Camber deformation estimation of bridge crane and energy-consumption analysis

Abstract

The crane is a mechanical device used to move materials in modern production. It plays a very important role in the national economy by greatly reducing labor intensity, improving production efficiency, and promoting social development as an indispensable auxiliary tool. The energy consumption of a crane is very large. There are several factors influencing energy loss, especially the camber of the girder, which is thought to compensate for the operation downwarping and, thus, decrease the energy consumption of trolleys with improved operation performance. Thus, analysis and calculation of the camber for crane girder is necessary in order to design a reasonable camber curve for the compensation of girder deformation by self-weight and loading. In this study, the deformation source is analyzed, and an estimation model of camber for the bridge crane is proposed. The camber is theoretically discussed and estimated with respect to self-weight, wheel pressure, and welding. As a result, the optimal corresponding camber curve that could compensate the deformations by self-weight, wheel pressure, and welding were obtained. Calculation of the energy consumption of the trolley is also presented. By using a 50-t, 31.5-m double girder crane as the research object, calculation of its camber and design of the reasonable camber curve for energy-saving were analyzed and demonstrated. These results may provide a design reference for girder camber curve and validation of the effectiveness of crane simulation modeling.