1. What is Ground Bearing Pressure?

Ground Bearing Pressure (GBP) is the pressure exerted by a crane or heavy equipment on the ground surface. It's a critical factor in determining the stability and safety of crane operations, especially for Kobelco cranes working on various terrain conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( GBP \) — Ground Bearing Pressure (kPa)
• \( Total\ Weight \) — Total weight of the crane including load (kg)
• \( Contact\ Area \) — Total area in contact with the ground (m²)

Explanation: The formula calculates the pressure distribution by dividing the total weight by the contact area, providing the pressure exerted per unit area.

3. Importance of GBP Calculation

Details: Accurate GBP calculation is crucial for ensuring crane stability, preventing ground settlement or failure, and complying with safety regulations for Kobelco crane operations on different soil types.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total weight in kilograms, contact area in square meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is GBP important for Kobelco cranes?
A: GBP determines if the ground can support the crane's weight without sinking or instability, which is critical for safe lifting operations.

Q2: What are typical GBP values for different soil types?
A: Sandy soil: 50-100 kPa, Clay soil: 100-200 kPa, Compacted gravel: 200-400 kPa, Concrete: 400+ kPa.

Q3: How do outriggers affect GBP calculation?
A: Outriggers increase contact area, thereby reducing GBP and improving stability on soft ground conditions.

Q4: Should load weight be included in total weight?
A: Yes, total weight must include the crane's weight plus the maximum intended load for worst-case scenario calculations.

Q5: How often should GBP be calculated on site?
A: GBP should be calculated whenever changing locations, soil conditions, or when operating near the crane's capacity limits.