hero-structure-support

Freestanding Structures for Overhead Cranes

Don't have the runway tracks or structure in your building to accommodate overhead cranes? We can definitely help.

Vector (9)
Products
Crane structures

The various structural solutions
to support overhead cranes

Does your building or garage have no runways or structure suitable for an overhead crane? Don't worry, we're familiar with these situations. Although many existing buildings are not designed to accommodate this type of equipment, don't let that stop your project.

 

Explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option now, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Freestanding structure on concrete slab
Freestanding structure on concrete foundation
Semi-freestanding structure
Corbels on building columns
Track suspended from the ceiling
Frame 20
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image (42) (2)
Frame 767
image (7)

Hoists

The hoist is the central element of a hoisting system. It is essential to take into account the operating cycle, the environment and the budget when selecting the right hoist. Our specialists are at your disposal to help you make the right choice.

See our hoists
Exo Granit 1
image (5)-1

1. Self-supporting structure on concrete slab

1.

Freestanding structure on concrete slab

Who?
Vector (11)
Description
Fixed to a concrete slab 1 with chemical adhesive and anchoring rods. This concept is also known as a freestanding overhead crane.
Who?
Vector (11)
Advantages
Common solution requiring little engineering, which limits surprises. Suitable for industrial buildings, which can accommodate structures of up to 10t.
Who?
Vector (11)
Disadvantages
The plates at the base of the columns must be larger to support the loads generated by the overhead crane.
SUITABLE TYPE OF CRANE Top running
Read more
image (7)

Hoists

The hoist is the central element of a hoisting system. It is essential to take into account the operating cycle, the environment and the budget when selecting the right hoist. Our specialists are at your disposal to help you make the right choice.

See our hoists
92873D763
image 9 (1)

2. Self-supporting structure on concrete foundation

2.

Freestanding structure on concrete foundation

Who?
Vector (11)
Description
Fixed to a concrete foundation with long anchor rods. These must be installed before the concrete is poured.
Who?
Vector (11)
Advantages
High lifting capacity (15t+). Although this solution is suitable for outdoor structures, it can also be used for indoor projects.
Who?
Vector (11)
Disadvantages
Requires soil testing, foundation engineering, excavation and compaction. Foundation and structural work must be carried out under the Construction Decree (CCQ).
Suitable crane type: Top running
image (7)

Hoists

The hoist is the central element of a hoisting system. It is essential to take into account the operating cycle, the environment and the budget when selecting the right hoist. Our specialists are at your disposal to help you make the right choice.

See our hoists
Pro-hydraulic PR17-17324
image (51)

3. Semi-self-supporting structure

3.

Semi-freestanding structure

Who?
Vector (11)
Description
Columns attached to the building, enabling it to support part of the load generated by the overhead crane.
Who?
Vector (11)
Advantages
Reduced footing on the ground and improved hook-to-wall approach.
Who?
Vector (11)
Disadvantages
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 estimate before receiving the engineering report. Installation of the structure, and reinforcement of the building itself if necessary, must be carried out under the Construction Decree (CCQ).
Suitable crane type: Top running
image (7)

Hoists

The hoist is the central element of a hoisting system. It is essential to take into account the operating cycle, the environment and the budget when selecting the right hoist. Our specialists are at your disposal to help you make the right choice.

See our hoists
Robover-2 PR14-10473
image (53)

4. Corbels on building columns

4.

Corbels on building columns

Who?
Vector (11)
Description
Corbels fixed to the building's columns.
Who?
Vector (11)
Advantages
No columns on the floor.
Who?
Vector (11)
Disadvantages
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 estimate before receiving the engineering report. Installation of the structure, and reinforcement of the building itself if necessary, must be carried out under the Construction Decree (CCQ).
Suitable crane type: Top running
image (7)

Hoists

The hoist is the central element of a hoisting system. It is essential to take into account the operating cycle, the environment and the budget when selecting the right hoist. Our specialists are at your disposal to help you make the right choice.

See our hoists
Transfif Chicoutimi -1
image (55)

Track suspended from the ceiling

5.

Track suspended from the ceiling

Who?
Vector (11)
Description
Track suspended from beams or other building members.
Who?
Vector (11)
Advantages
No columns on the floor.
Who?
Vector (11)
Disadvantages
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 estimate before receiving the engineering report. Installation of the structure, and reinforcement of the building itself if necessary, must be carried out under the Construction Decree (CCQ).
Suitable crane type: Under running

In my new building, should I install a freestanding structure or integrate the runway beams into the building structure?

In most new constructions, integrating the runway beams into the building structure is more cost-effective and helps free up floor space.
A freestanding structure in a new building is only recommended if the building frame cannot support the crane loads, or if the system needs to remain independent (e.g., leased building or light wood structure).

Talk to your building contractor early in the design phase, especially if you plan to add an overhead crane in the future.

 

Is my building compatible with a freestanding structure for an overhead crane?

Every building has its own constraints, and your overhead crane needs to fit in perfectly. Rather than offering standard solutions with no assessment or site survey, we design customized structures that optimize your workspace while respecting the constraints of your environment.

 

How can I know if my structure can support an overhead crane?

Only an engineer can perform a structural capacity analysis. They will then be able to determine the necessary corrections, if needed, such as reinforcing certain structural members. These modifications can be carried out by our sister company, Premium Industrial Structures, which specializes in industrial structural reinforcement.

 

An engineering analysis is necessary?

Some structural modifications require validation or design by a qualified engineer.

We can:

  • - recommend a specialized firm;
  • - or collaborate directly with the one you already work with.

What matters is that the analysis is done by a recognized professional to ensure the safety and compliance of your installation.

 
Wondering if your building can accommodate a structure with an overhead crane?
The first step is to have your environment evaluated.

To do this, schedule a technical survey tailored to your environment by clicking the button “Contact a Specialist”.

Frequently asked questions

01.
Who carries out rail installation in an overhead crane installation?
  A : Usually, this will be your overhead crane supplier. However, in some cases, rail installation can be carried out by another supplier, such as your building's general contractor. Especially if the general contractor is already in charge of the steel structure supporting the overhead crane. So if you wish to install them yourself, simply discuss the matter with your crane supplier.
However, it's important to bear in mind that there are standards and regulations to be complied with to ensure proper operation, such as the CMAA alignment table. As for rail selection, this should be done in collaboration with the crane manufacturer.
02.
In the structural plan, one of the columns encroaches on an emergency exit door. Is this a problem?
A : 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).
03.
What distances do I need to respect around an electrical unit for my structural project?
A : A clearance of 1 m in front of an electrical panel is required to ensure safe access for maintenance, inspection and emergency response. (Canadian Electrical Code CEC, Article 2-308).
04.
How can I check if the concrete slab can bear a self-supporting overhead crane structure?
 A : Slab specifications are generally indicated in the quotation from your structural supplier. After validation by the engineer, they will be added to the design plans.

In general, it's up to the owner to check the slab. They can consult their building's construction plans or inspect the existing installation. Premium Industrial Group also offers an accompanying service, including scans or coring of the slab.

The aim is to ensure that the slab meets the engineer's requirements. Please note that this verification does not serve as a certification of capacity. We recommend that you document and archive these analyses.
05.
Can an overhead crane be installed on a wooden frame?

A : Yes, it is possible to install an overhead crane on a wooden frame, but this depends on the structure of your building. If your building is built with a wooden frame (e.g. 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, etc.), a self-supporting steel structure will be needed to support the overhead crane.

It is also possible to design wooden structures to integrate an overhead crane, such as a glulam structure. In this case, you'll need to ask the contractor or structural engineer to provide columns capable of supporting the crane runways. Whether the running girders are made of wood or steel, a steel rail will be laid and fixed to the running girders to allow the overhead crane to travel. We've installed overhead cranes with capacities of up to 40 tons on wooden frames!

 

 

01
 

"We chose to work with the Premium team because they offered us a structure tailored to our needs. They were able to meet the production schedule so that our team could be operational quickly."

Marjorie Pleau
Comairco
02

Their ability to listen to our specific needs has been a major strength. They have always responded quickly and efficiently, especially in emergency situations, which has greatly contributed to the continuity and success of our operations. I highly recommend Groupe Industriel Premium to any company looking for a reliable, structured, and responsive partner. Their professionalism and commitment to quality and safety make them a model in the industry.

Jean-Denis Perron
Groupe Picard
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