One Sided Bridge Crane Lateral Bracing

[AlexH15]

Hello,

I am designing a bridge crane in an existing structure where the building owner will not allow attachments to the building. Due to the location of the crane in the building, I am considering using lateral bracing on only one side of the crane. Has anyone done this before?

I have read through AISE Technical Report 13, Tips for Avoiding Crane Runway Problems and Design Guide 7 previous posts about lateral loading Link) but I haven't seen anything specifically saying not to do this.

Furthermore, I would argue that the section in AISE Technical Report 13 that says, ""...The recommended total side thrust shall be distributed with due regard for the lateral stiffness of the structures supporting the rails...." would allow me to only brace one side so long as the one runway was designed for 100% side thrust loads and I am using double flange wheels.

I am asking because I have never seen this in practice. What are your thoughts?

Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.

ah

 

[JAE]

I don't think the two separate longitudinal breaking force on each side of the bridge have any system that can transfer the force over to the other side.
There's no way the load would somehow transfer over to the opposite side since the bridge crane itself isn't a diaphragm.

Think about load path here and you will see that there is no mechanism to transfer the load on one side of a completely separate structure to the other side.



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[AlexH15]

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I am considering single sided lateral bracing (perpendicular to rail). I will have longitudinal on both sides.

 

[JAE]

That might work. The concern would be whether the one side only of the bridge trolleys can take 100% of the lateral thrust. I’d check with the crane manufacturer.

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