Cranes in storm winds

Abstract In the first part of this paper the theoretical effect of wind gusts on crane stability is examined. It is assumed that the crane is a system with a single degree of freedom and that the wind applies a constant (overturning) moment supplemented by a short duration (gust) moment. It concludes that the approach to crane design adopted in the majority of Codes and Standards which takes a constant wind velocity and a static structural response is acceptable for most cranes. The second part of the paper develops a method, based upon that used in CP3: Ch. V: Pt. 2, for selecting appropriate out-of-service design wind speeds for ‘nomad’ cranes, such as builders' tower cranes, which are used in a variety of locations during their useful life.