In order to achieve a more efficient use of resources, the structural systems of industrial, craft and commercial enterprises in Germany should be used for as long as possible if the required level of reliability is ensured. In particular, the maintenance and upgrading of steel structures subject to fatigue loading, such as crane runways, are of great practical importance, as these structures are present at the interface with conveyor technology in almost every major production facility. It is estimated that more than 30% of all existing crane runways in Germany are currently used beyond their originally planned service life. The instructions currently found in the regulations for checking the stability of existing structures do not do justice to crane runways, as they differ significantly from conventional building structures due to their fatigue loading. As a result, crane runways can exhibit internal hidden fatigue damage, which must be assessed with regard to their significance for stability in the event of continued operation beyond the originally planned service life. To date, there are no generally recognized and, above all, practicable recommendations for this. The research project, which is being carried out jointly with the Munich University of Applied Sciences (Prof. André Dürr), is intended to use theoretical and experimental investigations to establish the basis for an assessment of existing crane runways with a view to a possible extension of their service life.

Funding organisation: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)

Funding programme: Industrielle Gemeinschaftsforschung (IGF)

Funding reference: 01|F23274N

Duration: 01.05.2024 - 31.10.2026