1. What is Ground Bearing Pressure?

Ground Bearing Pressure (GBP) is a critical measurement in crane operations that determines the pressure exerted by the crane on the ground surface. It's essential for ensuring safe crane setup and preventing ground failure.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the GBP formula:

Where:

• \( total\_weight \) — Total weight of the crane and 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 contact area, providing the ground bearing pressure in kPa.

3. Importance of GBP Calculation

Details: Accurate GBP calculation is crucial for crane safety, preventing ground settlement, ensuring stability during operations, and complying with safety regulations.

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: Why is GBP important for Linkbelt cranes?
A: GBP determines if the ground can safely support the crane's weight during lifting operations, preventing accidents and equipment damage.

Q2: What are typical GBP values for different ground types?
A: Different soil types have different bearing capacities. Firm ground: 100-200 kPa, soft ground: 50-100 kPa, very soft ground: less than 50 kPa.

Q3: How do I measure contact area accurately?
A: Contact area is typically calculated based on outrigger pad size or crawler track dimensions. Measure the actual contact surface area in square meters.

Q4: Does GBP calculation include dynamic loads?
A: This calculator provides static GBP. For dynamic loads during lifting, additional safety factors should be applied based on specific site conditions.

Q5: When should GBP be recalculated?
A: GBP should be recalculated whenever crane configuration changes, load weight changes, or when moving to different ground conditions.