Continuum Modelling and Dynamic Response Analysis for High-Rise Tower Crane in Operation

Tower crane is the most generally used equipment for the construction of high-rise civil engineering structures. This paper proposes a method on dynamic modelling and response analysis of high-rise tower crane in operation. Concerning that tower crane is a beam-like lattice structure; a continuum modelling technique is firstly proposed to model the tower crane segment as a continuum beam element. Structural numerical model using this continuum beam element will greatly reduce the number of degrees of freedom for tower crane dynamic analysis and thus improve the analyzing efficiency. Tower crane operational processes of payload lifting and rotation are then modelled. By solving the established equation of motion, vibration response of the tower crane structure is obtained. The results tell that 1) the continuum beam element is efficient and accurate for the dynamic analysis of the tower crane structure; 2) structural dynamic effect during the operation of the tower crane is quite remarkable and should be carefully assessed to ensure its safety and serviceability.