Mechanical behavior of ship to shore container crane subjected to different stochastic wind actions

This research aims to evaluate and compare the mechanical behaviour of a real crane subjected to wind actions. These are schematized in three different ways, i.e. considering wind velocity variable in time (two models) and the second one considering constant in time (as defined in the standards for designing the cranes). The fluctuation was estimated by adopting two power spectral models: Eurocode and the IEC Kaimal turbulence mode. The wind velocity and the resulting forces were determined by developing a specific Mathcad program. Through a crane solid model, it was possible to make a finite element model and then perform the numerical analyses by Ansys software. The elaboration of the numerical results shows, especially in terms of maximum displacement, that the two spectral models show very similar results, which are greater concerning the one obtained considering constant velocity; the displacement increment is approximately of three times. The research was extended also to the crane supports reaction. By adopting a variable wind action, the constraint reaction also takes on negative magnitudes, demonstrating the real possibility of crane overturning. The research is still under development especially to assess whether the results are extendable by adopting other wind turbulence models.