Crane Pad Inspections

Crane pad inspections are a crucial part of ensuring the safety and stability of crane operations during construction or other heavy lifting activities. Crane pads are used to provide a stable, level base for the crane to distribute its load evenly over the ground. At Atlas Engineering and Technology Group (AETG), we have a deep understanding that inspections and assessments are essential to ensure that the crane pad can handle the forces exerted during lifting operations and that it is installed and maintained according to safety standards.

Services AETG Can Provide

  • Ensure Stability and Safety: Ensure the crane pad provides a stable, level base for the crane to operate without risk of tipping or sinking into soft ground. The stability of the pad is crucial for preventing accidents.

  • Verify Load Distribution: Confirm that the crane pad can distribute the load of the crane and the load being lifted evenly to prevent ground failure or excessive settlement.

  • Confirm Adequate Support: Ensure that the crane pad is capable of supporting the specific type of crane and the lifting capacity required for the operation. Different cranes require different levels of support based on their size, weight, and load-bearing capacity.

  • Compliance with Regulations and Safety Standards: Check that the crane pad and its installation meet local Australian Standards (AS2870) as well as specific manufacturer recommendations.

  • Pad Selection: Ensure that the crane pad materials are appropriate for the crane model and the weight it will lift. The pad should be large enough to spread the load over an adequate area to prevent ground failure.

  • Soil Conditioning: Evaluate the soil type and moisture content to determine whether additional stabilisation or moisture conditioning methods are needed (e.g. using geotechnical soil stabilisation techniques, geotextiles or geogrids). Typically, to ensure adequate bearing capacity, material compaction and material assessments. 

  • Surface Integrity and Stability: The crane pad must be placed on stable, level ground to prevent sinking or tilting during crane operations. Uneven ground or soft soil should be avoided, replaced or reinforced with additional measures like soil stabilisation or extra mats. A rigorous assessment can be provided to assess the extent of the in-situ materials integrity.

Benefits of AETG Crane Pad Inspections

Crane pad inspections are critical to ensuring the safe operation of cranes during heavy lifting activities. Inspecting crane pads before, during, and after installation helps to verify that the crane is stable, that load distribution is adequate, and that the pads are in good condition to support the crane’s weight and any loads being lifted. Regular inspections help identify issues such as wear, cracking, heaving or deformation that could lead to unsafe outcomes. Ensuring that crane pads are properly sized, installed, and maintained is key to preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of crane operations during deployment and lifting. Crane lifting platform certifications can be obtained through crane setup inspections, testing and evaluations conducted by our team of experienced geotechnical engineers.

Successfully Completed Jobs by AETG to Date

✔ Proposed Industrial Development - Huntingwood Drive, Huntingwood NSW

AETG was hired by AW Edwards to assess the bearing capacity for a proposed mobile crane at Huntingwood Dr, Huntingwood NSW. AETG used a lift study to estimate the applied bearing pressure (ABP) on the existing pavement, determining an estimated ABP of 172.9 kPa.

AETG conducted a site visit, performing visual and tactile assessments along with Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) testing on the nearby fill material. Based on their assessment and DCP results, AETG concluded that the subgrade material is suitable for the required ABP, assuming the fill material was properly laid and compacted. They also recommended that each outrigger pad be inspected for punching shear failure by a qualified engineer or personnel.

✔ Proposed Private Hospital Upgrade - Wentworth Road, Strathfield NSW

AETG conducted a tactile assessment and Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) tests to determine the suitability of a piling platform for the Strathfield Private Hospital Upgrade project. The client provided parameters for the proposed piling rig, including an anticipated maximum loading of 395 kPa.

AETG’s assessment and testing indicated that the piling platform is suitable for an Allowable Bearing Pressure (ABP) of 290 kPa under undrained conditions. They also recommended positioning the drilling rig at least 2 meters away from saturated subgrade material caused by a leaking pipeline, and using a thin layer of granular material to enhance slip resistance and rig stability.

✔ Proposed Private Hospital Upgrade - Wentworth Road, Strathfield NSW

The Pile Platform Assessment Report, prepared by AETG for Moit & Sons (NSW) Pty Ltd, assesses the load-bearing capacity of a piling platform at Wentworth Road, Strathfield, as part of the Strathfield Private Hospital Upgrade. The assessment involved 12 Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) tests and visual inspections to determine if the platform could safely support a B175XP-2 piling rig, requiring an Allowable Bearing Pressure (ABP) of 290 kPa. The platform was found suitable under undrained conditions, with recommendations to avoid areas affected by water ponding from a leaking pipeline and to enhance slip resistance using a granular DGB20 layer. The report also notes that a stockpile obstructed testing in one area, which is assumed to be consistent with the rest of the platform.