Abstract
Simulation analysis on the behavior of a gantry crane during take-off, load hoisting, load lowering and landing is performed for the strength of the crane. The theoretical results are in good agreement with the results of experimental tests using an actual crane. This shows that the dynamic behavior of the structure of a gantry crane against the load can be predicted. A new non-dimensional coefficient, "behavior coupling coefficient", representing the characteristics of a gantry crane is introduced. The numerical analysis using this coefficient suggests that a ratio between the vertical and horizontal deflections of the girder under loading is an important factor in the design of gantry cranes. Use of the coefficient also reveals the dynamic behavior of gantry cranes.
