UNIT 7: CARGO WORK CALCULATIONS

RESULTANT R1

RESULTANT R4 RESULTANT R2

LOAD

RESULTANT R3

RESULTANT R1 = STRESS ON THE SPAN BLOCK

RESULTANT R2 = STRESS ON THE HEAD BLOCK

RESULTANT R3 = STRESS ON THE HEEL BLOCK

RESULTANT R4 = THRUST ON THE DERRICK

The Concept:

Stresses can be represented by vectors and their values calculated.

This can be worked out in two ways. By solving the triangles
trigonometrically or by drawing a parallelogram to scale.

Obviously, the graphic method is more convenient.

When we deal with a physical quantity that is represented by a

number and direction it called a vector quantity. Vector quantities
are represented by lines, the lengths of which represent magnitude
and the arrow, direction.

Let us begin by first representing the mast with a vertical straight line
and another line at an angle which is equal to the angle of the derrick
and a third line DE representing the span wire. Let us call the lines
AB, CD and EF.

Let us now assume that the above derrick has a load of 5 tonnes on
the runner as shown. A vector drawn equal in value to the load will
then represent the load.

Let the line FG represent the load which is 5 tonnes, so say 5 cms.
That is 1 cms = 1 tonne. The scale chosen can be of your choice.

Next draw a length equal to FI which represents the span load acting
on the derrick head. From these two forces that is FG and FI the
resultant DH can be worked by completing the parallelogram.

Now draw a line from G parallel to the span wire and cutting the
derrick line at H. Join HI which should be parallel to FG.
 A

E
I
D

B
So in the above figure the following is a representation of the
vectors:

1. FG is one vector.
2. FI represents the second vector.
3. FH is the resultant of the above two forces.

The above is only an explanation to find the resultant. In actual

practise the following procedure will need to be followed.

Procedure for finding the stresses:

 Finding the stress on the derrick head block:

Before proceeding to draw the diagram it is necessary to calculate

the stress on the hauling part. This is done by the formula which is
known i.e.,

S = W + (nW) x F/P

Once the stress on the hauling part is calculated, we now have two
values, as follows:

 The load being lifted and

 The stress on the hauling part.

Once two forces are known the third that is the resultant can be
found by means of completing a parallelogram of forces. This is
drawn to any convenient scale.
 A D V

B C P

U S

X T

Draw a line to scale, to represent the value of stress on the hauling

part (PR) and another line (PQ) to represent the weight. Once these
two forces are represented, complete the parallelogram PQSR. Join
points P and S. This is the resultant force at point ‘P’ (derrick head)
and the length of the line PS represents the value.

 Finding the thrust on the derrick:

Refer to the blue line in the above diagram. In order to calculate the
thrust on the derrick, the total load on the derrick needs to be
known. This will form one vector. The total load is the weight (Load)
on the purchase + the weight of the purchase and + half the weight
of the boom. The other vector will be the tension on the topping lift
span.

These values are represented by VP or UT (tension on topping lift)

and RT (total weight). The parallelogram is then completed by joining
VU which should be parallel to PT.

Finding the stress on the heel block:

Refer to the red dotted line in the above diagram. In order to

calculate the stress on the heel block, the line UW represents the
stress on the hauling part. This will form one vector. WY will be the
other vector which is the pulling power of the winch.

The resultant is WX which represent the stress on the heel block.

Finding the stress on the Span block:

In the figure above the black dotted lines represent the stress on the
Span block. AD represents the tension on the span line and AB is
equal in value to AD if using a single block (in static position). AC is
the resultant found by completing the parallelogram ABCD.

Numerical Examples for practise:

1. A derrick 13m long has a span of 10m going through a block
10m above the heel. A weight of 3 tonnes is to be lifted using a
single sheave block with the runner being led parallel to the
derrick through a heel block which is 2m below and 2 m
forward of the heel. The estimated weight of the half the boom
and gear is about 0.3 tonnes.
a) Calculate the thrust on the heel.
b) Calculate the stress on the head block
c) Calculate the stress on the span block.
d) Calculate the thrust on the heel block.

2. A derrick using a two-fold purchase is used to hoist a weight of

8 tonnes. The estimated weight of the half the boom and gear
is about 0.8 tonnes.
a) Calculate the thrust on the heel.
b) Calculate the stress on the head block
c) Calculate the stress on the span block.
d) Calculate the thrust on the heel block.

3. A derrick 15m long has a span of 10m going through a block

12m above the heel. A weight of 8 tonnes is to be lifted using a
gun tackle to disadvantage with the runner being led parallel to
the derrick through a heel block.

a) Calculate the thrust on the heel.

b) Calculate the stress on the head block
c) Calculate the stress on the span block.
 d) Calculate the thrust on the heel block.

Proof load is the SWL plus % tonnage to which the lifting equipment
is tested to e.g.

If the SWL of the derrick is 60tons then the proof load to which it
should be subjected to is 66 tonnes.

Safe working load Proof load

Up to 20 tonnes 25% in excess of SWL

Exceeding 20 tonnes but

not exceeding 50 tonnes 5 tonnes in excess of SWL

Over 50 tonnes 10% in excess of the SWL