting and lowering motion (with or without load)
 Lifting Devices: Buckets, magnets, grabs and other supplemental
devices, the weight of which is to be considered part of the rated
load, used for ease in handling certain types of loads.

6
 Terminologies (contd…)
 Longitudinal Force : Force generated for acclearation and braking
of the crane bridge and not picking up the load vertically.
 Live Load: A load which moves relative to the structure under consi-
deration.
 Load Block: The assembly of hook, swivel, bearing, sheaves, pins
and frame suspended by the hoisting ropes.
 Load Cycle: One lift cycle with load plus one lift cycle without load.
 Longitudinal Stiffeners: Horizontal members attached to the web of
the bridge girder to prevent web buckling.
 Mechanical Load Brake: An automatic type of friction brake used for
controlling loads in the lowering direction. This unidirectional device
requires torque from the motor to lower a load but does not impose
additional load on the motor when lifting a load.
 Mean Effective Load: A load used in durability calculations
accounting for both maximum and minimum loads.
 Multiple Girder Crane: A crane which has two or more girders for
supporting the live load.

7
 Terminologies (contd…)
 Overload: Any load greater than the rated load.
 Pitch Diameter (Rope): Distance through the center of a drum or
sheave from center to center of a rope passed about the periphery.
 Rated Load: The maximum load which the crane is designed to
handle safely as designated by the manufacturer.
 Rotating Axle: An axle which rotates with the wheel.
 Runway: The rails, beams, brackets and framework on which the cra
ne operates.
 Runway Conductors: The main conductors mounted on or parallel t
o the runway which supplies current to the crane.
 Runway Rail: The rail supported by the runway beams on which the
bridge travels.
 Skewing Forces: Lateral forces on the bridge truck wheels caused b
y the bridge girders not running perpendicular to the runways & rail m
isalignment. Some normal skewing occurs in all bridges.
 Span: The horizontal distance center-to-center of runway rails.

8
 Terminologies (contd…)
 Stop: A device to limit travel of a trolley or crane bridge. This device
normally is attached to a fixed structure and normally does not have
energy absorbing ability.
 Strength, Average Ultimate: The average tensile force per unit of cr
oss sections area required to rupture the material as determined by t
est.
 Sweep: Maximum lateral deviation from straightness of a structural
member, measured at right angles to the Y-Y axis.
 Torsional Box Girder: Girder in which the trolley rail is located over
one web.
 Trolley: The unit carrying the hoisting mechanism which travels on th
e bridge rails.
 Trolley Frame: The basic structure of the trolley on which are mount
ed the hoisting and traversing mechanisms.
 Two Blocking: Condition under which the load block or load suspen
ded from the hook becomes jammed against the crane structure prev
enting further winding up of the hoist drum.

9
 Terminologies (contd…)
 Web Plate: The vertical plate connecting the upper and lower flanges
or cover plates of a girder.
 Wheelbase: Distance from center-to-center of outermost wheels.
 Wheel Load: The load without impact on any wheel with the trolley a
nd lifted load (rated capacity) positioned on the bridge to dive maxim
um loading.

10
 2. Vendor Data Requirement

Load Data
• Quantity of Cranes
• Rated Lifting Load
• Operation Control Type
• Weight of Crane Bridge
• Weight of Trolley/Crab and Hook etc.
• Weight of Auxiliary Trolley ( if any )
• Maximum wheel load w/o impact
• Type of Hoist – Flexible or Rigid Mast ( in IS Codes )
• Bumper Type (hydraulic/rubbers/spring)
• Bumper stroke
• Bridge Travel Speed, “v”
• Buffer Details
• Crane End Stop Force
• Rail Section
•
Duty Class of Crane

11
12
Geometrical Data

• C = Min. top clear distance from top of rail

• D = Min. side clear distance from centre of beams
• E = Top of rail to finish floor
• F = Top of bracket/auxiliary column to finish floor
• G = Span = C/C distance of rail
• H = Top of rail to center of stop bumper

13
 Geometrical Data (contd….)

• A = Wheel base distance

• B = C/C distance of adjacent crane wheel
• x= Cantilever portion of crane bridge
• y= Min. distance of crab unit from centre line of rail /
Hook Approach
• G = Span

x y Trolley
Trolley Bridge

Hook G

14
 3. Computation of Design Forces
Maximum Wheel Load :
Cl. 4.10 ASCE 07-05

Maximum Wheel Load =

(Weight of bridge + Rated capacity + Weight of Crab & Aux. Trolley)

No. of wheels

The crab/trolley must be positioned on its runway at a location

where resulting load effect is maximum. It is positioned at a
distance of “Hook Approach = y” from the Centre Line of the rail.
{all are vendor inputs}

Impact Factor : The maximum wheel loads of the crane

( vertical ) are increased by this factor.

15
 Calculation of Maximum Wheel Load :
Weight of Trolley bridge = W1
Weight of Trolley/Crab = W2 x y Trolley
Trolley Bridge
Weight of Hoists & Hooks = W3
Rated capacity of the crane = W4
Weight of Aux. Trolley = W5 S1
G S2
No. of wheels resting on each crane girder = n Hook
Span = G
Hook Approach = y
D = Misc. Dead Load
L = Misc. Live Load
Maximum wheel load at support S1 = V
W1 + (W2+W3+W4+W5) * (G-y) + (D
V= +L)
2n G * 2n n

Note :- Position of Aux. trolley is to be fixed properly and then appropriately

proportioned

16
  Lateral Force – Cl. 4.10 ASCE 07-05
For crane runway beams with electrically powered trolleys =
20% of (Rated Capacity, Weight of hoist and trolley) / 2n
Lateral Force = T1

 Longitudinal Force – Cl. 4.10 ASCE 07-05

For crane runway beams except for bridge cranes with hand geared bri
dges = 10% of Maximum Wheel Load
Longitudinal Force = L1 = 0.1*V
Vertical Impact Factors :
Cl. 4.10 ASCE 07-05

 Increment Percentages for Vertical Force (V) over maximum

wheel loads–
 Monorail cranes (powered) 25
 Cab operated or remotely operated bridge cranes 25
(powered)
 Pendant operated bridge cranes (powered) 10
 Bridge cranes or monorail cranes with hand-geared 0
Bridge, trolley and hoist
Factored Vertical Force per wheel = V1

17
 Calculation of Absolute Maximum Vertical Bending
Moment :

Principle :- Load system is so placed on the span that the resultant of all the
loads and the critical load, chosen are equidistant from the middle of
the girder. The choice of critical load must be judiciously made or
B.M. under each load has to be determined to identify max. abs. B.M.

Case 1 : For 4 wheeled crane i.e., 2 Wheels are on each girder

Option 1 – Abs. Max. B.M. under V1,1

A
R= Resultant Load = V1,n
V1,1 z z R A = Wheel Base Distance
V1,2
V1,n= Factored Vertical Force under nth wheel
2z= V1,2 * A / R
R1= {V1,1*(L/2+z)+V1,2*(L/2-A+z)}/L
R1 R2
Mv,1= Abs. Max. Bending Moment under
L = span of Gantry Girder Load V1,1 = R1*(L/2-z)

Mv,1
BMD
18
 Case 1 : For 4 wheeled crane i.e., 2 Wheels are on each girder
(contd….)

V1,1 R z z Option 2 – Abs. Max. B.M. under V1,2

V1,2
2z= V1,1 * A / R
R2= {V1,2*(L/2+z)+V1,1*(L/2-A+z)}/L
R1 R2 Mv,2= Abs. Max. Bending Moment under
L = span of Gantry Girder Load V1,2 = R2*(L/2-z)

Mv,2

BMD

Note :-
•The higher of Mv,1 & Mv,2 is considered for design.
•If, V1,1 = V1,2 Then, Mv,1 = Mv,2

19
Case 2 : For 8 wheeled crane i.e., 4 Wheels are on each girder

x Option 1 :- Abs. Max. B.M. under V1,3

A B A
R= Resultant Load = V1,n
A = Wheel Base Distance
R z z B = c/c of adjacent crane wheel
V1,1 V1,2 V1,3 V1,4
V1,n= Factored Vertical Force under nth wh
eel
R1 R2 x= Distance of R from leading wheel load
L = span of Gantry Girder = {V1,1*(2A+B)+V1,2*(A+B)+V1,3*A} / R
Depending on the value of x ,
2z= x - A
Mv,3 R2= {V1,4*(L/2+z+A)+V1,3*(L/2+z)+V1,2*
(L/2-B+Z)+V1,1*(L/2+Z-A-B)}/L
BMD Mv,3= Abs. Max. Bending Moment under
Note :- Load V1,3 = R2*(L/2-z)-V1,4*A
•Similarly, Option 2 (Abs. Max. B.M. under V1, 2) shall also be considered.
And the higher of Mv,2 and Mv,3 shall be taken for design.
•If, V1,1 = V1,2 = V1,3 = V1,4 Then, Mv,3 = Mv,2

20
 Calculation of Absolute Maximum Vertical End
Shear Force :

Principle :- Load system is so placed on the span that -

load rolled off > Sum of remaining loads on the span
Succeeding wheel space Span length

Case 1 : For 4 wheeled crane i.e., 2 Wheels are on each girder

A A
V1,1 V1,2 V1,1 V1,2

R1 R2 R1 R2

L = span of Gantry Girder L = span of Gantry Girder

Option 1 –V1,1 is placed on 1st support Option 2 –V1,2 is placed on 2nd support
R1 = V1,1+V1,2*(L-A)/L R2 = V1,2+V1,1*(L-A)/L

Note :-
•The higher of R,1 & R,2 is considered for design.
•If, V1,1 = V1,2 Then, R1 = R2

21
 Case 2 : For 8 wheeled crane i.e., 4 Wheels are on each girder

A B A A B A

V1,1 V1,2 V1,3 V1,4 V1,1 V1,2 V1,3 V1,4

R2 R1 R2
R1

L = span of Gantry Girder L = span of Gantry Girder

Option 1 –V1,1 is placed on 1st support Option 2 –V1,2 is placed on 2nd support
R1 = V1,1+V1,2*(L-A)/L+V1,3*(L-A-B)/L
+V1,4*(L-2A-B)/L R2 = V1,4+V1,3*(L-A)/L+V1,2*(L-A-B)/L
+V1,1*(L-2A-B)/L

Note :-
•The higher of R1 & R2 is considered for design.
•If, V1,1 = V1,2 = V1,3 = V1,4 Then, R1 = R2

22
 Calculation of Absolute Maximum Lateral Bending
Moment :

 Lateral Force – Cl. 4.10 ASCE 07-05

Factored Lateral Force per wheel = T1,n= 0.2*(W4+W2+W3+W5)/2n
(Procedure will be same as per vertical B.M)

Case 1: Girder beam with Case 2: Girder beam with Chann

Channel section / Plate at top el supporting Chqd. Pl. for walkw
ay

For Case 1 & 2 -

Absolute Lateral B.M. for crane girder =
Mlat = Mv*(T1,n)/(V1,n)

23
Calculation of Absolute Maximum Lateral Bending
Moment (contd….) :

Case 3: Girder beam

with surge girder ,
properly laced

Option 1: 1 wheel come within t

he lateral span “l”
Mlat = T1,n* l / 6 (or as per en
l gineer’s judgement )

Option 2: 2 wheels come within

the lateral span “l”
Mlat = 0.8*[{T1,n*(l/2+AorB/2)/l
+ T1,n+1*(l/2-AorB/2)/l}*l/2 -
T1,n l T1,n+1 T1,n*AorB/2]
(or as per engineer’s judgemen
t)

24
Calculation of Absolute Maximum Lateral End
Shear Force :

Lateral Force – Cl. 4.10 ASCE 07-05

Factored Lateral Force per wheel = T1,n= 0.2*(W4+W2+W3+W5)/2n
(Procedure will be same as per vertical shear force)
Lateral Shear Force at column end = Lat = R1(orR2)*T1,n/V1,n

Calculation of Buffer Load :

F = Approximate Force in kips, at each stop for cranes with e
Wv2
F= nergy absorbing springs or cylinders.
2gT
W = Total weight of crane, in kips, excluding the lifted load
v= Crane speed in ft/sec. The value of v is taken as 50% of th
e full rated speed.
g= accleration due to gravity = 32.2ft/sec2
T = Length of travel , in ft of spring or plunger required to stop
crane, usually abt. 0.15ft

25
Calculation of Buffer Load (contd….) :

Representative crane speeds , ft/min

Crane Stops (Typ.)

Note :- In the absence of specific data, the designer should assume the
bumper force to be the greater of :
1. Twice the tractive force
2. 10% of the entire crane weight

26
Fatigue Effects:
The cyclical nature of crane movement causes fatigue stresses which
lead to weakening and eventual failure of parts like -
1. Stretching of rails
2. Opening of Splice Joints
3. Crack and finally fracture of crane girder
4. Column Bending
5. Skewing of crane bridge
6. Undulating crane motion

The critical sections in fatigue design are –

• Flange to Stiffener Weld – Full penetration butt weld preferred with
top flange ; For bearing stiffeners, they should be fillet welded to the
bottom flange; For intermediate stiffeners, they should stop short of the
bottom flange.
• Stiffener to Web Weld – Continuous fillet welds
• Flange to Web Weld – Full penetration butt welds are preferred

27
Calculation of Fatigue Stress Range :
Refer Appendix K , AISC, ASD
Step 1: AISC Loading classification according to CMAA class of crane ,
Table A-K4.1

Step 2: Classification of member

parts / connections based on
stress categories A,B,B’,C,D,E,E’ & F
Refer Table A-K4.2

Step 3: Determination of Fsr -

Allowable stress Range as per
relevant stress category and
loading type from Table A-K4.3.
Calculated stress should be less
than Fsr

28
Secondary Effects / Tolerances:
1. Eccentricity of Crane Rail –
Crane rails shall be centred on crane
girders whereever possible, but in no
case be more than 0.75 times web
thickness of the girder (both for rolled
and plate sections).
Eccentricity may cause local flange
bending and subject the crane beams
to torsional moments.
Excessive sweep in cranes beams
which also contributes to rail
eccentricity, should be removed at the
time of fabrication.

To counteract the effects of rail eccentricity, intermediate stiffeners

are added to the crane girders. These should bear and be welded to
the underside of the top flange and down the web with continuous
welds.

29
Secondary Effects (contd…) :
2. Sweep – not to exceed ¼” in 50ft beam length.

3. Camber – not to exceed as mentioned in the drawing by +/- ¼” in a 50ft

beam length.

4. Squareness – Within 18” of each girder end the flange shall be free of c
urvature and normal to the girder web.

5. Horizontal Distance between 2 crane rails – shall not exceed the theoreti
cal dimension by +/- 1/4th inch measured at 68o F.

6. Longitudinal Horizontal Misalignment – from straight rails shall not exce

ed +/- ¼” in 50ft with a maximum of +/- ½” total deviation in the length of
the runway.

7. Longitudinal Vertical Misalignment – from straight rails shall not exceed

+/- ¼” in 50ft measured At column centre lines with a maximum of +/- ½”
total deviation in the length of the runway.

30
Secondary Effects (contd…) :

31
 4. Crane Rail And Attachments
• Rails are identified by initials and weight in pounds per yard
• Rails are available in 30, 33 or 39 ft lengths. Splices are
either bolted (staggered) or welded but preferably bolted.
• The size of rails is determined by wheel loads, type and
class of service. The crane manufacturer usually indicates
the rail size for a new installation.

32
Crane Rail And Attachments (contd….)

33
 Crane Rail And Attachments (contd….)
Methods of attaching rail to the supporting members –
• Hooks – for light service requirements
• Welding - not recommended
• Clamping – Both tight clamps and floating clamp are
widely used, however floating type is recommended
by AISC.

Pad

Pad

34
 Crane Rail And Attachments (contd….)

Expansion Joints in Rails – should coincide with main girder joints. A

gradual transfer of wheel load from one rail to another is ensured if the
ends of the rails are beveled as shown below -

35
 5. Selection of Crane Girder Section

• From Stress Point of View –

1. For light cranes and short spans, a wide flange beam is used.
2. For Medium cranes and moderate spans , a wide flange beam is
used with a channel section at top if required.
3. For heavy cranes and longer spans, a plate girder, with a
horizontal truss or solid flange plate is used.
• From Deflection Point of View –
Allowable Vertical Deflections – No Impact
1. For CMAA Class A,B & C cranes = L/600
2. For CMAA Class D cranes = L/800
3. For CMAA Class E, F cranes = L/1000
Allowable Lateral Deflections – No Impact
For all cranes = L/400 where, L = Span of the girder

• From Geometry Point of View –

The flange of the crane girder must be wide enough so that the rails
can be easily fastened to the flange.

36
 6. Design of Runway Girder
Step 1. Classification of Steel Sections – Refer Cl. B5.1 ASD
1. Compact Sections - The flanges must be continuously connected to the
web and the width-thickness ratio of the compression elements must not ex
ceed the applicable limiting width-thickness ration from Table B5.1.
2. Non compact Sections - Steel sections which do not qualify as compact
are classified as non compact if the width-thickness ratio of the compressio
n elements do not exceed the values shown for non compact in Table B5.1
3. Slender Sections – If the width-thickness ratio of any compression elem
ent exceed the applicable value, the section is classified as slender elemen
t.
4. Stiffened Sections – Steel sections which are supported along 2 edges
parallel to the direction of the compression force.
5. Unstiffened Sections – Steel sections which are supported only on 1 ed
ge , parallel to the direction of the compression force.

37
 Step 2. Determination of Allowable Stresses –

Computed stresses must be checked against the following Allowable stresses-

1) Bending Compression Stress – i) In Major Axis Refer Chapter F for Rolled

ii) In Minor Axis
Section & G for Plate
2) Bending Tensile Stress Girders
3) Shear Stress
4) Combined Shear and Tension Stress for Plate Girders
Refer Chapter G
5) Axial Tensile Stress
Refer Chapter D
6) Axial Compression Stress
Refer Chapter E

7) Finally, the Combined Stress Check

Refer Chapter H

38
Rolled Sections - (For Rolled Sections (h/t w <760/ Fb) Refer Chapter F, ASD)

A. Strong Axis Bending of I/W Shaped Members

i) In Bending Compression
For Compact Members – refer F1.1
Lc = Min[(76bfv / Fy ), 20000/{(d/Af )Fy }] in ;

If, 1) The laterally unsupported length of the compression flange L b =< Lc ,

2) Member is symmetrical about and loaded in the plane of its minor axis, Then ,

Fb = 0.66Fy ,except for hybrid beams & members with Fy>65ksi

Where, Lc = Max. Allowable unbraced length of compression flange below which ,

Fb = 0.66Fy
bf = Width of compression flange;
h = height of web; tw = Thickness of web
Fy = Yield Stress of Steel
d = Overall depth of the section
Af = Area of compression flange
Fb = Allowable stress in bending compression
Lu = Maximum Allowable unbraced length of compression flange above
which , Fb < 0.6Fy , Lu = 20000/{(d/Af)Fy or {(102000/Fy}*rT
rT = radius of gyration of a section comprising the compression flange plus 1/3 rd
of the compression web area taken about An axis in the plane of the web.

For Non compact Sections – Refer F1.2 39

 Allowable Stress in Bending Compression (contd…)
For compoact / non compact sections with Unbraced length, Lb > Lc but Lc < Lu
Refer F1.3
The larger of the value from 3 equations is taken –

Eqn. F1-6 – Fb = [2/3-{Fy(l/rT)2/(1530000Cb)}]Fy =< 0.60Fy,

When , (102000Cb/Fy) =< l/rT =< (510000Cb/Fy)

Eqn. F1-7 – Fb = 170000Cb/(l / rT)2 =<0.6Fy

When, l/ rT >= {(510000Cb/Fy}

Eqn. F1-8 – For all values of l/rT , Fb = 12000Cb/(ld/Af) =<0.6Fy

For channels bent about their major axis, All. Compressive stress is calculated by F1-8.
Where, l = Distance between cross sections braced against twist or lateral displacement
of the compression flange
Cb = 1.75+1.05(M1/M2)+0.3(M1/M2)2 =< 2.3; M1 = Smaller , M2 = larger B.M.
at the ends of the unbraced length taken about the strong axis of the
member; For values less than 2.3 Refer Table 6, For Cb > 2.3 , see
Galambos (1988)

ii) Allowable Stress in Bending Tension , Fb = 0.6Fy

40
B. Weak Axis Bending of I/W Shaped Members

For Compact Members – Refer F2.1

Fb = 0.75Fy ,except for hybrid beams & members with Fy>65ksi

For Non compact Sections – Refer F2.2

Note : Lateral bracing is not required for members loaded through the shear centre a
bout their weak axis nor for members of equal strength about both axes.

C. Allowable Shear Stress - Refer F4

• For h/tw=<380/ (Fy), Fv = 0.4Fy Eqn. F4-1

• For h/tw>380/ (Fy), Fv = FyCv/2.89 =<0.4Fy Eqn. F4-2

Where, Cv = 45000kv/{Fy(h/tw)2} when Cv<0.8

= {190/(h/tw)}* (kv/Fy) when Cv>0.8
kv = 4+5.34/(a/h)2 when, a/h <1.0
= 5.34+4/(a/h)2 when a/h >1.0
tw = Web Thickness ; a = clear distance between transverse stiffeners
h = clear distance between flanges

41
 Requirement of Intermediate Stiffeners - Refer F5

Intermediate stiffeners are required when –

• h/tw > 260
• Maximum shear stress developed , f v > Fv from eqn. F4-2.

The spacing of the stiffeners will depend on the facts –

• Web shear stress developed < F v from Eqn. F4-2
• a/h =< [260/(h/tw)]2 and 3.0

Notes for Built Up members –

When 2 or more rolled beams or channels are used side-by-side to form a flexural member
–
• They shall be connected together at intervals of not more than 5ft.
• In beams having a depth of 12” or more, no fewer than 2 bolts shall be used at each
seperator location.
• When concentrated loads are carried from 1 beam to another or distributed between
the beams, diaphragms having sufficient stiffness to distribute the load shall be rivet
ed, bolted or welded between the beams.

42
D. Allowable Axial Tensile Stress – Refer Section D, AISC ASD

The allowable tensile stress Ft shall not exceed -

1. 0.6Fy on gross area ; Fy = Yield stress of steel grade, ksi

2. 0.5Fu on effective net area; Fu = Minimum tensile stress of grade of steel , ksi

Notes For Built up members-

• Longitudinal spacing of fasteners and intermeittent welds connecting 2 or more shapes

in contact shall not exceed 24 in.
• Tension members components (2 or more shapes or plates) shall be connected with e
ach other at intervals such that the slenderness ratio of either component between the
fasteners does not exceed 300.

43
 E. Allowable Axial Compressive Stress – Refer Section E, AISC ASD
K = Effective length Factor ; Refer Table C-C2.1, Usually taken as 1
l = Unbraced length of compression flange in plane of bending
r = radius of gyration for compression flange
( For rolled section r=ry for the section,
For rolled section with plates/channel at top / with surge girder , r has to be computed for th
e assembly of compression flange )
2 2 E
Cc = Column slenderness ration seperating elastic and inelastic buckling =
Fa = Allowable axial compressive stress Fy

  Kl / r  2 
1  2  y
F
If, Kl/r < Cc ,  2 C c  … Eqn E2-1
Fa 
5  3 Kl / r    Kl / r 
3

3 8Cc 8Cc 3

12 2 E
Fa 
If, Kl/r < Cc ,
 r 2
23 Kl
… Eqn E2-2

However, Fa can also be calculated from graphs given in -

Table C-36 & C-50 – For Allowable Compressive stress for a given Kl/r

44
Plate Girders - (For plate girders (h/t w >760/ Fb) Refer Chapter G, ASD)

A. Check for Web Slenderness – Refer G1, AISC ASD

a
Transverse Stiffener

(a = clear distance between transverse stiffeners)

Beam Plan

Case 1 – No Stiffeners are provided or a > 1.5 x distance between flanges

h/tw =< 14000/[√{Fyf*(Fyf+16.5)}]

Case 2 – No Stiffeners are provided or a < 1.5 x distance between flanges

h/tw=< 2000/ √Fyf

Where, Fyf = Specified minimum yield stress of flange, ksi

45
B. Allowable Bending Stress – Refer G2, AISC ASD

Maximum Bending Stress in Compression Flange = F b’

Fb’=<Fb*RPG*Rc

Where, Fb = Applicable bending stress as per Chapter F ( rolled sections)

RPG = 1-0.0005(Aw/Af)*(h/tw-760/ √Fb) =<1.0

Rc = [12+(Aw/Af)(3-3)]/[12+2(Aw/Af)] =<1.0 ; For non hybrid girders, R c = 1.0

Aw = Area of web, in2 ; Af = Area of compression Flange, in 2

a = 0.6Fyw/Fb =<1.0

Fyw = Minimum yield stress of beam web, ksi

46
 C. Allowable Shear Stress (With Tension Field Action ) – Refer G3, AISC ASD
Largest average web shear = Fv (kips per sq. in.) < Value given by Eqn. F4-2
For any condition of complete or partial loading
But for the following conditions –
1. Intermediate stiffeners are provided
2. Stiffener Spacing is as per G4
3. Cv=<1,
Eqn. F4-2 can be replaced by – Fv = (Fy/2.89)[Cv+(1-Cv)/{1.15 √(1+a2/h2)}] =< 0.40Fy
Eqn. G3-1
Note – Use of Tension Field Action is not counted upon if
• 0.60Fy √3 =<Fu =< 0.4Fy
• a/h > 3.0
• The section is a hybrid section
D. Combined Shear & Tension Stress – Refer G5, AISC ASD
(With Tension Field Action)

Bending Tensile Stress due to moment in the plane of girder web shall not exceed
–

1. 0.60Fy

2. ( 0.825 - 0.375 * fv / Fv ) Fy

Where, fv = computed average web shear stress (total shear divided by web area), ksi
Fv = allowable web shear stress according to Eqn G3-1, ksi
47
Design of Transverse Stiffeners -
Transverse Stiffeners provision will meet the requirements of Section F5
Transverse Stiffeners are provided when, fv < Fv as per Eqn. F4-2

The conditions that the stiffeners must meet are -

1. Ist >=(h/50)4 ; where, Ist = M.I. of a pair of intermediate stiffeners or a single

intermediate stiffener

1  Cv a ( a )2
2 Ast  [  h ]YDht ; Where, Ast = Gross area of stiffeners (in
. 2 h 1  (a ) 2
h
pairs or single), sq in

Y = ratio of yield stress of web steel

& Stiffener steel ,
D = 1.0 for stiffeners in pairs
= 1.8
Total Shear transfer through the transverse for single
stiffeners = angle
f vs stiffeners
= 2.4 for single plate stiffeners
( in kips per linear inch of single stiffener or pair of stiffeners )

Fy 3
f vs  h ( )
340

Note :- If fv<Fv from eqn G3-1, Ast & fvs can be reduced proportionally.

48
Step 3. Calculation of Developed Stresses –
1. fa = Computed Axial Stress
fa = L1 / Ag ; Ag = Gross Area of Runway Girder Section (only)
2. fbx = Computed Compressive Bending Stress at point under consid
eration in vertical direction ( major axis bending )
fbx = Mv / Zxx ; Zxx = Section Modulus of top flange portion of the section

3. Fbx,t = Computed Tensile Bending Stress at point under consideration in

vertical direction ( major axis bending )
fbx,t= Mv / Zxx1 ; Zxx1 = Section Modulus of bottom flange portion of the section

4. fby = Computed Compressive Bending Stress at point under consider

ation in transverse direction ( minor axis bending )
fby = Mlat / Zyy ;
Zyy = Section modulus of the top flange of the section about y (minor) axis.
For Rolled beams without channel caps or surge girder, Z yy should be taken as
½ of the total Zyy of the shape,
For sections with channel caps or with surge girder, Z yy is the section modulus f
or channel ( or surge girder ) and the top flange of the section area.

49
Step 4. Combined Stresses – Refer Section H, AISC ASD

Combined Axial Tension And Bending – Members subject to both axial tension and bending
stresses shall be proportioned at all points along their length to satisfy the following equation –

fa f f by
 bx   1.0
Ft Fbx Fby
Combined Axial Compression And Bending – Members subject to both axial compression and
bending stresses shall be proportioned at all points along their length to satisfy the following equation –

fa Cmx f bx Cmy f by
   1.0
Fa  f   
1  a  Fbx 1  f a  Fby
 F 'ex   F 'ey 

12 2 E
Where, F’ey =Euler Stress divided by a factor of safety =
23 Kl / r 

Cm = Coefficient , Refer Section H for values

Fa = Allowable axial compressive stress
Fb = Allowable compressive bending stress
x, y = axis of bending about which a particular stress applies
Ft = Allowable axial tensile stress

50
Step 5. Deflection Calculation –
A
Deflection –
R
V1,1 z1 z2 Deflection is calculated at the centre of
V1,2
the runway girder. The loads should be
so placed that the Resultant ® shall pass
through the centre of the girder.
R1 R2
L = span of Gantry Girder The load placemnets for determining the
deflection at the centre of the beam is shown.

If the individual wheel loads are equal, then

z1=z2 for 2 wheel loads and B shall be
A B A divided into equal halves for 4 wheel load
system.
R
V1,1 V1,2 V1,3 V1,4
Deflection shall be within specified limits.

R1 R2
L = span of Gantry Girder

51
Step 6. Special Design Considerations – Refer Chapter K, AISC ASD

Members with concentrated loads applied normal to 1 flange and

symmetric to the web shall have a flange and web proportioned to
satisfy the following criteria -

1. Local Flange Bending

2. Sidesway Web Buckling

3. Compression Buckling of the Web

4. Design of End Bearing Stiffeners

52
 1. Check for Local Flange Bending – …Refer Chapter K1.2

The crane girder being subjected to

heavy ( & may be eccentric ) load on the flange, has a
tendancy of bending like shown in the figure if the
thickness of the flange (tf) is less than –

…. Eqn K1-1

Pbf
0.4
Fy

Where, Fy = Yield stress of steel, ksi

Pbf = Computed force delivered by the flange x 1.67 , kips

Note –
1. If the length of the loading measured across the member
flange is less than 0.15*flange width, the above equation need not be checked.
2. If tf is less than the value given in the equation , a pair of transverse stiffeners a
re required opposite the tension flange or flange plate of the beam / girder fram
ing into the girder ( from flange to flange).
3. The same is true for monorails ( bottom flange is affected in that case ).

53
 2. Sidesway Web Buckling – …Refer Chapter K1.5

• Sidesway Web Buckling is the limit state of stability of the

web plate from side sway.
• Bearing stiffeners shall be provided in the webs of members
with flanges not restrained against relative movement by stiffe
ners or lateral bracings and subject to concentrated compress
ive loads.

Case a) If the loaded flange is restrained against rotation and

3  
3
dc / tw 6800 t w  d / t
 2.3, then , R  1  0.4 c w   … Eqn K1-6
l /bf h   l /b  
  f 


Case b) If the loaded flange is not restrained against rotation and

3  
3
dc / tw
 1.7, then , R 
6800 t w  d / t
 c w   … Eqn K1-7
0. 4
l /bf h   l / b f  
 
Where, l = largest laterally unbraced length along either flange at the point of the load,
dc = d-2k
Note – The Eqns K1-6 & 7 need not be checked if –
1. (dc/tw)/(l/bf) exceeds 2.3 and 1.7 respectively
2. Webs are subjected to UDL

54
 3. Compression Buckling of the web – …Refer Chapter K1.6
A pair of stiffeners shall be provided opposite the compression flange when –

….. Eqn K1-8

4100t w3 Fy
dc 
Pbf

NOTE –
Stiffeners required from Eqns K1-1, K1-6, K1-7 & K1-8 shall be provided from flange to
flange. They are designed as axially compressed members with –
1. Effective Length = 0.75h
2. Considering a cross section composed of 2 stiffeners and a strip of the web havin
g width of 25tw at interior stiffeners and 12tw at the ends of members.

55
 4. Design of End Bearing Stiffeners – …Refer Section K1.9
1. Check for Width-thickness Ratio -
R = Maximum End Reaction at support ; t = Thickness of stiffener ; h = Width of stiffener ;
t w = thickness of web of beam ; d = height of beam web ; l = height of stiffener
For Webs in combined axial compression and flexure , refer Table B5.1. which
gives the maximum h/t ratio in a bearing stiffener.

If fa/Fy=<0.16, Max. h/t =

If fa/Fy>0.16, Max. h/t =

t
End Bearing Stiffener

640  
1  3.74 f a 
Fy  Fy  h
 Beam Web
tw
257
Fy
12tw h

2. Check for Compressive Stress – The above diagram represents the sectional
area to be considered in column action resisting compressive forces from the
maximum end reaction at support

Moment of inertia =

Area Effective = Radius of gyration of the section =

K = Effective Length Factor = 0.75;
For Kl/r , Allowable compressive stress (Fa) is looked up from Table C-36 or C-50

 2h  t w  3
Developed compressive stress = fa = R / Aeff < Fa

I t
12
I
Aeff  2ht  12t w 2 r
Aeff

56
Sample Detail of Ends of Crane Girders –
Refer Design Guide 7/ Industrial Buildings

57
Typical Seatings of Crane Girders –

58
Typical Seatings of Simply Supported Crane Girder

59
It is impossible to erect building frames to the tolerance required by the crane manufacturer
and it is hence essential that the whole crane runway girder can be adjusted upto 10mm
w.r.t., building columns. Therefore slotted holes and shims are necessary.

60
Alternative Seating –

Free rotation at the supports of crane runway girders prevents bending and torsional
moments in the columns. That is realised by the detaling shown below -

Rotation at the end of a simply

supported crane girder results in a
longitudinal movement of the top
flange w.r.t. the centre line. The
member which connects the top
flange to the building column must
therefore be capable of allowing the
free longitudinal movement without
becoming overstressed. A simple
flexible plate may be satisfactory ….
Even a roller support like the 1 below
will also serve the purpose.

61
(For heavy cranes )

62
 (d)

Due to the reversible strain as shown

in Fig (b) to which the girder web is
subjected, any detail like (a) above
to
resist the lateral transverse forces
will lead to a result shown in (c). This
may also lead to a result shown in
Figure (d).

These failures can be easily

prevented by connecting the top
flange directly to the column as
shown in the next slide.

63
64
Sample Calculation for Design of Crane Girder –

1. Refer AISC Steel Design Guide 7 ( for 2 wheel/girder crane )

2. Excel Sheet ( from internet - for 2 wheel/girder crane )

65