512 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 16-22

Sections

16-8. General Requirements.

Floating Cranes/Derricks, Crane Barges, and Auxiliary Shipboard-Mounted Cranes

Adhere to supplemental requirements for floating lifting and handling equipment (LHE) as specified in relevant paragraphs.
Design and construct LHE on floating platforms in compliance with standards such as ASME B30.8, ABS Guide for Certification of Cranes, or API Specification 2C.
Provide a Floating Service Load Chart, ensuring it includes details like load vs. boom angle and maximum allowable machine list and trim, either from the manufacturer or developed by a qualified Registered Professional Engineer (RPE).

Stability and Analysis Requirements

The stability of the floating LHE or vessel and shipboard crane must meet the requirements for “lifting” over the full range of crane slewing angles.
The stability of the floating LHE or vessel and shipboard crane must limit floating platform heel and trim. The list and trim over the full range of LHE slewing angles must be within the limits shown in the LHE Floating Service Load Chart.
A minimum of 12 inches of freeboard must be maintained over the full range of crane slewing angles.
The entire bottom area of the floating platform must be submerged over the full range of crane slewing angles.
Conduct a Floating Service Naval Architectural Analysis (NAA) to validate the LHE Manufacturer’s Floating Service Load Chart, including stability during lift operation and machine list and trim limits.
Perform a Floating Service Structural Analysis to ensure the floating platform structure supports the loads, considering all deck loads and environmental factors. An RPE must seal and certify the analysis.

Operational and Safety Considerations

Develop a Floating Service Load Chart using the NAA and Structural Analysis, detailing lift/radius capacity and any necessary de-ratings.
Ensure all requirements for LHE on floating platforms are met, including providing appropriate mats and securing mechanisms to prevent shifting during lift operations.
Plan lifts meticulously, considering factors like lift radii, boom angle, and machine list & trim, and ensure all safety devices and operational aids are in place and functional.

Overhead and Gantry Cranes

Follow supplemental requirements for temporary or permanent overhead and gantry cranes as detailed in specific paragraphs.
Assemble load-bearing components according to the crane manufacturer's instructions and relevant ASME standards, and clearly mark the rated load of the crane.
Ensure proper operation and safety by maintaining clearances, using warning devices effectively, and adhering to specific operational procedures, especially in outdoor conditions.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

16-14. A minimum of _____ freeboard must be maintained over the full range of crane slewing angles.

3 inches

6 inches

12 inches

18 inches

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 16-8 (z.).

16-8. General Requirements. (z.).

z.  Floating Cranes/Derricks, Crane Barges, and Auxiliary Shipboard-Mounted Cranes.

(1)  The requirements in paragraph 16-8.z are supplemental requirements for floating LHE, pile drivers, drill rigs, man-lifts, and land LHE on barges, pontoons, vessels or other means of flotation and auxiliary shipboard mounted cranes, unless otherwise specified.

(2)  Design & Construction Standards.  Design and construct the lifting equipment on floating cranes, crane barges, and on ships (shipboard cranes) according to one of the following standards:

(a)  ASME B30.8.

(b)  ABS Guide for Certification of Cranes.

(3)  LHE Manufacturer’s Floating Service Load Chart.

(a)  Manufacturer’s Floating Service Load Chart.  A LHE manufacturer’s Floating Service Load Chart will be provided.  Prepare the Load Chart according to all criteria from the selected standard in paragraph 16-8.z(2).

(a-1)  The Floating Service Load Chart must include a table of rated load vs. boom angle and radius.

(a-2)  The Floating Service Load Chart must include the maximum allowable machine list and trim associated with the tabular loads and radii provided.

(b)  If the manufacturer’s Floating Service Load Chart is not available, a qualified RPE may develop a floating service load chart.  The Load Chart must:

(b-1)  Be developed according to the criteria from the selected standard in paragraph 16-8.z(2).

(b-2)  Include a table of rated load vs. boom angle and radius.

(b-3)  Include the maximum allowable machine list and machine trim associated with the tabular loads and radii provided.

(b-4)  Be approved by an RPE.  The RPE must seal and certify (sign) that the NAA
meets the requirements of paragraph 16-8.z(3).

(4)  Stability During Lift Operations.

(a)  The stability of the floating LHE or vessel and shipboard crane must meet the requirements for “lifting” according to 46 CFR 173.005 through 46 CFR 173.025 (46 CFR 173) over the full range of crane slewing angles.

(b)  The stability of the floating LHE or vessel and shipboard crane must limit floating platform heel and trim. The list and trim over the full range of LHE slewing angles must be within the limits shown in the LHE Floating Service Load Chart.

(d)  Submerge the entire bottom area of the floating platform over the full range of crane slewing angles.

(5)  Floating Service Naval Architectural Analysis (NAA).  An NAA must be provided (see 46 CFR 173).

(a)  The NAA must include an evaluation of the LHE on the floating platform. Validate the LHE Manufacturer’s Floating Service Load Chart for the following (see para 16-8.z(3)):

(a-1)  Stability during lift operation (see para 16-8.z).

(a-2)  The machine list and trim limits for afloat service.  The Load Chart must be de-rated (reduced) to meet the requirements for stability during lift operation and for machine list and trim limits for afloat service.

(b)  The full 360-degree slewing range of the crane, unless specific slewing angle limits are identified.

(d)  Wind loading factored into the heel and list calculations. Use a minimum wind speed of 40 mph (18 m/s).

(e)  An RPE or Naval Architect/Marine Engineer must seal and certify (sign) that the NAA meets the requirements of paragraph 16-8.z.

(6)  Floating Service Structural Analysis.

(a)  The floating platform structure must properly support the loads over the full crane slewing range.

(b)  For vessels which are not intended for the application, an RPE must evaluate the structural adequacy of the floating platform.  Evaluate the weight of the LHE itself and the lift loading developed in the NAA.  Include all deck loads and environmental loads in the structural analysis.

(c)  Established floating platform structural capacities, such as allowable deck loads, may be used to develop the structural analysis.

(d)  An RPE must seal and certify (sign) that the Floating Service Structural
        Analysis meets the requirements of paragraph 16-8.z.

(e)  Reduce the lift amounts developed in the NAA to less than the allowable structural capacity, if the structural analysis shows insufficient structural capacity with the NAA design loads.

(7)  Floating Service Load Chart for LHE on Floating Platform.  Use both the NAA and Floating Service Structural Analysis to develop the Floating Service Load Chart.

(a)  The Floating Service Load Chart must define the lift/radius capacity of the LHE on the specific floating platform.

(b)  The Floating Service Load Chart must incorporate any de-ratings required by either the NAA or Floating Service Structural Analysis.

(c)  An RPE or Naval Architect/Marine Engineer must seal and certify (sign) that the Floating Service Load Chart meets the requirements of paragraph 16-8.z.

(d)  The load chart certification may be either:

(d-1)  A floating service load chart developed (de-rated) from the manufacturer’s Floating Service Load Chart.

(d-2)  If no de-rating is required, the crane manufacturer’s Floating Service Load Chart with separate attached certification document.

(e)  Submit both the Floating Service Load Chart and the Floating Service Naval Architect Analysis to the USACE supervisor for approval or to the KO or COR for acceptance prior to start of work.

(f)  Post the Floating Service Load Chart in the cab or at the operator’s station (if no cab).  Make all other procedures applicable to the operation of the equipment (for example, instructions and operators manual, recommended operating speeds) readily available on board.  The Floating Service Load Chart must include at least the following:

(f-1)  Naval Architect’s Notes specifying the draft limits, deck cargo weight and vertical CG above deck, maximum wind speed, environmental limits, vessel heel and trim limits, LHE machine list and trim limits, and vessel condition (for example, dry bilges, watertight integrity).

(f-2)  The LHE Manufacturer’s Floating Service Crane Load Chart.

(f-3)  If de-rating of the crane manufacturer’s Floating Service Crane Load Chart is required, a separate Floating Service Safe Working Load Chart must be provided with the following mode of operation; table of hook load, boom elevation angle, lift radius (with list/trim considered); maximum machine list and trim; maximum floating platform list and trim; LHE configuration, to include boom length, amount of counterweight, parts of wire, and block size.

(g)  The Floating Service Load Chart must be programmed into the crane LMI.

(h)  The Floating Service Load Chart must remain valid so long as no major
        modifications are made to the LHE or to the floating platform, as documented by a QP.

(8)  Land the LHE, Derricks and Mobile Auxiliary LHE Mounted on Barges, Pontoons, or Other Means of Flotation.

(a)  All requirements in paragraph 16-8.z are applicable for land LHE, derricks and mobile auxiliary LHE mounted on barges, pontoons, or other means of flotation.

(b)  LHE Mats. Determine the required need, type, size, and location of LHE mats for the specific type of LHE on the barge.

(c)  Provide the proper means of attachment of LHE to prevent shifting during lift operations. Do not use the attachment method to hold down LHE against overturning moment.

(9)  LHE Travel.

(a)  If traveling is required on the barge with no load, evaluate the travel area during the NAA and include it in the Floating Service Load Chart.

(b)  If traveling is required while lifting the load, the lift must be deemed a critical lift. Prepare a Critical Lift Plan according to paragraph 16-7.d.

(c)  If traveling is required while lifting the load, ensure that the requirements in paragraph 16-8.z are met throughout the travel range.  The NAA and Structural Analysis must cover the travel range with load.  Evaluate the travel area during the NAA and include it in the Floating Service Load Chart.

(10)  A-Frame Non-Slewing Anchor Handling Barge/Vessel.

(a)  An A-Frame Non-Slewing anchor handling barge/vessels may be used for anchor handling low lifting of loads such as, anchor buoys/weights, dredge pipe, submerged pipeline, and pontoons.

Note. If used for any other lifting application, the work platform must be considered a floating derrick and all other requirements of chapter 16 apply.

(b)  A-Frame Non-Slewing anchor barge/vessels must also comply with the following:

(b-1)  All deck surfaces of the pontoon or barge must be above the water.

(b-2)  Provide means for limiting the applied load, such as mechanical means or marking the draft of the barge corresponding to the rated load.  Provide the design calculations and test the barge to verify the rated load.

(b-3) Provide a ratchet and pawl for releasing the load from the hoisting machinery brake.

(b-4)  Provide the operator with an operating manual and procedures.  Train the operator in the anchor handling barge system operations.

(c)  If the onboard hoisting equipment is loaded above its intended rating, then use a chain stopper to remove the external load from the A-frame and hoist machinery.

(11)  Employer-Made Lift Equipment Used on Barges or Pontoons.

(a)  If lift equipment is employer-made, it may not be used until the employer has properly documented that the load charts and applicable parameters for use meet the requirements of one of the standards identified in paragraph 16-8.z.

(b)  All requirements in paragraph 16-8.z are applicable.

(12)  Modifications.

(a)  Weight and CG Changes.  Any modifications to the crane and floating platform that change the crane and floating platform lightship characteristics require a new NAA and a new Floating Service Load Chart.  Modifications include:

(a-1)  An increase in vertical CG by more than 2 inches (5 cm).

(a-2)  A change in the lightship displacement by more than 3° (degrees). (a-3)  A shift in longitudinal CG of more than 1° of floating platform length.

(b)  Modifications to the crane that result in changes to the crane lift capacity or to the crane machine list and trim limits require a new NAA and a new Floating Service Load Chart.

(13)  Overhead Bridge Cranes on Floating Platforms.

(a)  An RPE or Naval Architect/Marine Engineer, competent in LHE on floating plant, must perform an overhead bridge crane Naval Architectural Heel and Trim Analysis for overhead bridge cranes on floating platforms.

(a-1)  The Analysis must determine the maximum vessel heel and trim that can be generated by use of the bridge crane.

(a-2)  The Analysis must cover the full longitudinal and transverse motion range of the bridge crane, the crane weight, and the crane full rated load.

(a-3)  If floating platform heel and trim not related to the bridge crane operation is present during the bridge crane operation, include the non-related heel and trim in the Bridge Crane Naval Architectural Heel and Trim Analysis.

(a-4)  An RPE or Naval Architect/Marine Engineer must seal and certify (sign) that the Bridge Crane Naval Architectural Heel and Trim meets the analysis requirements.

(b)  Bridge Crane Operation at Floating Platform Heel and Trim.  The bridge crane manufacturer must verify that the bridge crane may be safely operated at the vessel heel and trim maximums identified by the Bridge Crane NAA.

(c)  Floating Platform Heel and Trim Indication.  Install a heel and trim indicating device on all bridge crane equipped floating platforms.  The bridge crane operator must be able to see the indicating device during the entire bridge crane operation.

(14)  Use of Elevating AWPs Onboard Floating Platforms.

(a)  Operate the AWPs according to the manufacturer’s instructions for service on floating platforms.

(b)  AWPs used on floating platforms must have a secondary set of platform controls at ground level.

(c)  Do not move AWPs on the platform (driven) during operations with personnel onboard the lift unless it is allowed and addressed in the NAA.

(d)  Floating Platform Heel and Trim.

(d-1)  When an AWP is used on a floating platform, the floating platform heel and trim must remain within the AWP manufacturer’s identified limits for the operation.

(d-2)  Properly ballast the floating platform to maintain barge heel and trim within the manufacturer’s limits for the AWP operation.

(e)  Verification of Floating Platform Heel and Trim.

(e-1)  When personnel will be on the AWP, verify the platform heel and trim before any operations.

(e-2)  Test the secondary set of platform controls to verify platform heel and trim through the intended range of AWP operations.  The test weight must include at least the personnel, materials, tools and equipment involved in each AWP lift.

(f)  Operations on Floating Platform During AWP Operation.  Do not operate the AWP if the work will affect the floating platform heel and trim beyond the allowable limits.

(15) Safety Devices and Operational Aids.  In addition to the requirements of paragraph 16-8.o-q, utilize the following indicators, markings and devices:

(a)  Machine heel and trim indicating device.  Install this device in the crane cab or at the operator’s station (if there is no cab).

(b)  Boom angle indicator within clear view of the operator’s station.

(c)  Floating platform list and trim indicating device as a means for the operator to visually determine the heel and trim of the platform as opposed to the crane.

(d)  Draft marks as a means for monitoring both draft and freeboard.

(e)  Wind speed and direction indicator located within a clear view of the operator’s station.

(f)  Anti two-block device (see para 16-8.q).

(16) Portable Remote Controls.  If portable remote controls are used for lifting, the operator must do one of the following:

(a)  Be directly aware of the vessel heel and trim and the crane machine heel and trim during lift operations.

(b)  Be in direct communication with a team member who is directly monitoring vessel heel and trim and the crane machine heel and trim during lift operations.

(17)  Inspections. Perform inspections according to paragraph 16-5.l.

(18)  Operations.

(a)  Operator Lift Planning.  Operators must plan lifts in advance, with particular attention to lift radii & boom angle and machine list & trim.  Lift planning must address the anticipated range of boom angles, LMI response, and expected LMI warning indicators, if any.  (See para 16-7.c)

(b)  Operators must monitor the boom tip and the boom angle indicator carefully to ensure that limits of the load chart are not exceeded.  The boom angle indicator must respond directly to increasing lift radius resulting from crane trim created by changes to floating platform heel and trim.

(c)  Operators should be aware that safety devices such as LMIs do not offer protection from loads generated by relative motions between a floating crane and a fixed object to be lifted.  The AHA must address the potential for gross overload and failure mode conditions.

(d)  Where portable remote controls are used during lifting, the operator must include procedures to monitor vessel heel and trim and crane machine heel and trim.
        (e)  Whenever practical, crane use during buoy tending must be limited to lifting the freely suspended buoy clear of the water onto the vessel.

(f)  Keep bilges as dry as possible to minimize the adverse effect of free surface (sloshing liquid).

(g)  Where crane mats are required for a stable and level work surface for crane operations, the matting material must be in good condition and of adequate thickness, width, and length to completely support the crane.  Place the mats perpendicular to the crane travel path and as close to each other as possible.  Have a spotter guide the crane when it moves on the mat surface to prevent the crane from traveling off of the crane mats and beyond the NAA limits.

(19)  Standard Lift Plan (SLP).  Plan all lifts to avoid procedures that could result in configurations where the operator cannot maintain safe control of the lift.  Develop an SLP according to paragraph 16-7.c.