New Guidance on Mobile Crane Ground Prep for Wind Farm Construction

(August 25, 2021) - The International Crane Stakeholders Assembly (ICSA) has released new guidance on "Mobile Crane Ground Preparation for Wind Farm Construction." The document was approved at ICSA's most recent meeting on June 15 and can be downloaded free of charge on the SC&RA website.

The guidance focuses on two construction areas:

1.    Access roads

• Ground bearing pressure for crane weight on the road
• Route path (e.g., swept path analysis to assist the determination of dimensional and clearance requirements for the crane path).

2.    Crane working areas

• Suggestions on hardstand construction
• Ground bearing pressure for different lifting configurations
• Ground level requirements for crane working areas

Road construction for transport of wind turbine components is not considered in this guidance document.

ICSA is comprised of seven members who represent crane users and manufacturers from Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, and the USA. The members are: Association of Equipment Manufacturers; The Crane Industry Council of Australia; Crane Rental Association of Canada; European Association of Abnormal Road Transport and Mobile Cranes; European Federation of Material Handling; Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association; and Japan Crane Association. ICSA’s role is to facilitate information sharing and meaningful dialogue between crane industry stakeholders on safety, technical and regulatory issues of concern to the international crane industry; promote the harmonization of international standards; and provide an environment for, and encourage the creation of, significant networking opportunities between industry stakeholders and promote consensus positions on behalf of the crane industry on issues of common concern, so that ICSA members can make representation to relevant regulatory and standardization bodies.

For more information, contact Beth O’Quinn.