BS 2573 – Rules for the design of crane

Full Description

BS 2573 is the British Standard rules for the design of cranes. This part sets out how to calculate stresses in crane structures and how to determine permissible stresses, so cranes are economical to build and reliable in service. It is a reference for crane designers, manufacturers, purchasers and engineers reviewing crane structures.

What is BS 2573?

BS 2573, Rules for the design of cranes, is a British Standard published in parts. Part 1 deals with crane structures: the basis for computing stresses and the way permissible stresses are determined. It also sets a classification system that lets the purchaser and the manufacturer match a crane to the duty and utilization it will see in service. Part 2 deals with the design of crane mechanisms.

When to use it

• When designing or checking the structure of a crane
• When writing a purchase specification and agreeing the crane’s duty with a manufacturer
• When classifying a crane by how often it will work and how heavily it will be loaded
• When assessing, modifying or re-rating an existing crane that was designed to BS 2573
• When studying crane structural design and comparing it with other crane design codes

What’s included

This download is a PDF of BS 2573 rules for the design of cranes, covering the part that specifies the basis for computing stresses in crane structures and determining permissible stresses. It includes the classification system used to match a crane to its required duty and utilization. Use it as a design reference alongside your project specification and the manufacturer’s data.

How to use it

1. Confirm which part and edition of BS 2573 your project or the existing crane refers to.
2. Agree the crane’s expected duty with the purchaser or owner: how often it will lift and how close to its rated load.
3. Use the classification system to place the crane in the right group for that duty.
4. Identify the loads and load combinations the structure must carry.
5. Calculate the stresses in the structural members and connections.
6. Compare them with the permissible stresses for the crane’s classification and the materials used.
7. Record your assumptions so the design can be checked and the crane re-assessed later.

Tips

• Under-classifying a crane’s duty is a common cause of early fatigue problems. Be realistic about use.
• Check whether a newer standard applies to new cranes in your region before you start design.
• Keep design records with the crane. They are needed for inspections and modifications.

Related templates and guides

• General Guide for Cranes
• Guide to Inspecting and Maintaining Cranes
• Bridge and Gantry Crane Information Sheet
• Crane Preinstallation Checklist
• How To Plan Your Next Construction Crane Lift

Frequently asked questions

What is BS 2573?

BS 2573 is the British Standard rules for the design of cranes. It covers how to classify a crane by its duty, how to calculate stresses in the crane structure and mechanisms, and how to determine permissible stresses. It is a design standard, not a guide to operating cranes on site.

What is the difference between BS 2573 Part 1 and Part 2?

Part 1 covers crane structures: classification, stress calculations and design criteria for the steelwork. Part 2 covers crane mechanisms, such as hoisting, travelling and slewing machinery. Many crane designs need both parts.

Has BS 2573 been replaced?

For new crane design in the UK and Europe, BS 2573 has largely been replaced by the European BS EN 13001 series on crane design. It is still useful for understanding and assessing cranes designed to it. Check which standard your contract, client or regulator requires.

What is crane classification?

Crane classification groups cranes by how hard they will work over their life. It considers how many lifting cycles the crane will make and how often it lifts loads near its rated capacity. A higher class means more demanding duty and stricter design limits.

Does BS 2573 cover the safe use of cranes on site?

No. BS 2573 is about design. Safe use, lift planning, inspection and operator competence are covered by other standards and local regulations. In the UK, BS 7121 is the code of practice for the safe use of cranes.