A dynamic damping device for payload pendulations of construction cranes

As a material handler, the crane plays a vital role within the operations of the manufacturing, construction, and shipping industries. Objects of all shapes and sizes are conveyed with the crane to improve productivity and reduce worker fatigue. The crane's capacity to operate efficiently and safely however, suffers from payload pendulations. This cyclic motion of crane cable and payload produces schedule delays, property damage, and high risk to personnel.

Current pendulation reduction systems have typically been applied to overhead cranes within the manufacturing and shipping industries. The construction industry in contrast, has failed to innovate tower and mobile cranes. This can be traced to the complexity of the construction operation and the conditions under which the construction crane performs.

This thesis aims to improve productivity and safety within the construction industry through the application of damping systems on construction cranes. To achieve this goaL an experimental model will be developed and tested. The design process will include an analysis of operational constraints, theoretical design, and physical testing.

Tuned mass damping will be investigated as the basis for the damping control method. Theory will be detailed and incorporated in a mathematical simulation. The tuned mass damper, a cantilevered rod, will be designed and tested for application. The system will then be coupled to a scaled crane model for testing. Data analysis will be used to define the models effectiveness. From the theoretical analysis and physical testing, a conceptual model will be defined. Subjects for future research will also be presented.