1. What is Ground Bearing Pressure?

Ground Bearing Pressure (GBP) is the pressure exerted by a crane or other heavy equipment on the ground surface. It's a critical factor in determining soil stability and preventing ground failure during crane operations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the GBP formula:

Where:

• \( total\_weight \) — Total weight of the crane including load (kg)
• \( contact\_area \) — Total contact area with the ground (m²)

Explanation: The formula calculates the pressure distribution by dividing the total weight by the area over which it's distributed.

3. Importance of GBP Calculation

Details: Accurate GBP calculation is crucial for ensuring ground stability, preventing equipment sinking or tipping, and maintaining safe working conditions on various soil types.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a safe GBP value for different soil types?
A: Safe GBP values vary by soil type: 50-100 kPa for firm clay, 100-200 kPa for sandy gravel, and 200-400 kPa for compacted gravel.

Q2: How do I measure contact area for outriggers?
A: Measure the area of each outrigger pad and multiply by the number of outriggers in contact with the ground.

Q3: Does the load weight include the crane's own weight?
A: Yes, total weight should include both the crane's weight and any additional load being lifted.

Q4: What factors affect ground bearing capacity?
A: Soil type, moisture content, compaction, and recent weather conditions all significantly affect ground bearing capacity.

Q5: When should I use crane mats?
A: Crane mats should be used when the calculated GBP exceeds the safe bearing capacity of the soil or when working on soft or unstable ground.