Installing an Electric Overhead Traveling (EOT) crane in a concrete structure building requires precise coordination between civil engineering and mechanical installation. Unlike steel structures where brackets can easily be welded, concrete buildings require pre-planned structural supports (corbels) and embedded fastening systems.

Phase 1: Civil Verification and Preparation (Crucial for Concrete)

The most critical part of installing a crane in a concrete building happens before the crane even arrives. Concrete cannot easily be modified once poured, so precision is key.

Verify the Corbels: Ensure the concrete columns have structural corbels (projections) designed to bear the dynamic load, shear force, and weight of the crane. A structural engineer must sign off on this.

Check Embedded Plates/Anchor Bolts: The concrete corbels must have cast-in steel embedded plates or high-strength cast-in anchor bolts.

Retrofitting: If the building was not designed with embeds, you will need to install heavy-duty chemical anchors (like Hilti HIT-RE 500) based strictly on a structural engineer's design.

Topographic Survey: Use a Total Station or laser level to measure the concrete corbels. Check the span (distance between columns on opposite sides), elevation (height), and alignment. Concrete tolerances are usually rougher than steel, so you must identify deviations early to manufacture shims or adjust base plates.

Phase 2: Installing the Runway Beams and Rails

Because concrete columns cannot directly support moving crane wheels, steel runway beams must be installed on top of the concrete corbels.

Install Base Plates: If using embedded plates, weld or bolt the steel base plates to them. Ensure they are perfectly level using steel shims and non-shrink epoxy grout.

Lift the Runway Beams: Use mobile cranes to lift the steel runway beams (gantry girders) onto the corbels.

Align and Secure Beams: Align the runway beams perfectly. They must be fastened to the base plates and often tied back to the concrete column above the corbel using tie-backs to prevent lateral twisting.

Lay the Rails: Install the crane rails on top of the runway beams using rail clips or by welding.

Critical Tolerance: The rail-to-rail span, straightness, and elevation must be accurate to within millimeters (usually ±3mm to ±5mm, depending on local standards like CMAA or FEM).

Phase 3: Mechanical Crane Erection

Phase 4: Electrical Installation