Optimization Algorithm for Selection and on Site Location of Mobile Cranes
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 131, Issue 5
Abstract
Mobile crane manufacturers provide operators and practitioners with tabulated lift-capacity charts. These charts are structured based on predetermined crane configurations, which consist of boom/jib length, lifting radius, lifting height, main boom angles to ground, and jib angle to ground or its offset to its main boom centerline. Practitioners, however, are often required to lift on a partially extended hydraulic section and/or lifting radius other than those listed in the manufacturers’ lift-capacity charts. This paper presents a newly developed optimization algorithm (referred to in this paper as Algorithm-2) for selecting and locating mobile cranes on construction sites based on their minimum boom length and/or minimum radius, accordingly higher lifting capacities. Algorithm-2 includes an optimization procedure that avoids lifting capacity violations. In addition to the practical use of Algorithm 2, the mathematical representations of the crane’s geometry are also useful for research in the automation and robotic field of operations involving cranes. The algorithm is incorporated into a computer system that integrates a selection module and a database. Data pertinent to crane lift configurations are retrieved from the database and are then processed to determine the optimum, geometrical selection of the crane configuration. A case example is described in order to demonstrate the use of the developed algorithm and to illustrate its essential features.
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References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 131 • Issue 5 • May 2005
Pages: 579 - 590
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: Feb 20, 2003
Accepted: Aug 9, 2004
Published online: May 1, 2005
Published in print: May 2005
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