The different structure solutions for overhead cranes

Many existing buildings were not designed to accommodate overhead cranes. Premium Industrial Group offers a range of structure solutions specially designed to accommodate lifting equipment. Each is intended to meet a specific need. Here's an overview of the pros and cons of each option.

 
The different componants of a structure

1. Self-supporting structure on concrete slab

In Quebec, the climate is not always kind to outdoor industrial installations. But don't worry! With Premium Industrial Group, there are plenty of ways to deal with it!

• Description: Fixed to a concrete slab 1 with chemical adhesive and anchor rods. This concept is also known as a self-supporting overhead crane.
• Pros: A common solution requiring little engineering, so there are fewer surprises. Suitable for industrial buildings, which can accommodate structures of up to 10t.
• Cons: The plates at the base of the columns need to be larger to support the loads generated by the crane.

Suitable type of overhead crane : top running
 

2. Self-supporting structure on concrete foundation

• Description: Fixed to a concrete foundation with long anchor rods. These must be installed before the concrete is poured.
• Pros: Capacité de levage élevée (15t+). High lifting capacity (15t+). Although this solution is suitable for outdoor structures, it can also be used for indoor projects.
• Cons: Requires soil testing, foundation engineering and excavation and compaction work. Foundation and structural work must be carried out under the Construction Decree (CCQ).



Suitable type of overhead crane  : top running

 

3. Semi-self-supporting structure

• Description: Columns attached to the frame of the building, enabling it to support part of the load generated by the overhead crane.
• Pros: Reduced footing and increased hook-to-wall approach.
• Cons: An engineer must check whether the building structure can support the load generated by the crane. The overall cost of the project is difficult to assess before receiving the engineering report. The installation of the structure, and reinforcement of the building itself if necessary, must be carried out under the Construction Decree (CCQ)



Suitable type of overhead crane : top running

 

4. Corbels on building columns

• Description: Corbels attached to building columns.
• Pros: No columns on the ground.
• Cons: An engineer must check whether the building structure can support the load generated by the crane. The overall cost of the project is difficult to assess before receiving the engineering report. The installation of the structure, and reinforcement of the building itself if necessary, must be carried out under the Construction Decree (CCQ).



Suitable type of overhead crane : top running

 

5. Ceiling-suspended track

• Description: Runway tracks suspended from beams or other structural members.
• Pros: No columns on the ground.
• Cons: An engineer must check whether the building structure can support the load generated by the crane. The overall cost of the project is difficult to assess before receiving the engineering report. The installation of the structure, and reinforcement of the building itself if necessary, must be carried out under the Construction Decree (CCQ).  



Suitable type of overhead crane : under running

 

Combining solutions

More than one solution can be combined to meet the specific needs of your project. This could involve, for example, semi-self-supporting columns attached to the building supports at the center, combined with self-supporting columns at the ends.

Reinforcement and construction work

If your building can't support all the new loads without modification, we can reinforce certain sections. This can sometimes be advantageous when it optimizes your operating floor. Premium Industrial Structures , our sister company specializing in this field, can assist you with this work.

Engineering

Some of these solutions require analysis by an engineer. We can put you in touch with a specialized firm, or work with the one of your choice. What’s important is that the analysis is carried out by a qualified professional.

Frequent questions

Q : In the structural plan, one of the columns encroaches on an emergency exit door. Is this a problem?

     R : Yes! No obstructions, fixed installations or turnstiles may encroach on the required width of an emergency exit (National Building Code NBC-2015, article 3.4.3.3).

Q : What distances do I have to respect around an electrical unit for my structure project?

     R : A clearance of 1 m in front of an electrical panel is required to guarantee safe access for maintenance, inspections and emergency interventions. (Canadian Electrical Code CEC, Article 2-308).

Q : How can I be sure that the concrete slab can support an overhead crane structure?

     R : Estimated concrete slab specifications are usually found on the offer submitted by your structural supplier. Once the solution has been reviewed by the engineer, this information will be recorded on the general arrangement drawings.
Verification of the concrete slab is usually the responsibility of the facility owner. This can be done by consulting the building's construction plans, or by examining the existing installation on site. Premium Industrial Group also offers a support service for these verifications, for example by scanning or coring the slab.
The aim is to ensure that the concrete slab corresponds to the considerations of the engineer who designed the structure. These checks should not be confused with slab capacity certification. We recommend documenting and archiving these procedures.

For more information or to request a quotation, please contact us. Our consultants are ready to help you maximize your operations and project costs.