The Use of Composite Materials in the Production of Tower Cranes

Abstract

This scientific article examines the use of innovative materials, such as composite materials, on lifting vehicles, in particular on a high-rise tower crane. Facilitation of structural components is a new field of research developed specifically for the production of special vehicles. The research work will begin primarily with identifying the dimensions of a tower crane using the example of the Chinese model QTZ 80A, which is used at many construction areas, then conducting the experimental part using software and the finite element method (FEM). The parameters of the research will be as follows: maximum deformation, maximum stress and bending of the boom of the tower crane. The materials that will be used in the research are as follows: classical steel and the following composite materials: carbon fiber and fiberglass. For the expediency of the research, the characteristics of composite materials in stress should be similar to classical materials. The experimental part of the research consists of comparing the parameters of the tower crane specified above, using different materials. The results of this study showed that a crane made of innovative composite materials and especially carbon fiber, has the lowest weight, i.e. about 20% of the weight of a classic steel crane, but has the same load capacity characteristics. The reliability of tower crane components made of composite materials is similar to the reliability of components made of steel.