Overturning occurs in an unacceptabtably high proportion of accidents to mobile cranes. These are often considered to operate as static machines and empirical factors are used to make allowance for dynamic effects.
This paper examines a number of static and dynamic effects that contribute to a reduction in crane stability. It introduces the concept of a ‘stability quotient’ to indicate the ratio of an overturning moment under dynamic conditions to its static equivalent. The results of tests to verify theoretical findings are discussed. A reduction in slewing speeds is one of the principal recommendations.
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References
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Crane accidents on construction sites, Department of Employment and Productivity Publication SHW 10, (HMSO, London).
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ButlerA. J.An investigation into crane accidents, their causes and repair costs. BRS Current Paper CP 75/78.
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Power-driven mobile cranes, 1981 (British Standards Institution, London).
DickieD. H.A study into the frequency of occurrence and effects of operating unlevelled mobile cranes. Preliminary Report, November 1971, Construction Safety Association of Ontario.
