Tower Crane Research Articles

Modified settlement‐stability‐optimization method for numerical foundation design of tower cranes

AbstractThe static design of foundations for tower cranes is mostly based on calculations of structural safety like tilting, sliding and groundbreaking. Settlement calculations for evaluating the inclination of the crane, which is restricted by the suppliers of tower cranes , are essential for safe and economic foundation solutions, too. Based on the experience of more than 280 tower crane positions throughout Austria and Germany the method of Müllner & Meister has been extended satisfying the normative and crane specifically requirements and represents an obligation of one of the biggest building contractors in Europe in the sense of today's resource‐saving management.

Data-based error compensation for georeferenced payload path tracking of automated tower cranes

Data-based error compensation for georeferenced payload path tracking of automated tower cranes

Research on vibration damping model of flat-head tower crane system based on particle damping vibration absorber

Research on vibration damping model of flat-head tower crane system based on particle damping vibration absorber

Payload trajectory tracking of a 5-DOF tower crane with a varying-length hoist cable: A passivity-based adaptive control approach

Payload trajectory tracking of a 5-DOF tower crane with a varying-length hoist cable: A passivity-based adaptive control approach

Effect on tower crane structural vibration under the lifting-luffing coupling condition

Effect on tower crane structural vibration under the lifting-luffing coupling condition

Automatic tower crane layout planning system for high-rise building construction using generative adversarial network

With the spring up of high-rise building projects, tower crane layout planning (TCLP) is increasingly crucial to avoid construction costs, safety issues, and productivity deficiencies. Current optimization approaches require manual data extraction and become more complex as projects scale growing. To further alleviate the planning burden, an automatic TCLP system is proposed, using a generative adversarial network (GAN) called CraneGAN. It generates tower crane layouts from drawing inputs, eliminating the need for manual information extraction. CraneGAN is trained on a high-quality dataset and evaluated based on its computational time and crane transportation time. By adjusting hyperparameters and applying data augmentation, CraneGAN achieves robust and efficient results compared to genetic algorithms (GA) and the exact analytics method. After validating through a numerical analysis for construction project, this proposed approach overcomes complexity limitations and streamlines the manual data extraction process to better facilitate layout planning decision-making.

Robust fault accommodation approach for double-pendulum tower cranes via adaptive neural network-triggered control

Robust fault accommodation approach for double-pendulum tower cranes via adaptive neural network-triggered control

Cargo Swing Analysis and Swing Angle Optimization of Flat-Top Tower Cranes

Cargo Swing Analysis and Swing Angle Optimization of Flat-Top Tower Cranes

Bolt-connected prefabricated cross-shaped I-steel tower crane foundation.

Traditional tower cranes cannot meet the sustainable development goals as they use the cast-in-place concrete foundation, with large size, long construction period, and demolition after construction, resulting in waste of resources and high costs. This paper proposes a bolt-connected prefabricated cross-shaped I-steel tower crane foundation. It offers significant advantages in terms of convenient connection, low amortization cost and recyclability. The split connection point of the foundation is determined through the force analysis of the I-steel. With the ratio of the fixed cross-sectional area to the web height-to-thickness ratio (i.e. total cost) being constant, the inertia moment and bending stiffness of the I-steel are optimized using modern optimization design methods with the ratio of the web plate area to the total section area of the I-steel as the design variable, yielding the ideal strength and stiffness of the I-steel section.

Lift path planning for tower cranes based on environmental point clouds

The planning of lift paths is a critical task in crane operations. Traditionally, crane operators and assistants perform operation tasks based on their observation and experience, this is a tedious and error-prone process. Previous studies mainly focus on the optimization of path length or planning time, but seldom consider the accessibility of information for planning and the execution ability of crane operators. As a result, existing solutions may not be suitable for lifting practices due to the ideal validation environment. To address the gap, this research proposes an automated lift path planning method for tower cranes based on environmental point clouds. The method utilizes an octree-based sampling strategy to generate a roadmap from point clouds in the configuration space and a novel collision checking method for point clouds. Furthermore, an optimized A* algorithm is employed to identify executable paths. The proposed method is validated using real point clouds from a construction site. The result shows that the method can automatically generate more executable paths with higher efficiency only using point cloud data. Specifically, the proposed method reduces searching time, path length and the number of inflection points by 57%, 50% and 40% respectively, when compared to the RRT algorithm.

Tower Crane Effect on the Vibration Response of Elastic Foundation

Tower Crane Effect on the Vibration Response of Elastic Foundation

Discretized Cell Modeling for Optimal Layout of Multiple Tower Cranes

Multiple tower crane layout planning (MTCLP) refers to the selection of the types, quantities, and positions of tower cranes and material storage positions. In a construction project, choosing tower cranes with a larger covering radius and lifting capacity can reduce the transportation time of materials. However, it can also simultaneously raise the rental cost and the risk of crane crashes. Determining an optimal multiple tower crane layout plan to achieve high construction efficiency with low cost is still a challenge. Mathematically, MTCLP is a complex combinatorial problem controlled by a number of variables, such as site configuration, building layout, material storage positions, and workload. To precisely describe irregular shaped sites and buildings, this research partitioned the site into unit cells and proposed a cell-based optimization model. For the optimal crane layout plan, the problem was formulated as a mixed integer linear problem (MILP). The model’s mathematical constraints comprised coverage of the given positions, the crane’s safety distance, sufficient crane capacity, and the utilization ratio. The objectives were to increase the crane coverage ratio while reducing the cost and the working areas overlapped by more than two cranes. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model. The first construction project consisted of seven buildings with irregular shapes. By strictly forbidding the areas to be overlapped by more than three tower cranes, the model successfully obtained the optimal crane layout plan using the Gurobi Optimizer. Compared with the contractor’s layout plan, the optimal plan reduced the rental cost by 10.7% and the area overlapped by more than three tower cranes by 4.56%. In the second project, alternative plans were identified by the Gurobi Optimizer and ε-constraint method to enhance confidence in selecting the ultimate crane layout plan. The optimization procedure involved (1) optimizing the layout plan with minimum crane cost and maximum coverage ratio, (2) identifying all possible layouts as the Pareto fronts when the coverage ratio could not be raised without increasing the crane cost, and (3) minimizing the areas of crane overlap covered by more than three tower cranes. The effectiveness of the proposed model is also proved by comparing the differences in layout plans caused by “regular” and “urgent” lifting demands.

Neuro-fuzzy-based anti-swing control of automatic tower crane

Controlling the position of the final load and the anti-swing control of the loads during the operation of the tower crane are challenging tasks. These are the most important control issues for safe operation, which are difficult to achieve easily with conventional control systems. Hence, the need to integrate the concepts of soft-computing into the tower crane control system. The aim of this research work is to design an adaptive-network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) controller to move the payload to the final position with the lowest possible swing angle. To evaluate the ability of the proposed controller to meet the control requirements, its performance was compared to three other controllers: a conventional proportional derivative (PD) controller, a fuzzy-tuned PD controller and a fuzzy controller. MATLAB-based computer simulations of the crane and controllers were carried out to verify and compare the performance of the proposed controllers. The obtained results show the effectiveness of the ANFIS-based controller in adjusting the load position while keeping the load fluctuations small at the final position. The load oscillation angle is about ±2.28° with the ANFIS controller while it is about ±10° when using the PD controller. In addition, only one ANFIS controller is used for both load position and swing angle control.

Determining parameters to optimize the pulling force for the luffing jib tower cranes by Taguchi method

Determining parameters to optimize the pulling force for the luffing jib tower cranes by Taguchi method

Minimization of oscillations of the tower crane slewing mechanism in the steady-state mode of trolley movement

Minimization of oscillations of the tower crane slewing mechanism in the steady-state mode of trolley movement

Propeller thrust tower crane slewing mechanism model identification

Any study of the dynamics and control of mechanical systems is based on adequate mathematical models that contain the dynamic parameters of the system under study. Their evaluation, in particular for the tower crane boom system, is a particularly relevant scientific and practical problem, the solution of which will provide the basis for further calculations of the optimal modes of movement of the tower crane slewing mechanism. The research aims to determine the dynamic parameters of the installation (moment of inertia of the slewing mechanism J, torque of dry friction forces M0, driving torque coefficient K1) and to plan experimental studies. The experimental method, numerical optimization methods (in particular, the modified Rot-Ring-PSO method), and statistical methods were used to conduct the research. Based on the results of the experiments, the dynamic parameters of the mathematical model of the laboratory installation of the tower crane slewing mechanism with propeller thrust were identified. The criterion that evaluates the identification error of the parameters K1, M0, and J was formed and minimized using the Rot-Ring-PSO algorithm. Plots of the kinematic characteristics of the movement of the boom system in terms of the angle of rotation of the boom and the speed of rotation of the boom were constructed. When processing the experimental data, the dependence of the error values on the supply voltage of the propeller drive was revealed. The error in the boom rotation speed at the drive supply voltage of 90% (compared to the voltage variant of 40%) decreased by almost 15%, and the error in the boom rotation angle at the drive supply voltage of 90% (compared to the supply voltage variant of 40%) decreased by almost 3 times. The regularity has been confirmed that with an increase in the supply voltage, the error value of the system decreases. In the course of processing the experimental studies, the dynamic parameters of the installation were identified: K1=4.80‧10-8 V/(rpm)2, M0=34.519 Nm, J=24.21 kgm2. The obtained results will be used to optimise the plant’s motion modes, and the developed identification algorithm can be used for other similar problems

Structural and Environmental Safety Studies of the Holy Mosque Area Using CFD

A three-dimensional (3D) CFD model was developed, covering a square area of 3.64 km2 and comprising the Holy Mosque near its center, the actual terrain, and the main surrounding buildings. The gust wind effects on the existing cranes and the collapsed tower crane in 2015, the comfort of the pedestrians, and the air quality were studied for the first time in this area. The air quality was related to calm speed, accelerating the spreading of infectious diseases. The wind comfort levels were achieved in all selected locations. The wind speeds are generally low in the area. However, gusting wind currents appeared from limited directions, causing increments in wind speeds up to 30% and causing the tower crane to collapse. Therefore, finalizing work on some cranes is recommended soon, lowering the crane boom and stopping working on windy days or changing their places. The air quality in some sites may be relatively poor, such as at the lower terraces level. New tall buildings surrounding the mosque from the north and the east are not recommended unless studying their impacts on the air quality. Pruning north and east mounts can remarkably improve natural ventilation. Large-scale fans are another solution after a detailed simulation study.

This paper discusses the numerical simulation analysis and practical application method of tower crane selection in a super high-rise construction project

This paper discusses the numerical simulation analysis and practical application method of tower crane selection in a super high-rise construction project

Vision-Based Productivity Monitoring of Tower Crane Operations during Curtain Wall Installation Using a Database-Free Approach

Tower cranes are generally used in modern construction projects due to their exclusive and flexible performance for material transportation in complex workspaces. Although traditional deep learning vision-based methods have proven their effectiveness in construction site monitoring, a shortage of realistic training images and inefficiencies in them have been an obstacle in achieving effective tower crane monitoring. To deal with this issue, this paper presents a database-free approach for timely productivity monitoring of tower crane operations. Using a synthetic model, the authors construct a research framework to effectively generate training images on deep learning–powered object detection. Additionally, an enhanced tracking algorithm collaborating with unsupervised clustering-driven postprocessing enables stable performance for tracking resources. Further, logical ontology-based activity recognition constructed on domain-specific knowledge takes place to estimate time-to-time operation of the tower crane. The curtainwall installation was selected to represent the dynamicity and variability of tower crane operations for which it has been difficult to apply traditional deep learning technologies. Results displayed that the intended framework successfully produced 300,000 training images in 1 h, about 500 times faster than human resources, and an enhanced tracker performed well even in the case of unsatisfactory detection results. It is also proved that a performance of activity analysis was acceptable to 93.58% accuracy. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework has proven remarkable data generation speed with little manual input and good performance of operational-level activity analysis. These findings can automate the monitoring process of tower cranes’ operations and the productivity of curtainwall installation, assisting construction project decision making. Furthermore, such efficient methods are less time-consuming and can handle background scene changes effortlessly, building customized models in less time and to less cost, thus buffering the practical gap of applying vision-based technologies into visually dynamic construction sites.

Studying the distribution of a tower crane support loads using computer modeling

Problem. The construction of modern industrial and civil structures is impossible to imagine without tower cranes. They are used in the construction of both low-rise and high-rise buildings and industrial structures. Tower cranes are simply irreplaceable in the construction of buildings, and in the construction of low-rise structures, these cranes have certain advantages over self-propelled jib cranes. Tower cranes are designed to mechanize construction and installation work, providing up to 98% of all lifting and handling operations during the installation of construction elements of buildings and structures, and are also widely used in various types of lifting operations. The advantages of tower cranes also include the optimal combination of virtually any vertical and horizontal lifting height to any point of the facility under construction. It is worth emphasizing the extremely large potential of the Ukrainian construction market and its need for a wide variety of tower crane models. Thus, tower cranes are one of the most popular types of equipment. Goal. The goal is to develop a methodology for determining the loads during operation on the supporting elements of a tower crane with a support circuit, taking into account the spatial nature of the load and identifying patterns of change in the distribution of loads on the supports during crane operation. In this work, the tasks are achieved by applying an advanced calculation methodology with the use of computer modeling tools that allow the use of labor-intensive calculation methods that take into account many factors.
 Methodology. The main objective of the work is to develop a methodology for determining the loads during operation on the supporting elements of a tower crane with a solid support contour, taking into account the spatial nature of the load and identifying patterns of change in the distribution of loads on the supports during crane operation. 
 Results. It was found that the load of the crane support elements is oscillatory with an amplitude of about 200 kN. When the crane boom is rotated by 135 degrees, support 4 can withstand the greatest load, which is 250 kN, and support 2 is almost unloaded – 5 kN. At a turn of β = 225 degrees, a similar situation occurs with supports 1 and 3, respectively. When the overhang changes, supports 1 and 4 can withstand the same loads in the range of 68 to 190 kN, and supports 2 and 3 can withstand loads from 190 to 50 kN. At the maximum outreach, the critical positions of the crane are when the boom angles are β=45 degrees and β=315 degrees, in which case the crane rests on almost three supports. Originality. This task is achieved by applying an advanced calculation methodology with the use of computer modeling tools that allow the use of labor-intensive calculation methods which take into account many factors. Practical value. Using the developed algorithm for calculating the loads on the crane supports, a computational experiment was conducted to determine the magnitude and nature of changes in the loads on the crane supports under different operating conditions: with different loads and variable outreaches, wind loads.