Casper, Phillips & Associates (CPA) has upgraded its proprietary crane analysis software for pre- and post-processing during crane finite element analysis.

The crane analysis software suite is a set of programs that perform pre-processing and post-processing, developed for container cranes. The preprocessing module is used to develop standards, geometries and loads. Users noticed how quickly wind loads can be developed using different design codes and boundary layer wind tunnel tests.

Preprocessing is to create a mathematical model of the crane structure (define structural beams and load cases). Processing is when you take a mathematical model and solve it to obtain the forces in each structural member (beam and column). Post-processing means that you bear the force in each structural member and check whether the structural member has sufficient strength and elasticity. This stage also includes checking the overall stability of the crane (overturning) and ensuring that the crane does not overload the terminal.

In addition to container cranes, CPA also uses the software to analyze other material handling equipment, such as Goliath gantry cranes over 500 tons, offshore floating cranes, stackers, electric overhead cranes (EOT) cranes, bulk ship loaders, and unloaders . The program is also used in industrial structures and docks.

CPA has recently introduced countless features, including the addition of EN 13001 to the existing crane code base. This standard is "more regular" than the update of the European Federation of Material Handling (FEM), the European Crane Design Code. For this reason, many ports in Asia and Europe have adopted EN 13001.

"We can and will emphasize the many functions of the perfect system, but more comprehensively, it is a showcase of our design and design review services. Port and terminal operators have repeatedly noted the effectiveness of the software; we do not want to generate sales, Therefore. Using our software, the crane structure can be analyzed within two to four weeks, depending on the complexity. The new crane design requires structural analysis to ensure that the crane meets the buyer’s requirements as well as the applicable codes and standards. If will Existing cranes designed to withstand higher wind loads or seismic loads in new geographic areas require structural analysis,” said CPA Mechanical Engineer Richard Phillips.

The upgrade allows CPA to quickly analyze the crane structure without compromising quality. This will shorten the window for design review and verification, and ultimately shorten the delivery time of the crane. The crane manufacturer also directly hired the company to help them design the crane.

It is worth noting that CPA adds detailed sheet buckling output, so the user can quickly determine which panel has ended and which load condition dominates. Buckling will show not only the control load of each plate, but also each plate between the stiffeners. The buckling of a thin plate is the local failure of a slender plate, which is part of the girder. The detailed buckling output will automatically show the user the load case that caused the buckling problem and the location of the thin plate buckling on the beam. This allows users to quickly optimize their designs.

After the preprocessing is complete, the model is loaded into SAP2000, a commercial finite element analysis program. SAP2000 solves the model and outputs all forces, moments and reaction forces to the post-processing program. However, SAP2000 does not support crane design codes, which leads CPA to create programs that use SAP2000 output and check structural components to the most popular crane codes.

"[SAP2000] is the best beam modeling analysis software; it has the best nonlinear time history analysis program. For this reason, we chose SAP2000 as the processing engine of our software suite," Phillips added.

He reiterated that the stress, buckling and fatigue procedures will automatically analyze every structural member and check every load situation. This includes checking the wind angle of each load case to maximize the stress of each structural member.

This new proprietary crane analysis software is compatible with a series of design specifications, including FEM, AISC, BS5400, DIN 15018, CMAA 70 and EN 13001. It is compatible with Windows-based PCs.

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