Kiewit Bridge & Marine

Best Safety Practices and Safety Policy Manual

SECTION 2.30

DESIGN OF LIFTING BEAMS AND SPREADER BARS

The use of lifting beams and spreader bars is common in structures work. This policy will serve as a design guideline in order to establish common design standards and meet applicable regulations. These devices are categorized as below the hook lifting devices as defined by ANSI/ASME B30.20. Below are a few points from this standard that must be considered when designing such devices. 1. Section 20 1.2.2 A lifter shall be designed to withstand the forces imposed by its rated load, with a minimum design factor of 3, based on yield strength, for load bearing structural components. To comply with this section, use a load factor of 2.0 and design the components according to AISC ASD requirements. The maximum allowable stress per AISC is 0.667 Fy. This correlates to a 1.5 factor of safety against yield. Applying a 2.0 load factor will increase the factor of safety up to 3.0. 2. Section 20 1.2.1 This section discusses the requirements for permanently marking the lifting beam or spreader bar with the rated load. A note shall be placed on all drawings to permanently etch with welding rod the rated load and the lifter-weight in a visible location. Painting this information or the use of tags does not satisfy this requirement. 3. Section 20 1.4.2 This section discusses the requirements for a rated load test. Each lifter shall be tested to a minimum of 125% of the rated load. This requirement shall be placed on all drawings. This section discusses the proper methods and inspections relating to testing. In addition to the above ANSI requirements, the following guidelines should be followed: 1. A registered professional engineer will stamp all lifting beam or spreader bar drawings. A copy of the drawings and calculations are to be sent to the District Engineer and a copy retained on the project. The job shall maintain a log with all picking beam and lifting device calculations in a filing system. The project engineer should maintain this log. 2. All rigging should be checked for geometric considerations as well as load capacity. The designed rigging should be specified on the drawing. 3. Sling angles significantly impact the design of these items. Sling lengths should be specified on the drawing. 4. Often a lifting beam or spreader bar can be used in different configurations. All possible load conditions must be analyzed. If required, a table of load ratings and loading configurations should be placed on the drawings. 5. Pad eyes should be investigated closely. A large beam and/or pad eye can have a significant eccentricity that will affect the design. A check of the shackle clearances should be made. Cheek plates are suggested on pad eyes to center the shackle and avoid side loading the pad eye. 6. Long spreader bars should be inspected for allowable tolerances. A maximum sweep should be specified on the drawings. 7. Any modifications or variances to the drawings need to be reviewed and a new drawing issued.
11/06 Section 2.30 / Design of Lifting Beams and Spreader Bars Page 1 of 2

Kiewit Bridge & Marine

Best Safety Practices and Safety Policy Manual

Spreader bars and picking beams are used in many applications in the field. These devices last for many years. Proper design on our part will provide for a safe and economical construction aid. Administration The Job Superintendent is responsible for the administration of this policy.

11/06

Section 2.30 / Design of Lifting Beams and Spreader Bars

Page 2 of 2