Securing Cranes for Storm Winds: Uncertainties and Recommendations

by Patrick McCarthy and Feroze Vazifdar
Presented by Patrick McCarthy at the Ports 2004 Conference in Houston, Texas

Storm wind is one of the few forces that, although considered in dockside container crane design, still causes significant damage—even collapse. Most collapses, however, are usually not caused by an initial failure of the crane structure itself, but rather by failure of the tie-down/stowage pin system securing the crane to the wharf.

This presentation primarily examines the process of calculating corner uplift forces and discusses inherent uncertainties involved. This presentation also examines typical tie-down/stowage pin system designs and design criteria and makes recommendations for improvements.

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