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 crane setup and stability calculations, ensuring the ground can safely support the equipment's weight.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Ground Bearing Pressure formula:

Where:

• \( total\_weight \) — Total weight of the crane including counterweights and load (kg)
• \( contact\_area \) — Total contact area between outriggers/crawlers and ground (m²)

Explanation: The formula calculates the pressure distribution by dividing the total weight by the contact area, providing the pressure in kPa.

3. Importance of GBP Calculation

Details: Accurate GBP calculation is essential for ensuring crane stability, preventing ground failure, and complying with safety regulations. It helps determine if additional ground support (mats, cribbing) is needed.

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 crane operations?
A: GBP determines if the ground can safely support the crane's weight. Excessive pressure can cause ground failure, leading to crane instability or accidents.

Q2: What are typical GBP values for different soil 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 for outriggers?
A: Contact area is typically calculated by multiplying the length and width of each outrigger pad and summing all pads' areas.

Q4: Does the calculation include dynamic loads?
A: This basic calculation uses static weight. For dynamic conditions (lifting, swinging), safety factors should be applied to account for additional forces.

Q5: When should I use crane mats?
A: Crane mats should be used when the calculated GBP exceeds the ground's safe bearing capacity, or when working on sensitive surfaces like asphalt or concrete.