A systematic approach to the selection of an appropriate crane for a construction site

Gray, C and Little, J (1985) A systematic approach to the selection of an appropriate crane for a construction site. Construction Management and Economics, 3(2), pp. 121-144. ISSN 01446193

Abstract

Research into the consequential cost implications of design decisions (Gray, 1983) has highlighted the central role that the primary lifting device (predominantly cranes) has on the control and pace of construction operations. In attempting to evaluate cost effective design options the design team must, therefore, appreciate the full effect of the crane choice inherent in each design option. The expertise and knowledge of the criteria used to select the most appropriate cranage is held by a few experienced people either in specialist crane hirers or in contractors' plant operations. This paper describes one way in which this expert knowledge can be made available during the early design process to enable the designer to incorporate the construction implications in his thinking. However, the subject is complex since there are many thousands of cranes available in the world market place. Nevertheless the process and criteria for selection are definable and the paper describes them. The description has been incorporated in a computer-based expert system.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: computing; construction management; cranes; estimating; expert systems
Index terms: design team, construction site, design process, estimating, design decision, expert system, lifting, computing, construction operation, designer, option
Subjects: financial and cost management, construction operations, professional practice, work location, design methods, computing systems, profession, decision analysis, data management, occupational health and safety management, design practice
Topics: Roles and Professions, Risk Management, Health and Safety, Cost Management, Site Management, Digital Applications, Design Practice
Descriptive scope: 2 PC

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