The effect of wind on crane structures.

This research focuses on evaluating and comparing the mechanical behaviour of different crane types subjected to wind actions, which are schematized as both constant and changing vs. time. The wind actions variable in time was estimated considering the Kaimal model, and the actions were determined by developing a specific Mathcad program. After the preliminary analytical crane design, the next steps concern making the solid model and performing the finite element analyses. The numerical results show that, if the wind actions were schematized changing in time, the maximum displacement is greater (from 1,5 to 3 times) than the one obtained with the constant actions. This gain is important and it is not constant, but changes with the crane type and the geometrical configurations. The research is still in progress both to extend this methodology to other lifting equipment and to assume other wind models’ schematization.