Three-Dimensional Modeling and Experimental Verification of Off-Centered Crane Lifts

When cranes lift heavy payloads off the ground, the payload may slide or swing sideways unexpectedly. This dangerous motion occurs when the payload is not directly beneath the overhead suspension point of the hoist cable. Given that cable suspension points are usually tens of feet, and perhaps hundreds of feet above the payload, it is very difficult for crane operators to know if the hoist cable is perfectly vertical before they start to lift the payload off the ground. Inevitably, some horizontal motion of the payload will occur at lift off. If an off-center lift creates substantial horizontal motion, then it can create significant hazards for the human operators, the crane, the payload, and the surrounding environment. This paper develops a three-dimensional dynamic model of off-centered lifts. The accuracy of the model is experimentally investigated using a 10-ton bridge crane.