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    Structural / Crane loads

    Crane Load Calculator

    The vertical and lateral loads an overhead crane puts into a runway beam. The lateral force is a percentage of the lifted load plus the trolley, and it is the load that governs the column.

    Vertical wheel load91.9 kNImpact load143.8 kNLateral force23.0 kN
    Vertical wheel load
    91.9 kN
    Per wheel, four wheels
    Impact load
    143.8 kN
    +25%
    Lateral force
    23.0 kN
    20% of lifted plus trolley
    Runway total
    223.8 kN
    Both sides
    Load components
    ASCE 7 §4.9: lateral force is 20% of the lifted load plus trolley weight.
    Load components
    ComponentForce
    Lifted load100 kN
    Trolley15 kN
    Impact28.8 kN
    Lateral23.0 kN
    Inspect the model
    Choose a quick result view, a scaled comparison, or the complete diagnostic set.
    Lateral force against capacity
    Linear in the lifted load.
    Lateral force against capacity0.00018.5937.1855.7874.3792.9625 kN25 kN50 kN50 kN100 kN100 kN200 kN200 kN400 kN400 kNCrane Load Calculator
    Canonical equations
    The exact relationships implemented by this engine.

    (P + trolley)(1 + impact) · Plus half the bridge.

    0.20(P + trolley) · ASCE 7 §4.9.

    engineering methodology

    A clear path from inputs to results.

    The vertical and lateral loads an overhead crane puts into a runway beam. The lateral force is a percentage of the lifted load plus the trolley, and it is the load that governs the column.

    Step-by-step methodWorked exampleAssumptions explained

    How to use

    1. Set rated capacity (kn).
    2. Set trolley and hoist (kn).
    3. Set bridge weight (kn).
    4. Set impact factor (%).
    5. Read the headline metrics, then check the table for the detail.

    The formula

    (P+trolley)(1+impact)(P + trolley)(1 + impact)

    Reference: ASCE 7 §4.9 lateral force; impact factor on the vertical.

    Worked example

    At the default inputs

    Inputs
    • Rated capacity (kN): 100; Trolley and hoist (kN): 15; Bridge weight (kN): 80; Impact factor (%): 25
    Calculation path
    1. 1

      Vertical wheel load: 91.9 kN · Impact load: 143.8 kN · Lateral force: 23.0 kN · Runway total: 223.8 kN

    Result

    Vertical wheel load: 91.9 kN · Impact load: 143.8 kN · Lateral force: 23.0 kN

    Interpreting the result

    A 100 kN crane with a 15 kN trolley puts 143.8 kN vertically and 23.0 kN laterally into the runway.

    Assumptions & limitations

    • Static loads only; no dynamic amplification beyond the impact factor.
    • Four-wheel bridge.

    Frequently asked questions

    Why is the lateral force 20%?

    It is the ASCE 7 default for the trolley thrust; the manufacturer’s data overrides it.

    Does the impact factor apply to lateral?

    No — impact applies to the vertical load.

    Methodology last reviewed 2026-10-22. Results are informational and not financial or engineering advice — see our disclaimer.