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 whether the ground can safely support the equipment without risk of sinking or instability.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the GBP 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 between the equipment and the ground surface.

3. Importance of GBP Calculation

Details: Accurate GBP calculation is crucial for ensuring crane stability, preventing ground failure, and maintaining safe working conditions on construction sites, especially when working on concrete surfaces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the 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 for concrete surfaces?
A: Safe GBP values vary depending on concrete thickness and reinforcement, but typically range from 500-1500 kPa for standard concrete slabs.

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 itself?
A: Yes, total weight should include the crane weight plus any additional load being lifted.

Q4: What factors affect ground bearing capacity?
A: Soil type, moisture content, compaction, and the presence of underground utilities or voids can all 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 ground surface or when additional stability is required.