Bearing capacity of soils for crawler cranes

Abstract

Few studies have been carried out on the bearing capacity of soils for crawler cranes. Directly applying the bearing capacity equations used for shallow foundations to cranes often leads to conservative design. The total settlement is of less concern for cranes than for buildings, and cranes can normally tolerate larger differential settlements. Computer simulation and field studies have been carried out to study the allowable bearing capacity of soils for cranes. Equations modified from the traditional method to calculate the bearing capacity for shallow foundations have been proposed. In general, it was found that the bearing capacity for crawler cranes could be increased by as much as 50% from that for foundations. This depends on the soil type, crane, and mat configuration. A design procedure in evaluating foundation support for crawler cranes is also proposed.