Influence of wind on crane operation

Training documents
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3rd release 2012

Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
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Influence of wind on crane operation

When the wind blows.

Wherever people are working, mistakes are made. With crane operation the wind conditions can present
a potential danger that should not be underestimated. The crane driver must ensure that the crane is not
exposed to any wind that could exceed the limits set by the crane manufacturer. Likewise the correct decisions
and actions must be implemented in good time. At the latest by the time the wind speed has reached critical
levels for the crane.
If there is a danger then the crane driver must implement the actions that have been defined by the contractor.
Thus the crane driver decides in emergency situations on-site, whether the wind is too strong and the work
must be halted. It is therefore important to be warned about prolonged and large-scale gathering storms in good
time. Especially dangerous however are localised squalls, which can arise in conjunction with heavy showers
and thunderstorms for example.

This training document serves to inform crane drivers, project planners and also crane companies and should
provide examples of handling options for crane operation in windy conditions. To start we will introduce you to the
basics of wind loads. As we proceed we will show how wind loads and finally special load cases, such as when
erecting wind-power turbines, can be calculated. Likewise we will show you what information is required for this.

We have designed this documentation such that the reader can acquire the relevant information through self-
study in accordance with their level of knowledge. Examples and problems serve as illustrations and provide the
opportunity for practice. Furthermore, you can find useful advice and aids for day-to-day work with the crane.
The training documentation does not claim to be complete and does not replace the operating instructions and
the load chart book for the Liebherr crane in question. We can only urge caution here when working with heavy
plant and offer our forty years plus experience as a leading manufacturer of cranes.

Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH

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Influence of wind on crane operation

How should you work with this document ?

Character explanation
Questions on course material in the previous paragraph.
(Compare your own answers with the solutions at the end of
the document)

Important note / information about current topic.

Designates a dangerous situation about current topic.

Note: The left and right margins of every page serve for making your
own notes on the course topic. These personal notes should
serve to assist with understanding and repetition, along with
those already provided.
Working instructions:
• First read through the text of a chapter carefully.
• Reprise the content of the chapter with the help of the printed notes and
your own notes in the margins.
• Answer the questions posed at the end of the chapter (without referring
back if possible).
• The solutions to all questions can be found at the end of the document.
• If you are not able to answer the questions without referring back to the text
then work though the chapter once again.
• Only then should you move on to study the next chapter.
• At the end of the document check to see if you have achieved the study
goals listed here.

Study goals:
After having worked through this document you should:
• Know the various influences of the wind on crane operation.
• Be able to name the terms for wind force calculation.
• Be able to calculate the wind load for a standard load case and a special
load case.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Table of contents
1. Introduction and presentation of problems...........................................................................7
1. 1 Wind influence on the crane and the load............................................................................8

1. 2 Exercises............................................................................................................................11

2. Wind basics.............................................................................................................................12
2. 1 Beaufort scale....................................................................................................................12

2. 2 Gusts and roughness.........................................................................................................15

2. 3 Wind and weather information............................................................................................18

2. 3. 1 Height-dependent wind speed.....................................................................................19

2. 4 Exercises............................................................................................................................20

3. Digression – Wind power turbine schematic.......................................................................21

4. Factors of wind force calculation.........................................................................................23

4. 1 Request available values...................................................................................................23
4. 1. 1 Weight of the hoist load (mH).......................................................................................23
4. 1. 2 Maximum projected surface area (AP).........................................................................23
4. 1. 3 cW-value.......................................................................................................................24
4. 1. 4 Current wind speed (vact).............................................................................................24

4. 2 Determine or calculate missing values...............................................................................26

4. 2. 1 Surface area exposed to wind (AW).............................................................................26
4. 2. 2 Permissible wind speed from the load chart book.......................................................26
4. 2. 3 Dynamic pressure (p)..................................................................................................27
4. 2. 4 Wind load (FW).............................................................................................................27

4. 3 Exercises............................................................................................................................27

5. Determination of permissible wind speed...........................................................................28

5. 1 Method (1): Wind force diagram.........................................................................................28
5. 1. 1 Example for determining the maximum permissible wind speed
for a standard load case.............................................................................................29
5. 1. 2 Example for determining the maximum permissible wind speed
for a special load case................................................................................................29

5. 2 Method (2): Formula...........................................................................................................34

5. 2. 1 Example for calculating the maximum permissible wind speed
for a standard load case.............................................................................................34
5. 2. 2 Example for calculating the maximum permissible wind speed
for a special load case................................................................................................34

5. 3 Exercises............................................................................................................................35

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Influence of wind on crane operation

6. Final comments......................................................................................................................37

7. Appendix.................................................................................................................................38
7. 1 Liebherr cranes in wind energy..........................................................................................38
7. 1. 1 Current mobile cranes (2012)......................................................................................38
7. 1. 2 Current telescopic crawler cranes (2012)....................................................................39
7. 1. 3 Current crawler cranes (2012).....................................................................................40
7. 1. 4 Current lattice boom cranes (2012).............................................................................42

7. 2 Exercise solutions..............................................................................................................43

7. 3 Original Extract from EN 13000..........................................................................................45

Term definitions

N Newton (Unit for the force)

cW Wind resistance factor (Drag coefficient)
AP Projected surface of a body (m²)
AW Surface area exposed to wind (m²)
vmax maximum permissible 3 second gust speed (m/s) at
maximum lifting height.
vmax_TAB maximum permissible 3 second gust speed (m/s) for maximum
lifting height, which are specified for the load values in the load chart.
vmax Actual measured wind speed
v(z) The average value for the wind speed over a period of 3 seconds
at a height of z above the ground (m/s).
p Dynamic pressure (pressure on a body as a result of wind exposure in N/m²)
Fw Wind load (Influence of force on a body as a result of wind exposure)
mH Hoist load (t) (incl.fastening equipment and hook block
and possible hoist rope section). The hoist load may reach no more
than the maximum chart value of the load chart.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

1. Introduction and presentation of problems

Often wind and occurring gust of winds are an underestimated factor in accidents with Wind influence
mobile cranes or crawler cranes. When lifting loads with large surfaces exposed to on the load
wind such as rotor blades or complete propeller units for wind power plants (WPP) the
standard values provided by EN 13000 (see appendix chapter 7.3), which are the basis
for the crane calculations, can be significantly exceeded.

Such standard values are the so-called wind resistance factor (cW) for example or
the value for calculation of the so-called projected surface area of a load. Both values
together provide information about the force over the actual surface area exposed to
wind of a load. In the case of large surface area loads (special load cases) in particular,
the wind speeds given in the load charts can be inapplicable for the crane work. A new
lower wind speed, compared with the original permissible wind speed, must be calculated
for this special load case.

What role does the wind play in the exceedance Resistance prin-
of these standard values? ciple

If wind meets a surface then it exerts a force on

this surface (resistance) that works in the wind
direction.

Fig. 1: Resistance principle

Lift So-called lift additionally applies in the case of an

aerofoil or a rotor. The surface/length of the upper Lift principle
Fast air movement side of an aerofoil is larger than the underside.
The air on the upper side must therefore move
faster than the air on the underside. This causes
under-pressure on the top side and over-
pressure on the underside. As a result of the lift
Slow air movement
arising from this the aerofoil is pressed upwards.
Fig. 2: Lift principle

The force of the wind thus creates a load. This can be an applied or relief load. The trigger
for this is the so-called resistance principle and the lift principle.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

1. 1 Wind influence on the crane and the load

This has a similar effect on the crane:

Fig. 3: Wind from front and rear

Fig. 4: Wind from the side

Risk of accident!
The wind from the front does not reduce the loading of the hook, hoisting cable,
hoisting cable rollers and hoisting winch because the load continues to work with its
gravitational force (see chapter 4.1.1). With wind from the front these assemblies can
be overloaded through load lifting up to the load torque limiter (LMB) shut-off! The load
reduction caused by the wind from the front can overload the complete crane with
the boom guying, if it has been loaded up to the point of LMB shut-off beforehand!
The crane driver must therefore know the weight of the load and must not exceed
the max loading capacity!

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Wind from the side is particularly dangerous for the crane boom and the load. This is Wind from the side
not determined by the LMB. This can result in the crane being overloaded.

The additional loading due to the wind from the side is not indicated by the load
torque limiter (LMB).

Side loading as
a result of wind on
the crane boom
Loading through dead load

Increased radius
loading as a result
of wind on the load Possible
and the boom from loadings
the rear on the crane
Side loading as
a result of wind on
the load

Dynamic side loading

through turning of the
Loading in the hoisting direction superstructure
as a result of hoist load, lifting
accessories and inertial forces r = Radius
∆r = Increased
radius
through wind
r influence

∆r

Fig. 5: Loadings that can have an effect on the crane

If the wind hits the load then it swings in the direction of the wind. This means that the Wind influence
force of the load no longer acts vertically downwards on the boom. Depending on the on the load
strength of the wind, the surface area exposed to wind and the direction of the wind,
the radius of the load may increase or impermissible lateral forces may act on the
crane boom.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Overview of wind Wind Wind Wind

hazards from the front from the rear from the side
With wind from the front With wind from the rear With wind from the side
the boom system is the boom system is the boom system is
relieved of load. The load additionally loaded. side-loaded. The load
indication is too low. The The load indication is indication is similar to the
Boom LMB shut-off actuates too high. The LMB shut- display when operating
only with a load that off actuates at a load that without wind. The LMB
is greater than the is less than the maximum does not take side winds
maximum permissible permissible load capacity into account.
load capacity. according to the load
chart.

The form and the deadweight of the load plays a large role with the influence
of wind. The wind causes the load to swing and this in turn causes the crane
boom to swing. This swinging (dynamic) of the boom causes the crane's loading
Load

to increase. In the limit range the LMB shut-off could be switching in and out
constantly. With special loads such as with a rotor for example, the wind can
have the effect of reducing the load due to the shape of the rotor.

Superb crane quality and technology, many years of professional experience as well
Unforeseeable as good training of the crane driver and professional advance planning for the crane
factors operation significantly reduce the risk of an industrial accident. However: Unforeseeable
factors such as sudden gusts of wind are difficult and sometimes impossible to calculate
accurately in advance. Terms such as surface area exposed to wind and wind projected
surface area, cW-value, gusts of wind, wind speed, wind load or roughness class will be
discussed in the following.

What do these mean for crane operation in wind?

When planning activities, in particular in cases with large projected surfaces or

New calcula-
high cW-values, it is necessary to reduce the maximum permissible wind speed
tion of the max.
quoted in the load charts.
permissible wind
The person responsible for the crane operation must have basic knowledge
speed
in the field of wind influence on crane operations. Likewise, this person must
be able to calculate the necessary reduction in permissible wind speeds for
special load cases with large surface area loads.
The maximum permissible wind speed (vmax) and the maximum
permissible wind speed in accordance with the load chart (vmax_TAB)
relate at all times to the 3-second gust speed prevalent at maximum hoist
height.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

1. 2 Exercises

Exercise 1
What types of wind can have an effect on the boom? (Multiple answers
possible)

Wind load Wind energy

Evaporation Wind from the rear
Wind from the front Wind from the side

Exercise 2
Which types of wind have an effect on the LMB?

The LMB shut-off actuates at a load that is less than

(Answer) the maximum permissible load capacity according
to the load chart.

Shut-off actuates only after a load that is greater
(Answer) than the maximum permissible load capacity.

There is no LMB shut-off.
(Answer)

Exercise 3
What effect does the wind have on the crane load? (Multiple answers
possible)

None
The load can swing
The load turns on the cable
The radius of the load can increase

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Influence of wind on crane operation

2. Wind basics

In this chapter you will learn the basics of how wind arises and you will obtain initial
explanations for wind-specific terminology.

Wind is moving air. The movement arises through equalising flows resulting from different
air temperatures and the pressure differences caused by this between high and low
pressure areas.

The driving force of winds is solar radiation. It strikes the earth and its atmosphere with
How does wind different intensities: Perpendicular at the equator and only tangentially at the poles.
arise? The earth and air masses at the equator heat up, the air becomes lighter and rises.
Hot over the tropics, cold at the polar regions: It cannot remain like this as nature always
seeks equilibrium. So the warm air - at the upper edge of the troposphere - flows to
wherever it is colder.
On the way north the air loses so
much of its heat that it eventually
becomes heavy and drops to the
ground cold. A circuit is completed:
In the upper atmosphere warm air
pushes towards the polar region.
On the ground cold air flows back
to the tropics as through drawn
from a vacuum cleaner. The air
transportation from the equator
never reaches the pole: The rotation
of the earth diverts it far to the side.
It also causes the high and low
pressure areas to rotate.
Fig. 6: The formation of wind

2. 1 Beaufort scale

Francis Nowadays wind speeds are generally classified with the so-called "Beaufort scale". It was
Beaufort developed in 1806 by Sir Francis Beaufort and this is why its units are still measured
(1774-1857) in his name Beaufort, in short form: bft. This is a phenomenological scale from 0-12
(through observing natural phenomena). The wind strengths can be determined by
means of typical visible effects and natural observations of the landscape. The Beaufort
strength refers in practical terms to the average wind speed value within a time period
of 10 minutes at a height of 10 metres. In 1835 the Beaufort scale was declared as
universally applicable at the first international meteorological conference.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Wind force Wind speed Beaufort table

Effects of wind inland
Beaufort Designation m/s km/h
0 Calm 0 to 0.2 0-1 Calm, smoke rises vertically
1 Light air 0.3-1.5 1-5 Wind direction shown by the draw of smoke
2 Light breeze 1.6-3.3 6-11 Wind direction shown by the draw of smoke
Wind moves thin branches and stretches
3 Gentle breeze 3.4-5.4 12-19
windsocks
Moderate Wind moves branches and thin boughs, lifts
4 5.5-7.9 20-28
breeze dust and loose paper
Small deciduous trees begin to sway; white
5 Fresh breeze 8.0-10.7 29-38
crests form on inland waters
6 Strong breeze 10.8-13.8 39-49 Heavy boughs moving, umbrellas hard to use
Noticeable resistance to walking into the
7 Near gale 13.9-17.1 50-61
wind, whole trees moving
Breaks branches off trees, considerably
8 Severe gale 17.2-20.7 62-74
impedes walking in the open
Slight damage to houses (chimney pots and
9 Storm 20.8-24.4 75-88
tiles tear off)
Uproots trees, considerable damage
10 Severe storm 24.5-28.4 89-102
to housesv
11 Violent storm 28.5-32.6 103-117 Widespread damage
32.7 and 118 and
12 Hurricane Significant devastation
above above
Table 1: Beaufort values

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Influence of wind on crane operation

The highest wind speed measured in Germany to date was 335 km/h recorded on the
12th June 1985 on Zugspitze. This represents a computed Beaufort value of 23.1.

Beaufort (bft) is an "arbitrary" unit. It expresses the discerned effects of the wind. Beaufort
(bft) however is directly related to the physically measurable wind speed. The following
diagram shows the interdependency of wind speed and wind strengths.

Dynamic pressure Wind speed

Wind strength
diagram
lb/ft²

kp/m

N/m²
Beaufort
according to
Wind strength

mile/h

ft/s

Knots

km/h

m/s

Fig. 7: Comparison of wind strength and wind speed

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Influence of wind on crane operation

2. 2 Gusts and roughness

A strong flurry of wind that is active within a wind or storm system is known as a gust. What is a gust?
People are surprised time and again when the weather reports speak of a wind of 33 km/h
for example, as one has the impression that the wind is much stronger.

In reality with gusts we are dealing with a flurry of wind that is more powerful and
independent of the average speed of the wind. So a gust of wind can reach 60 km/h or
more whilst the average value lies significantly below this.

Gusts can therefore also be

very dangerous as they
occur suddenly and do not
last long. Here the duration is
not the problem but rather the
sudden appearance of a much
stronger air movement than
the rest of the wind leads one
to expect.
Thus gusts can lead to
dangerous situations not only
in road traffic. Fig. 8: Bus turned over after a gust

The speed of a gust is the average value of the wind speed measured for a duration Definition
of 3 seconds. The gust speed is higher than the average wind speed, which is of a gust
measured over a period of 10 minutes. in accordance
with EN 13000

Course of wind speed at a height of z [m] over time

Wind speed [m/s] at

a height of z=10m above Calculated value of wind
ground speed over a period of
3 seconds→ "3s gust
speed"
Calculated value of wind speed over a period of
10 minutes at 10m height above ground or water
surface→"10 min wind speed"

Time

Fig. 9: Diagram showing wind gust determination

There are external factors, which can increase or decrease the wind gust speed:
• Buildings
• Narrow valleys and gullies
• Smooth water surfaces
• Height above ground

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Behaviour of High above the ground, at an altitude of approx. 1 kilometre, the wind is hardly affected
the wind at high by the surface characteristics of the ground any more. The wind speeds in the lower
altitudes atmospheric layers are reduced by ground friction. One differentiates between the
roughness of the terrain, the influence of obstacles and the influence of the contours
of the landscape, which is also known as the "orography" of the land.

The more pronounced the roughness of the terrain, the greater the reduction in the
wind speed. Forests and cities naturally slow the wind appreciably, whereas across the
concrete runways at airport the wind is only fractionally slowed. Smoother still are water
surfaces, they have therefore an even lesser influence on the wind, whereas long grass,
shrubs and bushes slow the wind considerably.

Wind speeds with Height

in m
different City centre
roughness
classes
Suburb

Countryside

Wind speed in m/s

Fig. 10: Diagram of the various roughness classes

In the wind industry the technicians often speak of roughness classes when they are
dealing with the evaluation of the wind characteristics of a landscape. A high roughness
class of 3 to 4 is characterised by many trees and buildings, whereas the surface of a lake
falls into roughness class 0. Concrete runways at airports fall into roughness class 0.5.

Values from the weather office and calculations regarding the wind speed relate to
roughness class 2.
In case of smaller roughness classes it is necessary to consider that the wind speed
will be higher at the work site than the figures provided by the weather office!

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Roughness class Type of terrain surface Roughness

classes
0 Water surfaces in overview

0.5 Open terrain, smooth surfaces e.g. runways

Open terrain without fences and hedges, possibly with

1
sparsely spread buildings and very gentle rolling hills
Terrain with a few houses and 8 m high hedges with at
1.5
least 1 km clearance
Terrain with a few houses and 8 m high hedges with
2
approx. 500 m clearance
Terrain with a few houses, bushes and plants, or 8 m
2.5
high hedges with approx. 250 m clearance
Villages, small towns, terrain with many or high hedges,
3
forests and very rugged and uneven terrain

3.5 Larger towns with high buildings

4 Cities with very high buildings

Table 2: Roughness class

In cities with high buildings the roughness lies around 4 (see table 2). This creates
the impression that the wind is not so strong there. However in large cities with high
buildings there are also large urban canyons present. The air is compressed on the
wind side of the houses and its speed rises considerably whilst it blows through the
urban canyons. This phenomenon is known as the "nozzle effect".
If the normal wind speed in open terrain is 6 m/s for example, then in an urban canyon The "nozzle
it can certainly reach 9 m/s. effect" phenome-
non

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Influence of wind on crane operation

2. 3 Wind and weather information

With crane operation and especially when lifting loads with large surface areas the
influence of the wind must certainly be observed.

Before starting work, the crane driver must determine the expected maximum wind
speed at the site by contacting the appropriate weather office. Lifting is prohibited
when the expected wind speeds are impermissibly high.

Current weather data can be found on the internet (e.g.www.windfinder.comunder

the heading "Super Forecast"). Note with this that the gust speed, as in this
example, is based on a height of 10 metres above ground.

Change the units Display of the

Location Date
from [m/s] to [knt] wind strength or
gusts in [m/s] or
[knt]

Wind values
from the internet

Fig. 11: Screenshot from www.windfinder.com

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Influence of wind on crane operation

2. 3. 1 Height-dependent wind speed

In order to be able to define the height-dependent wind speed for the max. lifting height
the following table applies:
You receive notification (e.g. from the weather office) of a wind speed of 6.2 m⁄s at
10 metres above ground level, calculated over 10 minutes. According to table 1
(see page 13) this represents a wind speed with a Beaufort value of 4.
You have a max. lifting height of e.g. 50 metres. Now the gust speed can be calculated
at a height of 50 metres with the help of table 3 (see below).
It amounts to 13.1 m⁄s. With a maximum permissible gust speed of 9 m⁄s per the load
chart, the load lifting operation may not be carried out.

Beaufort value 3 4 5a 5 6 7a 7 8 9 10
Height-dependent
v m/s b
5.4 7.9 10.1 10.7 13.8 14.3 17.1 20.7 24.4 28.4 wind speed
zm v(z) m/s
10 7.6 11.1 14.1 15..0 19.3 20.0 23.9 29.0 34.2 39.8
20 8.1 11.9 15.2 16.1 20.7 21.5 25..7 31.1 36.6 42.7
30 8.5 12.4 15.8 16.8 21.6 22.4 26.8 32.4 38.2 44.5
40 8.7 12.8 16.3 17.3 22.3 23.1 27.6 33.4 39.4 45.8
50 8.9 13.1 16.7 17.7 22.8 23.6 28.3 34.2 40.3 46.9
60 9.1 13.3 17.0 18.0 23.3 24.1 28.8 34.9 41.1 47.9
70 9.3 13.5 17.3 18.3 23.6 24.5 29.3 35.5 41.8 48.7
80 9.4 13.7 17.6 18.6 24.0 24.8 29.7 36.0 42.4 49.4
90 9.5 13.9 17.8 18.8 24.3 25.1 30.1 36.4 42.9 50.0
100 9.6 14.1 18.0 19.1 24.6 25.4 30.4 36.9 43.4 50.6
110 9.7 14.2 18.2 19.2 24.8 25.7 30.8 37.2 43.9 51.1
120 9.8 14.3 18.3 19.4 25.1 25.9 31.1 37.6 44.3 51.6
130 9.9 14.5 18.5 19.6 25.3 26.2 31.3 37.9 44.7 52.0
140 10.0 14.6 18.7 19.8 25.5 26.4 31.6 38.2 45.1 52.5
150 10.0 14.7 18.8 19.9 25.7 26.6 31.8 38.5 45.4 52.9
160 10.1 14.8 18.9 20.1 25.9 26.8 32.1 38.8 45.7 53.2
170 10.2 14.9 19.1 20.2 26.0 27.0 32.3 39.1 46.0 53.6
180 10.3 15.0 19.2 20.3 26.2 27.1 32.5 39.3 46.3 53.9
190 10.3 15.1 19.3 20.4 26.4 27.3 32.7 39.5 46.6 54.2
200 10.4 15.2 19.4 20.6 26.5 27.4 32.8 39.8 46.9 54.6
a
Wind stages for the crane in operation:
1 light v =10.1 m/s => at z = 10 m => gust speed = 14.1 m/s => q(z) = 125 N/m²
2 normal v =14.3 m/s => at z 10 m => gust speed = 20.0 m/s => q(z) = 250 N/m²
b
Upper limit of the Beaufort stage

Table 3: 3-second gust speed dependent on the average wind speed per the Source: DIN EN 13000
Beaufort scale and the height
v [m/s]: Average wind speed over 10 minutes at a height of 10 m (upper limit
of the Beaufort stage)
z [m]: Height over smooth ground
v(z) [m/s]: Speed of a 3-second gust at a height of z, as relevant for the
calculation
q(z) [N/m²]: Quasi-static (approximate) dynamic pressure effective at a height of z,
calculated from v(z)

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Influence of wind on crane operation

2. 4 Exercises
Exercise 4

Determine from table 1: Beaufort values for the wind influence inland and the
associated Beaufort value for a wind speed of 42 km/h.
Answer:

Exercise 5
Determine, with the help of table 2: Roughness classes that correspond to the
roughness in the two pictures below!

Answer:

Fig. 12: Determine the roughness class!

Answer:

Fig. 13: Determine the roughness class!

Exercise 6
What do we understand by a "gust", per EN 13000?

Weak wind caused by a difference in air pressure

Short severe flurry of wind
Severe flurry of wind higher than the average wind speed,
over a period of 3 seconds

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 Influence of wind on crane operation

3. Digression – Wind power turbine schematic

In this chapter you will learn about the schematic construction of a wind power plant.
Likewise we will show you how wind speeds behave at various different heights
above ground.
The use of wind energy has been known for centuries. The development of increasingly
powerful wind power turbines is being encouraged. The height of the towers upon
which the turbine are being driven, is growing. New systems are breathtaking in their
size. With a hub height of up to 135 metres the rotors turn with a diameter of 126 metres.
By comparison: The wingspan of an Airbus A380 is just under 80 metres.

Component parts
Transmission of a wind power
plant
Brake
Rotor blade
Measurement
Rotor blade adjustment instruments
(Pitch adjustment) Generator
Rotor hub
Nacelle

Wind direction tracking

(azimuth adjustment)

Ladder

Tower

Grid connection

Foundation

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Whether individual wind power plants or complete wind farms are erected, these
Composition are usually installed where the wind blows strongest. Every extra meter higher into
of air layers the atmosphere that they can push is rewarded with better output. When considering
the  ertical subdivision of the atmosphere only its lower layer is suitable for exploitation
of wind energy. This is due to the composition of the lowest air layers. With rising height
the roughness of the ground has less influence on the wind speed. Therefore the wind
blows more smoothly at high altitudes and is beset with significantly less turbulence.
This fact is of great use to the manufacturers of wind power plants.

Geostrophic wind
Where
different types
of turbulence
occur
Height above ground

Hardly any turbulence

Boundary layer close to the

ground

High turbulence

Ground
Fig. 14: Turbulence at various different altitudes

A further fact states that the wind speed drops the closer you get to the ground.
Consider a system with a hub height of 40 metres and a rotor diameter of 40 metres,
where the tips of the rotor blades are subjected to a flow of 9.3 m/s for example, when
it is in the highest position. The wind speed in the lowest position on the rotor blade
amounts to just 7.7 m/s. This means that the forces on the rotor blade (bearing load)
are significantly higher in the highest position than in the lowest position.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

4. Factors of wind force calculation

In this chapter you will learn the terms and basis of calculation required for determining
the wind influence upon crane operations. Likewise you will learn to read the
permissible wind speed from a diagram.

The following factors are of central importance to the calculation of the wind loads:
• Weight of the load
• Maximum projected surface area
• cW-value
• Maximum wind speed
• Surface area exposed to wind
• Dynamic pressure

4. 1 Request available values

The following values must be requested in advance of the crane operation:

• The weight of the hoist load (mH) (see chapter 4.1.1)
• The maximum projected surface area (AP) of the load (see chapter 4.1.2)
• The coefficient of resistance (cw-value), (see chapter 4.1.3)
• The current wind speed (vact) (see chapter 4.1.4)

4. 1. 1 Weight of the hoist load (mH)

The weight of the hoist load (load and hook) to be lifted is measured in kilograms (kg) Definition
or tons (t). The crane driver can read the weight of the load from the delivery note or of weight
directly on the load or ask the manufacturer. A load for which the weight, the cW-value of the hoist load
and the projected surface area are not all known must not be lifted.

4. 1. 2 Maximum projected surface area (AP)

If a body is subjected to a light source then the body casts a shadow. This shadow is Definition of the
the projected surface area AP of the body. If the body is subjected to a wind instead projected surface
of light then the same shadow arises (projected surface). Depending on wind direction area
the shadow can be larger or smaller. The manufacturer of the load can supply you with
the maximum projected surface area.

8m
Wind The example on the left side
should make clear that an object
1m AP =8m² can have different projected
3m surface areas. For this reason
the maximum projected surface
area of a load or body must be
8m assumed.

The larger the projected

Wind
surface are the larger the area
3m that can be exposed to the
AP =24m²
wind.
1m

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Influence of wind on crane operation

4. 1. 3 cW-value
Definition If a body is subjected to an air flow, either striking it or flowing through/past it, the air
of coefficient speed will be reduced by this. The body presents an obstacle for the air (flow resistance).
The flow resistance changes depending on the shape of the body. In order to describe
of resistance
the shape of the body the coefficient of resistance is defined.
The coefficient of resistance (cW-value) of a body specifies how great the obstruction
to the air flow the body presents. The manufacturer of the load can supply you with the
coefficient of resistance cW-value).
Body Coefficient of resistance cW
Plate / cube
1.1 to 2.0

Cylinders
0.6 to 1.0

Ball
0.3 to 0.4

Hemisphere (front)
0.2 to 0.3

Hemisphere (rear)
0.8 to 1.2

Wind power plant rotor

Approximately 1.6

Table 4: cW-values of common bodies

4. 1. 4 Current wind speed (vact)

Where do I find The current wind speed is given in [m/s] or [km/h]. Before starting work you must find
the current wind out what wind speed is expected, from the weather office or the internet
speed? (e.g. www.wetterfinder.com). Lifting is prohibited if the expected wind speeds are
impermissibly high!
Likewise, you can read out the current wind speed with the help of the wind sensor on
the LICCON computer system.

The current value of the wind sensor on the crane may not be used as the sole basis
for calculation for the load lift. Before starting a load lift, always check the current wind
speed for the duration of the load lift at the appropriate weather bureau or in the internet.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Wind sensor (air speed indicator)

Up to two wind sensors can be installed on a crane. The wind warning is shown on
the operating screen of the LICCON computer system. If the current wind speed value
exceeds the displayed maximum value, the "wind warning" symbol begins to flash
and the acoustic alarm >>SHORT HORN<< sounds. However, there is no switching
off of crane movements. The lifting of the load should be completed as quickly as
possible and the boom should be taken down if necessary.

The top value in the "wind warning" symbol on the operating screen shows the value
from the wind sensor on the fixed jib.
The bottom value in the "wind warning" symbol on the operating screen shows the value
from the wind sensor on the main boom.

Fig. 15: Installation position of the wind sensor and LICCON operating screen

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Influence of wind on crane operation

4. 2 Determine or calculate missing values

If possible, the following values should be determined or calculated with the known factors:
• The surface area exposed to wind (see chapter 4.2.1)
• The permissible wind speed from the load chart book (see chapter 4.2.2)
• The dynamic pressure (see chapter 4.2.3)
• The wind load (see chapter 4.2.4)

4. 2. 1 Surface area exposed to wind (AW)

The surface area exposed to wind AW specifies the surface area exposed to wind with
consideration to the resistance presented by the body. It is composed of the projected
surface area AP and the cW-value.

Surface area exposed to wind (AW):

AW= AP · cW

4. 2. 2 Permissible wind speed from the load chart book

Permissible wind A calculated maximum permissible wind speed is given for every crane load chart in the
speed from the load chart book. However, this is dependent on the length of the boom and the crane
load chart book configuration. Standard values from EN 13000 have been used for the calculation (load
reference value of 1.2 m² per ton).

If the current wind speed exceeds the permissible wind speed from the load chart
then the crane operation must be halted and the boom set down if the permissible wind
speed in accordance with the crane wind speed table is exceeded.

Fig. 16: Extract from the load chart with the permissible wind speeds for each telescope
configuration.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

4. 2. 3 Dynamic pressure (p)

Definition of
If wind strikes a spring supported plate (see diagram on the right) then the air flows
dynamic pressure
around this. At the same time a portion of the wind is backed up against the surface of
the plate. This backing up results in an increase in pressure which presses the plate
against the spring. This pressure is known as dynamic pressure.
If the wind speed (v) doubles then the dynamic pressure increases four-fold.

Formula for the dynamic pressure (p): Plate

Spring
Air density:
p = FW : AW or p = 0.5 · ρ · v ² Wind ρ = 1.25 kg⁄m³

4. 2. 4 Wind load (FW)

Strong wind is required to start up a propeller. That means that the dynamic pressure Definition of force
of the wind must be so large that the rotor starts to rotate. The larger the rotor's surface
area exposed to wind the less the dynamic pressure needs to be in order to start it turning.
Formula Wind load (FW):

FW = AW · p

4. 3 Exercises

Exercise 7

You must replace a window pane in a glass facade with your crane.
The window pane has a projected surface area of 2.6 m² and a cW-value of 1.2.
Calculate the surface area exposed to wind.
Answer:
AW = m²

Exercise 8 (Fill in the missing words!)

If the ...................... wind speed exceeds the ...................... wind speed

from the load chart then the crane operation must be .................... and the
boom...................... if the permissible wind speed in accordance with the crane
wind speed table is..................

Exercise 9

Calculate the force of the wind which acts on the window pane from exercise 7,
if a dynamic pressure of 19 N/m² is present.
Answer:
FW = N

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Influence of wind on crane operation

5. Determination of permissible wind speed

The following methods facilitate the determination of the maximum permissible wind speed:

• Method (1): Wind force diagram (see chapter 5.1)

• Method (2): Formula (see chapter 5.2)
• Method (3): The determination of the maximum permissible wind speed of the
older load chart books (Diagram 1 and 2) is no longer used.

5. 1 Method (1): Wind force diagram

This form of determining the permissible wind speed is an inherent part of the
load chart book. In this chapter we would like to inform you about this method.

If the surface area exposed to wind of the load is greater than 1.2 m² per t load
then the maximum permissible wind speeds per the load table are no longer valid.
In this case, compare the maximum permissible wind speed from the load chart with
the wind speed in the wind force diagram. The two values must match with one
another as otherwise you will read an incorrect wind speed from the wrong wind force
diagram. This could cause an accident.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

5. 1. 1 Example for determining the maximum permissible wind speed

for a standard load case
A load weighs 85 t, has a cW-value of 1.2 and a projected surface area of 50 m². Example 1
A cW-value of 1.2 and a projected surface area of 50 m² results in a surface area ex-
posed to wind of 60 m². If you divide the surface area exposed to wind by the load then Surface area ex-
we have a value of 0.71 m² per t. In this example the load chart has a maximum wind posed to wind:
speed of 9 m⁄s. For this reason the wind force diagram with 9 m⁄s must be used. 1.2 · 50 m² =
Now draw line 1 vertically upwards at the surface area exposed to wind value 60 m² 60 m²
on the wind force diagram 9.0 m⁄s (see illustration 19 on page 31). Then draw a line
2 horizontally to the right, at the load to be lifted of 85 t. Both lines intersect in front of
the 9 m⁄s – gradient.

This means that the load can be lifted up to a maximum wind speed of 9 m⁄s, as given
in the load chart.

5. 1. 2 Example for determining the maximum permissible wind speed

for a special load case
The load to be lifted weighs 65 t, has a cW-value of 1.4 and a surface area exposed to wind
of 280 m² with a projected surface area of 200 m². If we divide the surface area exposed to Example 2
wind by the load then we have a value of 4.31 m² per t. This value exceeds the permissible
value for the load's surface area exposed to wind of 1.2 m² per t. According to the load 280 m² / 65 t =
chart a maximum wind speed of 11.1 m⁄s is permissible for the crane configuration required. 4.31 m²⁄t
Now the maximum permissible wind speed must be determined by means of the wind
force diagram 11.1 m⁄s (see illustration 22 on page 32).

The maximum permissible wind speed for the load amounts to 5.9 m⁄s.

The determined maximum permissible wind speed of 5.9 m⁄s is not accepted into the
LICCON computer system. There is no warning if the determined maximum permis-
sible wind speed of 5.9 m⁄s is exceeded. For that reason, the crane operator himself
must monitor the wind speed value in the LICCON computer system. If the determined
maximum permissible wind speed is reached, the load lift must be discontinued.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Wind force Wind force diagram for max. wind speed per load chart of 7.0 m⁄s
diagram 7.0 m⁄s

Hoist load (mH) [t]

Load's surface area exposed to wind (AW) [m²]

Fig. 17: Wind force diagram 7.0 m⁄s (only valid for tables with max.
wind speed of 7.0 m⁄s)

Wind force Wind force diagram for max. wind speed per load chart of 8.6 m⁄s
diagram 8.6 m⁄s
Hoist load (mH) [t]

Load's surface area exposed to wind (AW) [m²]

Fig. 18: Wind force diagram 8.6 m⁄s (only valid for tables with max.
wind speed of 8.6 m⁄s)

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Wind force diagram for max. wind speed per load chart of 9.0 m⁄s Wind force
diagram
9.0 m⁄s

2
85
Hoist load (mH) [t]

60
Load's surface area exposed to wind (AW) [m²]
Fig. 19: Wind force diagram 9.0 m⁄s (only valid for tables with max.
wind speed of 9.0 m⁄s)

Wind force diagram for max. wind speed per load chart of 9.9 m⁄s Wind force
diagram
9.9 m⁄s
Hoist load (mH) [t]

Load's surface area exposed to wind (AW) [m²]

Fig. 20: Wind force diagram 9.9 m⁄s (only valid for tables with max.
wind speed of 9.9 m⁄s)

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Wind force Wind force diagram for max. wind speed per load chart of 11.1 m⁄s
diagram 11.1 m⁄s

Hoist load (mH) [t]

65

280
Load's surface area exposed to wind (AW) [m²]

Fig. 21: Wind force diagram 11.1 m⁄s (only valid for tables with max.
wind speed of 11.1 m⁄s)

Wind force Wind force diagram for max. wind speed per load chart of 12.8 m⁄s
diagram 12.8 m⁄s
Hoist load (mH) [t]

Load's surface area exposed to wind (AW) [m²]

Fig. 22: Wind force diagram 12.8 m⁄s (only valid for tables with max. wind
speed of 12.8 m⁄s)

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Wind force diagram for max. wind speed per load chart of 14.3 m⁄s Wind force
diagram
14.3 m⁄s
Hoist load (mH) [t]

Load's surface area exposed to wind (AW) [m²]

Fig. 23: Wind force diagram 14.3 m⁄s (only valid for tables with max. wind
speed of 14.3 m⁄s)

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Influence of wind on crane operation

5. 2 Method (2): Formula

The permissible wind speed can be calculated with a single formula.

For this the following data must first be collected:
• The hoist load (mH) (incl. lifting accessories and hook block and any relevant portion
of hoisting cable)
• The surface area exposed to wind (AW)
• The maximum wind speed per the load chart
Formula for calculating the permissible wind speed:
The value 1.2 under the root corresponds to
1,2 ⁄ · m
a constant and not the cW value! This value
m²
t H

vmax = vmax_TAB · A
may not be changed!
W

5. 2. 1 Example for calculating the maximum permissible wind speed for

a standard load case
Example 1 A load weighs 85 t, has a cW-value of 1.2 and a projected surface area of
50 m². With a cW-value of 1.2 and a projected surface area of 50 m² we have a surface
Surface area area exposed to wind of 60 m². The maximum permissible wind speed from the load
exposed to wind: chart amounts to 9 m⁄s in this example.
1.2 · 50 m² = 1.2 m²⁄t · 85 t
60 m² vmax = 9 m⁄s · fdi 60 m²

vmax = 11.73 m⁄s

If the result of the vmax is larger than vmax_TAB, the load can be lifted up to the maximum
wind speed specified in the load chart, here 9 m⁄s.

5. 2. 2 Example for calculating the maximum permissible wind speed for

a special load case
Example 2 The load to be lifted weighs 65 t, has a cW-value of 1.4 and a surface area exposed
to wind of 280 m² with a projected surface area of 200 m². A maximum wind speed of
Surface area 11.1 m⁄s is permissible for the crane configuration required according to the load chart.
exposed to wind:
1.4 · 200 m² = 1.2 m²⁄t · 65 t
280 m² vmax = 11.1 m⁄s · fdi 280 m²

vmax = 5.86 m⁄s

The wind speed from the load chart drops from 11.1 m⁄s to 5.86 m⁄s.
The load may be lifted up to a maximum wind speed of 5.86 m⁄s.

The determined maximum permissible wind speed of 5.86 m⁄s is not accepted into the
LICCON computer system. There is no warning if the determined maximum permis-
sible wind speed of 5.86 m⁄s is exceeded. For that reason, the crane operator himself
must monitor the wind speed value in the LICCON computer system. If the determined
maximum permissible wind speed is reached, the load lift must be discontinued.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

5. 3 Exercises

Exercise 10
You must lift a load of 47 t and a surface area exposed to wind of 235 m²
to a height of 21 m with a boom projection of 6m, using an LTM 1150-6.1
(CODE 0050). The crane is supported with a support base of 9.30 m x 8.30 m.
The counterweight amounts to 46.8 t.
Determine the correct tele-configuration from this extract from the load chart
book (see below). In addition determine the permissible wind speed for this
lift by means of the applicable wind force diagram (see chapter 5.1).

Fig. 24: Extract from the load chart book for the LTM 1150-6.1

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Exercise 11
You must lift a load of 45 t and a surface area exposed to wind of 112 m² to
a height of 42 m with a boom projection of 18 m, using an LTM 11200-9.1
(CODE 0016). The crane is supported with a support base of 13 m x 13 m.
The counterweight amounts to 22 t.
Determine the correct tele-configuration from this extract from the load chart
book (see below). In addition determine the permissible wind speed for this
lift by means of the applicable wind force diagram (see chapter 5.1).

Fig. 25: Extract from the load chart book for the LTM 11200-9.1

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Influence of wind on crane operation

6. Final comments
The wind power boom of the last few years has given rise to many crane manufacturers'
innovations. Never before have so many large machines been commissioned in order
to meet the increasing demands of the new wind power plant technology as today.
When erecting a modern wind power plant care must always be taken to ensure that
the size of the crane is suitable for the weight of the turbine house and the rotor's
surface area exposed to wind in conjunction with the hub height. Likewise these must
be considered when carrying out repair work or maintenance work.
The influence of the wind on the crane and load is more heavily emphasised in the
mind of the crane operator when installing wind power plant systems as the crane is
deployed in locations where high winds must be taken into account.
The rule states that "double the wind speed means 4 times the wind loading on the
boom and load".
In order to better evaluate the accident risk and thus to avoid industrial accidents
when working with the crane, we have compiled this comprehensive document on the
subject of "Wind influence on crane operation". Furthermore, competent colleagues
from LIEBHERR-Werk Ehingen GmbH are available to answer any further questions
that the reader may have.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

7. Appendix
7. 1 Liebherr cranes in wind energy

7. 1. 1 Current mobile cranes (2012)

Technical data LTM 1350-6.1

Maximum load 350 t at 3 m
LTM 1350-6.1 Telescopic boom 70 m
Max. lifting height 134 m
Driving motor power Liebherr 8 cylinder
turbo-diesel 440 kW
Crane engine power Liebherr 4 cylinder
turbo-diesel 180 kW
Drive, steering 12 x 8 x 10
Driving speed 80 km/h
Weight 72 t (6 x 12 t axle load)
Wind power plant -
< 1 MW*
large

LTM 1400-7.1 Technical data LTM 1400-7.1

Maximum load 400 t at 3 m
Telescopic boom 60 m
Max. lifting height 130 m
Driving motor power Liebherr 8 cylinder
turbo-diesel 440 kW
Crane engine power Liebherr 6 cylinder
turbo-diesel 240 kW
Drive, steering 14 x 8 x 14
Driving speed 80 km/h
Weight 84 t (7 x 12 t axle load)
Wind power plant -
< 1.5 MW*
large

LTM 1500-8.1 Technical data LTM 1500-8.1

Maximum load 500 t at 3 m
Telescopic boom 50/84 m
Max. lifting height 145 m
Driving motor power Liebherr 8 cylinder
turbo-diesel 440 kW
Crane engine power Liebherr 6 cylinder
turbo-diesel 240 kW
Drive, steering 16 x 8 x 12
Driving speed 77 km/h
Weight 96 t (8 x 12 t axle load)
Wind power plant -
< 2 MW*
large

* The wind power plant sizes stated are only examples. The correct crane size must be determined through detailed planning
of the operation and consideration of the wind loads!

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Technical data LTM 1750-9.1 LTM 1750-9.1

Maximum load 750 t at 3 m
Telescopic boom 52 m
Max. lifting height 155 m
Driving motor power Liebherr 8 cylinder
turbo-diesel 500 kW
Crane engine power Liebherr 6 cylinder
turbo-diesel 270 kW
Drive, steering 18 x 8 x 18
Driving speed 75 km/h
Weight 108 t (9 x 12 t axle load)
Wind power plant -
2 MW*
large

Technical data LTM 11200-9.1 LTM 11200-9.1

Maximum load 1200 t at 2.5 m
Telescopic boom 100 m
Max. lifting height 188 m
Driving motor power Liebherr 8 cylinder
turbo-diesel 500 kW
Crane engine power Liebherr 6 cylinder
turbo-diesel 270 kW
Drive, steering 18 x 8 x 18
Driving speed 75 km/h
Weight 108 t (9 x 12 t axle load)
Wind power plant -
2 - 3 MW*
large

7. 1. 2 Current telescopic crawler cranes (2012)

Technical data LTR 11200 LTR 11200

Maximum load 1200 t at 3 m
Ground pressure ~ 14 t/m²
Max. lifting height 189 m
Driving motor engine / Liebherr 6 cylinder
crane engine power turbo-diesel 270 kW
Permissible climbing 17,6 %
ability
Total weight ~ 380 t
Driving speed max. 1.8 km/h
Total ballast 202 t
Wind power plant -
2 - 3 MW*
large

* The wind power plant sizes stated are only examples. The correct crane size must be determined through detailed planning
of the operation and consideration of the wind loads!

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Influence of wind on crane operation

7. 1. 3 Current crawler cranes (2012)

LR 1350 Technical data LR 1350

Maximum load 350 t at 6 m
Max. boom projection 100 m
Max. lifting height 150 m
Driving motor engine / Liebherr 6 cylinder
crane engine power turbo-diesel 270 kW
Track width 7.2 m
Turntable ballast max. 125 t
Central ballast max. 38 t
Derrick ballast max. 200 t x R 15 m
Wind power plant -
< 1.5 MW*
large

LR 1400 Technical data LR 1400/2

Maximum load 400 t at 4.5 m
Max. boom projection 120 m
Max. lifting height 162 m
Driving motor engine / Liebherr 6 cylinder
crane engine power turbo-diesel 300 kW
Track width 8.4 m
Turntable ballast max. 155 t
Central ballast max. 43 t
Derrick ballast max. 260 t x R 15 m
Wind power plant -
< 2 MW*
large

LR 1400-W Technical data LR 1400/2-W

Maximum load 400 t at 4.5 m
Max. boom projection 112 m
Max. lifting height 132 m
Driving motor engine / Liebherr 6 cylinder
crane engine power turbo-diesel 300 kW
Track width 3.6 m
Turntable ballast max. 155 t
Derrick ballast max. 260 t x R 15 m
Wind power plant -
< 2 MW*
large

* The wind power plant sizes stated are only examples. The correct crane size must be determined through detailed planning
of the operation and consideration of the wind loads!

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Technical data LR 1600/2 LR 1600/2

Maximum load 600 t at 10 m
Max. boom projection 144 m
Max. lifting height 188 m
Driving motor engine / Liebherr 6 cylinder
crane engine power turbo-diesel 370 kW
Track width 7.5 m
Turntable ballast max. 190 t
Central ballast max. 65 t
Derrick ballast max. 350 t x R 18 m
Wind power plant -
2 - 3 MW*
large

Technical data LR 1600/2-W LR 1600/2-W

Maximum load 600 t at 11 m
Max. boom projection 144 m
Max. lifting height 160 m
Driving motor engine / Liebherr 6 cylinder
crane engine power turbo-diesel 370 kW
Track width 3.8 m
Turntable ballast max. 190 t
Derrick ballast max. 350 t x R 18 m
Wind power plant -
2 - 3 MW*
large

Technical data LR 1750 LR 1750

Maximum load 750 t at 7 m
Max. boom projection 136 m
Max. lifting height 191 m
Driving motor engine / Liebherr 8 cylinder
crane engine power turbo-diesel 400 kW
Track width 8.8 m
Turntable ballast max. 245 t
Central ballast max. 95 t
Derrick ballast max. 400 t x R 20 m
Wind power plant -
3 MW*
large

* The wind power plant sizes stated are only examples. The correct crane size must be determined through detailed planning
of the operation and consideration of the wind loads!

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Influence of wind on crane operation

LR 11350 Technical data LR 11350

Maximum load 1350 t at 12 m
Max. boom projection 132 m
Max. lifting height 197 m
Driving motor engine / Liebherr 6 cylinder
crane engine power turbo-diesel 640 kW
Track width 11 m
Turntable ballast max. 340 t
Central ballast max. 30 t
Derrick ballast max. 660 t x R 30 m
Wind power plant -
5 - 6 MW*
large

7. 1. 4 Current lattice boom cranes (2012)

LG 1750 Technical data LG 1750

Maximum load 750 t at 7 m
Max. boom projection 136 m
Max. lifting height 191 m
Driving motor power Liebherr 8 cylinder
turbo-diesel 440 kW
Crane engine power Liebherr 8 cylinder
turbo-diesel 400 kW
Drive, steering 16 x 8 x 16
Driving speed 80 km/h
Total ballast 650 t
Wind power plant -
3 - 5 MW*
large

* The wind power plant sizes stated are only examples. The correct crane size must be determined through detailed planning
of the operation and consideration of the wind loads!

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Influence of wind on crane operation

7. 2 Exercise solutions

Solution for exercise 1:

Wind load Wind energy
Evaporation Wind from the rear
Wind from the front Wind from the side

Solution for exercise 2:

Wind from the rear: The LMB shut-off actuates at a load that is less than
the maximum permissible load capacity according to the
load chart.

Wind from the front: Shut-off actuates only after a load that is greater than
the maximum permissible load capacity.

Wind from the side: There is no LMB shut-off.

Solution for exercise 3:

None
The load can swing
The load turns on the cable
The radius of the load can increase

Solution for exercise 4:

A wind with a wind speed of 42 km/h will move large boughs and make umbrellas
difficult to use.
The Beaufort value for 42 km/h is 6 Bft per the table.

Solution for exercise 5:

• Forests and uneven land can be seen in picture 12 - this represents roughness
class 3.
• A landscape with a few houses and trees and free spaces can be seen in picture 13 -
this represents roughness class 2.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

Solution for exercise 6:

Weak wind caused by a difference in air pressure
Short severe flurry of wind
Severe flurry of wind higher than the average wind speed, over
a period of 3 seconds

Solution for exercise 7:

2.6 m² x 1.2 = 3.12 m²

Solution for exercise 8:

If the current wind speed exceeds the permissible wind speed from the load chart then
the crane operation must be halted and the boom set down if the permissible wind speed
in accordance with the crane wind speed table is exceeded.

Solution for exercise 9:

3.12 m² x 19 N/m² = 59.28 N

Solution for exercise 10:

For the correct tele-configuration telescopic sections 4 and 5 must be pinned at 46 %.
The permissible wind speed in accordance with wind force diagram 12.8 m⁄s amounts
to 6.2 m⁄s.

Solution for exercise 11:

For the correct tele-configuration telescopic section 4 must be pinned at 100 % and
telescopic sections 5 - 7 at 50 %. The permissible wind speed in accordance with wind
force diagram 11.1 m⁄s amounts to 7.7 m⁄s.

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Influence of wind on crane operation

7. 3 Original Extract from EN 13000

4.1.2.2 Wind loads

4.1.2.2.1 Wind speeds and pressures
To calculate the wind loads we assume that the wind is blowing horizontal to the ground
and that it is coming from the least favourable direction, but at a height-dependent speed.
The speed of a 3-second gust v(z) [m/s], which acts on a point at a height of z [m] and
which is crucial for the calculation, based on an average wind speed v [m/s] at a height
of 10 m above the ground or over the surface of water, determined over a period
of 10 minutes.

The permissible wind speed for the crane in and out of operation will be derived from
the gust speed acting at the highest altitude v(z), which must be taken into consideration
in the verification.

4.1.2.2.2 Wind loads from wind during operating

For the calculation of the influence of wind on loads during operation it can be assumed
for the sake of simplicity that the gust speed determined at the highest point vi (max. z)
applies for the complete height of the crane and the boom. More precise height-
dependent calculations of the wind forces acting on the boom are permissible, e.g. at
10 m height intervals.
The wind forces, determined with the dynamic pressure on the crane and its component
parts, are to be combined with the other operational loads.
The permissible wind speed vi (max. z) is to be specified in the load bearing tables and
in the operating instructions. The reference variable for the load (surface area exposed
to wind per unit of mass (unit of weight) of the load bearing capacity) that this is based
upon is likewise to be specified here. Unless otherwise stated, this amounts to 1.2 m²/t.
NOTE 1
The value 1.2 m²/t is based on Cw 1.2.

The wind forces acting on the suspended load are to be determined for the maximum
lifting height. A special test for the lifting of loads with large surface areas (>1.2 m²/t)
is necessary in some cases.
NOTE 2
Because safe crane operation is only possible in the range below the permitted wind
speed vi (max. z), the speed at the highest altitude should be monitored with an air
speed indicator. In order to minimise danger, in particular through sudden changes in
wind speed and direction when weather fronts are passing through, weather reports
should be taken into account during the planing of lifting operations. Arrangements for
suitable measures to stow the crane (boom) in a safe position should be given in the
operating instructions.
NOTE 3
Mobile cranes normally have boom systems that can be quickly and simply dropped.
This allows the danger from sudden changes in wind speed and the increase in gust
speed to be minimised within a short time frame (e.g. within 5 min.).

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Influence of wind on crane operation

4.1.2.2.3 Wind loads resulting from wind out of operation (crane not in use)
a) Gale winds out of operation
In order to calculate the load effects from wind whilst non-operational an average
regionally varying reference wind speed can be adopted. The reference wind speed vref
is determined over a period of 10 minutes at a height of 10m above ground or water
surface. In Europe the following values apply (see appendix N.3):
Region A B C D E
vref [m/s] 24 24 28 32 36
A crane is considered structurally secure if all necessary verifications, including the effects
of the height-dependent 3-second gust speeds, based on a reference wind speed have
been carried out (see equations in 4.1.2.2.1. and appendix N.1 and N.2).

b) Limit speed out of operation

In order to calculate the non-operational wind load effects the 3-seconds gust speed at
the highest height va (max. z) must be taken into consideration (see appendix N.1 and
N2). The required safety must be verified for all permissible equipment configurations
and/or positions of the crane.
A more exact, height-dependent calculation of wind forces acting on the boom is
permissible in such a configuration and/or position with a critical wind gust (3-second
wind gust), e.g. in steps of 10 m height intervals.
The forces determined with the dynamic pressure on the crane and its component parts
are to be combined with the dead loads, and where necessary with other geometrical
influential factors (e.g. unevenness of the landscape).
NOTE 1
A crane which is secure for the effects of wind speeds va (max. z) determined from
crane-specific limit values, should only remain in the equipment configuration and/or
position up to the gust speed derived from this.
Suitable safety actions that should be undertaken by the crane operator in order to
bring the crane back to a safe condition again, for example by releasing or retracting
(telescoping in) the boom before va (max. z) is exceeded should be specified in the
operating instructions. Arrangements for the suitable measures to secure the crane are
to be specified in the operating instructions.
NOTE 2
Because the safety of the crane is only assured in the range up to the permissible wind
speed va (max z) (whilst in operation or out of operation), the exceedance of this limit
value should be excluded through forward-planning, which should include the weather
reports.

Source: EN13000

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P 403.E:01.12 Subject to modification

Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH

Postfach 1361, D-89582 Ehingen/Do.
www.liebherr.com, E-Mail: [email protected]