Webster Truck Launceston – 5-Tonne Crane Replacement & Runway Assessment

Client: Webster Truck Launceston
Location: Launceston, Tasmania
Project Type: Crane Replacement Engineering, Runway Beam Assessment & Structural Verification
Year Completed: 2026

Services Provided

Structural assessment for replacement of existing 5-tonne crane

Verification of 18-metre crane span and 45-metre runway system

Development of crane wheel loads

Runway beam and support structure checks

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

Outcome

Delivered a compliant, safe and installation-ready engineering package enabling the client to upgrade their lifting system with confidence.

Project Overview

Webster Truck Launceston engaged EPC Tech to provide engineering verification for the replacement of an ageing 5-tonne overhead travelling crane. The new crane featured an 18-metre span operating along a 45-metre runway supported by existing structural steelwork.

The project required detailed structural assessment of the existing runway beams and supporting frames to confirm they could safely accommodate the upgraded crane loads without requiring costly strengthening works or operational downtime.

The client required a practical and efficient engineering solution supported by clear compliance documentation suitable for installation approval and future audit requirements.

Scope of Works

EPC Tech delivered a complete structural engineering package including:

Calculation and development of crane wheel loads
Structural assessment of runway beams and supporting frames
Verification of deflection and serviceability performance
Strength checks for bending, shear and structural stability
Review of existing structural conditions and load paths
Compliance verification to AS 1418, AS 4100 and AS/NZS 1170
Preparation of engineering calculations and compliance documentation

Technical Approach

01

Load Development

Crane capacity: 5 tonnes
Crane span: 18 metres
Runway length: 45 metres
Wheel configuration: 2 wheels per end carriage
Load combinations developed in accordance with AS/NZS 1170 and AS 1418

02

Structural Modelling

Analysis of runway beams under moving wheel loads
Assessment of dynamic loading factors for crane duty classification
Verification of supporting frames for vertical, lateral and longitudinal loading action

03

Design Verification

Bending capacity checks
Shear capacity checks
Deflection verification for crane operation
Lateral stability and torsional checks

04

Documentation

Clause-referenced engineering calculations
Load diagrams and structural summaries
Report-ready outputs suitable for certification and audit purposes

05

Project Challenges

Limited documentation available for the existing runway beam system
Long runway length introducing cumulative deflection and alignment considerations
Verification of compatibility between new crane loads and existing structural steelwork
Requirement to minimise operational disruption during assessment works

Engineering Outcomes

Developed accurate wheel loads for the replacement 5-tonne crane
Verified that the existing runway beams were structurally adequate for the upgraded crane system
Confirmed deflection performance within acceptable operational limits
Identified that no strengthening works were required, reducing project cost and downtime
Provided clear recommendations for crane installation and future inspection requirements

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 load diagrams
Recommendations for installation and ongoing maintenance

Project Outcome

The engineering assessment enabled Webster Truck Launceston to confidently replace their existing crane system with a modern 5-tonne overhead crane while maintaining the integrity of the existing runway structure.

EPC Tech delivered a compliant and practical engineering solution that improved operational safety and reliability while avoiding unnecessary strengthening works, reducing installation downtime and providing clear documentation for future compliance and audit requirements.

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