Modular crane systems made of wood materials

Abstract

Currently, cranes are almost exclusively constructed of metal. Steel is the primary material used. For lighter loads (e.g., small crane systems), aluminum alloys are sometimes used. Crane systems using the more environmentally friendly wood material are currently rarely or no longer used. This gives rise to research questions such as what performance a modern wood material must achieve for its intended use, how such an implementation could be designed, and what other critical points arise. The goal is to open up and shape a new field of research into the application of wood and wood materials in crane construction. This will lay the scientific foundation for designing crane systems and components in wood construction that are technically sensible and safe, as well as economically, ecologically, and technically advantageous compared to currently existing crane designs.