Crane Wheel Loads, Runway Beam & Main Girder Assessment

Client: Private Mining
Location: South Australia
Project Type: Crane Wheel Load Assessment, Runway Beam Verification & Main Girder Design
Year Completed: 2026

Services Provided

Development of crane wheel loads

Development of crane wheel loads

Runway beam structural assessment

Main girder design checks

Compliance verification to AS 1418, AS 4100 & AS/NZS 1170

Report-ready engineering documentation

Outcome


Verified structural adequacy and delivered a fully compliant engineering package for the 6.3-tonne crane system.

Project Overview

EPC Tech was engaged by a private mining client in South Australia to provide structural engineering verification for a new 6.3-tonne hoist and crane system with a 6.5-metre span and 20-metre runway length.

The project involved assessing the existing runway beams and verifying the main girder design to ensure safe operation under the nominated crane classification requirements (M5 mechanical and A5 structural).

The client required a fast turnaround together with clear, defensible engineering documentation suitable for internal approvals and future compliance audits.

Scope of Works

EPC Tech delivered a complete structural engineering package including:

  • Calculation and development of crane wheel loads
  • Structural assessment of existing runway beams
  • Main girder design verification and compliance checks
  • Deflection and serviceability assessment
  • Strength checks for bending, shear and lateral stability
  • Compliance verification to AS 1418, AS 4100 and AS/NZS 1170
  • Preparation of engineering calculations and compliance documentation

Technical Approach

01

Load Development

  • Total crane mass: 3,200 kg
  • Wheel configuration: 2 wheels per end carriage
  • Wheel spacing: 1.8 metres
  • Load combinations developed in accordance with AS/NZS 1170 and AS 1418

02

Structural Modelling

  • Analysis of runway beams under localised wheel loads
  • Assessment of dynamic loading factors for M5 duty classification
  • Structural modelling and verification of the main girder

03

Design Verification

  • Bending capacity checks
  • Shear capacity checks
  • Deflection verification for crane operation
  • Lateral torsional buckling assessment of the main girder

04

Documentation

  • Clause-referenced engineering calculations
  • Report-ready outputs for compliance and audit purposes
  • Formal compliance statement and supporting documentation

05

Project Challenges

  • Limited structural information on existing runway support conditions
  • Tight deflection limits required for smooth crane operation
  • Verification of the suitability of the existing 250UC89 runway beam section
  • Coordination with crane supplier load data and operational classifications

Engineering Outcomes

  • Developed accurate wheel loads for the 6.3-tonne crane system
  • Verified the existing 250UC89 runway beams met strength and serviceability requirements
  • Confirmed deflection performance within acceptable operational limits
  • Verified compliance of the main girder design with AS 4100
  • Identified that no strengthening works were required, reducing project cost and installation downtime

Final Deliverables

The client received a complete engineering package including:

  • Full structural calculation report
  • Compliance statement referencing AS 1418, AS 4100 and AS/NZS 1170
  • Marked-up drawings and design sketches
  • Recommendations for ongoing inspection and maintenance

Project Outcome

The assessment confirmed that the proposed crane and runway system was structurally adequate and compliant with relevant Australian Standards.

EPC Tech delivered a complete engineering package providing the client with confidence in the safety, reliability and long-term operational performance of the crane system while avoiding unnecessary strengthening works and reducing installation downtime.

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