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Crane Rails

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Crane Rails

Crane Rails

ChipB

(Structural)

(OP)

18 Dec 19 19:21

O.K. This is a little bit embarrassing...&#;.
In my 25 years of structural engineering, I have never had to call out a crane rail on a drawing. Do I just say ASCE 70 CRANE RAIL? Or is there a standard for calling them out?

Thanks in advance.

Replies continue below

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RE: Crane Rails

phamENG

(Structural)

18 Dec 19 19:30

Haven't called one out myself, but I've seen them called out as 70# Rail

RE: Crane Rails

r13

(Civil/Environmental)

18 Dec 19 19:31

I believe crane rail usually made of S shapes, and was listed on older AISC manual, also the user manual of Bethlehem Steel (no longer in business).

RE: Crane Rails

ChipB

(Structural)

(OP)

18 Dec 19 19:42

Ooooooooo!
I do have a couple of copies of the Bethlehem Steel Manual, at home in my "Geek Library". I also house AISC Steel Manuals editions 1 through 9, because I am such a geek.

Thanks guys!

RE: Crane Rails

phamENG

(Structural)

18 Dec 19 19:50

The bottom flange looks like an S shape, but the top flange (rail) is certainly very different. I'm assuming you've looked at Table 1-21 Crane Rails (p. 1-118) in the 14th edition of the SCM?

RE: Crane Rails

r13

(Civil/Environmental)

18 Dec 19 19:58

ChipB,

Applauds for the old book keeper :)

RE: Crane Rails

ChipB

(Structural)

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(OP)

18 Dec 19 22:09

retired13,

Thanks! The 1st Edition was the most difficult to get. I'd see them on eBay for hundreds of dollars. I went to powellsbooks.com, and looked for it. Of course they didn't have it, but there was a button to "Notify me when it came available." So I clicked it. It took a few months, but they sent me an stating that it was available. I picked it up for $35. :-O

phamENG,
Yes, that's the table I'm looking at. The equipment (a stacker) is coming from another country, but they did an excellent job of detailing the dimensions of the rail in mm. The ASCE 70 rail is within 1/16" for the size of the head. The web is slightly thicker, and the bottom about 1/4" wider. I am happy with the web being thicker. The bottom flange means I'll have to slightly increase my anchor spacing width, but the head dimensions being the most important, I'm extremely happy.

RE: Crane Rails

5

FLCraneBuilder

(Industrial)

18 Dec 19 23:06

I'm seeing a lot of misunderstanding here

1- ASCE rails are NOT S shapes = S beams apply to underhung cranes, Asce applies to top running cranes
2 - Rail size is to be determined by the Crane manufacturer - in no way should an engineer be doing it that does have intimate knowledge of tolerances, durability requirements of wheels & rails. etc
3- ASCE 70 is an obsolete section and cannot be bought
4 - if this is a euro crane, the manufacturer probably prefers a euro rail - not asce... but this is hard to find in the states...
5 - Alternately, euro cranes VERY often use sold bar rails - that is why you are seeing MM dimensions. If they are calling out a bar size... select a close fractional dim & spec it
6- what about bar hardness? do they spec this? (we use Gr bar (hot rolled) & stock two diff widths. it is Special order)
7 - be reminded that when temps change, the girder length changes hence crane span changes... hence there is often float (space) between wheel Flanges & rail head
8 - the crane builder will be well aware of installation tolerances. the crane builder and installer should be doing this... no one else.
9 - Stacker cranes have VERY high lateral forces being transferred into the rails. Hence, the rail hold down system is critical - again - back to the crane manufacturer
10 - Yes I am on CMAA structural committee

RE: Crane Rails

ChipB

(Structural)

(OP)

18 Dec 19 23:18

FLCraneBuilder,
Wow! You've helped me a lot.
Or...&#;
You've hurt me a lot... LOL
Thank you very much!!!
Chip

RE: Crane Rails

oldrunner

(Structural)

19 Dec 19 04:50

If I remember correctly, American crane rail is pounds per yard.

RE: Crane Rails

FLCraneBuilder

(Industrial)

19 Dec 19 12:43

Thank you ChipB... there are many things on this site I do not know & come here to learn about... Cranes & their runway systems; I know quite well
Yes Old runner, asce rail is lbs/yard

RE: Crane Rails

r13

(Civil/Environmental)

19 Dec 19 16:44

There is not much misunderstanding here, a slippage of my mind. All the efforts here were to locate source document for proper call out on the drawing, no design involved. Been in US Steel for 5 years, I don't know how could I forgot CMAA, and how crane rail looks.
I thought there was no need to elaborate my case, after other has pointed out the data source correctly. Thanks.

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News

Crane rails are an integral component of crane systems, providing a sturdy track for the movement of cranes. Understanding the different types of crane rails is crucial for selecting the appropriate rail system that meets specific operational requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various types of crane rails, exploring their characteristics, applications, and benefits.

Standard Crane Rails

• A-Series Rails: A-Series rails are the most commonly used standard crane rails. They feature a symmetrical profile with a flat bottom and sloping sides, allowing for smooth and reliable crane movement. These versatile rails are suitable for a wide range of crane applications in industrial and construction settings.
• M-Series Rails: M-Series rails are a modified version of A-Series rails, with a wider base and thicker flanges. These rails offer increased strength and stability, making them ideal for heavy-duty crane operations that involve higher loads and more demanding applications.

Heavy-Duty Crane Rails

• QU Series Rails: QU Series rails are designed for heavy-duty applications that require exceptional load-bearing capacity and durability. These robust rails can withstand high loads and provide superior strength and stability. They are commonly used in large-scale industrial facilities, such as steel mills, ports, and shipyards.

Specialized Crane Rails

• Vignole Rails: Vignole rails, also known as flat-bottomed rails, feature a wide, flat base, providing enhanced stability and precision for crane movements. These rails are often used in applications that demand accurate and controlled crane operations, such as container yards and manufacturing facilities.
• Bulb Profile Rails: Bulb profile rails have a unique bulb-shaped profile, offering increased strength and resistance to lateral forces. They are commonly employed in high-speed crane operations, such as railway yards, where stability and track integrity are crucial.

Low-Profile Crane Rails

• P-Profile Rails: P-Profile rails are characterized by their low-profile design, making them suitable for light-duty crane applications or environments with space constraints. These rails are lightweight and have a smaller cross-sectional area, allowing for easier installation and flexibility in restricted spaces.

Customized Crane Rails

• In certain situations, customized crane rails may be required to meet specific project requirements. Customized rails are tailor-made to suit unique crane specifications, such as increased load capacity, specialized profiles, or specific material compositions. They are typically developed through collaboration between rail manufacturers and crane engineers to ensure optimal performance and safety.

The selection of the appropriate crane rail is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of cranes. This comprehensive guide has explored various types of crane rails, including standard rails, heavy-duty rails, specialized rails, low-profile rails, and customized rails. Each type possesses distinct characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications and operational requirements. When selecting a crane rail, factors such as load capacity, environmental conditions, space limitations, and crane specifications should be considered. By understanding the different types of crane rails available, crane engineers can make informed decisions to ensure smooth and reliable crane operations in diverse industries.